Old Lady raised her stick and brought it down, the blow splitting the skin and flesh, nearly causing unconsciousness.

　　“Third, you secretly stole the family’s horse and took family property. Shouldn’t you be punished for that?”

　　“And, you sneaked off with the horse, causing your second brother to be beaten by your mother. Is there any brotherly love left between you? Shouldn’t you be punished?”

　　“Our family worked so hard to send you to private school. Instead of studying properly, you keep thinking up crooked schemes. Are you really trying to drive me to my grave?”

　　……

　　For every crime Mrs. Carter listed, she delivered several blows. By the end, Richard Carter couldn’t even speak, only the dull thud of the paddle could be heard.

　　Bennett couldn’t take it anymore. She rushed over and shielded her son.

　　“Grandmother, you can’t hit him anymore. Richard meant well—he just saw how hard things are for our family. The child made a small mistake, can’t you let it go?”

　　“A small mistake?”

　　Mrs. Carter could hardly believe her ears. “Second daughter-in-law, you call this a small mistake? The The Carter Family ancestors were generals, a respectable family, four generations under one roof. Descendants must not steal, must not gamble, must not harm their own brothers. If this is a small mistake, then there are no big mistakes. If he isn’t punished, even the ancestors of The Carter Family will not rest in peace!”

　　Bennett didn’t have the courage to argue with Old Lady, so she could only lower her head in silent agreement. Yet her expression clearly showed some disdain—so long as there’s money to be made, who cares about being clean or not? Truly old-fashioned.

　　Mrs. Carter saw Bennett’s dissatisfaction, which made her even more regretful, even self-reproachful. It seemed she had spoiled the second son’s family too much, letting them act recklessly, caring about nothing. If she didn’t teach them a harsh lesson, the The Carter Family would surely be ruined!

　　“Kneel in the ancestral hall, no food or drink allowed. Kneel for three days first, then we’ll talk.” Old Lady swept her gaze sternly over Bennett. “If you dare bring him food, get out of the The Carter Family. I won’t keep a daughter-in-law who doesn’t know right from wrong!”

　　Bennett was completely terrified, opened her mouth, but couldn’t find a word to defend herself. She was utterly afraid, yet full of resentment—if only her husband were home, someone would help speak up, how could she be so passive?

　　……

　　After punishing Richard Carter, Old Lady was about to leave when Andrew Carter desperately signaled to his uncle. Henry Carter finally remembered and hurriedly said, “Grandmother, rewards and punishments must be clear. A few days ago, Andrew was wronged. As elders, we can’t just ignore it.”

　　Mrs. Carter replied casually, “What do you want to do?”

　　Henry Carter said seriously, “Grandmother, Richard has made so many mistakes, clearly he hasn’t put any effort into his studies these years. He hasn’t taken the sages’ teachings to heart. Hoping he’ll succeed and bring honor to the The Carter Family—I think it’s impossible. It would be better to give the opportunity to study to Andrew. I think he’s the right material!”

　　“Nonsense!” Bennett jumped up at once. “My son is a literary star from heaven—even the fortune-teller said so!”

　　Pfft!

　　Henry Carter burst out laughing. “Second daughter-in-law, have you ever seen a literary star who steals? Or one who harms his own brother? With the eldest boy’s character, letting him study might bring disaster to our family in the future!”

　　Bennett was left speechless, only able to look at Mrs. Carter with tearful eyes.

　　This time, Mrs. Carter was truly disappointed in Richard Carter. Worst of all, she had punished Andrew Carter earlier that day, clearly wronging the child. If she didn’t make it up to him, when Charles Carter returned, there would never be peace in the household.

　　Mrs. Carter was reluctant, but had no choice but to make a painful decision.

　　“Fine, we’ll do as the eldest says. Let Andrew study!”

　　Suppressing his excitement, Andrew Carter stood up and said loudly, “Great-grandmother, I will study hard, become accomplished as soon as possible, revive the The Carter Family, and never slack off in the slightest, nor make friends recklessly.”

　　Old Lady nodded perfunctorily, her interest waning. “I’m tired. You all go back now.”

Chapter 7: A String of Cash

　　After a day and night of exhaustion, Andrew Carter fell asleep as soon as he lay down. When he woke again, it was already afternoon. By now, he hadn’t eaten for more than a day, and his stomach was growling louder than a frog.

　　Andrew Carter grabbed Samuel Carter and washed him clean. As for Stephen Carter, there was no need to worry—she washed herself spotless and followed her brother to the kitchen. With Bennett no longer causing trouble, they got a big bowl of thin porridge, five pancakes—not the moldy kind from before, but pale yellow, fragrant with the smell of grain—and a bowl of boiled vegetables. Andrew Carter grinned. Not great, but it would do.

　　Back in the room, they sat facing each other to eat. Samuel Carter pouted, “It’s cold, doesn’t taste good.”

　　Stephen Carter shot her brother a look. “Don’t mind him, brother. If he’s hungry enough, he’ll eat.” Ever since Bennett made a scene, Stephen Carter had clearly grown closer to her brother, always speaking up for him, while Samuel Carter had become the little punching bag.

　　Seeing his brother’s aggrieved look, Andrew Carter found it funny. He took all the pancakes, lit the small stove for boiling water, and when the flames rose, he put the pancakes on the fire to toast for a while. The outside turned golden and slightly burnt, the inside steaming hot, soft and fluffy.

　　“Delicious, really delicious!”

　　The two little ones eagerly gave a thumbs up. Andrew Carter smiled proudly, “This is nothing. When I have time, I’ll make you some grand dishes from north and south, and let you eat your fill!”