Thousands of commoners gathered at the city gate; not everyone knew what was going on with Henry Carter. That young scholar took the initiative to explain.

His face flushed bright red. “Listen up, everyone... these Jinyiwei dogs are utterly rotten.” As soon as he opened his mouth, he started cursing the Jinyiwei.

“These murderous fiends specialize in killing loyal officials, framing good people, their methods cruel and outrageous! Over the years, just those who died at the hands of this Henry Carter number more than a hundred thousand! He not only kills, but also confiscates property and wipes out entire families... Who would have thought, this villain would meet his end today! See? Heaven has eyes—anyone who does evil will never have a good end!”

The young scholar was animated and overjoyed, while the commoners, not knowing the details, simply felt that killing a villain was naturally a good thing. The elderly even knelt on the ground, loudly praising His Majesty’s wisdom, moved to tears.

Just then, a young boy poked his head out from the crowd. “That scholar makes a lot of sense! Heaven sees everything clearly—otherwise, why would there be so many human-skin pillows hanging in front of the Earth God temple!”

Zhu Yuanzhang hated corrupt officials. Anyone who embezzled more than sixty taels would be skinned, stuffed with straw, and hung outside the yamen or the Earth God temple. Brian Clark had seen several on his way through Gubeikou.

Those were all civil officials, and most had fallen at the hands of the Jinyiwei.

The scholar could certainly hear the barb in those words, and he glared fiercely at Brian Clark.

“You brat, you dare spout nonsense?”

Brian Clark wasn’t afraid of him at all. I’m practically a Jinyiwei myself—no way I’ll let you slander us like this!

“Let me tell you, the Jinyiwei act on imperial orders! If you dare say those killed were loyal and good, you’re challenging the imperial verdict! What’s your motive?”

Whoa!

In an instant, a huge black pot was metaphorically thrown over, landing squarely on the young scholar’s head. His flushed face began to lose color, his lips trembling. “You brat, you’re slandering a good man!”

“You say I’m slandering, but then you’re slandering the entire Jinyiwei—who do you think you are?”

“I—I’m not slandering, the Jinyiwei are notorious for their evil, everyone knows it, and—and isn’t it true that Henry Carter was killed!” the scholar argued desperately.

Brian Clark threw his head back and laughed. “Henry Carter is Henry Carter, the Jinyiwei are the Jinyiwei. If you can’t even tell that apart, yet dare to fool the people and stir up trouble, you’d better watch your head!”

Don’t be fooled by Brian Clark’s young age—his voice was clear and righteous, and the scholar was so intimidated he kept retreating, blurting out, “Who—who are you, daring to speak for the Jinyiwei?”

Brian Clark squared his shoulders and sneered, “Someone who stands up for justice! Let me warn you, the Jinyiwei have eyes and ears everywhere—you’d better be careful!”

Brian Clark sneered with contempt, and the scholar felt a chill run down his back. Maybe this kid really was connected to the Jinyiwei. “You—you can’t scare me!”

Though he said that, he kept backing away, then turned and fled in panic... The commoners burst out laughing. Such a grown man, scared off by a boy—how embarrassing!

The crowd laughed and quickly dispersed.

Brian Clark took advantage of the commotion to return to Edward Green’s side, only to find Edward Green’s face ashen, a fine sheen of cold sweat on his forehead.

“You—are you alright?”

Edward Green suddenly shook his head, saying bitterly, “How could they kill the Commander? It shouldn’t be!” Edward Green truly felt wronged for Henry Carter!

Henry Carter was the first Commander of the Jinyiwei, loyal and devoted, having handled many major cases for Zhu Yuanzhang. He’d been involved in the early Guo Heng case, the counterfeit seal case, and had even orchestrated the Hu Weiyong case from behind the scenes. Thanks to his success in the Hu Weiyong case, the Garrison Command was transformed into the Jinyiwei, and Henry Carter became its first Commander!

Such a man, a true right-hand aide—how could he have been killed?

Especially the charges—they were even more absurd!

It was clearly Henry Carter who reported the Hu Weiyong case, so how could he become Hu Weiyong’s accomplice? Isn’t that the biggest joke in the world?

Edward Green could hardly believe it. He had a feeling that Henry Carter’s death was far from simple—could it implicate others?

This was truly disastrous!

“Come, let’s go to the Qianhu Office—I want to ask William Baker!” Third Master said in a low voice.

They hurried toward the Jinyiwei Qianhu Office stationed in Beiping, but just as they arrived, another squad of soldiers beat them there and sealed off the Jinyiwei office.

The leader, an official in a red robe, called out smugly to those inside, “By order of the Emperor, the Jinyiwei is abolished! We are here to take over the office—everyone inside, come out!”

Chapter 5: The Prince of Yan Arrives

What? Killing Henry Carter wasn’t enough—they’re actually abolishing the Jinyiwei!

Brian Clark was at a loss... He thought that after recognizing his godfather, he’d latched onto a powerful backer and was about to reach the pinnacle of life! Who knew this backer would be cut off just like that.

It was like being hired by a top internet company, happily preparing for work, only for the company to shut down before you even report in! Brian Clark was so frustrated he could cough up blood!

The mighty Jinyiwei—could it really be over just like that?

Edward Green clenched his fists tightly, his pupils bloodshot, glaring fiercely at the soldiers surrounding the Qianhu Office, wishing he could devour them alive!

Judging by the situation, this was no joke. But no matter what, he couldn’t believe the Emperor would cut off his own right arm—impossible!