The three girls were all around sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing only light makeup, their dresses draped in gauze, standing gracefully. Each had cloud-like hair and jet-black locks, bright eyes and white teeth. The girl accompanying the county magistrate’s assistant on his left was especially gentle and beautiful. The old man jokingly called her “Lily,” and her smiling, lively manner brought harmony to the scene; her poise and insight were unlike those of a mere maid.

The County Deputy did not look much at them. Those present at such an occasion would not be direct daughters of the main family—perhaps they were house-born girls granted the family name (meaning daughters of servants)—but who could say if one was a distant daughter of the Ye family?

The County Deputy was the late-bloomer type, long past the age of chasing after romance, and valued practical interests, unwilling to get entangled in trouble without reason.

By now, after several rounds of drinks, the County Deputy smiled as he finished a cup of wine and changed the subject: “Speaking of which, two days ago I encountered something interesting in the mountains, which may be related to a member of your family. I must ask uncle about it.”

This indeed piqued the interest of those at the table. Henry Clark stroked his white beard with a smile: “Oh? I would be glad to help, sir.”

The County Deputy then briefly recounted his experience that night, solemnly reciting the poem he had heard.

No one present was a simpleton; all deeply appreciated poetry and prose, and, influenced by their prior expectations, were greatly impressed upon hearing the “Song of Ascending the Ancient Wei Battlefield.”

“None before me, none to come after... Though the words are plain, the meaning is profound. Who in our family has such a style?” Henry Clark pondered, recalling the preface, his gaze filled with puzzled doubt.

If someone had composed such a poem, they would have long been famous within the clan and personally received attention and care—how could he not have heard of it?

The three girls listened, their beautiful eyes sparkling. Stories like this, which only existed in tales and operas, always stirred a young girl’s heart when they appeared in real life.

Lily, unable to resist her sisters’ suggestive glances and being of slightly higher status, asked on their behalf, “Sir, do you know who it was?”

“The signature was Edward Clark. Does your family have such a person...?”

“Ah, it’s him...” Lily exclaimed in surprise, then quickly covered her mouth, blushing at her lapse in manners and inwardly scolding herself for losing composure before an honored guest.

The County Deputy, however, did not mind such trifles. His spirits lifted: “So this Edward Clark truly is a member of your family? Forgive my ignorance, but which talented youth is this? Might I meet him?”

When Henry Clark heard the name Edward Clark, he was startled and immediately became thoughtful. But he was a deeply reserved man; while pondering inwardly, he spoke slowly: “He is indeed a member of our family, only fifteen years old, about to take the child student exam. Since you have summoned him, sir, how could he not come? ...Lily, go and bring Edward Clark up.”

“Yes!” Lily gave a graceful bow, turned lightly, and went downstairs. Her hair was adorned with a fan-shaped ornament, and as she descended the stairs, her charming figure was especially captivating!

The County Deputy was momentarily dazed by the sight, but quickly regained his composure, only to see Henry Clark smiling: “She is my adopted daughter, just sixteen. If you, sir, should feel...”

“Ahem!” The County Deputy started, snapped back to himself, coughed, and his fair cheeks showed no further reaction. He raised his cup in invitation: “When we meet, please do not reveal my identity... The child student exam is imminent, and it would not be proper to meet privately with an official. The more talented he is, the more he must be protected.”

Seeing this, Henry Clark did not mention Lily again, but respectfully said, “Then let me thank you on behalf of Edward Clark for your care, sir.”

The study hall was not far; in just two quarters of an hour, Edward Clark was brought to the upper floor of the restaurant.

In the deserted top floor, Lily turned and kindly reminded him, “The one you’re about to meet is an honored guest. Mind your words.”

“Thank you for the advice.” Edward Clark cupped his hands and proceeded inside, where he bowed to Henry Clark and the middle-aged man: “Qing greets the clan leader and this honored sir.”

The youth’s manners were proper, and he carried a scholarly air, which made the County Deputy’s eyes light up. He glanced at Henry Clark and smiled: “Please, have a seat. Here, we speak only of poetry, not of status. The other day I saw your ‘Song of Ascending the Ancient Wei Battlefield’ and have pondered it ever since, unable to let it go. Please, enlighten me...”

“How could I refuse?” Edward Clark replied, looking at Henry Clark, and only sat down after seeing him nod.

Out of propriety, Lily did not reveal the identity of the middle-aged man, but Edward Clark, having seen him in his previous life, knew he was the County Deputy. When the County Deputy questioned him, Edward Clark answered each query without the slightest confusion.

The County Deputy questioned while carefully observing him. Seeing his features, which bore a hint of severity, he was at first displeased, and his mood soured considerably.

But as the questioning continued, the County Deputy became more satisfied, his appreciation growing. Regardless of appearances, the talent was there, so he said, “You have fine literary talent. This autumn, you will surely become a child student!”

Edward Clark gave a bitter smile but did not reply, which made the observant County Deputy pause: “What is it? Do you have some difficulty?”

When the elder inquired, Edward Clark finally spoke: “The other night, I dreamed of a golden-armored deity summoning me, so I traveled thirty li through the night to the mountains, stayed at a temple, and wrote on the wall. This was reckless, so my family punished me with three months’ confinement. I feel the punishment is deserved—how could I disobey?”

At this, the County Deputy glanced at Henry Clark, saw the old man’s face flush, and laughed heartily to smooth things over: “What a harsh punishment! I’ll speak to your clan leader for you. Just go and take the exam.”

Edward Clark was overjoyed and thanked him, then thanked Henry Clark, and left.

Watching Edward Clark’s departing figure, Henry Clark seemed lost in thought, narrowing his eyes as he gazed into the distance, then let out a heavy sigh after a moment.