Seeing Ethan Bolton pass by him without saying a word, after waiting in vain for an hour, the now famished Charles Brooks couldn’t help but look even more displeased.

Entering the main hall, Ethan Bolton helped Mrs. Smith to her seat, then sat down himself with perfect composure. Once Emily Brooks was seated, Charles Brooks came in with a sullen face, his gaze constantly shifting between Ethan Bolton and Emily Brooks. Ethan Bolton simply smiled calmly.

Just as Charles Brooks thought that this country boy, who only relied on his looks to bewitch people, was about to mock him again, unexpectedly, it was Emily Brooks who spoke first. With just a few simple words, she managed to shock everyone.

“I’m not going back.”

Before Charles Brooks could object, Emily Brooks spoke in a tone that brooked no argument: “Didn’t Mr. Brooks just say that all the land around here belongs to our Duke Zhao’s estate? Since that’s the case, I’ll stay here for a few days to inspect things on behalf of Father. Robert Brooks, Daniel Brooks, go back and inform Grandmother that my mind is made up.”

The two guards were just as shocked as Charles Brooks. However, seeing the young lady’s determined expression, they exchanged a glance and actually agreed, but then both looked over at the unruffled Ethan Bolton.

The young lady’s stubborn streak is acting up again! If the Dowager hadn’t secretly warned them beforehand, they wouldn’t have believed it! But what are the Dowager and Master thinking? Ethan Bolton may look decent, but he’s lived in the countryside all his life—he’s really not worthy of her!

Faced with the guards’ furtive glances, Ethan Bolton was truly helpless.

I already said the engagement could be called off—it’s your young lady who insists on staying! Besides, if you have the ability, go stop your own young lady. Why are you looking at me? If she won’t go back, you can just tie her up and take her home!

When he heard what Emily Brooks said next, he felt an even bigger headache. Even if she could casually sit on a pile of straw, she was still a pampered young lady!

“After you two go back, pack up all the books on the third, fourth, and fifth shelves from the top on the east side of my study and send them here. Also, bring over my usual riding horse, Little Red, and take good care of her. I remember there are two gentle horses in the stable that Father gave me—bring those as well.”

“And the two maids in my room, Benjamin King and William Silver, have them pack up my usual bedding, summer clothes, autumn clothes, and winter clothes in trunks. There’s no need to bring all the jewelry boxes—just pick a dozen or so simple everyday pieces and bring them along. Also, bring the swords and bows Father gave me…”

Autumn clothes and winter clothes… Young lady, just how long are you planning to stay?

Listening to that long list of demands, Ethan Bolton couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. A noble young lady and a small country landlord really don’t match at all… Not to mention, he wasn’t even a real landlord—he was actually dirt poor!

As for Charles Brooks, hearing that Emily Brooks only gave orders to Robert Brooks and Daniel Brooks, completely ignoring him, he was both shocked and angry. But when he heard a certain name at the end, his heart leapt into his throat.

“And also, please have Grandmother send word to transfer Uncle White here.”

Charles Brooks blurted out, “Young lady, are you out of your mind! Jack White is a madman…”

“If you say I’m crazy, then isn’t it perfect for Uncle White to come?” Emily Brooks raised her brows coldly, then, overstepping her bounds, issued an order to leave: “Alright, it’s getting late, Mr. Brooks, you may go now. This place is too small to accommodate such a great Buddha!”

Ethan Bolton was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Young lady, you really don’t see yourself as an outsider! This is my house! And if we’re talking about a great Buddha, aren’t you the biggest one here?

Chapter 7: Three People, Two Beds

This group of uninvited guests came and went in a hurry, but left behind a noble young lady for the Zhang family.

And when Ethan Bolton, helplessly preparing to show Miss Brooks around his so-called “mansion”—the best in the village—he suddenly thought of a very urgent question: “How far is it from here to the capital?”

Emily Brooks looked around, thinking to herself that her father wasn’t the type to favor the rich and despise the poor, so why had he placed her “fiancé” here? Hearing the question, she did a quick calculation: “It’s several dozen li. They should speed up on the way back, otherwise the city gates will close at dusk.”

“So, the two maids you wanted won’t make it here today?” Ethan Bolton looked at the still-uncomprehending young lady before him with a subtle expression and sighed, “There are no maids in my house. Are you really going to be alright, young lady?”

Emily Brooks hadn’t expected Ethan Bolton to focus on such a question and felt a bit annoyed at being underestimated: “I have hands and feet, of course I’ll be fine!”

Ethan Bolton couldn’t help but doubt her stubborn bravado. Could a noble young lady really be self-sufficient?

If she can’t dress herself, Mrs. Smith can help; if she can’t comb her hair or wash her face, Mrs. Smith can help too. But if she can’t wash her feet or bathe, is he supposed to have his mother serve her? This isn’t a fiancée coming to the house—it’s like an empress dowager has arrived!

Seeing Ethan Bolton remain silent, Emily Brooks immediately straightened her back and declared, “There’s nothing I can’t do, ever since I was a child!”