"Embroider one for me too." David Brooks said, "From today on, just focus on embroidering sachets. You don't need to do anything else."

"Yes." Linda Carter replied, and was then waved out by David Brooks.

She walked out the door, still not quite understanding: What just happened?

But she quickly realized that from now on, she wouldn't have to do all that hard labor anymore. Her heart filled with joy, and she seemed to understand the young master's intention. She smiled sweetly: So she hadn't misjudged the young master after all.

Chapter 005: The Trouble of Talent (Part 1)

David Brooks sympathized with The Carter Siblings, and just found an excuse to free Linda Carter from her hard chores. After Linda Carter left, he shot a fierce glare at John Brooks, who covered his face, feeling aggrieved. His attempt to flatter had backfired, but he accepted his fate, since this was the kind of mistake a lackey should never make.

"All of you, get out. I need to cultivate."

John Brooks and William Brooks left, but then someone else walked in. David Brooks shivered and forced a smile: "Dad, you're back early today."

James Brooks snorted, "I'm afraid if I come back late, things will go missing."

"Heh heh." David Brooks gave a dry laugh, but didn't try to deny anything.

James Brooks stared at him, and David Brooks guiltily lowered his head. Bang! Something was thrown onto the table. James Brooks said calmly, "Use it sparingly. Your father's little savings will be squandered by you in no time!"

David Brooks looked up. On the table was a small wooden box containing six second-grade spirit jades.

A warmth filled David Brooks's heart. Unlike his mother far away in the county city, his father never fussed over him, but always trusted his son.

"I've already sent people to register you at the county academy and the three major sects. When the entrance exams come, make your father proud and try your best to get into one of them. Although cultivating at home isn't impossible, the county academy and the sects each have their own advantages. Plus, you'll have more opportunities to interact with others there, so you don't end up like a frog at the bottom of a well."

"Yes, I will obey." How could he object at a time like this?

After seeing his father off, David Brooks now had spirit jades in hand. He hurried into the ring space, buried two under the peach tree, and another two under the gourd. The remaining two he stuffed under his bed.

Then, he continued cultivating the "Dual Polarity Divine Demon Body," quietly waiting for the two plants to mature.

Another small breakthrough was achieved, and David Brooks could feel even more clearly how different this cultivation method was. He became more certain: the strengthening of power and physique was probably the most minor benefit of this mysterious technique—the real advantages had yet to reveal themselves.

He couldn't wait any longer and opened the ring space to check his gains. But the result was a huge disappointment.

A single peach blossom had withered on the peach tree, producing only one peach, and it was only half-grown.

As for the gourd, it had only grown a bit larger, but still showed no sign of flowering.

"What’s going on?" David Brooks muttered, having no choice but to set aside the gourd for now. He took the last two second-grade spirit jades from under his bed and buried them under the peach tree again. Unable to wait for the results, he jumped onto his bed and went to sleep.

……

Not long after breakfast the next day, David Brooks was woken up by William Brooks: "Young master, get up quickly. The master sent someone to call you over. I heard a teaching assistant from the county academy has arrived."

"Hmm?" David Brooks groggily got dressed and washed up with William Brooks's help. But as a lackey-type servant, William Brooks really wasn't good at this kind of work—he fumbled around, making things messier.

A timid voice spoke up, "Let me do it."

Linda Carter took over from William Brooks. David Brooks was still half-asleep, but when he caught a whiff of her fresh scent, he couldn't help but take a few extra breaths, looking every bit the lecherous young master, making Linda Carter's face flush bright red. The two lackeys snickered on the side, making Linda Carter even more bashful.

After much effort, they finally finished dressing and washing him. David Brooks was finally awake and started to wonder: Why did the teaching assistant come to my house?

……

"Hahaha, Mr. Mu, you are too kind. If my son gets into the county academy, I must ask you to keep a strict eye on him. He’s been far too unruly these years."

David Brooks entered the main hall to see his father chatting happily with a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar. As soon as he came in, his father said, "Ning'er, come and pay your respects to Mr. Miller."

"Greetings, Mr. Miller." He cupped his fists and gave a slight bow as a formal greeting.

A trace of barely noticeable contempt flashed in Mr. Miller's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and said with a faint smile, "A prodigal son who mends his ways is worth more than gold. Since Young Master Brooks is now motivated, he is not beyond saving."

James Brooks quickly said, "Then I must trouble you to keep a close watch on him, sir."

David Brooks was quite unhappy inside. What did he mean, calling me a prodigal? Motivated? Not beyond saving?!

At thirteen, he didn't have much composure, so he just stood silently to the side, sulking.

Mr. Miller noticed his reaction and sneered inwardly: If it weren't for the The Brooks Family, would a useless good-for-nothing like you, with no notable bloodline, be worth my trip?

He ignored David Brooks and continued chatting and laughing with James Brooks.