Howard Hoover, after all, was a bit older and more experienced. He knew that forcibly seizing a common girl was against the law and had already violated the statutes of Da Kang. He lowered his voice and advised, “Young master, if the master finds out about this, he will definitely blame you. If word gets out, it will also negatively affect your reputation. After all, you’ve just gotten engaged to Miss Li. If this reaches their ears…” Everything Howard Hoover said was true; he spoke without malice, but the listener took it to heart.

Little William had been troubled by this engagement for days. Hearing Howard Hoover say this, he decided to go all the way—so what if he forcibly took a girl? So what if his reputation suffered? He was determined to ruin his own name. As long as he didn’t actually commit any real wrongdoing, at worst he’d just get a scolding. Since his father was a third-rank official, such a minor issue should be easy to handle. He was going to snatch the bride, make sure the Li family knew, and break off this engagement. If they wanted to marry him off to a hideous, paralyzed woman, there was no way he’d allow it.

Little William had once felt some affection for his father, the Minister of Revenue, who had always provided him with a life of luxury. But ever since Edward Howard arranged his engagement, Little William immediately realized that his father saw him as a political pawn, never truly caring about his son’s personal happiness.

With this in mind, Little William was no longer afraid of making a scene. He laughed heartily, picked up the red-clad young woman who was still unconscious on the ground, and strode toward his own room.

The group of servants stared at his back in shock. They realized that while this young master wasn’t stupid, he was definitely lecherous! Howard Hoover nudged Robert Bennett with his elbow: “Robert, go try to talk him out of it…”

“Why don’t you go yourself?”

John Carter was so anxious he was scratching his head, standing outside cursing nonstop. He had someone bring over a log, preparing to break down the door. Not all of his men were fools; one stopped him and said, “Big brother, this is the Minister’s residence. We absolutely can’t use force. Secretary Howard is Da Kang’s treasurer and is deeply favored by His Majesty.”

John Carter retorted angrily, “His father’s an official, my father’s an official too! Even if we have to argue our case before the emperor, I’m not afraid if he takes my sister!”

That man sighed, “But he’s a third-rank official!”

John Carter caught the implication—his own father didn’t measure up to the other’s. He slapped the man, making him spin around twice on the spot. After venting, John Carter calmed down a bit. Though hot-tempered, he wasn’t stupid. He knew his father was sixth-rank, far below the other’s status. Not to mention, just the back gate of the Minister’s residence was grander and more imposing than the main entrance of his own home. In the horse market district, it was always John Carter bullying others—he never expected to be bullied himself today. He paced around anxiously.

His men suggested sending someone to inform his father, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, Charles Carter, and also to have the family go to the Jingzhao Prefecture to beat the drum and appeal for justice. After all, they were in the right today—it was The Carter Family who had been wronged, so they weren’t afraid of making a big deal out of it.

The Carter Family had three sons but only one daughter, named Grace Carter. She was usually the apple of her father, Assistant Minister Charles Carter’s eye, and her three brothers doted on her in every way. Over time, this made her arrogant and willful. If she hadn’t been so unruly—riding her horse wildly in the street and lashing out at people over a word—she wouldn’t have gotten into this mess today.

The third son of The Carter Family, James Carter, happened to be at the Jingzhao Prefecture beating the drum for justice just as court was adjourning.

The Minister of Revenue, Edward Howard, was sitting in his carriage, pondering the marriage alliance between the Hu and Li families. David Thompson was deeply trusted by the Crown Prince, Eric Grant, and had once saved the prince’s life from assassins, earning his eternal gratitude. The current emperor was already sixty-three, and his health and energy were clearly declining. He had hinted several times at passing the throne to the Crown Prince, so it seemed the prince’s ascension was not far off.

It was foreseeable that once Eric Grant took the throne, David Thompson would surely be promoted. As David Thompson’s in-law, even if he couldn’t rise further, Edward Howard could at least ensure his current position remained secure.

Thinking of this, Edward Howard couldn’t help but smile knowingly. But when he thought of David Thompson’s paralyzed and ugly daughter, and then of his own son who had suddenly regained his senses, Edward Howard felt a twinge of guilt. Marrying his son to the Li family’s daughter was truly a grievance for him, but for the sake of The Howard Family’s future and status, he had no choice but to sacrifice his son’s marital happiness.

There was another reason for Edward Howard’s actions, one that few knew. He had once offended Eric Grant, and the current Crown Prince had never liked him. Although Edward Howard had tried everything to make amends over the years, it seemed to have little effect. With a new emperor comes new ministers—he feared that when the new ruler ascended, there would be a purge, and not only would he lose his position, but perhaps even his life… Edward Howard drew in a sharp breath. Fortunately, he had already prepared a way out. With his connection to David Thompson, he should be able to keep The Howard Family safe.