The year before last, Brian Thompson's grandfather passed away. Before his death, he asked Edward Thompson to move back home to take care of her younger brother. Edward Thompson brought her husband and mother-in-law, The Harris Family, to live with them as well, but she made it clear to her husband from the start: this house belongs to her younger brother, and if he gets married, they will have to move out and find another place.

Brian Thompson led his horse to the main gate, but just as he arrived, the courtyard door opened and his brother-in-law, William Brooks, came out. William Brooks was gentle and quiet by nature, working as a minor clerk at the Dunhuang county office.

However, his calligraphy was excellent, and he often copied scriptures for the Buddhist temple to earn a little extra money for the household. His own father had also passed away early, leaving only him and his widowed mother, The Harris Family, to depend on each other.

“Brother-in-law, are you heading to the county office now?”

William Brooks was very fond of his young brother-in-law. Seeing Brian Thompson return, he quickly pulled him aside and whispered, “I’ve already asked Zhang Xuezheng about the matter you wanted me to look into last time.”

A few days ago, Brian Thompson had heard that students at the prefectural academy could finish their studies early, which piqued his interest, so he asked his brother-in-law to help inquire about it.

Brian Thompson was overjoyed. “What did Zhang Xuezheng say?”

“Zhang Xuezheng said that in special circumstances, it is possible to finish your studies early.”

“What kind of special circumstances?” Brian Thompson pressed further.

“I didn’t ask for details, but honestly, I don’t think what Zhang Xuezheng says really matters. The key is your elder sister’s attitude, don’t you think?”

Brian Thompson immediately became dispirited. His brother-in-law was right—how could his elder sister possibly allow him to finish his studies early?

For over a year, Brian Thompson had wanted to travel with a few good friends, and this desire had only grown stronger in recent months. But since his studies weren’t finished, it was hard for him to leave, and with his formidable elder sister, just thinking about it was discouraging.

William Brooks noticed his disappointment and comforted him, “Don’t think about that today. Focus on preparing for tomorrow’s county exam—that’s the most important thing for you right now. If you get a spot, maybe Zhang Xuezheng will make an exception and let you finish your studies early.”

“Thank you, brother-in-law!”

William Brooks smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and turned to leave.

Brian Thompson pushed open the courtyard door and entered. He was about to feed the horse when he faintly heard his elder sister’s voice coming from the kitchen: “Mother-in-law, only old widows with no sons or daughters donate money to the Women’s Association and ask them to handle their funeral affairs. But you clearly have a son, so why are you still donating money to the Women’s Association? Isn’t that a waste?”

“My affairs are none of your business. I didn’t spend your money anyway. Besides, you’ve spent so much on Brian’s studies and martial arts. I’m your mother-in-law—have you ever listened to what I say?”

“Do as you please! If you want to donate, go ahead. I won’t interfere anymore.”

Brian Thompson shook his head to himself. His elder sister and mother-in-law didn’t get along, and because of him, the two had quarreled countless times. It seemed they were about to argue again today.

At that moment, Edward Thompson stormed out of the kitchen in a huff and happened to see Brian Thompson, startling her. “Brian, when did you get back? Wasn’t the main gate closed?”

“I just ran into brother-in-law at the gate, so I came straight in.”

“Oh! Go wash your hands and eat. I’ll take care of the horse.”

Although Edward Thompson was very strict with Brian Thompson, she never stinted on his expenses for studying and martial arts, which made her mother-in-law quite unhappy. The two women often quarreled over this, and of course, it was also related to the fact that she still had no children of her own.

Edward Thompson led the horse away. Mother-in-law The Harris Family came out of the kitchen carrying a medicine pot. Brian Thompson smiled at her, “Hello, Auntie!”

“Ah! Go eat quickly!”

The Harris Family sighed and slowly made her way to her room. Brian Thompson returned to his own room to hang up his bow and arrows, then went to the dining room. The small table was already set with porridge, flatbread, and side dishes. Brother-in-law William Brooks had just left after lunch, and the food was still warm.

Brian Thompson served himself a big bowl of porridge and sat down, then rolled up a piece of flatbread. The flatbread was made with minced meat and sauce—very delicious, and also Brian Thompson’s favorite. After practicing archery all morning, he was quite hungry and began to eat ravenously.

As he was serving himself a second bowl of porridge, Edward Thompson came in and sat down beside her brother, also picking up a bowl and sipping her porridge slowly. She didn’t ask her usual barrage of questions and seemed preoccupied.

“Elder sister, you seem to have something on your mind?”

“It’s nothing. Just eat.”

Brian Thompson knew that although it wasn’t easy for his elder sister to manage the household, she wouldn’t quarrel with her mother-in-law over a little money. This time, Aunt Meng must have donated a considerable sum to the Women’s Association, which was why his sister was upset.

Every family has its own troubles. He didn’t know how to comfort his sister, so he kept quiet and focused on eating. Edward Thompson didn’t want to dwell on her worries either, and asked, “Yesterday you went to see Master Wangchen. How is his health?”

Because his master was elderly and couldn’t teach Brian Thompson every day, Brian Thompson visited him once every ten days.

“Master is just a little unwell. The abbot of Lingyin told me not to worry—he’ll take good care of Master.”

Edward Thompson sighed. “Even so, you can’t be careless. After your exam, go take care of Master for a few days to fulfill your duty as a disciple, understand?”

“Elder sister, I understand.”

Brian Thompson hesitated, then said softly, “Elder sister, after the county exam, I’d like to go out and travel for a bit.”

“No!”

As always, Edward Thompson refused him flatly. “Your duty is to study and practice martial arts. I’ve told you before—until your studies are finished, you are to focus on your books and not even think about going anywhere!”