“Was it just an illusion?” After leaving Lou Wai Lou and walking through the garden corridor, William Clark finally took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and realized that sweat had already seeped out.

This matter went more smoothly than expected. First, because of the difference in closeness, and second, because he had made arrangements up and down, concealing the fact that Edward Clark was very talented.

Of course, such talent can’t be hidden for long. Once Henry Clark finds out, with his tough and strict style, he most detests this kind of concealment, and the punishment will fall on him.

“But by then, the Tongzi Exam will be over, and what’s done is done. He surely won’t strip his own grandson of his status. Compared to a fate that affects a whole lifetime, what does it matter if I get punished?” William Clark muttered, thinking of his youngest son at home. This was his own mindset, and his father Henry Clark was the same. How much real punishment would there be, anyway?

William Clark had three sons. The eldest had already passed the Tongsheng exam, but the second and third sons needed a clan quota recommendation. These two were almost past the age limit, and this time the competition for clan quotas was fierce. He could only squeeze out Edward Clark’s spot to help his youngest son.

By comparison, even if he offends this nephew, what can the other do?

No matter what, he was the main branch of the family, and the other was a collateral branch. And it’s not like there won’t be another chance next time—he could still support him then...

As long as one is sensible, they’ll have to swallow this resentment.

Having made up his mind, he felt at ease.

He didn’t know how many courtyards he had passed, how many birds he had heard singing. A white egret flapped its wings and flew, leading its young across the sky in silence.

William Clark stopped in his tracks, dazed for a while.

For some reason, he thought again of the brilliant exam paper from that morning. No matter what, his own youngest son could never reach that level. Even if a few more such talents appeared in the Tongzi Exam, who knows if they could pass...

“Father, what did Grandpa say?” An urgent voice called from afar. Looking toward the sound, he saw his own courtyard in sight.

At the garden gate, surrounded by a servant and a maid, a tall young man came forward, somewhat resembling William Clark in appearance. It was his youngest son, Charles Clark.

William Clark glanced at him and noticed the dark circles on his face. His expression darkened: “What were you up to again last night!”

The maid in green lowered her head in fear, but Charles Clark replied sheepishly, “A friend invited me, just a small poetry gathering, just a small one!”

“A poetry gathering, huh? This time, the Tongzi Exam opportunity is yours, so focus yourself!” William Clark didn’t expose his excuse, brushed his sleeve, and entered the courtyard. But the steady face of his nephew flashed before his eyes. In terms of talent, they weren’t even in the same league.

“Forget it, what’s the use of thinking so much? The Daoist civil service exams value not only talent but also luck. A collateral branch child ultimately relies on the main family’s support. No matter how mature, what can he do?”

William Clark shook his head, glanced back at his youngest son stroking his chin, and sighed inwardly, “Son, I’ve racked my brains and even offended talented people in the clan, but this is as far as I can go for you…”

At the door, after a quiet reminder from the maid in green, Charles Clark finally understood his father’s meaning and immediately beamed with joy.

Charles Clark turned to a male servant and said, “Go, bring the good news to my worthy brother… You stay there and keep an eye on him, report back from time to time, and don’t let him cause any trouble these days!”

The man bowed and replied respectfully, “Yes, Young Master Sheng!”

He then withdrew, bowing. The maid in green covered her mouth and laughed, “Heh, Young Master, you’re so strict!”

Charles Clark snorted, raised his head to look at the “Tiger Roar Garden” sign above the door, and his expression showed a hint of pride: “You don’t understand. Everyone can make plans and schemes, but no matter how you calculate, how can you go against the tide…”

“In the Clark clan, our branch is the real power!”

The maid’s beautiful eyes flashed in surprise. She was genuinely a bit taken aback, thinking her young master wasn’t just a pretty face after all!

As Charles Clark spoke, he glanced at the maid, who was listening attentively, her bright eyes and white teeth reminding him of last night’s passion. He felt a tickle in his heart: “Ahem, dare you take sides against me and mock me? See if I don’t punish you well tonight!”

“Don’t! Master wants you to review your lessons!”

“Review what? It’s not like I’m taking the Xiucai exam, just the Tongzi Exam. I’ve already got the clan quota, it’s just a formality now. Come, give me a kiss first!”

“Ay—” The maid in green half-resisted, half-accepted, her beautiful eyes darkening. Looking at the playful young master, she couldn’t help but pause, recalling the young master Qing she saw yesterday.

In terms of talent and resolve, the difference between the two was obvious at a glance. But in this world, talent alone isn’t enough.

……

The light sound of footsteps startled Edward Clark from his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a figure at the door.

With a creak, the door was pushed open. The late autumn sunlight streamed in, bringing a trace of warmth, but along with it came the cold wind rushing in from outside.

With a chill on her delicate, beautiful face, she turned and closed the door, gazing at Edward Clark: “Young master, the elders in the clan have made things difficult for you. What should we do?”

As she spoke, her voice took on a sobbing tone. Passing the Tongzi Exam and then the Xiucai and Juren exams was the hope of the young master’s parents, and also her own hope.

“Don’t be afraid, this won’t be too much for me!” Seeing her on the verge of tears, Edward Clark quickly got up to comfort her.