David Thompson listened to his shameless words as he brazenly kept the ten strings of coins he had stolen, and was instantly filled with rage. He stepped forward and said, “Uncle Harris, don’t listen to his nonsense. This IOU was forced upon my father with violence, supposedly as medical expenses for his son being bitten by Dahei, but Dahei never bit his son at all. He’s clearly extorting my father. I absolutely will not acknowledge it. As for this dog, it trespassed into our home and deserved to die!”

Henry Brooks’s bulging goldfish eyes widened. “You little bastard, how dare you slander me! Just wait and see how I’ll deal with you!”

Charles Harris reached out and put his arm around David Thompson’s shoulders, straightening his sturdy frame and solemnly said to Henry Brooks, “I won’t vouch for you, but Daqi entrusted his son to me. Today, I won’t let you lay a finger on him.”

Henry Brooks was left in an awkward position, unable to leave or stay. Just then, a servant came running, panting, and cupped his fists, “Head Steward, all the offerings have arrived. Master asks you to return at once.”

Henry Brooks seized the opportunity to step down, baring his teeth and glaring viciously at David Thompson, “Once I’m done with the ceremony, I’ll go to the county to find your father. You little brat, it’s fine if you talk tough—just wait until I drag your father back from the county to settle this debt. It’s all in black and white, even if you go to the authorities it’s useless. You and your father better get ready to wear mourning clothes and hold a funeral for my dog!”

“Let’s go!”

Henry Brooks turned and left. Four servants quickly gathered up the dog’s corpse and followed their master out, tails between their legs.

Charles Harris looked deeply worried. He understood the ways of the world—an IOU in the hands of a bully like Henry Brooks meant Daqi was truly in big trouble this time.

……

Night fell. David Thompson sat cross-legged on the earthen bed, hugging Dahei. His eyes shone especially bright in the darkness. He had no more time, and no way out. In such dire straits, only by fighting back could he hope to survive.

The idea that had sprung up in the ancestral hall during the day was gradually taking shape into a plan. He needed to plot carefully, perfect every detail, and not make a single mistake.

David Thompson slowly closed his eyes. Today, Henry Brooks had actually tried to reason with Uncle Harris, which made him realize a truth: in this world where the strong prey on the weak, if you want villains to reason with you, your fists must be harder and your heart more ruthless than theirs.

Just reading books wasn’t enough. Once this matter was over, he’d have to find a chance to train his fists as well.

……

The next day at noon, David Thompson came to the ancestral hall again. But he didn’t go inside; instead, he climbed up a large cypress tree to observe the hall. Yesterday, the ancestral hall had been cold and deserted, but today it was bustling with activity.

The courtyard was piled high with all kinds of boxes and baskets. Over a dozen clan members were busy in the yard and the main hall—some sweeping and sprinkling water, some arranging the offering tables and placing the sacrifices, others laying out carpets.

George Thompson stood at the entrance pretending to help, but his eyes were fixed on two jars of fine wine in the courtyard. That was Gaoji Baijiu, the most famous in Xiangzhou! The aroma of the wine wafted through the clay seals, straight into his nostrils and his heart, making him almost forget about tomorrow’s clan ceremony.

A young clansman joked with George Thompson, “Fourth Uncle, you sure there won’t be any rats coming to steal the wine tonight?”

“Heh, how could that happen!”

George Thompson put on an air of immortal-like dignity and waved his hand, “All these years, when has there ever been a problem? I, George Thompson, will sleep in the main hall tonight. Let’s see who dares to steal anything.”

The young men burst out laughing. “There’s a problem every time, it’s just that the clan leader never pursues it.”

George Thompson’s face flushed, and he could only laugh along awkwardly.

At that moment, a stern-faced middle-aged man walked out of the main hall. Everyone immediately lowered their heads and stopped joking. His name was Richard Thompson, the third brother of clan leader William Thompson, and he was fully in charge of this ceremony.

He asked George Thompson, “Old Fourth, was there any movement in the main hall last night?”

George Thompson quickly replied with a fawning smile, “Nothing at all, Third Brother, please rest assured!”

Richard Thompson glanced back at the purple sandalwood spirit tablet on the altar and reminded him, “Daguang, you know what that spirit tablet means to our family. If it weren’t for the auspicious timing, we’d never have brought it out so early. You must keep a close watch. If you think you can’t handle it alone, I’ll have two young men keep watch with you tonight. Not a single mishap can occur.”

“Really, there’s no need!”

George Thompson patted his chest. “Since the clan leader entrusted it to me, it means he trusts me. Besides, it’s not my first time guarding it. Don’t worry, Third Brother!”

Richard Thompson had originally wanted two young men to keep watch with him, but since George Thompson invoked the clan leader, he couldn’t say much more and just nodded. “Since you say so, I’ll leave it to you. No drinking tonight, remember?”

“I promise I won’t touch a drop!”

Richard Thompson then said to the clan members in the courtyard, “I’m heading to the county to buy a few things. I might not make it back until the ceremony starts. Everyone, work a bit harder and finish up early. I’ll tell the clan leader, and each of you will get a reward of two strings of coins.”

Hearing about the reward, everyone worked even harder.

……

David Thompson didn’t leave in a hurry, but patiently hid in the tree, waiting. He trusted his judgment—the three little rascals would definitely come.