At this moment, he thought again about the results of the examination review. He didn’t know when they would be released, and wondered if the article he had written was too ahead of its time. After all, the policy of abolishing the native chieftain system and replacing it with direct administration was something from the Qing dynasty, and it had been highly effective. Ever since the reform, the native chieftains had become history, and the southwest had finally been completely pacified.

But that didn’t mean the examiners would recognize its value.

As for this ebony, it also seemed rather mysterious. He clearly remembered that the "Tongzhou Gazetteer" recorded that large-scale shipwreck, so how could it not have sunk? If that were the case... Charles Foster felt a chill down his spine—this was truly a pitfall worthy of its name.

Poor father...

"Young master, look, someone’s coming." William Carter was trembling with excitement, pointing toward the street corner.

Charles Foster looked into the distance and indeed saw several people crowding around a man, treating him like the center of attention. Beside that man was a young boy, who kept his head down and looked very obedient—clearly the type who’d been beaten by his father more than once. But the man in his middle years was truly eye-catching. Though he wore only a silk round-collared shirt and seemed rather frail, there was something special about his demeanor—both approachable and dignified.

The newcomers were none other than Emperor Washington and George Washington. George Washington was muttering in a low voice, "Didn’t they say the East Market was lively? Why does it look even quieter than the Office of the Chamberlain?"

James Clark accompanied them carefully, quickly whispering, "Your Highness, if a tiger suddenly appeared in a busy market, wouldn’t that be... wouldn’t that be... haha..."

Emperor Washington heard this clearly. As he walked slowly, the anger in his brows only grew stronger, and he couldn’t help but let out a cold snort.

Bullying and disturbing the people was something President Washington could not tolerate.

As they drew closer, Charles Foster got a good look at them. Behind the man were several people who looked like guards, all vigorous and imposing. But in the end, Charles Foster's gaze froze on James Clark.

That damned eunuch again.

But he actually noticed that James Clark was following closely behind the middle-aged man, even showing a hint of respect in his expression. Charles Foster's heart suddenly skipped a beat. This man...

Charles Foster was not someone who lacked perception. What shocked him was that this man actually had a beard. A eunuch, showing deference to a bearded man—then who could this person be?

Without hesitation, Charles Foster immediately stood up and saluted, saying, "Your subject Charles Foster greets Your Majesty."

Your Majesty...

William Carter was stunned at first, but quickly became so frightened that his legs began to tremble. Who would have thought that selling ebony in the East Market, he’d run into the emperor?

Emperor Washington was taken aback. He hadn’t expected his identity to be seen through in an instant.

Meanwhile, James Clark hid behind Emperor Washington, watching Charles Foster with a sinister look.

Emperor Washington quickly regained his composure, sizing up Charles Foster from head to toe. This person actually didn’t leave a bad impression on him; in fact, he seemed rather refined.

With his hands behind his back and a look of interest on his face, he paced back and forth in front of Charles Foster's stall before finally stopping and glancing back: "You are Charles Foster?"

His tone was lazy, but Charles Foster felt incredibly nervous inside!

This was the emperor, damn it, the emperor—alive and in person.

This dazzling emperor was right in front of him. As the saying goes, serving the emperor is like serving a tiger; any whim of the emperor could determine his life or death, honor or disgrace.

At a time like this... still play dumb?

Charles Foster saluted properly. When he looked up, he found the young boy staring at him intently, his eyes lively, as if he were watching... uh... a monkey.

This was a bit awkward.

"Your subject is Charles Foster."

Emperor Washington only nodded slightly, once again sizing up Charles Foster. "I heard you sold your ancestral property, is that right?"

Charles Foster felt immense pressure. This seemingly frail emperor gave him a huge sense of oppression. This seemingly casual question seemed to hide unfathomable imperial authority. "Yes."

"Why?" Emperor Washington's gaze fell on the sign that read "Priced at one hundred taels," a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Charles Foster thought for a moment. "I sold it in a muddle-headed way."

That was all he could say. He couldn’t very well admit he sold his ancestral property to buy ebony, and bought ebony because he knew the ebony fleet would sink.

Off to the side, George Washington almost burst out laughing.

James Clark was secretly delighted, wishing Charles Foster would keep babbling nonsense.

Emperor Washington seemed thoughtful, but suddenly said, "Abolishing the native chieftain system and instituting direct administration—was that your exam answer?"

Chapter 0014: Answering Fluently

It was obvious that Emperor Washington's questions had no set pattern. One moment he was asking about selling ancestral property, and the next, he switched to the topic of abolishing the native chieftain system.

Charles Foster immediately realized that the emperor’s visit was very likely related to this policy.

He even felt a slight thrill in his heart. The emperor had read his essay? It seemed... the essay suited his taste.

Charles Foster replied, "Yes, that was my answer."

Emperor Washington was silent for a moment before saying, "But if the court abolishes the native chieftain system and institutes direct administration, it will surely provoke a backlash from the southwestern chieftains. Chaos would be imminent. So, while this is a fundamental solution, it is still rather superficial."