However, just as the wine was flowing, Philip Thompson suddenly fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke: “Third Brother, in a few days it will be Father’s seventy-fifth birthday. Last year, because of Second Brother, everyone was very unhappy, and Father was very angry. But a year has passed, and Father’s anger has mostly subsided. How about this year you prepare some gifts, and I’ll help persuade him on the side? If Father is pleased, the past will be forgotten!”

As soon as Philip Thompson finished speaking, Richard Thompson also fell silent. At last year’s birthday banquet, Samuel Thompson had thrown him and his son out, and for the entire year had not allowed them to return. Although he hadn’t formally severed their father-son relationship, it was almost the same.

Richard Thompson’s feelings toward Samuel Thompson were complicated. On one hand, he blamed Samuel Thompson for pushing William Thompson to the point of serious illness; on the other, he couldn’t let go of the bond between father and son.

Meanwhile, William Thompson secretly curled his lips. He wished Samuel Thompson would just cut ties with their family altogether, and the bigger the falling out, the better. Although, given Zhu Yuanzhang’s temperament, it was unlikely he’d let them off just because the father-son relationship was severed, but maybe there’d be a sliver of hope.

Of course, all these thoughts William Thompson could only keep to himself. The real decision still rested with Richard Thompson; being the head of the family was not just an empty title.

“All right, then I’ll have to trouble you, Fifth Brother, to put in a good word for me!” Richard Thompson finally nodded in agreement.

Hearing this, William Thompson also sighed. He knew Richard Thompson would agree. After all, Richard Thompson was a traditional scholar, and years of filial piety had been deeply ingrained in him. Now that his own illness had recovered, Richard Thompson would certainly try to mend relations with Samuel Thompson.

“Great! I knew you’d agree, Third Brother. Leave it to me!” Philip Thompson was overjoyed to see Richard Thompson agree, and immediately raised his cup.

Richard Thompson also raised his cup, clinking it with Philip Thompson’s and downing it in one go. The two brothers then burst out laughing.

The drinking session lasted until the afternoon. Both Richard Thompson and Philip Thompson were thoroughly drunk. William Thompson had no choice but to first send someone to escort Philip Thompson home, then personally take Richard Thompson to the inner quarters. By the time he finished all this, it was already late.

Edward Clark had also had a few more drinks, but being young and a good drinker, he wasn’t drunk. He was just about to take his leave when William Thompson pulled him aside and said, “I’d like to ask you for a favor, Cousin!”

“You’re not going to ask me to help you become the imperial son-in-law, are you?” Edward Clark replied with a wry smile. That was something he truly had no power to help with.

“No, not that. Today, Fifth Uncle invited us to celebrate Grandfather’s birthday. I’m planning to give Grandfather a birthday gift!” William Thompson smiled slightly. He hadn’t had any ideas about becoming the imperial son-in-law, but Philip Thompson’s visit today had given him an idea.

“What kind of birthday gift are you planning to give?” Edward Clark asked with great interest.

“Of course, it’ll be a priceless, one-of-a-kind birthday gift. It’ll definitely outshine everyone else’s!” William Thompson replied with a mysterious smile. Whether his plan would work depended on how impressive this gift was.

“Cousin, you’re not just bragging, are you? What kind of birthday gift could outdo everyone else’s?” Edward Clark said, clearly skeptical. After all, this was Samuel Thompson; every year, even the palace sent gifts for his birthday, not to mention all the officials and nobles eager to curry favor with him. The rare treasures they sent were countless.

“It’s a secret for now. You just need to help me find some things. You’ll know what it is when you see it!” William Thompson grinned, finally able to put his skills as a transmigrator to use.

Chapter 7: Courting Death

William Thompson usually had a bit of trouble making decisions and tended to hesitate, but he also had a strength: once he made up his mind, he would go all out.

There were only a few days left until Samuel Thompson’s birthday, so over the next few days, William Thompson locked himself in his study, secretly tinkering with something. During this time, Edward Clark also helped bring him some materials. He was very curious about what William Thompson was making and asked several times, but William Thompson always refused to say, citing secrecy.

After several busy days, tomorrow was finally Samuel Thompson’s birthday, and William Thompson had finished the gift. He breathed a sigh of relief—now, with this present, his plan could be put into action.

“Dong dong~ dong dong~” A familiar little drum sounded outside the window.

Hearing the sound, William Thompson smiled, stood up, and opened the window. There stood Daisy, looking greedy as ever, which made him laugh: “Daisy, you’re early. Cousin hasn’t arrived yet!”

“That’s fine, I’ll just wait a bit longer!” Daisy replied carelessly. The first time they met, William Thompson had promised to bring her candied hawthorn. He hadn’t gone out these past few days, but he always remembered, so he often asked Edward Clark to bring her snacks. As a result, the little girl had gotten used to it and came knocking at the window at this time every day.

“Oh, right, I heard tomorrow is Grandfather’s birthday. Are you and Father going to have something delicious?” Daisy suddenly remembered and asked curiously. Although she was also Samuel Thompson’s granddaughter, given her status, she had no right to attend the celebration.