As for why it was the second son Henry Brooks and not the eldest son Alan Brooks, it was naturally because Henry Brooks was already responsible for overseeing the market, and was more familiar with these affairs.

While the elders were busy discussing countermeasures, on the other side, Jason Brooks returned to the The Brooks Family main residence and headed straight to his own courtyard.

According to the The Brooks Family family rules, children could live with their parents when young, but upon reaching the age of fourteen, they would be assigned their own separate courtyard to live independently.

Jason Brooks was nineteen this year and had lived alone for five years.

As he walked to the center of the main residence, he saw a majestic and imposing pavilion standing tall, its blue glazed tiles shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.

This pavilion, called [Mingdao Tower], was the The Brooks Family clan school, the location of [Mingdao Academy]. According to clan rules, all children aged eight to sixteen had to gather here.

They were to study diligently and cultivate assiduously, to refine their character and clarify their hearts.

Although Jason Brooks had graduated three years ago, every time he passed by Mingdao Academy, he would unconsciously lower his head and quicken his pace, for fear of being spotted by the academy’s [professor] and called over for a scolding.

But often, the more you wish to avoid something, the more likely it is to happen.

As Jason Brooks hurried past, a stern voice rang in his ear: “Jingyun, stop right there.”

He froze on the spot, turned around stiffly, and saw the academy professor Paul Brooks standing in front of Mingdao Tower with his hands behind his back, scrutinizing him.

Beside Paul Brooks stood a boy and a girl.

The boy was Olivia Brooks of the [Jing generation], ranked eleventh among the Jing generation.

He was Jason Brooks’s full younger brother, only eight years old now, with delicate and handsome features. Yet the look he gave Jason Brooks was tinged with a hint of schadenfreude.

The girl looked about ten, exquisitely pretty, already a beauty in the making at such a young age.

She hid behind Olivia Brooks, her expression somewhat anxious, yet she couldn’t help but sneak curious glances at Jason Brooks.

At this moment—

Jason Brooks no longer had the composed and graceful demeanor he’d shown earlier in front of Emily Martin; instead, he looked a bit nervous, forcing a fawning smile: “Hello, Second Uncle.”

His second uncle Paul Brooks was the son of the third branch’s Kevin Brooks.

Kevin Brooks had died in his thirties in a magical duel, leaving behind only Paul Brooks.

To preserve the third branch’s sole bloodline, the family never let Paul Brooks take on dangerous tasks, and even arranged a marriage for him early on to ensure the continuation of the third branch.

Thus, Paul Brooks took up the position of [professor] at the The Brooks Family academy, dedicating himself to nurturing the clan’s younger generation.

Though Paul Brooks appeared middle-aged, he was actually nearing sixty, having reached the seventh level of the Qi Refining stage, stepping into the third realm of Qi Refining—the [Qi Mansion Realm].

Within the entire The Brooks Family clan, his cultivation ranked in the top five.

“Hmph!” The middle-aged-looking Paul Brooks’s face darkened slightly, and he immediately began to reprimand, “Jingyun, you are the second direct descendant of the main branch, and possess the rare four spiritual roots. You are the pillar of The Brooks Family’s future. You must not follow those idle young masters, neglecting your cultivation and tarnishing the reputation of The Brooks Family for nothing.”

Jason Brooks’s heart skipped a beat—good grief.

He’d only gone to the back mountain to meet Emily Martin, and word had already reached the elders.

He’d have to deal with those two little servants later.

But faced with his elder’s scolding, Jason Brooks could only nod meekly and say, “Second Uncle, your lesson is well taken. I will remember it.”

Paul Brooks was strict in his teaching and valued discipline highly.

During his eight years at Mingdao Academy, Jason Brooks had received more than a few ruler strikes and scoldings.

Only then did Paul Brooks’s expression soften a little. He offered a few more words of encouragement, telling him to set a good example for his younger siblings, and then waved his hand to let him go.

But Jason Brooks didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he looked at his younger brother Olivia Brooks, who was snickering, and frowned slightly: “Jinghuan, you are also the second direct descendant of the main branch, and likewise possess the four spiritual roots. You are a pillar of the family’s future.”

“Now that you’re eight and have entered the academy, you’re no longer a child. From now on, don’t pester Mother to feed you at every meal.”

Olivia Brooks’s childish smile froze, and he quickly became flustered.

The pretty little girl beside him covered her mouth, her bright eyes wide in disbelief as she looked at him.

And Second Uncle Paul Brooks, the professor, furrowed his brows into a deep crease, his gaze instantly stern: “Huan’er, come with me.”

Olivia Brooks’s little face turned pale with panic: “Second Uncle, no, Professor, let me explain, I…”

Before he could finish, Paul Brooks grabbed him by the collar and carried him into the academy, his short legs kicking helplessly in the air.

The pretty little girl hurriedly followed them into the academy.

Jason Brooks waved goodbye to his brother with a smile. On his way out, he suddenly remembered where the pretty little girl came from.

She seemed to be called Yang-something-Yu. A few days ago, during his great-grandfather’s mourning period, she had come to pay respects with Madam Young from the vassal family [Lingyao Manor]. By rights, she should have already gone back.

But now she was staying at the The Brooks Family upper clan school, and coming and going with Olivia?

Could it be that she was being prepared as a child bride for Olivia?