They immediately guessed that although this imperial envoy held a noble status within the The Carter Family, he did not wield much real power. Anyone hoping to rise to prominence through him would likely be sorely disappointed. Yet, no one dared show even the slightest neglect—no one could bear the consequences of offending the The Carter Family...

So, all the officials could only pray that Raymond Carter would not choose them.

But there would always be someone unlucky, and the first to be chosen was Wayne County.

The governor of Wayne County had no choice but to pull himself together, bring his assistants, and go ‘cheerfully’ to report to Raymond Carter. Raymond Carter did not have the usual domineering air of the The Carter Family; he was rather cordial to them, only instructing them to set out quickly and save any discussion for when they reached Yuhang.

The governor breathed a slight sigh of relief. After leaving, he carefully discussed the envoy’s itinerary with the deputy governor and William Brooks, and instructed the deputy governor to ensure all hospitality and supplies along the way were well prepared. He then earnestly told William Brooks, “Although the imperial envoy has his own guards, we absolutely cannot let our guard down! From now on, you must lead the troops and stay by the envoy’s side at all times!”

William Brooks nodded and replied, “This is my duty, sir. Please rest assured.”

“I have always trusted your work,” the governor exhaled deeply. “No matter what, there must not be the slightest mistake!”

...

The journey was peaceful. Eight days later, Raymond Carter arrived in Yuhang and took up residence in the yamen by West Lake. This yamen had originally been the residence of a prince from the Southern Dynasties. The governor had specially ordered it to be cleaned and lavishly decorated, so the imperial envoy was naturally very satisfied.

Before moving in, Raymond Carter instructed the attending governor, “The journey has been quite tiring. I will rest for a few days; you may come to receive orders after that.”

The governor thought to himself, who was really tired on this journey? But he was happy to have a few days’ rest, so he respectfully took his leave.

After leaving the yamen, the governor let out a long sigh of relief and told the deputy governor to communicate daily with the envoy’s attendants. Although all supplies were fully prepared, they still needed to check for any omissions in a timely manner. If the envoy had any special requests, they must be met immediately.

Finally, he said anxiously, “I don’t know why, but all the songstresses sent to the yamen were turned away by the lord. Could it be that none caught his eye?”

“Maybe...” the deputy governor guessed, “the lord isn’t interested in women...” Even he didn’t believe this himself.

“Forget it, let’s not guess.” The governor couldn’t figure it out and decided not to dwell on it. After all, everything that needed to be done had been done; if the man insisted on being prim and proper, there was nothing they could do.

So, the two officials left in their sedan chairs, but William Brooks stayed behind. He was responsible for protecting the envoy and dared not leave for even a moment.

William Brooks sent word home so his family wouldn’t wait in vain, then arranged for his soldiers to take shifts patrolling around the envoy’s yamen. He was extremely strict with his men, and none dared slack off; they secured all the nearby streets!

Yuhang had always been relatively peaceful, and the people hadn’t seen such a grand display in a long time. Outside the cordoned area, crowds gathered curiously, chattering among themselves. For a while, the streets were bustling and traffic was difficult.

A plain-looking carriage struggled to make its way through the crowd. Inside, a pair of eyes bright as stars gazed through the thin gauze curtain, staring unblinkingly at the yamen surrounded by layers of guards.

Only when the carriage left the crowd and the noise faded did those eyes withdraw. The ugly servant across from them closed the window.

Now, even the light disappeared.

In the dim carriage, Grace Brooks and Uncle Paul sat facing each other.

“You saw it too, young master. William Brooks is constantly guarding the envoy with his troops. It will be very hard for us to get around him and make a move on Raymond Carter,” Uncle Paul rasped.

Grace Brooks nodded, eyelids half-closed, saying nothing.

“Why don’t we just lay all our cards on the table with him?” Uncle Paul suggested. “William Brooks wouldn’t refuse to help.”

“No.” Grace Brooks slowly shook his head. “Father has always been unwilling for us to seek revenge. I’m not sure I could persuade him.”

“Then let’s find a way to get him away,” Uncle Paul continued. “You could send word that something’s happened at home...”

“No.” Grace Brooks still shook his head. “Even if we get him away, we don’t know what’s going on inside the yamen.” He paused. “Besides, abandoning one’s post is a serious crime.”

“Ah!” Uncle Paul pounded his thigh in frustration. “After all this time, we finally have a chance for revenge, and now William Brooks has become The Carter Family’s bodyguard!”

“Uncle, don’t be impatient.” Grace Brooks gently shook his head, his tone calm and confident. “We will definitely get our chance.”

“What’s the plan?” Uncle Paul knew his young master was precocious and brilliant, far sharper than a man of action like himself.

Grace Brooks opened a black-covered notebook at his side. This was the dossier he and Uncle Paul had compiled over the years on their enemies.

The first entries were all about the The Carter Family. Grace Brooks flipped through several pages before reaching the one with Raymond Carter’s name.

On it, written in neat, tiny script, was:

‘Raymond Carter, born in the year of Guiyou, elder of the The Carter Family, second brother of the clan leader Brian Carter. Seventh level of the Dragon Elephant Subduing Demon Art. Once ranked thirty-seventh on the Earth List of the Office of Arrests. Unruly in his youth, fond of wealth and women, never favored by the clan leader, and has been caned several times. In recent years, he has restrained himself somewhat, seemingly showing signs of repentance.’