Thinking of this, Edward Brooks also felt a bit troubled.

Just then, someone outside the crowd suddenly shouted loudly: “You scoundrel, don’t push your luck and bully others too much.

You’re saying that as long as someone vouches for him, it’s fine?

Then I’ll be his guarantor. Are you satisfied with that?”

The officials in the crowd suddenly parted, making way. Four people walked out from the middle—two dressed as scholars, two as constables.

George Harris came today precisely to shut down Edward Brooks’s butcher shop and drive him out of Mahang Street.

He hadn’t expected that someone would suddenly step forward to vouch for Edward Brooks, and he immediately became furious and shouted harshly, “And who the hell are you people?”

“Sammy Harris, you’ve got guts!”

Before Ethan Brooks and the other could speak, Louis Johnson rushed out, pointing at George Harris and cursing.

William Thompson’s face was as dark as water, but he said nothing.

Ethan Brooks sneered, “My name is Ethan Brooks, a top upper student of Xiqing Academy; he is William Thompson, a Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, son of Master Liangxi, also a top upper student of Xiqing Academy. I wonder if we are qualified to vouch for him?”

Xiqing Academy was another name for the Imperial Academy.

This Imperial Academy was the highest educational institution in the Song Dynasty. In the fourth year of Qingli, Fan Zhongyan implemented new policies and established the Imperial Academy at Kaifeng’s Xiqing Academy. Later, Emperor Shenzong expanded it, increasing the number of students to 2,400 and implementing the Three Halls system.

When Emperor Huizong came to power, the Imperial Academy was further expanded, and the imperial examination was even abolished, with talent being selected through the academy, bringing the Imperial Academy to its peak. The so-called Three Halls system consisted of the Upper Hall, Inner Hall, and Outer Hall. The method was similar to the later system of elementary, middle, and university exams and promotions...

Among them, top upper students held the highest status and could be directly appointed as officials.

Under such circumstances, no matter how arrogant George Harris was, he wouldn’t dare provoke Ethan Brooks.

Not to mention, William Thompson’s father was a Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. As the saying goes, commoners don’t fight with officials. He was just a local ruffian in Kaifeng; if William Thompson’s father really wanted to deal with him, it would be as easy as turning his hand.

Edward Brooks looked at Ethan Brooks and William Thompson in surprise.

It was obvious that William Thompson had been dragged into this by Ethan Brooks and was unwilling, so he didn’t show Edward Brooks a friendly face.

But Ethan Brooks gave Edward Brooks a slight smile.

“Since two gentlemen from Xiqing Academy are willing to vouch for him, I have no objections.”

It seemed that making things difficult for Edward Brooks today would be hard to achieve. George Harris was a clever man, so he quickly changed his attitude and replied respectfully.

“In that case, then leave at once.

As for the guarantee contract, tomorrow I will wait with Little Edward at Kaifeng Prefecture, and we’ll sign and seal it there.”

“Of course, of course!”

Although George Harris was unwilling, he had no choice.

He was just a loafer from Sangjiawazi, used to bullying honest folk, but he dared not act rashly toward Imperial Academy students.

Since the Song Dynasty, the scholar-officials and the emperor ruled the country together.

The status of scholars had risen steadily, far above that of a mere loafer like him. What’s more, there was the son of a Junior Minister standing right there—how could George Harris dare to be reckless? He glared fiercely at Edward Brooks and slunk away.

Edward Brooks, however, looked at Ethan Brooks in puzzlement. After a moment, he cupped his hands and said, “Thank you both for your help. Edward Brooks is deeply grateful.”

“This has nothing to do with me; it was Shaoyang’s idea.”

William Thompson spoke coldly, clearly displeased.

But Edward Brooks didn’t mind, and bowed to Ethan Brooks, “Thank you, Master Brooks, for coming to my aid.”

“Heh, I just couldn’t stand that scoundrel’s arrogance.

Earlier, I heard you discussing music theory by the riverbank, so I figured you must be a capable man. How could I let that rascal bully a good person? Still, I can only vouch for you; the rest you’ll have to handle yourself. If you can’t gather the money in two months, I won’t be able to help you—don’t blame me then.”

Edward Brooks quickly said, “Of course!”

Volume One, Xuanhe Year Six, Chapter 005: The Ruffian’s Crafty Tactics (Part One)

Ethan Brooks was just an Imperial Academy student, and a poor one at that.

For him to stand up and help a stranger was already the height of benevolence. Edward Brooks was extremely grateful for this.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll run away?”

Ethan Brooks curled his lips, “I don’t believe a man who can spot subtle mistakes in ‘Drunken in the Flowers’ and who rushed home at the first sign of trouble would default on someone else’s debt. Little Ethan has an elegant character and is definitely not some filthy scoundrel. Besides, I don’t lose much by vouching for you. Your house is worth at least five hundred strings of cash. If you run, at worst I’ll take it to pay the debt. The laws of Great Song are clear—what do I have to fear?”

Hearing this, Edward Brooks said no more.

After the ruffians’ commotion, the house was left in a mess.

Edward Brooks didn’t keep his guests, and saw Ethan Brooks and William Thompson out. When he returned, the onlookers had all dispersed. Louis Johnson and Sam Miller were helping Nancy tidy up, and when they saw Edward Brooks return, they quickly took their leave.

“Sister Julia, you take a rest, I’ll handle it.”