This is just one corner of the battlefield. William Harris's army kept breaking through, while the Later Han forces collapsed at every turn, utterly routed and in complete disarray. It was a resounding, overwhelming victory—a one-sided massacre!

　　"Truly a tiger general!"

　　Abraham Carter squinted his eyes, revealing a look of admiration.

　　"Go tell that boy, from today onward, he is my personal cavalryman!"

　　With that, Abraham Carter spurred his horse and charged straight toward Kaifeng.

　　The so-called "personal cavalryman" meant an imperial bodyguard. As the adopted son of William Harris, Abraham Carter was in the limelight, and to become his personal guard was like taking a shortcut to success. When George Walker received the news, he was overjoyed. Ignoring the six or seven arrow wounds on his body, he hastily bandaged himself and followed Abraham Carter, rushing toward the capital.

　　No wonder they were a battle-hardened force—their advance was swift. Along the way, the Later Han troops scattered in all directions, and those who couldn't escape could only kneel on the ground and surrender.

　　Abraham Carter had no time to take prisoners; he simply let these men kneel by the roadside, waiting for the follow-up troops to gather them. Abraham Carter had only one goal: Kaifeng!

　　He was not yet thirty, in the prime of his life, full of vigor and ambition.

　　Abraham Carter was energetic and brilliant, assisting his adoptive father with all his might.

　　This time, when William Harris resolutely decided to rebel, Abraham Carter also played a major role. The Later Han army was not worth mentioning; a change of dynasty was right before their eyes!

　　Abraham Carter was full of drive, but the only thing that worried him was his family: his aunt, Lady Chai, his two cousins from the Guo family, his own wife, and his young son... They were all in the capital, and there was no time to rescue them. Thinking of them made Abraham Carter's heart bleed.

　　"Master, I just questioned a few Han army prisoners, and they, they said..."

　　Seeing his attendant's grim face and hesitant manner, Abraham Carter sensed something was wrong!

　　"Speak!"

　　"Yes, sir. I heard that the Chief Minister's whole family, as well as your wife and son, all... all met a violent end!"

　　Upon hearing this, Abraham Carter swayed on horseback, nearly falling off.

　　He was so furious that his teeth ground together audibly. Without another word, he spurred his horse, chasing madly ahead. At this moment, Abraham Carter had only one thought: to capture Emperor Henry Bennett, Prime Minister Benjamin Miller, and the imperial uncle Peter Thompson, and to execute them one by one to avenge his slain family!

　　Abraham Carter ordered the pursuit, while Henry Bennett? Under the protection of a few close confidants, he fled in panic. Along the way, he lost his imperial crown, his shoes were gone, and even his thighs were rubbed raw and bleeding—he could only grit his teeth and press on.

　　Henry Bennett, as wretched as a stray dog, was finally not far from Kaifeng. Once back in the capital, he could catch his breath.

　　"Hurry and send the order—open the city gates, I must return to the palace!"

　　The imperial uncle Peter Thompson responded, spurred his horse, and rode ahead, shouting at the city tower.

　　"Open the city, open the gates!"

　　Peter Thompson shouted three times, but was met only with a deathly silence.

　　As Peter Thompson stood bewildered, suddenly a gong sounded, and a head popped out from a crenel.

　　"Hahaha, Imperial Uncle, long time no see!"

　　The man who appeared was none other than the talent recommended by Peter Thompson himself, the acting prefect of Kaifeng, Simon Bennett!

　　Seeing it was his own man, Peter Thompson was delighted.

　　"Quick, open the gates and come out to receive His Majesty!"

　　Simon Bennett blinked, then suddenly burst out laughing, "Your Majesty? What Majesty? I don't see any Majesty here!"

　　Peter Thompson sensed something was wrong and was about to speak when Simon Bennett waved his hand. Arrows rained down like a storm. Peter Thompson dodged in a panic, but still took a hit on his backside, the pain turning his face green.

　　What made him even greener was Simon Bennett's betrayal!

　　Damn, I was blind to have promoted a viper. If I'd known, I might as well have handed Kaifeng to the old fox Arthur Reed! Maybe he'd have more integrity than Simon Bennett... Peter Thompson gnashed his teeth in hatred. Unable to enter Kaifeng, he could only continue fleeing with Henry Bennett.

　　At this moment atop Kaifeng's city wall, Simon Bennett bowed deeply to an elderly man in a purple robe.

　　"Your humble servant thanks the Grand Preceptor for saving my life!"

　　So this old man was the famous Arthur Reed!

　　In his early years, he served as chief secretary to Prince Yan, Frederick Bennett, and later entered officialdom under Later Tang, being appointed chancellor. In the decades that followed, he served through Later Tang, Later Jin, and Later Han, with the Khitan emperor Andrew Morgan in between.

　　No matter who sat on the throne, old Arthur Reed stood firm, his rank ever higher, his fame ever greater. Now he was the Grand Preceptor, the highest of ministers—truly a remarkable feat!

　　It turned out Simon Bennett had been hesitant, not fully decided on betraying the emperor, but when Arthur Reed personally arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture and spoke with him, Simon Bennett was completely convinced and obediently turned against his former master.

　　If Peter Thompson knew what Arthur Reed was really like, he might die of rage on the spot!

　　"Grand Preceptor, what should we do next?"

　　Arthur Reed smiled calmly, "Lord Bennett, just prepare to welcome the new sovereign. Leave everything else to me!"

　　"Understood!"

　　Simon Bennett turned and left. Watching his back, Arthur Reed revealed a cold smile. Everyone envied him, but did they know how hard it was to keep such a high position?

　　Arthur Reed sighed, feeling a bit sorry for himself. Then he immediately changed his expression and gave decisive orders.

　　A change of dynasty was a highly professional affair. An ordinary person would have been flustered and at a loss, but Arthur Reed was different. Every few years, the old man had to handle it—his fingernails had grown hair—he was a true veteran!