“In this past year, you have changed so much that I can barely recognize you, but today I finally realize, you are still yourself.”

“Only Noble Lord would act so recklessly for something like this.”

“He is full of youthful passion and chivalry, willing to draw his sword to help those he meets by chance.”

“Those whom you have aided are willing to live and die with you.”

“Is it that just because I am educated, I cannot die for you? If they seek to punish you, I am willing to take the blame in your stead.”

William Carter smiled, but said nothing.

He looked toward the main gate.

Outside, the dark clouds had somehow dispersed, and sunlight once again shone on the ground, leaving patches of light.

William Carter sat in the shadow of the hall, gazing into the distant brightness.

Chapter 004: His Majesty Deposed for Treason

Yuancheng.

The sound of hooves shattered the peace of the small county town.

On the official road, a group of fully armed, tall and imposing knights rode at the very front, their armor clanking with each movement, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure. Passersby along the way hurriedly stepped aside.

Armored soldiers followed behind them, moving at a brisk trot.

In the very center was a carriage, upon which stood a distinguished elderly man, holding a bamboo staff high with a solemn expression, his demeanor devout.

The county magistrate, Ethan Brooks, had none of his former arrogance or indifference. His face was now beaming with a friendly smile as he walked beside the carriage, leading a group of officials behind him.

The city gates stood wide open, and the soldiers who usually dozed off with their spears in hand were now standing at attention.

The streets, which had been somewhat dirty and messy in the morning, were now spotless.

The beggars and poor people who usually crowded the roads were nowhere to be seen.

Behind the soldiers stood the most respected elders of the city, dressed in splendid clothes, smiling as they watched the carriage.

There were also locally renowned young talents, standing on tiptoe, peering in the direction of the carriage.

The elderly man on the carriage paid no attention to any of these people, keeping his gaze straight ahead.

To his left, a man in official attire rode a fine horse, his face stern, just like the old man on the carriage.

Only the man riding on his right was chatting animatedly with the county magistrate.

“This Yuancheng of yours, hahaha, from now on things will be different! You’re going to soar to the skies!”

“That’s right, that’s right, the arrival of the envoys is a blessing for Yuancheng. With Lord Wang, Lord Zheng, and Mr. Harris coming, Yuancheng is sure to rise to greatness…”

“This has nothing to do with us.”

This man, riding a fine horse, seemed rather unsteady and was quite rude even to the county magistrate.

But the magistrate dared not say much.

Not only because this man was an imperial envoy, leading the attendants, but more importantly, his father was George Harris!

This somewhat unruly scholar was none other than the son of the Grand Minister of Wei, George Harris, named Harris Monument.

Ethan Brooks couldn’t help but ask, “I really don’t understand, what matter could bring the three of you to my humble Yuancheng… and not even allow the prefect to greet you…”

Harris Monument was about to say something when he saw the old man on the carriage glance at him. He immediately rubbed his nose and dared not speak further.

“You’ll know soon enough. Just lead the way. It’s not a bad thing, anyway.”

Ethan Brooks said nothing, but he couldn’t shake a sense of foreboding.

He asked in a low voice, “The city’s worthies have heard that the envoys are coming and have come out to greet you of their own accord. May they have a word with Lord Wang?”

Harris Monument quickly shook his head.

“We can’t delay official business. Let’s talk after the matter is settled.”

“By the way, what kind of person is this Noble Lord of yours?”

Ethan Brooks narrowed his eyes. No matter what the envoys wanted with William Carter, he absolutely could not let them have their way.

If it’s something bad, I’ll make it worse for you; if it’s something good, I’ll make sure you don’t succeed!

He said calmly, “Noble Lord is clever, but his reputation in the village isn’t great. People often say he shelters criminals…”

Harris Monument was taken aback, then quickly said, “It seems Noble Lord is a good man. He can’t bear to see people punished, so he often helps and rescues those who have suffered under the law.”

Ethan Brooks added, “But the merchants in the city know the details best. I’ve heard that Noble Lord profits with the merchants, and they often give him money.”

“That shows Noble Lord is upright and indifferent to wealth! Otherwise, if he knew how to make money, why would he let the merchants have it? The merchants are courteous too, knowing to show their gratitude. Not bad, not bad.”

Ethan Brooks couldn’t hold back any longer.

“In fact, he often leads a group of knights to cause trouble and brawl in the city!”

Harris Monument clapped his hands. “Excellent! Noble Lord must be skilled in martial arts!”

Ethan Brooks was dumbfounded. Is it you who’s misunderstanding, or am I not making myself clear??

The group proceeded in grand fashion toward William Carter’s residence, with the worthies and scholars following at a distance, faces full of excitement.

When they arrived, the gates of Noble Lord’s mansion were tightly shut.

The knights dismounted and knocked on the door.

Soon, someone opened it.

It was Robert Grant who opened the door, standing confidently before the crowd, his face showing not the slightest hint of panic.