“It’s rare for my son to be so attentive. These symbols are actually somewhat useful for breaking up sentences…” Old Master’s eyes grew brighter and brighter, like stars twinkling in the sky. Old Master seemed to have realized the usefulness of these inconspicuous little symbols.

“Thank you for your praise, Father…” I wiped the sweat from my forehead. Old Master was truly intimidating—I was just glad he didn’t hit me.

“These past two days… hmm, your handwriting is too ugly, lacking strength. One can judge a person by their writing. Look at this ‘琢’ character you wrote—it’s like a chicken scratching…” Old Master, who had mastered the essence of semi-cursive script, commented most accurately. I really did write it like a chicken scratching with a feather. Idol! I looked at Old Master with eyes full of stars.

Old Master Brooks seemed a bit uncomfortable with my adoring gaze and simply turned away: “But… you did put your heart into it… and you even know how to use periods… and commas to break up sentences. Truly… my efforts as a father have not been in vain…” Old Master seemed to be wiping away tears behind my back.

“Father…” My eyes were a little hot too. After I turned sixteen, no one cared whether my handwriting was good or not, and no one chased me with a big stick when I made mistakes. Today, it suddenly felt like I was back in the old days.

Chapter 7: The Prodigal’s Quest for Revenge

“Come, sit down…” This time, Old Master actually took the initiative to pull me toward the low couch in the study.

“Master, please have some tea. Second Young Master, please have some tea…” Grace was very thoughtful.

“Jun’er…” Old Master Brooks took a sip of tea. I also took a sip. Honestly, ancient tea is… really hard to describe. The tea leaves are as broken as gravel, and there are all sorts of strange things mixed in. No class at all.

“These past two days you’ve truly worked hard. As your father, I am very comforted… But Jun’er, why was it before that you were so unruly? Not to mention copying books—even just picking up a brush, you…” Old Master Brooks shook his head, unable to continue. It seemed that Chris Brooks had really hurt the old man’s heart.

“Dad… I know I was wrong before. That day when you gave me a good beating, I lost some memories, but I also understood a truth: ‘Only through hardship can one rise above others.’ From today on, I will study hard, improve every day, never be late or leave early… uh, Father, what’s wrong?” Old Master’s expression was a bit odd, his mouth twisted.

“Jun’er… good, good, good. It seems your head injury hasn’t healed yet. You’re talking nonsense, but at least you know what’s right and wrong. My efforts as your father were not in vain…” Old Master sighed with great relief.

“Master… Master.” Before my father could finish lecturing me, a servant burst in from outside.

“What is it? Can’t you see I’m talking to Jun’er?” Old Master Brooks was displeased. It was rare to have a chance for his second son to sit quietly and be lectured.

“His Highness the Prince of Wu is here again, waiting in the front hall. He says he has important matters to discuss with the Second Young Master… What do you think…” The servant glanced at Old Master Brooks’s face and spoke in a low voice, sneaking a look at me. What’s so interesting? I glared back fiercely, and the servant trembled in fear.

“The Third Prince is here again?” Old Master Brooks frowned and glanced at me. I’m innocent, I’m pure, I kept up my earnest expression of being lectured by Old Master.

“Sigh… forget it, we’ll talk next time. Go see the Third Prince. He’s always coming to my residence—what does he take this place for…” Old Master Brooks grumbled quietly in dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, I heard him. Old Master seemed to realize his slip, coughed dryly, and gave me a stern look. As someone who used to be the vice principal’s confidant and lackey, I understood at once, nodding and bowing: “Don’t worry, Dad, I won’t say a word even if it kills me.”

“Oh right… when you see His Highness, sigh…” Old Master Brooks waved at me helplessly. It seemed he was very troubled by the Third Prince’s shameless behavior, but there was nothing he could do—after all, the Third Prince’s father was his boss, the emperor.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll go see His Highness and then come back for your lecture.” I put my legs together, stood at attention, and promised solemnly. Turning around, I smiled at Grace standing outside, grabbed the servant, and hurried to the front hall.

As soon as I reached the front hall doors, I saw Edward Lincoln sitting on a stool, chatting with a man with a short beard. Their conversation was elegant, their laughter hearty, and their appearance, bearing, and spirit were the very model of perfection. Looking at myself, I felt a bit inferior.

……

“Eh… Second Brother is here. Why are you standing outside? Come in and greet the Third Prince.” The short-bearded man saw me dazed at the door and waved me over, then said to Edward Lincoln, “My second brother has been punished by our father these past few days—he might be a bit startled… please forgive any rudeness.” He was clearly Chris Brooks’s elder brother, James Brooks, courtesy name Jie. I’d heard from Grace that my eldest brother was kind-hearted and often spoke up for me, the family’s black sheep, in front of our parents. Privately, the brothers were also very close. Just for that, I should be more polite to my big brother.

I gave Edward Lincoln a half-bow. “Brother Jun, there’s no need for that. Sigh… you’ve suffered…” Edward Lincoln’s sympathetic expression looked fake to me. I ignored him and saluted my big brother.

“All right, all right… there are no outsiders here, no need for these empty courtesies. Jun, since you’re just recovering, you should rest more at home…” My big brother helped me up and patted my shoulder comfortingly.