“Shut up!” Scott Lawson let out a cold snort, interrupting Ethan Lawson, his gaze sharp as arrows, as if to pierce through Ethan Lawson’s heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. In a chilly voice, he said, “The Jinyiwei are loyal to the Emperor. With your current conduct, how could I possibly recommend you to His Majesty!”

Upon hearing this, Ethan Lawson hurriedly said, “Father, do you really think your son wants to be the Commander? I know my own abilities. I just want to cut off others’ thoughts about the Jinyiwei, to prevent them from bullying you…”

Scott Lawson’s expression didn’t change, but a faint murderous aura flickered in his eyes.

Ethan Lawson’s heart trembled, but he became even more resolute. Suddenly, he knelt and prostrated himself on the ground, loudly saying, “Father, nowadays the Grand Secretaries and Ministers of the Six Ministries retire at will, and homes are confiscated at a word. Are you really going to wait until that day comes before you’re satisfied?”

“Insolence!” Scott Lawson slammed the table, his face dark as thunder.

Ethan Lawson remained prostrate and motionless, but inside he was overjoyed. He knew his father too well—he had hit a sore spot.

Scott Lawson’s face remained unchanged, but his expression grew even colder and sterner.

After an unknown amount of time, he picked up the memorial from Zhang Yunru at his side and said blandly, “Do you know how this memorial came to be?”

“I do not, Father.” Ethan Lawson was still kneeling on the ground.

Scott Lawson let out a mocking laugh. “Of course you don’t. I don’t know either—not a single hint of wind.”

A chill suddenly ran through Ethan Lawson’s heart, but he still said loudly, “I am certain it’s genuine.”

“It is indeed genuine.” Scott Lawson calmed down, his tone returning to normal. “You may get up.”

“Yes, Father.” Ethan Lawson became even more anxious and fearful as he stood up.

Scott Lawson glanced at him and said, “This memorial first went to the Ministry of Personnel, then to the Grand Secretariat, then to the Directorate of Ceremonial, and finally reached the Imperial Presence. It came out of the Imperial Study, and the Emperor hasn’t even seen it.”

Ethan Lawson kept his head lowered and said nothing. He knew the matter was of great importance and not for him to comment on.

“This benefactor you mentioned is indeed no ordinary person.” Scott Lawson narrowed his eyes, looking out the window, but then a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. “But they underestimate me, Scott Lawson, far too much. I’ve served in the Jinyiwei for decades, through three reigns without falling. Though I can’t see through their intentions, I can guess a thing or two.”

After speaking, Scott Lawson hesitated, then said, “In a while, I’ll send the relatives of Lady Fengsheng out of the capital—they won’t be back for ten days or half a month. After you take office, clean up the Jinyiwei, then leave the capital as well.”

Ethan Lawson was overjoyed and quickly said, “Thank you, Father.”

Scott Lawson waved his hand, and Ethan Lawson hurriedly turned and left.

After a while, Scott Lawson slowly got up, walked to his desk, sat quietly for a while, then picked up his brush and wrote a memorial, followed by several letters, instructing the family servants to send them out overnight. Only then did he breathe a little easier.

His calm gaze glinted coldly as he looked out the window and muttered to himself, “The Jinyiwei are useful, but throughout history, the good are rewarded and the wicked meet a bad end. I want to see, since you’re all so eager to force me aside, whether you are good or evil…”

At this moment, Jinghuan Palace.

Lucas Bennett sat with his legs crossed, comfortably reclining on a huge lounge chair, leisurely eating pastries.

“Little Cao, are you getting used to things here?” Lucas Bennett looked at Charles Carter, who stood respectfully before him, and suddenly asked with a beaming smile.

Charles Carter shuddered. Although he was often addressed this way, whenever this young prince spoke, there was always a chilling undertone. Still, he forced himself to reply, “Your Highness, I am quite accustomed to everything.”

Lucas Bennett narrowed his eyes, looking like a little fox. This only made Charles Carter even more nervous.

Inside, Lucas Bennett was feeling quite pleased with himself. Although the historical account of the great eunuch Charles Carter opening the gates to surrender to Li Chuang was false, now that he had brought him over, the fate of this future great eunuch had been completely changed by him.

Standing nearby, William Carter felt a chill run down his spine. He had served Lucas Bennett for a long time and knew his master’s temperament well. He couldn’t help but think to himself, “This eunuch must have seriously offended His Highness—he’s in for big trouble.”

While Charles Carter was trembling with fear, Lucas Bennett took a sip of tea and said leisurely, “Little Cao, you’re an old hand by the Emperor’s side. You must have good connections over there, right?”

Ever since the Emperor assigned him to Lucas Bennett, Charles Carter knew that he would eventually have to leave the palace, move out of the Forbidden City with Lucas Bennett, and enter the Prince Hui’s residence. With this realization, he immediately pledged his loyalty: “Your Highness, I have trained disciples in the Imperial Study, the Directorate of Ceremonial, and other offices. Any news will be reported to me.”

Lucas Bennett nodded, then said seriously, “From now on, pay attention to anything concerning the Jinyiwei and report it to me.”

Charles Carter was taken aback, but immediately replied, “Yes, Your Highness.” With that, he bowed and went out to gather information.

“Your Highness, can this man be trusted?” William Carter waited until Charles Carter had left before approaching Lucas Bennett and asking.

Lucas Bennett smiled slightly. “I don’t know, but he’s not one of Wei Zhongxian’s men.” He thought to himself, if he were, with my fifth brother’s temperament, he’d have died countless times already—there wouldn’t be any rumors of him surrendering later.