The young eunuch looked at him with a half-smile, half-smirk. Charles Foster hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting, bowing politely as he said, “Greetings, Eunuch. You’ve come from afar, and I failed to welcome you from a distance. Please forgive me…”

As Charles Foster spoke, he made a show of reaching into his robe for some silver. He had to give the man a little tea money; though he pretended to be a wastrel every day, he actually understood the unspoken rules.

The young eunuch saw through him instantly, but suddenly pulled a long face and said with displeasure, “Young Master Fang, that won’t be necessary.”

“It’s necessary, it’s necessary, just a small token.” Charles Foster had already produced a piece of broken silver.

But the young eunuch’s face remained cold, his smile insincere as he said, “Other people’s silver, I’d certainly dare to take. But Young Master Fang’s silver, heh heh… I really don’t have the guts to accept it. Young Master Fang, have you forgotten? Last year, I was the one who came to deliver the imperial edict, and you cursed me to my face, calling me a eunuch without balls? Well, I haven’t grown any new ones since then, so… I can’t accept your courtesy…”

“……” Charles Foster never expected that this eunuch had such a grudge with the former wastrel self. For a eunuch, the thing they resent most is being mocked for their defect. Ah, this damned wastrel…

At this moment, the young eunuch’s expression grew even colder, his smile more sinister, as he continued, “Back then, I couldn’t do anything to you. But now, I’ve entered the Directorate of Supervisors, and from time to time, I get to serve His Majesty. In the future, Young Master Fang, you’d better be careful.”

Charles Foster was well-versed in Ming history. As soon as he heard “Directorate of Supervisors,” he understood why this young eunuch was so cocky. In terms of power, among the twelve eunuch agencies in the palace, the grand eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Directorate of Imperial Stables were the most influential. But for a young eunuch, the Directorate of Supervisors was also a good place, as its duty was to accompany the emperor and clear the way. Those who spent every day at the emperor’s side became highly sought-after by everyone in and out of the palace—a real hot commodity.

Just then, William Carter had caught up, but didn’t dare enter the hall, only poking his head in from outside.

When Charles Foster saw William Carter arrive, he felt a bit regretful. At this point, as a wastrel, it was impossible to repair the relationship. And judging by the situation, it would be difficult to mend things anyway.

Although he was the heir of the Marquis of Nanhe, and this eunuch couldn’t really do anything to him, the real fear was if something happened at home—then people might kick him while he was down.

He forced a laugh and said, “Eunuch, may I ask what brings you here today?”

The young eunuch replied coldly, “By His Majesty’s verbal command, there will be an inspection at the Imperial Guards today. The young master is to go to the Imperial Guards.”

Chapter 0009: Tied Up Like a Pig

Charles Foster was inwardly thrilled, but seeing William Carter still there, he smiled and reverted to his wastrel persona: “His Majesty’s grace is boundless, but… but…”

“But what?” The young eunuch righteously interrupted, showing not a hint of kindness to Charles Foster: “Heh, I know well enough—the young master of the Fang family will never agree to go. I’ve heard that two years ago, when your father, the Marquis of Nanhe, had people carry you there, you still refused no matter what. But let me make this clear: I’m here on imperial orders. Even if I have to tie you up, I’ll bring you there.”

He stared at Charles Foster like a venomous snake, as if his grudge wasn’t satisfied, lowering his voice to continue, “Don’t think that just because your Fang family holds a marquisate, it means anything to me. You think your father earned His Majesty’s favor with his sword and spear, so you’re safe? Let me tell you the truth—how His Majesty views you and your father depends on those closest to him. In this palace, who’s closest to His Majesty? Heh…”

Charles Foster knew this young eunuch was newly empowered and eager to flaunt his authority, trying to threaten him. He sighed, “If I’ll be tied up for not going, is there any reason left in this world?”

“Why don’t you try and see.” The young eunuch squinted, glaring fiercely at Charles Foster, as if to say, “We’re enemies now, just wait and see.” “You, Fang, think you’re worthy of reasoning with me?”

Charles Foster just smiled, a glint flashing quickly in his eyes. He then slowly walked over to the willow wood table, where several teacups and a teapot sat. He picked up an empty teacup and toyed with it in his hand.

The young eunuch grew impatient. “Young Master Fang, how long are you going to dawdle?”

Charles Foster gave him a strange smile. This wastrel suddenly gave the young eunuch the impression of a refined and gentle nobleman. The eunuch thought it was an illusion, and in a daze, that gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of malice. He saw a cold gleam flash in Charles Foster’s eyes, and in the next instant, the teacup in his hand flew straight at the eunuch’s forehead.

Smack—

The teacup, hurled with force by Charles Foster, struck the young eunuch squarely on the forehead. The eunuch cried out, blood immediately streaming down his brow, his mind buzzing, his whole body stunned.

He’s gone mad, completely mad.

The young eunuch gnashed his teeth, roaring furiously, “You Fang bastard, you dare assault… assault an imperial envoy? How dare you… what are you trying to do? You…”

He clutched his forehead, howling in pain.

Charles Foster, however, just smiled at him, looking completely unconcerned. He took out his Xiangfei fan and slowly fanned himself, then said, word by word, “I, Charles Foster, don’t believe you have the guts to tie me up!”