At Anyuantang, he was considered a figure of real power, but because he had followed the Sui prince Yang Liang, he had been away from home for many years. Richard Sullivan knew of this person's existence, but had never met Mark Sullivan. Upon hearing that Mark Sullivan was coming back, Richard didn't find it strange at all.

After all, someone returning to their own home—what could be odd about that?

"Master said that the Second Master seems to have offended the King of Han in Taiyuan and has been dismissed from his post.

He’s worried that the Second Master will be in a bad mood, so he’s preparing to let the Second Master take over the affairs of Anyuantang..."

Richard understood!

David Sullivan was unhappy because he had to hand over his power. It made sense—ever since the new era began, David Sullivan had been in charge of all matters, big and small, at Anyuantang. Although there were Samuel Sullivan and Miss Cui, in reality, he was second only to one person. Now, having to hand over all that power at once, he was bound to feel uncomfortable. And yet, he couldn’t oppose George Sullivan.

To be a servant, perhaps the saddest thing is this feeling of being unable to control your own fate.

"Master also said that after the New Year, the Eldest Young Master might be appointed as the Dongcao Yuan in Luoyang, so he wants me to go over and assist him."

The Eldest Young Master naturally referred to Samuel Sullivan.

Richard Sullivan asked in confusion, "Isn’t the Eldest Young Master in Chang’an? Why would he suddenly go to Luoyang to take office?

And what is this position of Luoyang Cao Yuan? Is it a promotion or a demotion? Grandpa, if you go to Luoyang, what will I do?"

David Sullivan smiled slightly, "Of course, the Eldest Young Master is being promoted.

Luoyang is under the jurisdiction of Henan Yin, and the position of Dongcao Yuan is higher than similar posts elsewhere, at the fifth rank. In less than five years, the Eldest Young Master has risen from an eighth-rank Tongshi Sheren to his current fifth-rank position—his prospects are truly bright... As for you, the main reason Master wants me to go to Luoyang to help the Eldest Young Master is actually because of you."

"Me?"

Richard was a little surprised.

He had been at the The Sullivan Family for five years, but hadn’t had much contact with George Sullivan. Only in the past few months had George Sullivan suddenly asked him to brew tea a few times, and each time, George Sullivan would either read or rest with his eyes closed, never saying a word to Richard.

How could this be related to him?

"The young master is growing up, and these past few years, following the Eldest Young Master around, he hasn’t had a stable life.

After the New Year, once the Eldest Young Master settles in Luoyang, it will be time to hire a tutor for the young master. Master wants to find a companion for the young master, and after much thought, he feels you are the most suitable. Besides, the young lady is pregnant and needs care as well."

No wonder, a couple of months ago, George Sullivan had him brew tea.

So it wasn’t just about drinking tea—it was also a kind of assessment.

"What about Mrs. Cooper and Lily?"

"Well... Master’s intention is to have them stay at the ancestral home."

Upon hearing this, Richard became a bit anxious. "How can that be? If Lily doesn’t come, who will guide me in practicing the Dragon Subduing Skill?"

David Sullivan laughed again, "Don’t worry, I’ve spoken to Master. When the time comes, we’ll bring Mrs. Cooper and the others along... It’s just that once in Luoyang, they’ll have to stay in the outer residence and can’t work in the inner quarters. Richard, how is your Dragon Subduing Skill practice going?"

"Oh, so-so!"

"Don’t be careless... And once you’re in Luoyang, don’t let any flaws show in front of the Eldest Young Master."

After sipping tea and chatting with Richard Sullivan for a while, David Sullivan felt much more at ease.

The two of them talked a bit longer, and then Mrs. Cooper finished preparing the meal.

"Richard, don’t mention this to anyone for now, including Mrs. Cooper and Lily. The Second Master should be back in about ten days. Once I’ve finished handing things over to him, we’ll get ready to set out... But it really is strange—at the beginning of the year, when the King of Han submitted a memorial to strengthen Taiyuan’s defenses, the Second Master even wrote saying he was getting along well with the King of Han."

As David Sullivan got up, he muttered softly.

But it was precisely this sentence that suddenly made a strange thought flash through Richard’s mind: Could it be that Mark Sullivan has another purpose for coming back this time?

Chapter Six: The Mountain Rain Approaches

Richard Sullivan had never met Mark Sullivan, but that didn’t mean he didn’t know about Mark Sullivan.

Living at Anyuantang, he had to pay attention to everyone—especially the important figures at Anyuantang, whom he had to study carefully. Nearly twenty years of officialdom in his previous life had made him habitually vigilant. Now, as a lowly servant, his life was almost entirely in others’ hands; if he didn’t watch and listen carefully, disaster would surely befall him.

Fortunately, he was just a child, so people at Anyuantang didn’t bother to avoid speaking in front of Richard.

From what he’d gathered from others, Mark Sullivan’s temperament was different from George Sullivan’s. George Sullivan was bold and forthright—cautious, but not nitpicky. Mark Sullivan, on the other hand, was meticulous and never easily revealed his thoughts.

In other words, Mark Sullivan was a bit sly.

Just a few months ago, he was said to have a bright future, and now, all of a sudden, he’d lost his position.

If it were someone else, Richard might not care. But Mark Sullivan was different—he was the number two figure at Anyuantang, a position of great significance. At least for now, Richard’s fate was tied to Anyuantang, so he had to pay extra attention. For some reason, he always felt there was a hidden secret behind all this.

After dinner, David Sullivan went to bed.