William Foster realized at this moment that this guy was his old troublemaking friend. But since he had rushed over upon hearing the news, William Foster decided to forgive him.

　　After a round of explanation, William Foster finally understood that it turned out Ethan Brooks's father and Henry Foster had been in the same year, and they had even passed the imperial exam together.

　　But later on, Henry Foster got implicated in a case in the capital and was dismissed on the spot, though fortunately, his family property was not confiscated.

　　Even after Henry Foster died, the case was still fermenting, so Ethan Brooks's whole family didn't dare to visit.

　　"So, that case is finally over now?"

　　Sitting in the living room, William Foster sipped the tea served by Little White, and asked a bit guiltily.

　　"The imperial edict came down the day before yesterday." Ethan Brooks made a constipated face, cupped his hands in the direction of Nanjing, and then said, "David Foster, your father was only implicated. Now that the case is over, you can finally be at ease, right?"

　　William Foster said with a sigh, "At last, I've woken up from a nightmare. From now on, I will focus on farming and studying. If I have spare time, I'll teach the children. That will be a proper ending."

　　Ethan Brooks said sympathetically, "David Foster, your talent is well known to me. It's just a pity that your father's involvement ruined your future. Truly lamentable and regrettable!"

　　"Clack!" As he spoke, this guy snapped open his folding fan and gently waved it.

　　Only then did William Foster realize that because of Henry Foster, he could no longer participate in the imperial exams.

　　What great news!

　　Facing Little White's sad face as she waited on the side, William Foster felt his luck was really not bad.

　　He didn't know anything about the rigid exam essays! If he really went to take the exam, he might just hand in a blank paper and then be dragged to the Meridian Gate and executed for deceiving the emperor...

　　"Mmm! Smells so good!" Ethan Brooks's nose twitched, and like a puppy, he followed the scent toward the door.

　　"David Foster, I brought a gift today. How about we brothers have a drink?"

　　What a foodie!

　　And thick-skinned too!

Chapter 6: Struck It Rich!

　　Ethan Brooks sniffed wildly until he saw Benjamin carrying a big platter over. He couldn't help but stand up, and when Benjamin set the platter on the table, his eyes nearly glued themselves to it.

　　On the big platter was a large piece of beef, crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a carving knife placed beside it.

　　Ethan Brooks, without being taught, picked up the small knife, cut off a piece of beef, skewered it with the knife, and impatiently stuffed it into his mouth.

　　"Delicious! Tender! Tender! So tasty!"

　　Watching Ethan Brooks's behavior, William Foster gained a deeper understanding of their past friendship.

　　In these times, unless you were close family friends, you had to behave properly when visiting someone else's home. Otherwise, if word got out, you'd lose your reputation.

　　As for Brian Wood, having been dull for so long, even though he had the loyal servant Little White often helping him with supplements, he still felt weak, so beef became his chosen way to nourish himself.

　　After swallowing the beef, Ethan Brooks saw Benjamin standing dazed to the side and shouted, "Wine, hurry up and bring the wine!"

　　Benjamin glanced at William Foster and immediately went to the wine cellar.

　　A moment later, Benjamin came back carrying a small jar.

　　He opened the seal, and the aroma of wine wafted out. Ethan Brooks said intoxicatedly, "This is really good wine!"

　　At this point, William Foster also started eating, taking Little White's portion.

　　In front of Ethan Brooks, if William Foster let Little White eat at the same table, he was worried it would arouse suspicion, so he quietly gave Little White a piece of beef and let her and Benjamin eat in the kitchen.

　　William Foster smelled the wine, looked at the color in his bowl, and took a sip.

　　Damn! This wine is so weak!

　　Drinking the light wine, William Foster felt a bit tipsy, but his mind was clear, in a subtle state.

　　After seeing Ethan Brooks off, William Foster began his usual walk, of course, with Little White definitely following.

　　Strolling along the central axis of the manor, the tenant farmers on the road would all step aside when they saw William Foster, only continuing on after he passed.

　　What a carefree life!

　　But this carefree feeling vanished when he reached the neighboring estate.

　　"Why are they so lazy, and wearing such nice clothes?"

　　Seeing the people at the neighboring estate dressed neatly and working lazily, William Foster felt a bit annoyed.

　　Little White pouted and said, "Young master, I heard that's a big family's estate over there. They aren't short of money, and they're especially kind-hearted, so the tenants there live like immortals."

　　William Foster was stunned...

　　Is this still the evil feudal society?

　　Are these still the wicked landlords?

　　Back home, William Foster sent Little White away with some excuse, then dove into the storeroom.

　　Unfortunately, after searching for a long time, William Foster despairingly found that all the clothes in the storeroom were modern styles—he couldn't wear them out!

　　In these times, wearing strange clothes wasn't considered a unique personality, but rather a sign of madness! The Shuntian Prefecture even had a job specifically to crack down on such people.

　　After coming out, William Foster ran a few laps in the courtyard in frustration, until Jason Foster came running in, face full of joy.

　　"Young master, young master, it's sold!"

　　William Foster stopped, and Little White immediately brought a towel to wipe his face.

　　"Steward, what was sold?"