Walter Thompson took the opportunity to size up Lucas Bennett again, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with the thumb ring.

Lucas Bennett ate ravenously, finally burped, wiped his mouth, and looked at Walter Thompson, getting straight to the point: “The Grand Preceptor Xie of the Imperial Academy is requesting retirement and return to his hometown. His Majesty has already approved it. Is Minister Thompson interested?” Since it was impossible to keep him as Minister of Personnel, at the very least, he couldn’t be allowed to leave the capital.

The Imperial Academy was more or less equivalent to the Premier’s office in later generations; it was no exaggeration to say its disciples were spread all over the world.

However, for the Minister of Personnel, who held sway over the fate of all officials in the land, this was not much of a temptation. Walter Thompson shook his head slightly and said, “Thank you for Your Highness’s kind offer. I dare say I am competent as an official, but my learning is insufficient to serve as Grand Preceptor of the Imperial Academy.”

Of course, Lucas Bennett wasn’t really after that. He smiled slightly and said, “Minister Thompson, you are too modest. I should have started my education long ago, but the Empress couldn’t bear to part with me, so it was delayed. The other day, His Majesty and the Empress discussed it and decided to let me choose my own teacher. The first person I thought of was Minister Thompson.”

Lucas Bennett spoke with such sincerity that he nearly bowed to become a disciple on the spot. And with every sentence, he referred to himself as “this prince,” deliberately emphasizing his status.

Walter Thompson’s expression shifted slightly. He hadn’t considered this possibility, and now he was trying to guess the intentions of those behind Lucas Bennett, but he said aloud, “I dare say my learning is average. Whether within the court or outside, there are countless great scholars and renowned teachers. Why does Your Highness favor me?”

Just not playing along—what an old fox! Lucas Bennett grumbled inwardly.

Chapter 7: Retreat to Advance

Lucas Bennett looked at Walter Thompson, paused, and said, “Minister, you are too humble. As the saying goes, ‘worldly wisdom is itself an essay.’ Among all the officials in court, I truly can’t find anyone who compares to you. Besides, since you wish to retire, you’ll have more free time.”

Walter Thompson couldn’t guess the intentions of Lucas Bennett and those behind him, so he decided to remain unchanged in the face of all changes, keeping his attitude the same: “Your Highness flatters me. My mind is made up to leave office. I hope Your Highness will allow it.”

Lucas Bennett’s lips curled into a harmless, childlike smile.

At the side, William Carter’s expression suddenly changed, becoming serious. He knew that whenever Lucas Bennett wore this expression, something big was coming.

“Minister, my Prince Hui’s residence still lacks a Chief Secretary. Would you be willing to accept the position?” Lucas Bennett said with a beaming smile, speaking slowly.

Walter Thompson could clearly see that Lucas Bennett was now showing his true intentions, but having weathered all kinds of storms, how could he be threatened by a child? He sneered inwardly.

But before he could speak, Lucas Bennett continued, “If you need an imperial edict, I can fetch one from His Majesty as soon as I return.”

Walter Thompson’s eyes narrowed instantly, a cold glint flashing through them.

He had already submitted his resignation. By custom, the emperor would try to retain him, he would submit again, the emperor would refuse again, and after a third round, the emperor would reluctantly agree—this was the “three refusals and three resignations” ritual. But if, at this moment, the Prince Hui’s education was used as a reason, and the emperor directly ordered him to stay in the capital as Prince Hui’s tutor and Chief Secretary, he would have no excuse to decline.

However, Walter Thompson had already made up his mind and was unmoved. He looked at Lucas Bennett and said thoughtfully, “May I ask Your Highness to allow me some time to consider?”

Seeing Walter Thompson finally give in a little, Lucas Bennett secretly breathed a sigh of relief and, smiling broadly, pressed his advantage: “Please take your time, Minister. By the way, I have something I’d like to consult you about…”

Before Lucas Bennett could finish, Walter Thompson stood up and said directly, “Your Highness, I still have official duties to attend to. If there’s anything, let’s talk another day.”

Lucas Bennett had no choice but to stand up and leave obediently in the face of Walter Thompson’s blatant dismissal. Minister Thompson only saw him to the main hall, not a step further.

“Master, what is Prince Hui’s intention?” A steward-like man stepped out from behind him, standing respectfully and asking in confusion.

Walter Thompson narrowed his eyes, spinning the thumb ring on his finger, and said thoughtfully, “At first, I thought it was His Majesty, but then I realized it wasn’t. I suspected Eunuch Wei, but it’s not him either. As for the Donglin, Zhejiang, or Su factions, it’s definitely not them.”

The steward frowned, looking worried. “Master, nowadays Eunuch Wei is becoming more and more arrogant. The court situation is worrying.”

Walter Thompson sighed deeply. “How could I not know? But those Donglin Party people are utterly unrestrained, acting recklessly with no one to check them. His Majesty intends to use Eunuch Wei to balance them. If I don’t resign now, I may never be able to in the future.”

The steward nodded in understanding. As for the Prince Hui who had just left, neither of them gave him a second thought.

Lucas Bennett walked out the main gate in high spirits, waved at the distant carriage, and said, “Da Cao, let’s take a walk.”

“Yes.” William Carter followed behind Lucas Bennett, staying alert to their surroundings, and said in a low voice, “Your Highness, it seems Minister Thompson doesn’t care much about what you said?”

Lucas Bennett shook his head with a smile. “Of course. Minister Thompson is a veteran of three reigns. If he were scared by a youngster like me, that would be laughable.”

William Carter was taken aback. “But Your Highness, weren’t you trying to draw Minister Thompson into our prince’s residence?”

Lucas Bennett said, “My residence won’t be of any real use for at least ten years. Who would wait that long? It’s just an excuse to keep him here.”

William Carter was confused. “Then, Your Highness, why do you insist on keeping him in the capital?”