“Ninth brother, I was the one at fault in this matter, and Father has already punished me for it. Don’t go causing trouble for the Cheng family!” Edward Thompson was ninth in his family, with two legitimate elder brothers and six elder half-brothers, collectively known as the Nine Tigers of Hejian. Matthew Clark was one of three brothers: eldest brother Matthew Clark and youngest brother Matthew Clark, together called the Three Bears of the Cheng family. The nickname “Bear” was spot on, as the three brothers looked almost identical—each one a burly man over 1.9 meters tall, the kind who could be snatched up by a mother bear in the forest to be her mate. With their family’s martial arts skills, taking on three at once was no problem. If Edward Thompson, that blockhead, really brought his brothers to fight the Cheng family, it would be like showing up just to get beaten.

“Don’t worry, Sixth Brother, I know what’s appropriate. But this grudge is set, and sooner or later I’ll have to get even.” Edward Thompson said through gritted teeth. As it happened, Edward Thompson and Louis Thompson were born on the same year, month, and day, and were of the same generation, so there was no way to rank them by age. However, since Louis Thompson and Edward Thompson were ninth and he himself was sixth, he considered himself older and always called him Ninth Brother. But Edward Thompson, being so competitive, never admitted it and never called him Sixth Brother, always referring to him as Sixth Lad.

Originally, Edward Thompson had wanted to visit George Thompson, but unfortunately George Thompson was injured, and Taizong didn’t allow others to visit, so he hadn’t been able to go. The two chatted for a while and only parted when it was almost time for class. As for Philip Thompson starting over at elementary school, Edward Thompson, that carefree brother, laughed so hard he almost doubled over. If it weren’t for the attendants supporting him, he probably would have collapsed from laughter, which so infuriated Adam Thompson that he kicked him several times to vent his anger.

As he left, Edward Thompson said that at noon he would host a banquet at the largest Junzi Tower in the city to celebrate Eric Thompson. After class in the morning, he would come find Philip Thompson, and he had also invited some old friends. It was a good chance for Carl Thompson, who had been cooped up for half a month and was feeling restless, and he was also curious to see the top playboy circle of Chang’an. After all, he was born into this circle and would inevitably have to deal with these people in the future, so it was best to get acquainted early. He gladly agreed.

Chapter 8: The Pheasant Slave and the Young Rhinoceros

There weren’t many people in the elementary school—just over thirty students, plus two scholars and two clerks, making less than forty in total. All the students were little kids under ten, so among them, the already fourteen-year-old Walter Thompson really stood out. The little ones around were all very curious about this “big classmate,” and a few mischievous ones even came over to ask Louis Thompson.

The classroom was very spacious, with rows of low individual desks as soon as you entered. Students had to kneel behind the desks while studying. Edward Thompson tried it out and found it quite comfortable—after all, this body was already used to kneeling like this.

“Sixth Brother, I didn’t expect you to be so early! I haven’t had a chance to thank you for what you did for Mother yet!” While Patrick Thompson, a little boy of about eight or nine ran over and sat down next to him. Philip Thompson had just seen him yesterday—this little guy was his ninth brother, who would later become Emperor Gaozong of Tang, William Thompson.

“Oh, Zhinu, Mother is everyone’s mother. There’s no need for thanks between brothers.” Victor Thompson said righteously, patting William Thompson on the shoulder. Zhinu was William Thompson’s childhood nickname. Regardless of whether William Thompson would ascend the throne in the future, it was necessary to build a good relationship now.

“Hehe, Sixth Brother, you’re right. Then I won’t give you this osmanthus cake.” A little head poked out from behind William Thompson, a round face and big eyes full of mischief.

“You… why did you bring Sizi too?” Thomas Thompson pointed at William Thompson. The one who came out from behind William Thompson was the three-year-old Sizi, who was now munching on the last piece of osmanthus cake, her face covered in crumbs.

Seeing Sizi’s mischievous look, William Thompson couldn’t help but pull a long face and say, “Sixth Brother, you can’t blame me for this. Ever since Mother got sick, no one has taken care of Sizi. I usually play with her, but now that I have to come to school, I can’t bring her along. Yesterday, Father asked you to come study here, and Sizi insisted on coming too. Father couldn’t refuse her, so he agreed.”

Oh no! Alan Thompson was here because of him, and he immediately felt a headache coming on. Although the Tang Dynasty was open-minded, the upper class still valued strict separation between men and women. Girls weren’t allowed to study with boys; princesses were usually taught by their mothers or special palace maids. But now, his imperial father had actually agreed to let Sizi come to school here—he was really spoiling this little princess!

“I want to sit with Sixth Brother. Ninth Brother, you sit in front of me!” After finishing her osmanthus cake, Sizi wiped her hands on William Thompson and declared. It was clear that William Thompson doted on his little sister, pinching her cheek and giving up his seat for her.

“Sixth Brother, is your injury better?”

“Sixth Brother, do you really not know how to read?”

“Sixth Brother, will you take me to play? The palace is so boring!”

“Sixth Brother…”