“What exactly do you want to do?”

“I will do what I must—I am going to save the world.”

“There’s no need for you to try to persuade me anymore... I know this path leads to death, perhaps even more clearly than you do.”

“Then why do you insist on heading down a road to ruin?”

“Because I am William Carter.”

“Better to die as the Marquis of Gaogui Township than to live as Emperor Xian of Han!!”

Andrew Young was still in a daze, but William Carter had already stood up. He brushed the dust from his clothes and revealed a smile.

He bowed deeply to Andrew Young.

“I entrust those three matters to you. Please do not forget them—especially the issue with the Hu people. That must never be forgotten.”

Andrew Young wanted to say something, but his whole body felt stiff, as if he had lost his voice. He could only watch as William Carter walked away, unable to utter a word.

For a moment, an indescribable emotion enveloped Andrew Young. He raised his wine pouch again, tilted his head back, and drank in great gulps.

Wine spilled from the corners of his mouth, mixing with his tears and soaking his neck.

The residence was rather quiet. Robert Grant was sitting in his private study, reading peacefully.

He kept reciting the Shangshu aloud, but his mind was filled with countless thoughts.

Everything that was happening was violently shaking the pillars of his spirit.

He could only try to steady his beliefs and his heart by reading aloud.

Perhaps he would persist like this for a few more years, until the emperor was assassinated in the street, and then he too would collapse, completing the transition from Robert Grant to Andrew Young, from Han to Jin.

But at this moment, that process was clearly about to be interrupted.

“Mr. Grant!!”

William Carter burst into the study.

Robert Grant was startled and looked up.

William Carter seemed a bit different now; his eyes were brighter than before, and his whole being was like a sharp sword. He strode over and sat down in front of Robert Grant.

Robert Grant put down his book and was about to salute.

“No need for formalities. I came to see you today because I want you to help me resolve a confusion in my heart—I have something to ask you.”

Robert Grant murmured, “This year, you’ve rarely come to consult me...”

“What is it you wish to ask this time? The Shangshu? Or the Spring and Autumn Annals?”

“Neither.”

“I want to ask you about how to execute traitors, restore the nation, and bring peace to the people. Can you advise me on this?”

At that moment, Robert Grant shivered.

It was as if something spread from his heart throughout his body.

“Very well!”

……

In a grand mansion within Yuancheng.

Three men sat in the study, with knights guarding the door.

Richard King sat in the seat of honor. He always seemed a bit slow, slow to react, a step behind, giving the impression of not being very clever.

But no one dared to underestimate him.

This Richard King—Lord King—was not particularly famous in history. On the contrary, his father, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were all much more renowned than he was.

His father was the illustrious Wang Lang, Minister over the Masses.

In history, this Minister Wang was not scolded to death by Chancellor Zhuge—that’s just a legend. He was a true notable of Cao Wei, one of the Three Excellencies with real power, a figure admired throughout the land.

As for Richard King’s daughter, her name was Wang Yuanji—yes, the very one who married Sima Zhao.

And his grandson? Naturally, that would be the famous “Emperor on the Sheep Cart,” Sima Yan.

He was dissatisfied with Cao Shuang’s heavy use of He Yan, Deng Yang, and others, and openly insulted them. As a result, Cao Shuang found an excuse to dismiss him from his post as Grand Minister of Ceremonies, later reassigning him as Grand Herald.

After Sima Yi rose to power, he once again entered the core of the court.

He was a true Sima faction member: one grandson was Sima Zhao’s eldest legitimate son, and another was adopted as the heir by the childless Sima Shi.

Seated beside him were two others—Harris Monument, who needs no further introduction.

His father, Hua Xin, was a figure as prominent as Richard King’s father, Wang Lang, and the two families were close.

The other, a silent minister, was named Matthew Wright, serving as Minister Steward.

Matthew Wright was the son of the famous scholar Zheng Tai. He lost his father at a young age, but thanks to his intelligence, he became famous early on—even Xun You couldn’t help but praise him.

He was first raised by Hua Xin, who was very fond of him—more so even than of Harris Monument.

Later, he was recommended by Wang Lang, who had high hopes for him.

Now, though still young, he already served as Minister Steward.

Because of their fathers, these three had very close ties, with Richard King as the leader. Due to Richard King’s connection to the Sima family, all three were considered Sima faction officials, though their closeness varied.

Harris Monument was the first to speak.

“What should we do about this?”

“Should we wait for the Grand General’s orders?”

Richard King suddenly frowned. “Nonsense! We are here by the Empress Dowager’s decree to welcome the Son of Heaven—what does that have to do with the Grand General?!”

Harris Monument lowered his head, not daring to speak, though he felt quite aggrieved inside.

Yes, yes, yes, you’re so upright, you have nothing to do with the Grand General. That knight who rushed to the capital last night was sent by me!

Richard King was silent for a moment, then looked at Matthew Wright, who was sitting nearby.

“Lord Wright, you have always been a good judge of character. What do you think we should do?”