When an old man and a strong young man stand before you, the sense of oppression given off by the young man is far beyond what the old man can compare to.

The reason lies precisely in the words “vitality and blood.”

At the very moment that lean warrior walked past, he glanced at Richard Clark, his brows furrowing slightly.

It seemed he, too, sensed the fluctuation of qi and blood within Richard Clark, but seeing Richard Clark’s attire—a servant’s outfit—he was puzzled. Yet, thinking further, the Zheng family of Anyuan Hall had established their household through martial prowess, so it made sense for even the servants to practice martial arts… In great aristocratic families, which one doesn’t cultivate a few trusted followers and teach them martial skills? It’s not an uncommon thing.

However, generally speaking, unless one is a direct descendant, at most they are only taught some foundational techniques.

Richard Clark happened to be at the foundational stage now, so the warrior merely frowned and didn’t pay Richard Clark any further mind.

But just that one glance was enough to make Richard Clark’s heart pound with alarm.

What a sharp gaze!

It was as if he could see right through one’s heart—is this what they call a true expert?

Richard Clark sighed inwardly, but his face remained calm.

He pretended nothing was amiss, watching the servants unload boxes from the carriage, carrying them in one by one. Altogether, there were at least a hundred large wooden chests. Judging by the servants’ steps, the contents of these boxes were anything but light.

“Brother Junjing, let me help you.”

Richard Clark said to a familiar servant.

“Richard Clark, don’t make trouble… These boxes are really heavy, you can’t move them.

If you get hurt, the old steward will definitely blame me. Just stay aside, we’ve got enough people here.”

“Brother Jason Bennett, what’s inside these boxes? Why are they so heavy?”

Jason Bennett looked around to make sure no one was paying attention, then whispered, “Just now, a box was opened in the inner quarters, and it was full of the finest Shu brocade and gold. I reckon that’s why the Second Master was dismissed from office… Don’t tell anyone.”

A man who had been dismissed from office, yet had so much wealth?

During the Sui dynasty, the common currency in the market was a type of copper coin called the Sui liangzhu, but it was mostly used for daily transactions.

Besides that, wealth was more often calculated in gold and silk.

If all these hundred-plus boxes were filled with gold and brocade, how much would that be?

Mark Sullivan was sent back in disgrace!

Even if Prince Han Yang Liang was generous, he probably wouldn’t allow him to bring back so much wealth. And those two who accompanied him didn’t seem simple either. A true expert, serving as an attendant to a disgraced official? Richard Clark couldn’t believe it.

As for that fat man, he looked very amiable.

But Richard Clark always felt that those triangular eyes of his flickered with a sinister light.

Anyuan Hall—it seems a storm is brewing…

Chapter 7 Underestimating the Ancients

To Richard Sullivan’s surprise, after returning, Mark Sullivan did not act very lively.

He didn’t rush to take over the affairs of the Sullivan family either, spending most of his time chatting with George Sullivan. When he did go out, he returned early and barely interacted with outsiders. This actually fit his current situation: disgraced, dismissed from office—how could he be in the mood to socialize and make merry all day? That would truly be odd.

But as the days passed and no flaws could be found in Mark Sullivan, Richard Clark grew anxious.

Winter had already set in, and a heavy snow had fallen. Soon it would be the New Year, and Richard Clark would be heading to Luoyang with David Sullivan.

Richard Clark hoped to find a suitable opportunity to warn George Sullivan before leaving for Luoyang.

After all, choosing the wrong side is a terrifying thing.

Especially in ancient times, when entire families could be executed at the slightest misstep—even great aristocratic clans were not immune…

The most obvious example was in the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, when Crown Prince Yang Yong was deposed. His attendant, Cui Junchuo, was implicated and nearly lost his life. If not for the fact that Cui Junchuo had married a princess, he might not have escaped execution.

Even so, his family property was confiscated, and he was sent back to his old home in Xingyang.

Cui Junchuo was a member of the Cui clan of Qinghe, Zhengzhou branch, with a deep aristocratic background, and was even related to the imperial family—yet he still ended up like that. When Cui Junchuo returned to Xingyang, David Sullivan had once been ordered to pay him a visit, and Richard Clark had gone along. According to David Sullivan, Cui Junchuo’s land was confiscated, his servants sold, and he could only rely on the support of his clan to survive.

With the example of the Cui family, Richard Clark was truly worried.

If Mark Sullivan caused trouble and implicated the Sullivan family, that would be bad enough—but it might even drag down Richard Sullivan himself.

He was really enjoying life in the Sullivan household now.

His status wasn’t high, but he lived freely, and no one dared to make things difficult for him.

If something happened to the Sullivan family, his days would surely become hard!

But to warn George Sullivan, he needed evidence.

Mark Sullivan stayed holed up at home all day, so how was Richard Sullivan supposed to find any evidence?

Thinking of all this, Richard Clark felt troubled.

“Little scholar, what are you sitting here daydreaming about?”

Lily walked in from outside, saw Richard Clark sitting on the steps of the main hall, and couldn’t help but ask.

“Oh, it’s nothing!”