Hearing talk of doing something big, the boys all became fired up with excitement.

These fellows usually live pampered lives, and at this age are full of youthful vigor, eager for trouble, especially Henry Bolton, who said enthusiastically, “Whatever big thing you’re doing, count me in.”

William Bolton looked at Henry Bolton with a smile and said, “You… are too young, and not brave enough…”

At these words, Henry Bolton immediately became furious: “I’m plenty brave.”

William Bolton could only sigh, and like performing a magic trick, pulled a firecracker out of his sleeve.

It really was a firecracker. Firecrackers were already quite common by now, but the one in William Bolton’s hand was clearly an extra-large version, almost as big as half a fist.

William Bolton said, “Have you ever played with firecrackers?”

Henry Bolton replied, “Of course I have! Every New Year and festival, I’m the one who lights the firecrackers at home.”

William Bolton immediately looked as if he’d finally found a real talent: “Lighting firecrackers isn’t much of a skill. Do you dare use a firecracker to blow up a cesspit?”

Henry Bolton instantly perked up, muttering, “Right, why didn’t I think of that? Big Brother Bolton, I really admire you, you actually thought of this.”

William Bolton chuckled and shook his head: “Blowing up a cesspit with a firecracker isn’t much of a skill either.”

By now, the classroom had split into two groups. Seven or eight people still sat at their desks reading intently, ignoring everything else, while the rest of the boys gathered around William Bolton like curious kittens, eager for more.

William Bolton lowered his voice and said, “The real question is, is anyone brave enough to do it while Mr. Clark is using the toilet…”

Goodness, many people gasped in shock.

Henry Bolton wiped the snot that was about to drip from his nose, feeling a bit timid himself.

“Forget it…”

“I’ll do it!” Henry Bolton insisted.

Chapter Three: Brat

The Guozijian’s Chief Scholar, Charles Howard, as usual, after a short nap, headed to the latrine.

He was a patient man, able to take everything in stride, always calm and unhurried.

Everything was as usual. Entering the latrine, stepping onto the footboard inside, at that moment Charles Howard was still thinking about an essay he’d read earlier that day. Even while in the latrine, he was so inspired that he couldn’t help but recite softly: “The ancient gentleman, in establishing himself and conducting himself, was admired by all, not because…”

Boom…

Charles Howard’s words were cut off.

Squatting in the latrine, Charles Howard’s mind went blank for a moment, then he bent over, and like a porcupine, howling, he grabbed his underpants and rushed out.

This was a dry latrine, with the squatting area connected to the cesspit below. After that muffled bang, Charles Howard was covered in golden filth, both embarrassed and overwhelmed by the stench.

While pulling up his waistband, Charles Howard howled, “Who, who did this?”

As he spoke, a group of boys dashed away in a flurry.

Charles Howard stood there, his mind blank.

When he finally began to accept reality, this gentleman of the Yongle era, originally from Nanchang Prefecture in Jiangxi, renowned for his self-restraint, could not help but curse in fury: “Damn it all!”

…

After bathing for a full hour, Charles Howard stormed into Minglun Hall, gathering everyone. Still fuming, he shouted sternly, “Who did it?”

All the boys were silent as mice, not making a sound.

They were all descendants of military officials and heroes, and valued loyalty—betraying a classmate? Despicable!

Henry Bolton stood up straight, unable to hide his pride at having pulled off such a big stunt.

However…

Even though no one said a word.

At that moment, all the boys’ eyes turned to Henry Bolton.

The smile on Henry Bolton’s face gradually faded.

Of course, no one would betray him, but boys are boys—it’s only natural they can’t keep secrets.

Henry Bolton blurted out, “Teacher… it wasn’t me!”

As soon as he said this, Charles Howard felt not only anger, but also a kind of unspeakable humiliation mixed in.

He’s insulting my intelligence!

So, a furious roar echoed through Minglun Hall: “Of all the students, none is more unruly than you, you brat!”

The shout shook the rafters!

Charles Howard, the great Confucian scholar and Chief Scholar of the Guozijian, at this moment transformed into a martial artist skilled in the “turtle-fist.”

Henry Bolton: “Awooo…”

William Bolton was a kind person, and felt a pang of sympathy for Henry Bolton’s misfortune.

Still… there’s a bright side to everything. At least now, William Bolton… had finally succeeded.

He had managed, through his own efforts, to move up from being the most notorious of the imperial relatives to second-to-last. Now… he was no longer at the very bottom.

It seemed that if things kept going this way, everyone in Nanjing would start to see him differently—he… was turning over a new leaf!

Henry Bolton’s butt was almost beaten raw, and he whimpered as he left school, supported by the other boys.

Even though he’d been punished, his face was glowing with pride as he chattered, “Big Brother Bolton, wasn’t I loyal? I didn’t rat anyone out.”

William Bolton gave him a thumbs up: “Even Guan Yu reborn wouldn’t have done better.”

Edward Grant also nodded like a pecking chick, expressing his approval of Henry Bolton.