According to the rules of Kaifeng Prefecture, selling raw meat from privately slaughtered animals is absolutely illegal.

Generally speaking, the raw meat sold in the market is slaughtered in specialized shops and then brought to the market for sale. The raw meat at The Brooks Family’s shop had always been supplied by James Foster of Inman Bridge. Every day before dawn, James Foster would have someone push a cart to deliver the raw meat to the shop.

But now, James Foster has stopped supplying raw meat.

And the other butchers have all said they don’t dare supply raw meat to The Brooks Family’s shop either, leaving Edward Brooks in an awkward situation. Without raw meat, what can The Brooks Family’s shop sell? How can they make money to pay off their debts?

This move by George Harris—cutting off the supply at the source—was truly ruthless!

Actually, if Edward Brooks were a bit more forceful and really pressured James Foster and the others to supply raw meat, James Foster wouldn’t dare refuse. But although he has a group of idle men, he doesn’t bully the weak with strength and usually abides by the rules.

James Foster and the others value this, which is why they dared to stop supplying.

If Edward Brooks were also a domineering type, maybe James Foster and the others wouldn’t dare refuse.

That’s the way of the world: the strong prey on the weak.

Edward Brooks is strong, but ultimately lacks the ruthless, unscrupulous methods of George Harris.

“Sister Julia, if we sell raw meat from private slaughter, and get found out, won’t the authorities punish us?”

“So what do you plan to do?”

Nancy immediately shot back, leaving Edward Brooks speechless.

Actually, private slaughter isn’t much different from designated slaughter. It’s just that the citizens of Kaifeng Prefecture are already used to these regulations. Edward Brooks stroked his smooth chin, and after a while nodded, “At this point, it seems this is the only way... But do you know where to buy it?”

“For this, you’d better ask Uncle Samuel.

He’s been in this business a long time and knows a lot of people—he’ll definitely know the ins and outs.”

Edward Brooks said with some difficulty, “But Jack Ross has already quit.”

When Nancy Johnson heard this, her charming big eyes glanced at Edward Brooks, and she sighed, “Uncle Samuel quitting was out of necessity. Besides, we don’t need him to come back to work, just to ask for some connections. If he won’t even help with this, then he really has no conscience.

Take two bottles of Suzhou Qiyun Qinglu with you—Uncle Samuel loves that kind of wine.”

Edward Brooks grinned, secretly grinding his teeth.

Qiyun Qinglu?

Seventy wen a bottle, it’s truly good wine.

But at this point, Edward Brooks had no other choice.

So he agreed, waved for Little Steven to come over, told him to go to Fengle Lou to buy the wine, and stayed in the shop himself.

After the busiest time past noon, Nancy went home.

Edward Brooks then took two bottles of Qiyun Qinglu and headed straight to Samuel Ross’s residence.

Jack Ross lived under Jinliang Bridge, which was quite a bustling area.

Edward Brooks found Jack Ross’s place, pushed the door open, and saw Jack Ross sitting by the well sharpening a knife.

When he saw Edward Brooks come in, Jack Ross immediately looked ashamed and hurried to greet him.

Jack Ross wasn’t tall, about 172 centimeters.

His skin was bronze, his face full of the marks of time. But his eyes were very bright. He wore a gray short jacket, a belt around his waist, and was barefoot, looking a bit uneasy.

“Little Ethan, what brings you here?”

Jack Ross quickly brought out a stool from the house and invited Edward Brooks to sit.

“Uncle Samuel, don’t bother... Actually, I came today to ask a favor.”

Jack Ross sat down beside him, forcing a smile, “Little Ethan, Old Ross has let you down... Quitting at this time wasn’t my wish, I really had no choice. Sammy Harris keeps harassing my family, and made it clear that if I go to work, I’m going against him. Little Ethan knows, my wife passed away early, and I only have this one son. If Sammy Harris harms him, the Old Ross family will be finished...

I’m truly sorry, I can’t help you. Please forgive me, Little Ethan.”

Edward Brooks smiled slightly when he heard this, “Uncle Samuel, I didn’t come today to ask you to work. I’ve heard about your family’s situation, and I don’t blame you. I’ll settle this score with Scott Harris sooner or later. I came today because I’m at my wit’s end, and I want to ask Uncle Samuel to point me in the right direction.”

Edward Brooks was very humble, which surprised Jack Ross.

In his impression, Edward Brooks had always been arrogant and unruly, seemingly only respecting his father and Coach Johnson. But today, he actually bowed his head to him, which made Jack Ross feel even more guilty. If Ethan wasn’t truly desperate, he probably wouldn’t do this.

Hopefully, after this hardship, he’ll learn to be more cautious in the future.

“Little Ethan, don’t say that, it’s Old Ross who’s let you down.

Whatever you need, just say it. As long as it’s not too difficult for Old Ross, I won’t refuse.”