"Young Master King, I remember your father got into trouble when he was the prefect, and in order to be reinstated, he came to my Yue family every day. The signature on his petition even called himself a disciple and grandson. Since your father called himself my grandfather's disciple and grandson, and you are his son, in terms of seniority, you are on the same level as my nephew Carter. So how can you claim to be my mentor?"

Yvonne King came today in coarse clothes and straw sandals to pay respects to Mr. Carter, full of literary knowledge and dignified in appearance. Which of the students and disciples coming and going at the The Carter Family gate wouldn't praise him?

But at this very moment, Chad Sullivan forcibly dragged out the old case of his father currying favor with the old master of the Yue family, and even made him the same generation as Evan Sullivan—in other words, Chad Sullivan's junior. His face instantly turned deathly pale, his lips trembled, and all the retorts he had just prepared were forgotten in a flash.

Hiding behind Chad Sullivan, Evan Sullivan saw this and felt extremely delighted, for the first time finding his annoying Ninth Uncle somewhat endearing.

The young talent he valued was actually rendered speechless by a member of the Yue family, which left Charles Carter both shocked and furious. From Chad Sullivan's repeated mention of "grandfather," he realized that Chad Sullivan was the grandson adopted by the old master of the Yue family, and immediately rebuked, "Only an ignorant old man like the elder Yue would adopt a sharp-tongued brat like you who disgraces the literati!"

Seeing that there were at least dozens of onlookers gathered around, Chad Sullivan sneered, "So what if my grandfather adopted me? Mencius said, 'Respect the elderly in your own family and extend that respect to the elderly of others; care for the young in your own family and extend that care to the young of others.' According to your logic, when I was just a baby, should I have been left on the street to freeze or starve to death, losing my life? With so little compassion, you still dare call yourself a man of virtue?"

Once again, Chad Sullivan's sophistry left Charles Carter speechless, and then he turned to Yvonne King.

"The Yue family library was built up by my grandfather, book by book, with his salary. If a poor scholar wanted to borrow a book, my grandfather would assess his character and, of course, generously lend to those who studied diligently, returned books promptly, and were trustworthy. But if you think what's his is yours, and try to use morality to coerce him into giving books away, isn't that just encouraging others to get something for nothing? Or is it that everyone in your The King Family is used to getting something for nothing?"

"Is it that just because your family has plenty of grain, someone can jump out and dictate that you're not allowed to brew your own wine, and must only give it away to others?"

At this point, Chad Sullivan cupped his hands to the surrounding crowd and said, "Also, this Mr. Carter just now claimed that my nephew Carter falsely reported his family as the White Gate Yue clan. Let me clarify. The Yue family has been natives of Jinling for generations. Back in the Southern Dynasties, when the Song dynasty set its capital in Jiankang, the southern gate, Xuanyang Gate, was called White Gate, and to this day, Jinling is still known by that name. My nephew just now claimed to be of the White Gate Yue clan—what's wrong with that?"

"Or is it that only your The Carter Family and The King Family can claim to be of a distinguished lineage, and no other family is allowed to add a place name before their surname? Who made that rule? Even self-aggrandizement should have its limits!"

The crowd burst into laughter, while Charles Carter's face turned bright red, forming a stark contrast with Yvonne King's paper-white pallor. Chad Sullivan then shouted loudly, "You walk your own narrow path and be your Jinling notable, I'll walk my own broad road. There is no shortage of teachers in this world—does my nephew have to worry about finding a place to study? Deliberately stepping on the Yue family to make a name for yourself—what poor character!"

Chad Sullivan turned around and, without further ado, said to Evan Sullivan, "Carter, let's go home. With such conduct and integrity, Charles Carter is not worthy to be your teacher!"

Having vented his anger, Evan Sullivan didn't even think about how the eldest madam would react when they got home. He just felt satisfied and, without hesitation, agreed and followed Chad Sullivan.

When the two of them reached the carriage, Chad Sullivan noticed that when the usually expressionless Ethan Sullivan opened the door for them, there seemed to be a slight curve at the corner of his mouth, as if he were smiling. Chad Sullivan was stunned for a moment, staring at his face for quite a while, but just then, he heard an exasperated voice from behind.

"Adopted son, you stop right there!"

Seeing Yvonne King storming over, all the air of a refined gentleman was gone. Chad Sullivan couldn't help but sneer.

You think I'll stop just because you tell me to? He bent down and got into the carriage, then smiled at the fellow who was already being blocked by Ethan Sullivan.

"Oh, by the way, when my grandfather mentioned the matter of Assistant Minister Yu, he said he must send him a couplet someday."

He deliberately drew out his words, then recited, "The first line: 'Righteousness is often found among butchers.' The second line: 'Heartlessness is often found among scholars!'"

As soon as this couplet was spoken, the crowd burst into even greater laughter.

At the gate of the The Carter Family, Charles Carter stood there, his face ashen, feeling a deep chill for the first time.

If the young ones are already this cunning and sharp-tongued, what about the elders? Can those big shots in court really succeed in plotting against the Yue family?

Chapter 11: Chivalry Violates the Law

Through the gap in the curtain, Evan Sullivan could clearly see Yvonne King, who wanted to argue, being deftly blocked by Ethan Sullivan. The crowd of onlookers was in an uproar, almost turning the once-quiet gate of the The Carter Family upside down.

Turning his head, he saw Chad Sullivan sitting there calmly with his arms folded, eyes half-closed as if about to doze off. After hesitating for a long time, he finally squeezed out two words.

"Thank you."