Jason Turner looked at Ethan Lawson's expression, and couldn't help but feel a trace of satisfaction in his heart. In the past, these Jinyiwei were always high and mighty, feared by all. Now, seeing a Qianhu in such a state was enough for him to drink a few extra cups tonight!

However, he quickly calmed down. The distinguished guest in the private room behind him was still listening. After a slight pause, he continued, "Sir, you should know the current situation. In the court, from the vice ministers and ministers of each department to the grand secretaries of the cabinet, which one of them can't be toppled at a moment's notice? And as for who Xu Xianchun belongs to, you should know better than I do."

"Wei Zhongxian!" Ethan Lawson's brows furrowed tightly, panic rising in his heart. The Lawson family had inherited the position of Jinyiwei Commander for generations. Even if it hadn't declined under him, if Wei Zhongxian wanted to fully control the Jinyiwei, he would inevitably have to purge the Lawson family's influence. As the current Commander's son, Scott Lawson, and a mere Qianhu, he would likely be the first target.

But Ethan Lawson was no ordinary man. He quickly regained his composure, looked at Jacob Turner with a cold gaze, and said, "Mr. Turner, who exactly is the person behind you?"

Jason Turner replied, "Sir, asking too much would break the rules. The distinguished person behind me asked me to tell you this: the Lawson family has inherited the position for generations, loyal and devoted. Over the years, you have been diligent and conscientious. It's not unreasonable for you to succeed as the Jinyiwei Commander."

"You want me to take over?" Ethan Lawson was startled at first, but then gave a self-mocking smile and said, "Who doesn't know that Wei Zhongxian is now the Emperor's favorite? Competing with his people, I'm afraid I don't stand a chance at all, do I?"

Jason Turner shook his head again and smiled, "Sir, that's where you're wrong. Elder Lawson has stood firm through three reigns, which shows the Emperor's trust. When it comes to the Jinyiwei, his words carry more weight than anyone else's."

Ethan Lawson's brows furrowed even tighter, his heart filled with suspicion and uncertainty. After a while, he still hesitated and said, "I'm afraid my father wouldn't want me to take over."

Jason Turner said, "That's only natural. With the current uncertainty in the court, the elder certainly doesn't want you to get involved. But you must understand, sir, once the Jinyiwei falls into someone else's hands... we will be at their mercy!"

Ethan Lawson's heart skipped a beat, and countless thoughts raced through his mind. Over the years, his father had done things in the Jinyiwei—some he knew, some he didn't—but to say they were completely clean was impossible. And what he himself had done was enough to have their family property confiscated, all depending on Wei Zhongxian's mood.

After a long while, Ethan Lawson gritted his teeth, looked at Jason Turner, and said in a deep voice, "If I can persuade my father, can the person behind you guarantee that I can take over smoothly?"

Seeing that Ethan Lawson had finally relented, Jason Turner felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. He replied even more confidently, "Sir, you should know that Elder Lawson's memorial will be delivered directly to the Emperor. Neither the Ministry of Personnel, the Cabinet, nor the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs will know about it. As long as the elder submits the memorial overnight, there will be an imperial decree the next day."

Looking at the memorial in his hand, Ethan Lawson did not doubt Jason Turner's words. He gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I'll go back and persuade my father to submit the memorial to the palace tonight." With that, he got up and was about to leave.

"Wait." Jacob Turner stood up, took out a silver note from his chest, and said to Ethan Lawson, "You may take this memorial with you, and this three-thousand tael silver note is also yours."

Ethan Lawson's expression was grave, but he knew that he was now allied with the people behind Jason Turner. After a moment's hesitation, he still accepted it and said, "Thank you." With that, he hurriedly left.

"Well done." Lucas Bennett pushed open the door and came out, smiling at Jacob Turner.

Jacob Turner immediately nodded and bowed, as if he were a different person, and said, "Thank you for your praise, young master. Everything was arranged by Mr. Foster."

Lucas Bennett nodded and said, "Go and take over those shops the day after tomorrow, manage them well. Here, this is a blue-and-white porcelain with a celadon glaze tribute from Suzhou and Jiangxi—it's yours."

Upon hearing this, Jacob Turner's face lit up with joy. Those shops brought in gold daily. He immediately bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your reward, young master. In the future, I will obey every command, and all tributes will be delivered on time."

Lucas Bennett smiled, then followed behind Ethan Lawson and also left the teahouse.

"Your Highness, isn't this a bit hasty?"

After getting into the carriage, the driver, William Carter, couldn't help but turn his head and say in a low voice.

"Not at all." Lucas Bennett's expression didn't change, but he sighed inwardly, thinking, "If I don't act while Madam Ke is away, these actions would almost certainly fail."

Chapter 4 Scott Lawson

West of the city, Jinyiwei Commander's Mansion, main hall.

His hair was already graying, his face gaunt, but his spirit was still vigorous, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. Scott Lawson sat in the chair, his gaze coldly fixed on Ethan Lawson, who was kneeling on the ground with a stubborn look on his face.

After nearly half an hour, Scott Lawson finally said coldly, "Who told you these things?"

Although Ethan Lawson's face was stubborn, he still replied respectfully and truthfully, "Jacob Turner, who runs the cloth business in the east of the city. The message came from the person behind him."

Scott Lawson's sneer deepened. "Just because of a few words, your attitude has changed so drastically?"

Ethan Lawson frowned tightly, seemingly unwilling, and said, "I wasn't persuaded, Father. I've had this thought for a long time. If the Jinyiwei really falls into someone else's hands, our Lawson family will surely..."