"That's called the imperial ceremonial staff... it's not called a bamboo pole with a dog's tail!!!"

James Lee was shocked. "We just snatched a woman—could it really have alarmed the Son of Heaven?"

"Deploying the imperial ceremonial staff—are they going to abolish the state?! That can't be... how could it be? Are you sure it's a dog... are you sure it's a yak tail hanging from a bamboo staff?"

Seeing the people around him anxiously pacing, William Carter suddenly had a shocking suspicion in his heart.

Could it be... that Emperor Thomas Carter has been deposed for plotting rebellion?

Not to mention whether it would even require the imperial ceremonial staff to deal with someone like himself—even if it did, how could it arrive in Yuancheng in just one day?

Could it be... that he was about to ascend the throne?

At this thought, William Carter felt a chill run through his whole body, his hair standing on end.

Of course, William Carter knew exactly who he was.

That famous last man of Cao Wei in history.

The first emperor in Chinese history to be assassinated in the street, the young Emperor of Wei, William Carter.

William Carter was an exceptionally capable person, often called the Han Emperor Wen who lacked time.

He showed extraordinary intelligence from a young age and had an excellent reputation.

When he ascended the throne, his speech left all the ministers dumbfounded.

After his enthronement, he continuously drew in elites from all factions; at fourteen, he could even debate with the most outstanding scholars of the time.

He discussed whether Shao Kang or Liu Bang was stronger, trying to use public opinion to suppress the Sima family.

He repeatedly matched wits and courage with the two Sima brothers, and at fifteen, caught Sima Zhao completely off guard.

Unfortunately, what he faced was a terrifying dead end.

In the end, realizing he was powerless to turn the tide, the young emperor led his personal guards in a final charge against Sima Zhao.

Assassinated in the street.

Given the abilities William Carter displayed, had he been born in a time of peace and prosperity, it would be unimaginable.

One must know, the difficulty William Carter faced was unprecedented.

The Sima family had fully absorbed the experiences of Cao Cao, Cao Pi, and others, and applied those methods perfectly to the Cao family.

All military and political power was in the hands of the Sima family, and in the end, the loyal ministers of Wei were almost all swept away by Thomas Carter in one stroke.

And Sima Shi was an enemy of the utmost terror.

This was why William Carter was so distraught at this moment.

Even if two souls merged into one, familiar with everything that would happen, and with the added perspective of a thousand years of experience, what could he possibly accomplish in such a desperate situation?

Be a deeply aggrieved puppet emperor, eventually forced to abdicate or be assassinated?

Robert Grant and the retainers were still saying something, but William Carter could barely hear them.

He sat down blankly beside Mr. Young, his hands faintly trembling.

"Don't be afraid, Xianggong."

"Maybe it's a good thing?"

Mr. Young said drunkenly.

"Maybe so."

At that moment, James Lee had already come up with a plan for Robert Grant. "Let Mr. Carter climb over the wall and escape from the back. I'm about the same height as Mr. Carter, so let Mr. Carter give me his clothes, and I'll disguise myself as him!"

"Then I'll lead the brothers up to the wall and have them shoot arrows to hold off the cavalry."

"Once Mr. Carter is gone, we'll set a fire. As long as my body is unrecognizable, they'll think Mr. Carter is dead!"

James Lee grinned, proudly thumping his chest, clearly very pleased with his own scheme.

Robert Grant laughed in exasperation and ignored this reckless fellow, turning directly to William Carter.

"Mr. Carter, let me go and ask about the situation."

William Carter shook his head. "No need for that."

James Lee was overjoyed—sure enough, Mr. Carter preferred his plan!

"Can the county magistrate fly? We just broke into the county office this morning, and now he can already summon the imperial ceremonial staff from the capital?"

"This may not be to arrest me—maybe it's to change my title."

"James Lee, you take the brothers and leave first."

"Mr. Carter! We may be uneducated, but we were also born of parents!"

James Lee's face flushed red, as if he had been insulted.

"In this world, there's no such thing as receiving your kindness and then running away when you're in trouble!"

"When we were desperate, you didn't look down on us for our backgrounds and took us in. Now that you're in trouble, we should repay you with our lives!"

"Besides, this past year, you've always stood up for justice and helped others—you are the greatest hero in our hearts!"

"To die with you would be our good fortune!"

The rest of the unruly ruffians also stood by James Lee's side at this moment, all shouting in agreement.

But William Carter shook his head. "If you all stay here, I'll really be in trouble."

"Don't worry—they're definitely not here to arrest me. But they absolutely can't see you here, or it will only be bad for me."

James Lee laughed. "That's easy—we'll just hide our weapons and pretend to be servants in the residence. If they try to harm you, we can still help..."

William Carter did not refuse again.

Robert Grant looked thoughtfully at William Carter, and William Carter continued, "If they really come to accuse me, just tell them honestly what I did before. Don't get yourself implicated because of me."

Robert Grant shook his head.