Emperor Washington rose to his full height, paced twice in the warm chamber, and pondered aloud: “Summon the imperial physician to treat Lord of South Harmony. Also, as for his son Charles Foster, who is ignorant and undisciplined…” Emperor was clearly enraged, his face filled with murderous intent. He was about to mete out harsh punishment, but then reconsidered and sighed: “Enough. If a son is not taught, it is the father’s fault. Lord of South Harmony has just achieved new military merit, and now suffers this calamity. If I punish his son further… it will only make him uneasy. The military review is approaching, isn’t it? Have this son participate in the review.”

The eunuch hurriedly responded, hesitated for a moment, and said, “In previous years, Charles Foster has always refused to attend the review.”

President Washington’s face immediately darkened: “Even if you have to tie him up, make sure he goes.”

At the side, George Washington nearly burst out laughing, unable to suppress his schadenfreude.

But unexpectedly, at that moment, he saw his father’s gaze shoot over like a sword. George Washington looked up in surprise, meeting his father’s eyes, and saw that in what should have been a kindly gaze, there was now a hint of menace…

George Washington suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Just as he was about to put on a pitiful act, President Washington sternly rebuked: “You are the crown prince. Can a crown prince neglect his studies? You’ve been reading ‘On Discerning the Treacherous’ for so long and still can’t recite it. How can you face your ancestors?”

George Washington quickly squeezed out some tears and whimpered, “Yes, yes, your son dares not do so again.”

But today, he found that his father had become utterly hard-hearted. Even in the face of his tearful display, his father’s expression remained stern as he barked, “It’s because I’ve spoiled you too much. If I indulge you again today, in the future you’ll be even worse than the The Foster Family boy. He only lost his ancestral estate, but if I pass away one day, what you’ll lose is the entire nation! You’re not a child anymore, yet you still act so thoughtlessly. How can I be at ease? Within three days, copy ‘On Discerning the Treacherous’ twenty times. I will personally check your work. If you try to be lazy or cut corners, I will not let you off lightly!”

George Washington had never seen his father so furious. Hearing that he had to copy ‘On Discerning the Treacherous’ twenty times, he felt as if his heart was being cut by a knife. What had he done to deserve this? Yet he could only nod repeatedly: “Your son obeys…”

Only then did Emperor Washington’s expression soften slightly, though he still looked stern: “Go study at the Office of the Imperial Household. Don’t get in the way here.”

George Washington thought it over and finally realized what was happening!

That Foster fellow, you’ve gotten me into trouble—how will you have any good days ahead?

…

The imperial physician arrived at the The Foster Family. In truth, Samuel Foster had only been frightened and fainted, but soon regained consciousness, though his eyes were a bit vacant. Thinking of the family estate now gone, exchanged for a pile of ebony just sitting in the backyard, this great general who had campaigned in the south suddenly became dejected.

What a disgrace, he had lost all face—selling off his ancestors’ land, he felt he could no longer show himself. Even His Majesty knew about it and had sent the imperial physician…

Samuel Foster was not particularly thin-skinned, but every time he thought of this, he wished he could crawl into a hole.

At mealtime, father and son each sat on a long bench. Charles Foster, afraid that Samuel Foster would hit him, deliberately sat a bit farther away. As for the food, it was naturally nothing special. Beside them, William Carter stood behind Charles Foster, also being very cautious.

Charles Foster was a bundle of nerves, feeling conflicted inside. He could only sigh inwardly: Don’t worry, once the price of ebony soars, I’ll redeem all the land, no—I’ll buy the very best.

Smack…

Charles Foster was startled by the sound, a leaf of greens still in his mouth. His handsome face instantly turned pale, thinking his father had finally snapped and was about to hit him.

Looking up, he saw that Samuel Foster had only slapped his chopsticks on the willow-wood table. Then, tilting his head back, his nose reddened, looking very sorrowful, his eyes slightly moist. He sighed, “I’ve let down our ancestors.”

“Dad…” Charles Foster cautiously ventured, “Let’s not keep bringing up the ancestors…” He shrank his neck. “I keep feeling a chill in the air.”

Samuel Foster glared at him, then looked at William Carter.

William Carter was also surprised: “Young master, you called him ‘dad’ again… does that mean…”

Charles Foster wished he could tear William Carter apart—what’s wrong with calling him dad? He is my dad, after all.

But thinking it over, forget it. He really didn’t want to be taken away by doctors for study again.

At this point, being a prodigal had become second nature—one mustn’t forget one’s roots.

He bared his teeth: “Old man, are you going to let me eat or not?”

Samuel Foster wanted to say something, but pursed his lips. Looking at his son, his heart softened again, and he couldn’t help but say affectionately, “Charles, you just never seem to grow up. Our The Foster Family has benefited from the blessings of our ancestors. You never liked studying or practicing martial arts since you were young. I don’t care what others think, but sometimes, when I see the sons of other nobles participating in the military review and receiving appointments, I can’t help but feel a bit envious. This year’s review is upon us. When I was returning to the capital, I was thinking how wonderful it would be if Charles could try his luck. But who would have thought, I came back to find you’d sold off the ancestral estate. At that moment, I lost all hope. Now, I only wish for your health to fully recover, never to relapse, and for you to live a safe and peaceful life. When you inherit the title in the future, even if you never receive an appointment, it doesn’t matter.”

The so-called military review was not really a review at all.