Ten years ago, Ethan Brooks had just arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture and did not witness that sumo match in person. However, he had heard people talk about the scene between the Song and Liao wrestlers at the time. Back then, the Liao sent their sumo experts, intending to disgrace the Song. Emperor Huizong ordered the imperial guards to enter the ring, but three of them were killed by the Liao wrestlers. Later, Frank Brooks stepped up, fought twelve opponents in a row, and broke the bones and tendons of the Liao wrestlers, with five of them coughing up blood and dying.

　　That scene was truly shocking.

　　It was said that every time Frank Brooks won a match, tens of thousands would cheer with raised arms, the momentum was terrifying.

　　Unfortunately, the next day when Frank Brooks entered the ring again, he was mysteriously killed. It was rumored that the Liao used underhanded tricks, resulting in Frank Brooks's death. Although the Liao refused to admit it to the end, they eventually had to leave in disgrace.

　　Edward Brooks is Frank Brooks's son?

　　Working as a butcher under the Alum Tower...

　　Ethan Brooks couldn't help but sigh in his heart—how could the descendant of a former hero have fallen so far?

　　"Little Yi is not bad, generous and loyal.

　　It's just that he's too fond of fighting and showing off, always wanting to win... When Coach Johnson was alive, he could still keep Little Ethan in check; but after Coach Johnson passed away four years ago, no one could restrain him anymore. In recent years, he's often gotten into conflicts, leading a group of idlers to compete with others, earning the nickname Jack Brooks... but he often stirs up trouble."

　　Yet he's just a butcher!

　　William Thompson frowned slightly, feeling somewhat resistant inside.

　　But Ethan Brooks didn't mind at all, smiling as he asked, "So tell me, what kind of trouble has he caused?"

　　"Well..."

　　Louis Johnson hesitated!

　　Sam Miller said, "Little Ethan can't really be called a troublemaker, he's just quick to stand up for others.

　　For example, that George Harris from the Sang family tile works is also a local tyrant in Kaifeng Prefecture. He gathers dozens of ruffians every day, swaggering through the streets, extremely arrogant. Little Ethan couldn't stand it, so he clashed with George Harris.

　　Sir, if you don't believe me, you can ask around at Guotou.

　　Although Little Ethan's reputation isn't the best, he's never bullied anyone. Some may say he's not diligent in his work, some may say he's overbearing, but no one would say he bullies the weak or does evil... Little Ethan just has a fiery temper, so he's offended quite a few people. But if Guotou didn't have Little Ethan holding the fort, who knows what those scoundrels would have turned it into... If you say Little Ethan is bad, I can't agree."

　　Guotou refers to the Ma Xing Street night market.

　　In Kaifeng Prefecture, the Zhouqiao night market is famous throughout the land. But the Ma Xing Street night market is a hundred times more bustling and lively than Zhouqiao. The streets are packed with carriages and horses, so crowded that it's almost impossible to stand, so the people of Kaifeng call the Ma Xing Street night market "Guotou" to show that it's even more prosperous and lively.

　　Ethan Brooks nodded slightly and said to William Thompson, "He truly is a man of spirit."

　　"Shaoyang, are you interested in this rough fellow?"

　　"Hehe, I'm just curious—how could such a rough man recognize level tones and rhymes?"

　　"Well..."

　　"William, let's just watch for fun.

　　If that Little Edward is a ruffian, there's no need to bother. But if he's being bullied, I can't just stand by and do nothing. Edward Jr. died to defend the nation's dignity, how could his descendants be bullied?"

　　"Well..."

　　William Thompson was clearly a bit hesitant.

　　But seeing Ethan Brooks's resolute attitude, he nodded in agreement.

　　"By the way, how did Little Edward end up owing money to that George Harris?"

　　Louis Johnson said, "I'm not too sure about the details.

　　It's just that ten days ago, George Harris and Ethan agreed to a fight. Unexpectedly, that scoundrel invited 'Little Grant' Benjamin Thompson to help. Ethan was nearly beaten to death by Benjamin Thompson, so that's how the debt came about, more or less."

　　"Little Grant?"

　　Ethan Brooks asked with interest, "Who is that?"

　　"Sir, you don't know Little Grant?" Louis Johnson asked in surprise.

　　But then he thought, someone like Ethan Brooks, a top student who spends every day diligently studying, how would he have the energy to pay attention to a street performer? Little Grant Benjamin Thompson is quite famous among the common folk, but in the eyes of someone like Ethan Brooks, he probably wouldn't even be noticed. Still, Ethan somehow caught Ethan Brooks's interest. Louis Johnson was both curious and a bit envious... In these times, scholars are impressive!

　　"Benjamin Thompson is a famous sumo wrestler in Kaifeng Prefecture.

　　It's said that he's almost a sixth-rank wrestler, incredibly strong and highly skilled. In his early years, his father was as famous as Coach Johnson and Father Edward. But later, during the selection for imperial guards, he was defeated by Father Edward. Benjamin Thompson is even more formidable than his father, so it's no shame that Little Ethan lost to him."

　　The affairs of the marketplace are endless if you start talking about them.

　　Ethan Brooks listened with great interest, but William Thompson seemed a bit bored.

　　"Sir, turn right at the alley ahead and you'll reach Guanyin Temple."

　　Just as Louis Johnson was talking excitedly, the usually silent Sam Miller suddenly spoke up.

　　This was the First Sweetwater Alley, and at the entrance to Guanyin Alley ahead, there was already a huge crowd.

　　"By the way, who is Mrs. Johnson?"

　　Ethan Brooks asked again.

　　Louis Johnson and Sam Miller exchanged a glance and answered in unison, "Mrs. Johnson is Coach Johnson's youngest daughter, and also Little Ethan's wife."

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　　"浑家" means wife.