Speaking of the early years of the Tianqi era, among all the civil and military officials at court, the one whom Lucas Bennett admired the most was not the Grand Secretary Gavin York, who struggled to maintain the overall situation, nor Andrew Warren, known as the “inner minister,” and certainly not George Washington, but rather this man, Walter Thompson.

Walter Thompson, Minister of Personnel, was the handler and even the mastermind behind the three major cases of the Tianqi era! If he had not retired early, it would have only been a matter of time before he became Grand Secretary, and he would not have been ruined by George Washington.

When William Carter saw Lucas Bennett staring blankly at Walter Thompson, and Walter Thompson silently maintaining his posture, he couldn’t help but lean in and whisper in his ear, “Your Highness.”

Lucas Bennett lifted his head, snapped out of it, looked at Walter Thompson in front of him and smiled slightly, saying, “Please forgive me, Lord Zhang. This is my first time meeting you, so I couldn’t help but feel a bit at a loss.”

Walter Thompson stood up. He was just over forty this year, in the prime of his life, and didn’t mind spending a little more time paying respects. Upon hearing this, he looked at Lucas Bennett with a businesslike expression and said, “May I ask what instructions Your Highness has for visiting my humble residence today?”

He did not mention the Empress’s verbal order at all.

Lucas Bennett had only used that as an excuse to get in, and seeing that Walter Thompson was tactful enough not to ask, he put his hands behind his back and said in a showy manner, “I came in such a hurry that I haven’t eaten yet. Lord Zhang, won’t you invite me to share a meal?”

Walter Thompson’s expression did not change; he maintained the same look and said, “Please forgive me, Your Highness. My humble home only has plain tea and simple food, unworthy of Your Highness’s palate. If Your Highness has any instructions, I will immediately send someone to take care of them.”

Lucas Bennett pursed his lips—he was truly hungry. But this Lord Zhang before him was shrewd and cunning, not as easy to deal with as Ethan Lawson. After a brief silence, he said to William Carter with a hint of disdain, “That’s true. Go to Zuixian Restaurant and pack up some of their best dishes. Today I’ll dine with Lord Zhang.”

After saying this, he ignored Walter Thompson, walked around him, and headed straight for the main hall.

Walter Thompson was slightly taken aback, then his right index finger fiddled with the ring on his thumb, his brows twitching slightly, and then he followed Lucas Bennett inside.

Lucas Bennett sat down on a chair inside the main hall and warmly said to Walter Thompson as he entered, “Lord Zhang, make yourself at home, please sit wherever you like.”

Walter Thompson paused with his index finger, then said, “Thank you, Your Highness,” and sat down across the table to Lucas Bennett’s right.

Lucas Bennett sat down, placed his left hand on the table, and tapped his four fingers on the tabletop, sounding like horse hooves echoing through the quiet hall.

Walter Thompson, a jinshi by background, held the position of Minister of Personnel, the highest among the six ministries. In terms of status, even the Grand Secretary would have to wait two years to match him, and in the literary world, he was renowned as a great master.

He sat upright, expressionless, but his peripheral vision occasionally swept over Lucas Bennett, secretly speculating in his mind.

Now that the villain Wei’s crimes were increasing and could not be stopped, many ministers at court had already impeached him to no avail; some had resigned, others had been demoted to the provinces. Even as Minister of Personnel, he was under great pressure and had no choice but to consider resignation.

This Prince Hui was not even ten years old. Who sent him here as a lobbyist today?

The Emperor, the eunuch Wei, the Donglin Party, the Zhejiang Party, the Suzhou Party?

These thoughts flashed through Walter Thompson’s mind, but his expression did not change in the slightest.

Lucas Bennett’s stomach rumbled as he pondered. Although he had already inquired about Lord Zhang’s temperament and preferences, now that they met, he realized things were not as simple as he had imagined—this was a tough situation.

“It’s probably impossible to get him to stay,” Lucas Bennett muttered to himself.

After a brief silence, Lucas Bennett tried to set a slightly more serious tone before saying, “I heard that Lord Zhang intends to resign and return home?”

Walter Thompson showed not the slightest contempt or disrespect toward Lucas Bennett. Upon hearing this, he immediately bowed slightly and said, “Your Highness, my mother is gravely ill, and I wish to return home to fulfill my filial duty.”

Filial duty—this phrase was all-powerful and invincible in this era. No matter how great your reason, once these two words were mentioned, everyone would fall silent and make way.

Lucas Bennett had already seen this reason in his memorial, so he deliberately thought for a moment and said, “I have already petitioned my royal brother to bring your mother to the capital, where the imperial physicians can attend to her. I believe the old lady will be even more moved by your filial piety.”

Walter Thompson shook his head and said, “Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness, but my mother is elderly and cannot endure the hardship of such a long journey.”

Lucas Bennett said, “That’s what my royal brother said as well. He has already sent imperial physicians to your hometown in Jingyang, so there’s no need for you to rush back.”

Walter Thompson’s prepared excuse was immediately countered. The emperor’s care was obvious—could he really be so ungrateful as to defy the imperial order for this?

“Your Highness, the food has arrived.” At this moment, William Carter strode in carrying a box.

Lucas Bennett glanced at Walter Thompson, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, and said to him, “Come, Lord Zhang, let’s eat together.”

Walter Thompson took the opportunity to avoid Lucas Bennett’s pressing, and replied, “I will simply accompany Your Highness.”

Lucas Bennett did not stand on ceremony and began to eat ravenously.

Walter Thompson sat to the side, glanced at William Carter, and mentally reviewed all the information he had on Lucas Bennett, only to find there wasn’t much—other than his special relationship with the Empress, who cared for him as both sister-in-law and mother, and his shared interest in carpentry with the current emperor.

But thinking back on Lucas Bennett’s words just now, even if someone was coaching him from behind, it would be impossible to handle things so perfectly, leaving Walter Thompson speechless.