Moreover, this young man has already rendered considerable service: he demonstrated the ingenious use of riding alone, and also helped Edward Carter find the missing Philip Scott. Although this famous physiognomist’s initial disheveled appearance made both Edward Carter and Peter Wright struggle to hold back their laughter.

However, once Philip Scott had bathed, changed, and dressed neatly again, he was instantly transformed into a refined gentleman with an air of immortality, commanding respect from all.

Now, Edward Carter had prepared a banquet atop the high platform, and during a break for changing clothes, sent someone to invite Philip Scott to the back room of the guest quarters. After changing into regular attire, they sat facing each other.

“The foreign minister of Song, Philip Scott, greets the General of the Upper Army... If not for the rescue by the young lord Wuxu today, I would have nearly lost my life to the bear’s maw.”

“Alas, it was Edward’s poor hospitality that led to such a mishap. I have long heard of your great name, sir, but regrettably have seldom had the chance to meet you.”

After the pleasantries, they moved on to the main topic.

Edward Carter and Philip Scott first discussed the techniques of divination by tortoise shell and yarrow stalks, then exchanged insights on studying the Book of Changes. After a bit of probing, Edward Carter realized that Philip Scott was indeed highly skilled in this field.

At the very least, he was so accomplished that Edward Carter could not discern his depth.

Thus, Edward Carter felt at ease and gave a slight bow to Philip Scott, saying, “Edward is over forty, and old age is approaching, yet my sons are all mediocre, and none have truly won my favor. So I have never decided on an heir, leaving the succession uncertain and the hearts of the clan unsettled. Today, I dare to ask you, sir, to examine the faces of my sons and see who might be fit to become the heir?”

To become the heir naturally meant to become the family successor and inherit the position of clan chief. This was Philip Scott’s area of expertise. Moreover, his current lord, the Grand Minister of Works of Song, Peter Wright, also wished to befriend the Zhao clan, so he gladly agreed and swore an oath to the god Taiyi not to reveal any details to others.

Edward Carter clapped his hands, and his three sons entered, kneeling in order on the mats.

Of course, Edward Carter did not explain the truth to them, only casually inquiring about their hunting gains.

Philip Scott, meanwhile, observed them secretly from behind the curtain. He knew well that he was not as mystical as outsiders claimed. Physiognomy, in truth, was not as mysterious as divination by the Book of Changes; to put it plainly, it was about making a general judgment of a person’s future based on their speech and behavior. Philip Scott was simply good at reading people, which earned him his reputation for always being accurate.

The eldest son, Bó Lǔ, was in his twenties, with a square and upright face, two faint mustaches on his thin lips, and eyes that were gentle yet tinged with fatigue.

He probably resembled his great-grandfather Zhao Wenzi the most. In front of his father, he was so meek he seemed unable to bear the weight of his own clothes, speaking so softly it was almost inaudible. Clearly, he was a good-natured and virtuous man, but in Jin, where the six noble clans vied for power, how could such a person survive for long?

The second son, Zhongxin, and the third son, Shuqí, were about the same age, both just coming of age.

Zhongxin was a graceful gentleman, wearing a tall hat and broad belt, with a white jade pendant at his waist. Others might be proud because of their talent, but he had only pride, trying to imitate the sages of old in his speech, but failing to capture their essence and instead coming off as stiff and conservative.

The clean-shaven Shuqí had a face with the look of an eagle and the gaze of a wolf. It was clear that every word he spoke was carefully calculated, but the way he looked at his father and brothers carried a certain coldness and malice, as if everyone in the world was just a piece in his schemes.

Philip Scott predicted that this son would one day be outwitted by his own cleverness.

Before long, after the three sons withdrew, Edward Carter leaned forward on his mat and sincerely bowed to Philip Scott, asking, “Sir, can you tell which of my three sons is fit for great responsibility?”

Philip Scott pondered for a moment and decided to speak frankly: “Alas, in my view, among the General’s three sons, not one is fit to inherit the clan’s position.”

The superstitious Edward Carter turned pale at these words, momentarily losing his composure.

“What am I to do! Could it be that the Zhao clan’s hundred-year foundation will be ruined after me?”

Philip Scott stroked his beard and shook his head, “Heh, General, it’s not so dire. In my view, the Zhao clan is far from reaching a dead end.”

Hearing this, Edward Carter moved his mat forward again, “Edward is ignorant—please instruct me, sir!”

Philip Scott had been waiting for this moment. He deliberately put on a mysterious air and said:

“General, don’t you have another son who hasn’t come?”

Chapter 11: Glad Not to Have Failed the Mission

“I have another son who hasn’t come?”

Edward Carter was stunned.

“Sir, do you mean the concubine’s son, Wuxu?”

For many years, Edward Carter had paid no attention to his youngest son, Wuxu. Even though he saw him in a new light today, he had never considered William Carter as a candidate for heir.

Philip Scott rolled up his sleeves and gave Edward Carter a thumbs-up. “I have already met the young lord Wuxu just now. Judging by his face, his nobility is beyond words—he will surely become a true general in the future!”

Although he still had many doubts about William Carter’s unusual fate, extraordinary people always have extraordinary traits: Yu Shun had double pupils, Duke Dan of Zhou had a hunchback, Duke Wen of Jin had fused ribs—some oddities are normal. In any case, his character was far superior to the three sons just now.

But Edward Carter was still very puzzled. He said, “As the saying goes, ‘A son is honored by his mother’s status.’ My youngest son Wuxu’s mother is a lowly Di woman—how could he possibly become distinguished?”