The First Madam, The King Family, was dignified and composed. Back when the old master was still just a county magistrate, she was the daughter of his superior’s superior—a distinguished prefect’s daughter.

The Second Madam, The Thompson Family, though from a more humble background, became the old master’s wife after he completed his term as county magistrate. A local family of generations of scholars, moved by his fair judgments and fearlessness in the face of power, actually married their daughter to him.

But Chad Sullivan vaguely sensed from the servants’ gossip that the old master’s obviously favorable ruling for the The Thompson Family back then had an ulterior motive. It wasn’t really about the case, but rather about balancing the local gentry and the poor scholars. Gaining a daughter-in-law was just an unexpected bonus.

The Third Madam, The Harris Family, came from a wealthy merchant family, rich for generations. She now managed the household’s expenses, truly putting everyone to good use.

And it was said that the Fourth Madam, who scared off his “adoptive father” the Fourth Master before even entering the house, was actually a fierce general’s daughter.

After that marriage fell through, the then-Left Chancellor wanted to marry her into his family as a daughter-in-law, but the Minister of War snatched her away. Now, the Minister of War’s third son, once notorious for his romantic escapades, didn’t even dare flirt outside anymore.

At this moment, after everyone paid their respects and, as usual, chatted with Old Master Sullivan for a while, the Second Master and Second Madam, as well as the Third Master and Third Madam, took their children and left. The First Madam, however, stayed behind with her eldest son.

Old Master saw this and immediately knew the First Madam had something to say. He said directly, “Dalang, help your mother sit down and talk.”

The eldest young master, Charles Sullivan, was twenty-six this year, with a son and a daughter of his own. In terms of age, he could easily be Chad Sullivan’s father, but in front of Old Master Sullivan, he seemed even more uneasy than Chad Sullivan.

He resembled his parents—upright but lacking in elegance. Following instructions, he helped his mother to her seat and then stood beside her, but his gaze couldn’t help but fall on Chad Sullivan.

Chad Sullivan certainly didn’t ignore his convenient elder brother’s scrutiny. He grinned back, and when the other couldn’t bear it and looked away, he turned his attention to the First Madam.

Compared to her son, the First Madam was much more composed. She didn’t care about Chad Sullivan’s gaze at all; instead, she nodded at him with a gentle smile before turning to Old Master Sullivan and bowing slightly. “Old Master, both Qianqiu and Chang’an are already seven years old—it’s time for them to start school. With their talents, ordinary tutors would only hold them back.”

Seeing that Old Master Sullivan was clearly listening intently, the First Madam felt even more confident and softened her tone further. “Recently, my elder brother wrote to recommend a certain Mr. Qiu. He said this gentleman is a renowned scholar whom the emperor has repeatedly tried to recruit in vain, author of countless works, with disciples all over the world. He’s said to be taking on his last batch of students now, and after they graduate, he’ll stop teaching.”

At this, the First Madam looked at Chad Sullivan and said with a smile, “Qianqiu grew up with Old Master, naturally intelligent. Why not let him go with Chang’an? Uncle and nephew can try together. If they’re lucky enough to be accepted, they’ll have family to look after them, teachers and senior classmates to guide them, and their studies and future prospects will both benefit greatly.”

Old Master Sullivan pondered for a moment and replied noncommittally, “You’re thoughtful. Dalang, your father has served as an official for years, and your mother has managed the household and cared for you all, working hard every day. You must be filial to her.”

Charles Sullivan had always been meek before his grandfather and hurriedly agreed. With her words said, the First Madam naturally didn’t linger in the Crane’s Cry Pavilion and rose to take her leave.

As she left, she glanced once more at Chad Sullivan, only to see this adopted son of the The Sullivan Family family—who had stirred up quite a storm in just two days—grinning and waving at her in farewell.

The First Madam didn’t mention Qingyin at all. She knew well that Old Master didn’t care about the two maids in the Crane’s Cry Pavilion during the day; she could easily pick someone to handle such a trivial matter.

After all, only those who could stay in this inner study after Old Master returned each day were truly trusted. Aside from Ethan Sullivan, there was only the head maid William King in the back rooms, who attended to Old Master Sullivan’s writing and daily needs.

The First Madam left, and Chad Sullivan likewise didn’t mention Qingyin, let alone the book-stealing farce that afternoon.

He stepped forward and tugged at Old Master’s sleeve, saying seriously, “Grandpa, I have a request.”

“Hmm?” Old Master Sullivan thought Chad Sullivan was about to talk about the schooling the First Madam had mentioned, and raised his eyebrows with interest. But the next moment, he was surprised.

“I want to keep Lauren Smith. She’s too young to be married off.”

Old Master Sullivan had to think for a moment to recall who Lauren Smith was. He was first taken aback, then burst out laughing.

“You little rascal, already lustful at such a young age?”

Chad Sullivan was long used to the old master’s occasional crude remarks.

The old master never hid his humble origins, limited learning, or dry literary skills… In his own words, he was born with a mind for memorizing the most complex numbers, could recite the Analects backwards, but was only so-so with other classics and histories. So, to rise from a minor county official all the way to Minister of Revenue, that was pure luck—unmatched by anyone.