“But this is Trivial Matter, even if handled strictly and severely, there’s no danger to life, not even a beating. My Second Uncle doesn’t have that kind of authority, nor the courage or cruelty.”

“To be fair, my Second Uncle is actually quite just in his dealings, it’s just that when it comes to his son’s future, he has no choice.”

“As for alarming the Clan Leader, I don’t have that kind of weight… so no matter what rumors spread below, you don’t need to panic, just go about things as usual!”

Grace reacted quickly, her eyes instantly reddening: “Will I be locked up?”

“Heh… if not, how could things go as they wish?” Edward Clark gave a cold laugh, looking at Grace, and continued, “But it might not be formal confinement, probably house arrest. As long as my movements are restricted and I miss this child scholar exam, the result is the same!”

Grace just shook her head, her palm-sized face flushing red: “Young Master, what did you do wrong? Why are they doing this? This is the child scholar exam!”

Edward Clark gave a bitter smile: “If they want to accuse you, they’ll always find a reason… If they want an excuse, there’s always one to be found. Family law, clan rules, rituals—all are in the hands of those who set the rules… Besides, I did indeed break the clan rules!”

Grace helped him wash, her eyes fixed on Edward Clark: “Young Master, you’ll definitely make something of yourself in the future, you’ll be the one to set the rules.”

“You have more confidence in me than I do…” Edward Clark was taken aback, then laughed. Only after several lifetimes did he realize how hard it was to set the rules!

But this truly is the path of a real man.

After a moment, on the wide garden path, a large group of people surrounded—or rather, escorted—Edward Clark toward the manor’s main hall.

Because William Clark had long been in charge of clan rules and was known for his stern and meticulous nature, the younger generation called him Disciplinary Hall.

“Report—” From far outside the main hall, a servant shouted loudly.

William Clark was drinking tea, but upon hearing the loud announcement outside, he couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed and ordered, “Such noise! Bring him in!”

The servant entered, and seeing William Clark’s stern face, his legs gave way and he knelt, saying, “Third Master, Edward ClarkYoung Master has been brought.”

“Let him come up!” William Clark sat upright, unmoving, placing his teacup on the table.

Edward Clark straightened his clothes at the entrance, held his head high, and walked in, giving a deep bow: “Edward greets Uncle sir. May I ask why Uncle has summoned me?”

William Clark looked him up and down, feeling a slight chill in his heart, but didn’t attack immediately. He smiled and said, “It’s only been a day, but Virtuous Nephew’s bearing has improved again. Did something good happen?”

Edward Clark also felt a slight chill: “Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I just gained some insight from my studies.”

William Clark was just making small talk and didn’t press further, moving to the main topic: “Reading more is a good thing—learning loyalty, filial piety, gratitude, and repayment… As for what Uncle said yesterday, has Virtuous Nephew thought it over?”

Start with courtesy before force?

Edward Clark saw through it, looked at Uncle, and slowly refused: “Heaven, Dao, ruler, kin, teacher—these are the five essential bonds. Fame and fortune come from the true Dao, issued by the court, inherited from the will of one’s parents—this cannot be declined.”

“As for the kindness within the clan and from Uncle, I still say this—‘A drop of kindness will be repaid with a gushing spring in the future.’” As he said this, Edward Clark bowed deeply, his expression sincere.

Never doubt the promise and ability of a reborn person. As long as he nods, it won’t be long before he brings great rewards.

Reading is to understand reason and seek the Dao. Hearing the weight of these words, William Clark was inexplicably moved, looking Nephew up and down. He saw this nephew dressed in a white outer robe, even his boots were somewhat worn, yet he exuded a radiant, unrestrained, and composed air that made one forget the mundane at first sight.

This child is no ordinary person—his talent is truly remarkable. If only I could fully support him…

“Father!” At this moment, Charles Clark sensed things were going badly and called out anxiously, instantly breaking the atmosphere Edward Clark had created.

William Clark snapped back, turned his teacup, glanced at his Youngest Son’s anxious look, and sighed inwardly: “Enough!”

He spoke calmly: “Virtuous Nephew, you truly have ambition. This is the right principle. Let’s leave it at that; Uncle won’t force you…”

Hearing these cold words, Edward Clark bowed, feeling a chill in his heart.

Charles Clark was surprised, glancing at his Father, about to speak, when he heard his Father continue.

“It’s just that you’re not yet of age, and you broke clan rules by going out at night without reporting. According to clan rules, you should be confined for three months…” William Clark gently scraped the tea leaves with the lid, his voice calm as water: “A nation has its laws, a family its rules… Do you accept this or not?”

Charles Clark went from shock to joy, casting a malicious glance at Edward Clark. Three months of confinement meant missing the child scholar exam.

Edward Clark sighed inwardly—still not lucky enough to avoid this calamity. For now, the matter is minor, but if he were to resist openly, it would mean opposing the entire The Clark Clan, and that would be true disaster.

Edward Clark composed himself and smiled slightly: “This is only right, Edward is willing to comply!”

William Clark’s hand paused as he moved the teacup lid. This answer surprised and shocked him a little. He glanced at Edward Clark again, feeling a sudden emptiness in his heart and a trace of regret.

Finally, he took a sip of tea and instructed the Steward: “Mr. Baker, take Young Master George down and settle him in Room No. 3 of the rear quarters for study. There must be no neglect in his treatment—I will check personally!”

Chapter 0008: Making a Wish

Leaving the clan hall, Edward Clark looked back at the grand, ornately carved main hall, squinting his eyes.