“The First Emperor was a man of great talent and vision. It’s a pity he died too soon—otherwise, the Qin dynasty could have lasted for several more centuries.”

“As for the Han dynasty, have you all forgotten what happened to us Han people back then?”

The foggy crowd all thought William Foster was being alarmist, but when they heard a certain term, they all looked a bit dejected.

“Two-legged sheep!”

“And the Sui dynasty—if not for the three campaigns against Goguryeo, do you think it would have fallen?”

Seeing that a few people wanted to argue, William Foster continued, “Let’s talk about our previous dynasty, the Song. From the moment it was founded, it faced the northern barbarians’ armies head-on. Why was it able to last so long? What was the real reason for its downfall? Do you know?”

Seeing the sullen expressions on the men’s faces, William Foster felt satisfied and sneered, “Is singing the names outside Donghua Gate what makes a good man? Hahahaha!”

Watching William Foster’s departing figure, the men were so furious that they shouted curses at his back, even threatening to shut down the Fang family estate. But William Foster’s only response was to walk away without looking back, raising a middle finger.

I despise you!

“Singing names outside Donghua Gate makes a good man…”

The young man’s expression was a bit grave. Ignoring the older fellows, he strode quickly toward where the horses were tied.

……

After feeling so exhilarated, William Foster started to regret it a little, thinking he’d been too impulsive. What if they really did come and seal off the estate?

“No worries, we have plenty of money and plenty of grain.”

After the spring wheat harvest, the farmers’ work became lighter—just sowing beans.

The weather was hot, and the poor new bride still had to dress up neatly to welcome her husband.

“There’s no need to be so formal in the future. We’re going to spend our whole lives together—just relax a little.”

Grace Bolton’s curtsy was beautiful, showing off her graceful figure, but the fine sheen of sweat on her face made William Foster almost want to slap himself.

“Wait a moment!”

Watching William Foster rush out, Grace Bolton couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.

After a few minutes, he came back, carrying a wooden basin.

As William Foster approached, Grace Bolton was surprised to see white steam rising from the basin.

Setting the basin on the table, William Foster wiped the sweat from his face and said with a smile, “Hurry and eat, it’ll help cool you down.”

“Husband, where did this come from?”

The apples in the basin were bright red, the grapes plump and juicy, and there were even some ice cubes at the bottom—just looking at them made one want to take a bite.

Grace Bolton was born a concubine’s daughter, but her family background was solid, so no one dared mistreat her. She’d lived a life of comfort and luxury as a girl.

But in this season, to see such big, beautiful apples, and even grapes—this was beyond Grace Bolton’s expectations.

William Foster picked up an apple, rubbed it in his hand, and took a big bite, instantly conquered by the juice and the chill.

“Eat up! Your husband is the junior brother of Master Zhang—fetching things from afar is nothing special.”

Seeing William Foster eating so heartily, Grace Bolton couldn’t help but pick up a bunch of grapes, gently peeling one and popping the flesh into her mouth.

The cool, sweet juice immediately filled her mouth, making her feel refreshed in the heat of midsummer.

“Little White, you have some too.”

Grace Bolton knew well the status of Little White in the Fang household, so she didn’t put on any airs as the young mistress.

Little White stood there awkwardly until William Foster beckoned her over, and only then did she come, blushing.

“Eat, eat, there’s plenty—enough for our family for a lifetime.”

After finishing the fruit, William Foster washed his hands with the help of the maid, marveling at how quickly he’d grown decadent.

Seeing that Grace Bolton was still a bit doubtful, William Foster simply said, “I have a friend who runs overseas business, so we’ll never be short of these things. Don’t be so surprised in the future.”

A lie is only convincing if you believe it yourself.

William Foster’s gaze was so earnest that Grace Bolton couldn’t help but nod. She had no intention of probing further into this matter.

Chapter 9: The Impressive Mr. King

During the slack farming season, people in the village came out to stroll, calling to their children, bringing a lively atmosphere to the Fang estate.

In his previous life, William Foster was a glutton, so with this opportunity, he certainly wouldn’t neglect his stomach.

After breakfast, William Foster carried a bottle of black soda, drinking as he headed to Mr. King’s house.

The village houses were clustered together, and Mr. King’s was the easiest to find—there was a little girl with a runny nose.

When Mr. King saw William Foster coming, he hurriedly picked up his daughter and told his wife, Ximei, to pour some water.

William Foster took a sip of cola, burped, and said, “No need to fuss. I just came to see your martial arts—how about a round at the door?”

Mr. King stood awkwardly at the door, empty-handed and a bit uncomfortable.

William Foster noticed and pulled a piece of chocolate from his pocket, tore off the wrapper, and popped it into the little girl’s mouth, making her laugh.

The sweet, smooth chocolate instantly won over the little girl. She sniffled and ate happily.

Turning back, William Foster looked at the flustered Mr. King and grunted, “What are you waiting for?”