Knowing that Travis Clark had been promoted, the entire Ms. Clark clan became quite lively about it. So, the old gatekeeper concluded it wasn’t any troublesome affair, and, maintaining his composure, nodded slightly at Brian Clark to signal him to wait. He immediately beckoned to the other three gatekeepers, and after the four of them gathered and exchanged a few words to split the benefits, he turned around and hurried off inside.

Seeing this, Brian Clark stepped back to stand beside his own carriage, so as not to block others seeking an audience. A gust of cold wind swept by, and as he was rubbing his hands together for warmth, he suddenly felt a thick sheepskin coat draped over his shoulders. Turning his head, he saw it was Sixth King, so he smiled and thanked him.

Sixth King had noticed that ever since the previous incident, this young master seemed like a changed person. Now, seeing his attempt to curry favor was effective, he became even bolder and said with a grin, “Young master, you flatter me. How could I possibly deserve your thanks? I used to think I was quite skilled in dealing with people, but after seeing you today, I finally understand what it means to be truly self-taught. Look at all those carriages and sedans waiting by the wall—everyone’s dressed up fresh and bright, but their masters are probably all huddled inside right now! The gates of the Ying Tian Prefecture are hard to enter, and that Magistrate Wu is known for being strict and upright. It’s said he hates people pulling strings or asking for favors the most. Of all those who come here seeking an audience, not even one in ten gets in…”

Brian Clark hadn’t expected that his earlier handling of the situation would be singled out by Sixth King for such flattery. Though he found it amusing, he couldn’t resist Sixth King’s enthusiastic praise, and a smile gradually appeared on his lips. In both his past and present lives, it had been a long time since he’d experienced such continuous compliments, and at least it eased his nerves, which had been taut these past days. When the old gatekeeper came out and beckoned to him, he patted Sixth King on the arm, returned the coat, and quickly strode forward.

When he got closer, the old gatekeeper stepped aside and pointed to a young servant behind him, saying, “This is Sixth Master Clark’s servant, Henry Tate. Follow him, and you’ll naturally meet Butler Brooks.”

“Thank you, thank you!”

After expressing his thanks and seeing the old gatekeeper step aside, Brian Clark immediately lifted the hem of his robe and stepped over the threshold. The young servant called Henry Tate took two steps forward, but eyed Brian Clark sideways and frowned, asking, “Sir, may I ask your name?”

“What’s this, are you suspecting I’m not from the Clark family and have sneaked in?” Brian Clark looked at Henry Tate with a smile, and before he could reply, said unhurriedly, “Was your name, Henry Tate, given to you by Sixth Uncle? Only Sixth Uncle is so cultured—if it were any other uncle in the clan, no one could have come up with such a good name.”

Hearing Brian Clark praise his name, Henry Tate immediately broke into a delighted smile. “You think so too, sir? Master only changed it a few months ago, saying he got it from a fine essay by Han Changli.”

Seeing that he’d won over Henry Tate, Brian Clark smiled and nodded. “That’s right, it’s from Han Changli’s ‘Biography of Maoying.’”

Henry Tate was only thirteen or fourteen, and in his excitement, all his previous wariness vanished. As he led the way, he said spiritedly, “Master gave me this name himself when I started serving the young master. He was afraid I wouldn’t recognize the characters, so he even wrote them out for me as a reward. I had them specially mounted and hung by my bed to look at every day.”

Brian Clark was thoroughly amused by this last remark, but could only respond with a few hums and nods, not daring to show any hint of jest on his face. He had only asked on a whim, but as he’d studied calligraphy since childhood, he remembered that his calligraphy teacher—who had taught him for many years—was famous for showing off his literary knowledge. Once, the teacher mentioned Han Yu’s “Biography of Maoying,” talking about Maoying as the brush, Chen Xuan as the ink, Henry Tate as the inkstone, and Mr. Chu as the paper. Finding it interesting, he’d looked it up, never expecting it would come in handy now.

So, he chatted with Henry Tate about the story behind “Biography of Maoying,” and while the boy’s guard was down, he subtly inquired whether there were still people named Maoying, Chen Xuan, and Mr. Chu around Travis Clark. Sure enough, there were. Just as he was thinking this, Henry Tate added, “Maoying and Chen Xuan both accompany Master when he goes out. Besides serving the young master, I also help in the study with the brush and ink. Mr. Chu is a friend of Master’s. It was because of a joke from Mr. Chu that Master changed all our names.”

Though these names weren’t particularly important, Brian Clark figured he might need them later, so he made a mental note of each one. As for the layout of the back offices of the Ying Tian Prefecture, he only paid enough attention to get a general sense of direction, not bothering to memorize it. After all, even if he came again, he’d hardly be playing the part of a high-flying thief. When Henry Tate led him to a room and knocked, a response came from inside. As he stepped through the door, he immediately braced himself.

“Mr. Brooks, this is the young master Young Master Clark who requested an audience.”