Old Witch is the “nickname” Lucas Bennett uses for Madam Katherine, Lady of Reverence. Katherine is a very special person. John Adams has unique feelings for her and cannot be dealt with by ordinary means; for now, the only option is to remain vigilant.

No one knows Katherine’s various misdeeds better than those in the palace. Upon hearing Lucas Bennett’s words, William Carter immediately said, “I’ll go right away.”

History has ultimately taken a subtle turn. Perhaps because the emperor had just reprimanded him, George Washington was unable to provoke the emperor’s anger. During the court discussion, the Qingliu faction was overwhelmingly united, all supporting Jason Turner’s memorial. Even George Washington’s few supporters seemed to have been struck by the emperor’s angry words and did not fight back much. Not only was there no intention of caning in court, there wasn’t even a salary deduction.

In the end, John Adams announced that George Washington would temporarily go to the Directorate of Palace Attendants to study, with a half-year salary penalty, thus ending the chaos in the court.

Unlike the Qingliu faction’s jubilant celebration after their great victory, when Lucas Bennett received the news, he only shook his head slightly. The Qingliu were celebrating too soon. Perhaps for now, George Washington without Katherine would seem isolated and powerless, but once Katherine returned, the situation would change dramatically.

Most importantly, the power displayed by the Qingliu this time would likely make Emperor John Adams even more wary!

“As expected, George Washington’s rise to power was no accident—it was almost inevitable.” Lucas Bennett muttered to himself at the entrance of the main hall.

Then he received even worse news, and Lucas Bennett was completely unsettled.

Madam Katherine, Lady of Reverence was returning to the capital ahead of schedule.

Chapter 10: Laying the Plan

The next day, Zhuque Avenue.

The carriage swayed as it moved. Lucas Bennett sat inside, while William Carter drove.

“All arranged?” Lucas Bennett squinted his eyes, dozing.

William Carter quickly turned his head and said, “Everything is arranged. The two sisters have been placed in the Kunning Palace, and their father has been assigned to the Jinyiwei—there just happened to be a vacant position for a centurion.”

Lucas Bennett nodded. The three were the father and daughters he had encountered on the street a few days ago. The sisters were named Rose Walker and Quinn Walker, both clever and agile. Arranging for them to serve the empress put Lucas Bennett’s mind at ease.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a tavern.

Lucas Bennett stepped out, looked at the rather ordinary tavern, and narrowed his eyes, “This is the place?”

William Carter stood behind him and whispered, “This is the one. Lord Lewis comes here for a few drinks every day while he’s in the capital, always at the same time and in the same seat.”

A sly smile appeared at the corner of Lucas Bennett’s mouth. “Everything’s ready?”

“All set,” William Carter chuckled as well.

“Good, then let’s enjoy the show.” Lucas Bennett waved his hand and strode in with great confidence.

Seated on the second floor, he could see a certain spot downstairs with a sidelong glance.

“Honored guest, what would you like?” The sharp-eyed waiter had followed them upstairs. As soon as Lucas Bennett sat down, he quickly wiped the table and asked.

“Bring me your best wine and five of your best dishes,” Lucas Bennett said grandly, looking every bit the wealthy patron.

“Right away, sir. Please wait a moment.” The waiter was delighted, finished cleaning up, and quickly ran downstairs.

“Your Highness,” William Carter sat beside Lucas Bennett and whispered, “This Censor Lewis is said to be quite famous in Henan, known for his integrity.”

Lucas Bennett picked up some sunflower seeds from the table, cracking them as he nodded and smiled at the scene below.

The Censor Lewis they were waiting for was the Supervising Censor of Henan, just returned to the capital to report on his duties. He was known for speaking his mind and had great influence among the Qingliu faction, especially as a top master of writing polemics. Most importantly, he was a contemporary and close friend of Jason Turner, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

“I heard this Lord Lewis has the nickname ‘Two-Decade Impeacher’?” Lucas Bennett asked with interest.

“Yes,” William Carter replied with a smile. “It’s said that when he first took office as Supervising Censor of Henan, he submitted memorials every day for two ten-day periods each month, but during the last ten days, it was as if he fell asleep—nothing at all. That’s how he got the nickname.”

Lucas Bennett grinned even wider. “Looks like Lord Lewis will have to make an exception this time.”

William Carter nodded, thinking to himself that this time, Lord Lewis would have no choice.

“Waiter, the usual.” Before long, a middle-aged man in a white robe with blue patterns appeared at the door and spoke to the approaching waiter.

“Right away, please have a seat. It’ll be ready soon.” The waiter quickly served him and then ran to the kitchen.

The middle-aged man came in and sat by the window, directly across from Lucas Bennett on the floor above.

Lucas Bennett slowed his sunflower seed cracking and began to size up the censor.

Seated on the bench, his back was straight as a spear, his face long, his eyes bright and piercing—at a glance, he was the type of upright, unyielding official who would never compromise.

“Seeing him puts my mind at ease,” Lucas Bennett turned and said to William Carter with a sigh of relief.

William Carter immediately stood up, made a gesture out the window, then sat back down. “Your Highness, it’s all set.”

“Good, now it’s up to the censors.” Lucas Bennett gripped his chopsticks, eyeing the plate of fish the waiter had just brought.

William Carter hesitated for a moment and asked, “Your Highness, isn’t this a bit too hasty?”