Amid the stunned silence of Queen Thompson and the group of maids, he opened the lunchbox and took out the dishes and bowls one by one, all the while saying, “Sister-in-law Empress, I had the Imperial Kitchen make these. This is black-bone chicken soup, the best for nourishing the blood, replenishing yin, and beautifying the complexion—it's especially good for your health.”

“This one is pork bone soup, which strengthens the body and bones, and is also great for soothing the stomach and prolonging life.”

“And this is crucian carp soup. I heard it’s good for... uh, anyway, it’s good for your health.”

Lucas Bennett originally wanted to say it helps with lactation, but if he said it out loud, he’d probably get beaten up by either Queen Thompson or Abraham Lincoln.

After Lucas Bennett finished speaking, Queen Thompson couldn’t help but smile and said, “I know you care about your sister-in-law, but there’s no need to bring so much at once. How could I possibly eat it all?”

Lucas Bennett waved his hands repeatedly and said, “Just take your time, Sister-in-law Empress. I asked the imperial chef, and as long as you heat it up a little, it won’t affect the taste.”

Queen Thompson was all alone in the palace. Although she was still close to the Emperor, after all, he had three palaces and six courtyards, and there was also that Lady Ke. Only Lucas Bennett’s concern for her was genuine, which brought her much comfort.

“Huan’er, bring a pair of bowls and chopsticks for His Highness Prince Hui as well.” Queen Thompson glanced at Huan’er, then turned to Lucas Bennett and said, “Don’t trouble yourself with these things in the future. Just stay in the palace and behave. Stop doing what you usually do for now. The court is in turmoil lately, so just keep your head down.”

Lucas Bennett nodded repeatedly, tilting his fair little face up and grinning innocently, “Don’t worry, Sister-in-law Empress. It’s not like I’m doing anything wicked, and besides, I do everything in my royal brother’s name. It’s fine, really.”

“I know you mean well for His Majesty, but don’t do it for now,” Queen Thompson said with a playful smile. Seeing the sweat on Lucas Bennett’s forehead, she took a handkerchief, walked over, and wiped his head, then reminded him, “Don’t go to the Imperial Study these days either. Just stay in Jinghuan Palace, and if you get bored, come keep me company.”

“Alright!” Lucas Bennett agreed, took the bowls and chopsticks Huan’er handed over, and diligently served a bowl for Queen Thompson first before serving himself.

Queen Thompson looked at Lucas Bennett and smiled with pursed lips, but her heart was tinged with sadness. She had been married to the Emperor for many years, yet still had no children. Although she could pin some hopes on Lucas Bennett, he was, after all, her brother-in-law, not her son.

Lucas Bennett chatted with Queen Thompson for a while longer. Seeing she was a bit tired, he took his leave.

“Your Highness.” As Rose Walker escorted Lucas Bennett out, seeing no one else around, she whispered at his side, “I’ve checked—Her Majesty does indeed show signs of pregnancy.”

Lucas Bennett felt reassured and said as he walked, “Keep it from everyone, especially that maid. Everything she brings must be thoroughly checked.”

Rose Walker answered softly, “Yes, Your Highness, you can rest assured.”

After leaving Kun Ning Palace, Lucas Bennett didn’t return to his Jinghuan Palace, but headed toward Jingyang Palace instead.

A group of high-ranking officials, including some of the second rank, were now kneeling outside Jingyang Palace, not making a fuss but clearly determined not to leave until the Emperor appeared.

Lucas Bennett stroked his chin, his expression odd as he muttered to himself, “Are they really planning to die remonstrating, or do they know there are Dongchang agents waiting outside the palace and don’t dare leave?”

After watching for a while, Lucas Bennett found a pavilion to sit in and shook his head to himself. These noble officials couldn’t stand such hardship, and if they angered Abraham Lincoln—who was already in a bad mood—it wouldn’t be impossible for him to let the Dongchang agents enter the palace and arrest them.

He waited until the sun was about to set, but Abraham Lincoln still hadn’t appeared.

The group of dignified officials, kneeling in neat rows, began to groan in pain. Some started pounding their backs with one hand, others half-kneeling and rubbing their legs, but they still stubbornly remained at the gates of Jingyang Palace.

“Sigh.” Lucas Bennett glanced outside, shook his head slightly, and stood up with a sigh, muttering, “I thought they might do something outrageous, but in the end, scholars are useless.”

With his hands behind his back, Lucas Bennett practically skipped as he walked away.

He had already predicted that his enraged royal brother would soon have George Washington bring people in to arrest them.

Having lost the support of the Jinyiwei, George Washington could only bluff, but that would only further enrage the upright officials. Given Abraham Lincoln’s temperament, when faced with the backlash from the upright officials—especially the powerful Donglin Party—he would likely back down and put George Washington on ice for a while.

Sure enough, Lucas Bennett hadn’t gone far when Eugene Lee led over a hundred Dongchang agents, charging aggressively toward Jason Turner and the others.

“Arrest them all! Don’t let a single one go!” Eugene Lee shouted, his face twisted with rage. He’d been terrified today—if he was driven out of the palace, he was doomed! The more furious he was, the more murderous he became.

“Eunuch traitor, how dare you!” An imperial censor immediately stood up and shouted angrily. They were censors, the most noble people in the land—who would dare insult them with force?

“Ah…” Before he could finish, a Dongchang agent kicked him to the ground.

The noble censors were instantly enraged. Jason Turner’s veins bulged as he roared, “Eunuch traitors, we’ll fight you to the end!”

He tried to charge forward, but all they knew was how to write, not how to fight. Before he could finish speaking, he was beaten to the ground.

“Eunuch traitors, how dare you storm the palace and arrest people! Where is the law? Where is justice?”

All the officials were filled with grief and indignation. Even as they were beaten to the ground, they continued to cry out in sorrow, denouncing the traitors.