Not long after, William Clark also appeared, accompanied by a burly man with a bristling beard and graying temples. “Uncle Clark……” Edward Lincoln hurriedly stood up to greet him. I noticed that Edward Lincoln, who could always keep his composure and handle anyone with ease, suddenly looked a bit odd, as if he was quite afraid of this uncle. Uncle Clark—could he be that Samuel Clark?

“Heh heh... Alright, alright, we’re at home, no need for all these formalities, it’s annoying.” Uncle Clark was very easygoing, giving Edward Lincoln a slap on the shoulder. Instantly, Edward Lincoln’s face turned deathly pale, and his previously upright posture trembled a little. Did the old man just use some kind of bone-melting palm technique?

“Little girl... Why didn’t you come see your uncle when you came yesterday? All my girls at home were talking about you.” His voice was loud and extremely hoarse. Looks like this uncle also joined the drinking chorus last night.

“Last night I wanted to meet my future brother-in-law first, so I didn’t have time to visit uncle...” Emily Lincoln now looked like a well-behaved young lady, giving a very ladylike bow to Uncle Clark. Uncle Clark waved his hand, indicating that Emily Lincoln didn’t need to be so formal, then turned his gaze to me.

“This fine young man must be the second son of Master Fang, right...” Uncle Clark was just too easygoing—a slap nearly dislocated my shoulder. I raised my slightly numb hand and forced a smile as I saluted Uncle Clark.

“Good lad... there’s some strength in your back.” Uncle Clark looked at me in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected me to react differently from Edward Lincoln.

“Uncle Clark’s grip is truly as heavy as a thousand pounds... My arm is so numb it’s about to cramp...” I quickly admitted defeat; otherwise, if the old man hit me again, I’d have to crawl out through the door.

“Hahaha...” Emily Clark let out three loud laughs, his gaze turning kindly as he nodded in satisfaction at me and Edward Lincoln: “Proud laughter rides the surging waves, hot blood burns brighter than the sun, courage like iron, bones like steel—this is the true portrait of a valiant general! Back in my day, I charged through armies with my spear, truly with courage like iron and bones like steel. For a young man like you to come up with such words, it suits my taste, hahaha...” Uncle Clark clearly has a thick skin; shameless is the perfect word for him.

“Come on, last night I didn’t get to drink with you two fine lads, such a pity. This morning I’ve set up a family feast in the front hall—no one leaves sober, wahahaha...”

My face turned black, Edward Lincoln’s face turned green, little Emily Lincoln’s face turned white, and William Clark’s face turned purple. Not leaving sober first thing in the morning? The old man’s motives are suspicious.

“Uncle Clark, your nephew drank too much yesterday, I’m still dizzy and my hands and feet...” Edward Lincoln also seemed frightened by Uncle Clark’s “no one leaves sober in the morning,” and quickly gave in.

“Youngsters don’t understand, this is called curing hangovers with more wine, it’s my secret technique. I’ll tell you two today, but don’t spread it around.” Uncle Clark raised his eyebrows mysteriously. Edward Lincoln and I dumbly nodded our heads. “Hahaha... you brats, hurry up and clear the way for your father!” Grabbing each of us, he dragged Edward Lincoln and me out like dead dogs. William Clark, looking very embarrassed, darted far ahead, while Emily Lincoln, blushing, squinted her eyes into slits and followed behind, giggling so much she could barely walk straight. I looked at Edward Lincoln with tragic resolve, and Edward Lincoln looked back at me—such mutual understanding, we both wanted to cry on each other’s shoulders...

Staring at the lacquered wine cup on the table, my voice hoarse and on the verge of tears: “Uncle Clark, I really can’t drink anymore.” Just one cup down and the discomfort was so bad I almost wanted to hang myself.

“No rush, no rush, drink slowly. Come on, bottoms up!” Clang, clang, clang—the old rascal downed three cups in a row, wiped his mouth: “I’ve finished mine first out of respect. Young men, don’t let your uncle down... Hahaha, you brat, hurry up and pour for your cousin and the second son of the Fang family.”

Still hungover, Edward Lincoln bravely picked up the lacquered cup, looking as desolate as the wind howling over the cold Yi River. After three cups, Edward Lincoln collapsed gloriously onto the table, babbling nonsense, full of regret and unwillingness. I too lost consciousness, with the old rascal’s shameless laughter still echoing in my ears...

……

When I opened my eyes, it was already dusk. Good heavens, I was still at the Cheng household, sleeping in the same room as last night. I was terrified, hunched over, and cautiously opened the door, only to see a sneaky figure creeping this way not far off. Huh, it was actually Handsome Lincoln? His hat askew, eyes crooked, looking utterly disheveled and sleazy.

“Weide bro... Weide bro, I’m over here.” I called out in a low voice. Edward Lincoln hurriedly put a finger to his lips to signal silence, grabbed me, and the two of us, like commandos sneaking into enemy territory, used the cover of flowers and plants to finally reach the main gate of the Duke of Lu’s mansion. Just as Edward Lincoln and I were about to breathe a sigh of relief, a loud shout came from behind: “Where are you young men going? I’ve already set up the family feast...”

Emily Clark appeared, and he’d set up another family feast... Oh Buddha... Edward Lincoln and I exchanged horrified glances. “Uncle Clark, no need to see us off, your nephew has something urgent to attend to...” Screaming, we dashed away, kicking up a trail of dust.

Chapter 11: Master Calligrapher

The two young rakes were now in a sorry state, ignoring the stares and whispers of passersby, and just slumped on a long stone bench, panting with their tongues out.