Peter Brooks was so furious that he nearly had an out-of-body experience, feeling as if one Buddha had left his body and a second Buddha had ascended to heaven. He thought about how he had lived for over twenty years in the modern world, oppressed at home by his grandfather and father—two old-fashioned tyrants—oppressed at the academy by teachers and senior students, oppressed in the army by the company commander and political instructor, and oppressed in the hospital by senior doctors and hospital administrators. Now, having arrived in the Three Kingdoms era, he had finally turned the tables and become the master of his own fate. Just as he was enjoying his newfound status, Peter Brooks discovered that someone actually dared to spy on him, and he finally exploded.

"Who’s sneaking around outside? Get in here right now!" Peter Brooks put on a fierce, parental air and shouted angrily, but unfortunately, his body was too thin and his voice too childish to be truly intimidating. However, to the household servants, Peter Brooks was the master who held the power of life and death over them. Hearing his furious shout, the servant outside scrambled in, terrified, begging for mercy as if Peter Brooks might throw him into a pot of boiling oil or roast him over a fire. This completely deflated the momentum Peter Brooks had just built up.

"What are you doing? Get up! Sneaking around outside the door—what kind of behavior is that? Hasn’t anyone ever taught you that a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, and that you shouldn’t listen to idle gossip?" The tall, sturdy young man in front of Peter Brooks was so frightened by a single sentence that he was groveling on the ground, begging for forgiveness. The anger in Peter Brooks's heart had already dissipated, but he didn’t intend to let the matter go so easily. After all, he didn’t want anyone overhearing his less-than-honorable thoughts, which could badly affect his reputation.

Hearing that Peter Brooks's tone was not as harsh as usual, the servant, who had been worried about his future, wiped the cold sweat from his brow and replied respectfully, "I absolutely didn’t overhear a single word from you, young master—oh, I mean, sir. The steward told me to keep an eye out here, in case you..."

"Didn’t hear anything?" The servant nodded so vigorously that Peter Brooks felt dizzy just watching. Peter Brooks breathed a sigh of relief and forced a gentle smile. "Good, that’s how it should be. Remember, even if you do hear something, let it go in one ear and out the other, understand?"

"Yes, sir! Whatever you say goes." The servant was greatly relieved and agreed repeatedly. Peter Brooks stroked his chin and smiled at the servant. "What’s your name? It’ll be easier for me to call you by name."

Chapter 8: This Steward Is No Ordinary Man

"I am Paul Brooks. I took the surname from the old master, and the name '忠' was personally given to me by him." The servant puffed out his chest with excitement, putting on a look of utmost loyalty. After asking, The Brooks Residence finally understood: in the household, all the servants, except for a few specially permitted by his father to keep their own surnames, had to take the family name of the master.

This was an era where the family was the foundation of everything, and the importance of family far outweighed that of the state. If a family member reported their master’s misdeeds to the authorities, the best they could hope for was a small reward, but for the rest of their life, they would be despised by everyone who knew them, seen as someone who betrayed their master for personal gain. It was precisely because of this principle that great families and clans could endure for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Peter Brooks had finally figured out another issue. It seemed that, as the head of the household, his authority here was far greater than that of any boss in a modern workplace, which made Peter Brooks quite pleased. He continued, "By the way, what is the steward busy with?"

"The old steward is at the old master’s memorial hall. In two days, it will be the hundredth day since the old master’s passing, so there’s a lot to prepare for the ceremony." The servant answered quickly. Peter Brooks was satisfied with his performance. "Since the old steward told you to do it, I can’t blame you. But if you’re going to wait outside, keep your distance. I really hate people sneaking around near me. As long as you’re part of the household and don’t make any mistakes, I won’t punish you lightly. Understand?"

The servant nodded rapidly, agreeing over and over. Seeing this sturdy fellow grinning ingratiatingly in front of him—a twelve- or thirteen-year-old kid—Peter Brooks couldn’t help but feel a bit smug. No wonder department heads and hospital administrators loved to boss people around and have them write reports and do chores; it really did feel good to be in charge and lecture others.

※※※

Since the servant was here, Peter Brooks decided to ask about things he couldn’t directly inquire about with Steward Mason, so he could learn more. Clearing his throat, Peter Brooks fixed his gaze on Paul Brooks's face. "Tell me, what year did you enter The Brooks Residence? Don’t be afraid, I’m just bored and want to test your memory."

"My family has served The Brooks Residence since my grandfather’s generation. My father has always worked here too. As for me, from the day I entered the household until now, it’s been about ten years." The servant counted on his fingers as he spoke.

Hearing this, Peter Brooks felt reassured. Three generations had served The Brooks Residence, and his father had even personally given this servant the name "忠" (Loyalty). It seemed this servant’s loyalty to The Brooks Residence was at least ninety-five percent, if not higher—maybe even with some hidden bonus points after reaching a hundred.