However, in the end, it was still necessary to investigate.

　　“By the way, Big Carter, come out of the palace with me again tomorrow.” Suddenly, Lucas Bennett sat up, his eyes blazing.

　　William Carter instinctively felt a chill between his legs, silently repeating to himself “I am not a eunuch, I am not a eunuch” several times before suppressing the urge in his heart, and said, “Your Highness, is there someone you wish to meet?”

　　Lucas Bennett stood up, a burning look in his eyes, and said in a low but firm voice, “That’s right, my future chief steward of the prince’s residence!”

　　William Carter was once again deeply impressed by his prince’s foresight.

　　According to the rules, Lucas Bennett would not move into the prince’s residence until at least the age of eighteen. Lucas Bennett was currently seven years old, which meant there were still eleven years to go!

　　Lucas Bennett washed up and was just about to pay his respects to the emperor and empress before going back to sleep, when Charles Carter hurriedly rushed back.

　　“Your Highness, Mr. Lawson has entered the palace.” Charles Carter said directly.

　　Lucas Bennett was taken aback, then immediately understood that the Mr. Lawson Charles Carter referred to was none other than the commander of the Jinyiwei, Scott Lawson.

　　After a brief thought, the corners of his mouth curled up. He had thought it would take more effort, but now it was all saved.

　　Lucas Bennett was very satisfied with Charles Carter’s performance and nodded, saying, “Little Carter, very good. I have a courtyard in the east of the city. Find a trusted aide to manage it for me.”

　　Charles Carter had intended to show his loyalty anyway, and upon hearing Lucas Bennett speak so sincerely, he was instantly overwhelmed with gratitude and said, “Yes, Your Highness. Please rest assured, I guarantee I will manage it in perfect order for you.”

　　Lucas Bennett smiled and helped him up, saying, “From now on, you are all people of my Prince Hui’s residence. No need to be so formal. Have someone keep watch—when Mr. Lawson leaves the palace, I want to know the result immediately.”

　　“Yes, Your Highness!” Charles Carter’s voice was three times louder, and he went off to run errands for Lucas Bennett again.

　　William Carter looked at Charles Carter, then at Lucas Bennett, who looked like a fox that had just stolen a chicken, and silently repeated to himself again: “I am not a eunuch, I am not easy to fool.”

　　“No wonder he’s a veteran of three reigns.” Half an hour later, with this sigh, Lucas Bennett lay down contentedly, pulled up his brocade quilt, and fell into a sweet sleep.

　　His imperial brother, the Tianqi Emperor, had approved Scott Lawson’s resignation and also approved Ethan Lawson’s succession. The appointment edict had already been sent to the cabinet and took effect that very day.

　　At this moment, George Washington was rushing into the palace, heading straight for the imperial study.

　　“Too late.” Lucas Bennett curled his lips, as if murmuring in his sleep.

Chapter 5 Walter Thompson

　　An imperial edict, once issued, could certainly not be withdrawn or altered. George Washington’s long-planned scheme was suddenly interrupted for no apparent reason, leaving him so frustrated he almost coughed up blood.

　　Upon further inquiry, he learned that Scott Lawson had personally intervened, with two grand secretaries vouching for him, which made him grit his teeth in hatred. Yet now, with his power waning, he was helpless and could only swallow his anger.

　　“If I can’t get the Jinyiwei, then the Eastern Depot will be mine!” George Washington vowed to himself. After being impeached by the Donglin Party for days on end, he could no longer endure it.

　　Lucas Bennett knew nothing of Mr. Wallace’s rage, but that didn’t stop him from waking up in high spirits early in the morning and cheerfully going to pay his respects to his imperial brother.

　　“Little brother, little brother, come quickly!”

　　Lucas Bennett walked into the imperial study with practiced ease. As soon as he entered, the Tianqi Emperor called out to him loudly, looking quite excited.

　　It had to be said, the Tianqi Emperor was also a very diligent emperor—except his work was not state affairs, but carpentry.

　　Lucas Bennett had mastered the art of acting like a child, so he walked over with a big grin and asked curiously, “Imperial brother, did you find some treasure?”

　　When Lucas Bennett got closer, he saw that his imperial brother didn’t look like he had gotten up early, but rather like he hadn’t slept all night. His eyes were bloodshot, his face weary, but his expression was excited as he pulled Lucas Bennett over and said, “Little brother, look at this! This is the Edward Wallace found for me, the lost ‘Heavenly Craft Illustrations’ of the ancient sages. It’s truly exquisite and breathtaking.”

　　Were there sages in carpentry too?

　　Lucas Bennett complained inwardly, but still widened his eyes to look, then reached out to touch and pinch it over and over.

　　John Adams thought Lucas Bennett was just like him, excited to see the “work of the sages,” and was waiting for his “like-minded” little brother to give him some praise.

　　Lucas Bennett secretly curled his lip. Did the “sages” already use such fine xuan paper? Didn’t they all use bamboo slips?

　　Well, it could fool you, at least.

　　But now was not the time to expose it. His eyes turned and he quickly said, “Imperial brother, you’re still not resting at this hour? Imperial sister-in-law asked me early this morning to tell you to get some rest. Even ‘books of the sages’ can’t be read by staying up all night!”

　　Maybe Lucas Bennett changed the subject too quickly, because John Adams was stunned for a while before slowly looking up at the sky outside and saying, “I thought it was still yesterday. I didn’t realize a whole day had passed. Truly worthy of being a ‘work of the sages.’”

　　Lucas Bennett almost spat out a mouthful of blood. If only you’d put half as much effort into state affairs, the Ming dynasty wouldn’t have fallen so quickly!

　　“All right, I’ll go rest with the empress now.” John Adams put away the “work of the sages” in his hand, said to Lucas Bennett, “Little brother, you look at it yourself for now. We’ll discuss it tonight.” With that, he yawned and, surrounded by a group of eunuchs, went off to find the empress and sleep.