Albert Howard gave William another deep look, memorized his appearance, then nodded and followed Raymond Ford through the central courtyard, heading toward Thomas Harris's study.

As soon as Albert Howard left, the six children immediately pointed at William, crying and shouting, "You bully! We're going to tell on you!"

William slowly picked up the firewood stick, swept his gaze sideways at them, and gave a cold smile. The six children were instantly terrified, scrambling away in a panic.

Volume One: A Boy Grows Up in the Harris Family

Chapter Eight: An Oath Born of Fury

"Kneel down, you wretch!"

Inside the room, Philip Harris was furious, his eyes fixed on William, so angry it seemed he might burst into flames.

Philip Harris was currently the governor of Songzhou. Because of the New Year, he had returned to the capital to attend the clan's ancestral rites, and was set to return to Songzhou tomorrow. Unexpectedly, on the day before leaving home, his disappointing son had caused trouble again.

Philip Harris had almost forgotten about William. On New Year's Eve, because William and Andrew Harris fought over lucky money, he remembered he still had an illegitimate son.

And now, the second time he saw him, it was again William beating up Andrew Harris. Originally, Philip Harris had been chatting with his brother Victor Harris, but then Patrick Harris brought his son Andrew Harris to complain, instantly shattering the brotherly warmth in the room.

Thomas Harris had six sons, three legitimate—Xuangan, Xuanjiang, and Xuanzong—and three concubine-born—Jishan, Wanshi, and Xingren. Among them, Patrick Harris was a bit older and held a slightly higher status.

At this moment, Andrew Harris stood beside Philip Harris, holding his father Patrick Harris's hand. Andrew Harris had been beaten so badly his head was bleeding, half his face covered in blood and grime, looking especially ferocious. His hair was disheveled, his brand-new brocade robe torn. The majesty of the Prince of Beiwei was gone; he looked more like a bloodied, defeated rooster.

William knelt at the doorway, head lowered, saying nothing. This was within his expectations; his father might not truly be angry, but had to save face for Patrick Harris, so he had to amplify his anger.

Philip Harris was also annoyed. He was leaving tomorrow, and yet his younger brother had come to complain that his son had beaten up his cousin. Was this really such a big deal? He had no sense of proportion. Still, he had to give Patrick Harris face, and besides, William was always causing trouble and needed a good lesson.

He slammed the table. "You wretch, aren't you going to apologize?"

William would rather be beaten than apologize. He said bitterly, "There is no love or hate without reason in this world. Father, why don't you ask the reason?"

"You dare talk back!"

Philip Harris shouted angrily again. He just wanted to get rid of Patrick Harris quickly and didn't care about William's grievances, nor would he listen to his explanation. Seeing William refuse to apologize, he grew even angrier.

But the second brother, Victor Harris, was quite interested in what William had said. He quietly repeated, "There is no love or hate without reason in this world." Not bad, this saying is meaningful. This kid can talk.

He tried to smooth things over with a smile. "Big brother, isn't it normal for kids to fight? I remember when we were young, we fought plenty, but no one ever ran to father to complain. There's no need to get so worked up."

His words were directed at Philip Harris, but also mocked Patrick Harris for making a fuss over nothing. Patrick Harris's face turned red; he heard the barb in Victor Harris's words. He hadn't wanted to make a big deal of it, but his son had been beaten so badly today that he couldn't swallow his anger.

Patrick Harris said coldly, "My son was beaten until his head was bleeding. If he hadn't run fast, he could have lost his life. Does someone have to die before it's worth getting angry?"

Philip Harris knew he had to give his fourth brother some face today. After all, he was the eldest son of the Harris household and had a duty to strictly discipline his children.

His face darkened, and he didn't give William a chance to explain. He shouted sternly, "Drag him out and give him twenty strokes!"

Two servants stepped forward to drag William away. William struggled desperately and shouted, "Father, he was the one who first insulted me as a bastard. If I hadn't fought back, the six of them would have beaten me to death. Why won't you judge right from wrong?"

"You beast, are you accusing me now?"

Philip Harris had only wanted to give Patrick Harris face, but now William was saying he was unfair, and the words "bastard" made him lose face. He was instantly enraged, slamming the table repeatedly. "Drag him out and beat him hard! Beat this wretch to death!"

Victor Harris saw his brother truly angry and quickly tried to intervene. "Big brother, he's still a child. Twenty strokes could kill him. A small punishment is enough!"

But Patrick Harris was secretly delighted. Two years ago, he had been humiliated by William and had never gotten over it. He hoped this little bastard would be beaten to death today to vent his anger. He pretended to be considerate, saying, "Big brother, if it's really too much trouble, just forget it. I'll just bear the grievance."

"No!"

Philip Harris refused flatly. "This little beast keeps causing trouble. If he's not disciplined now, he'll ruin me when he grows up. He must be severely punished today. Drag him out and beat him!"

Victor Harris saw his brother was determined and knew he couldn't persuade him, so he just shook his head, sighed, and said no more.

At first, the two servants had only been pretending to drag William, but now, seeing the master was truly angry, they had no choice but to use force and roughly dragged William away.