At this moment, Wang Su was probably feeling a bit conflicted as well. The so-called “three refusals and three acceptances” was not something this young emperor before him could even touch; the Grand General was not so kind-hearted as to tolerate a member of the imperial clan acting so presumptuously.

However, if anything went wrong with this matter, he feared it would damage his own reputation for integrity.

Matthew Wright said solemnly, “Back then, when Shun wanted to abdicate in favor of Yu, Yu was a virtuous man, so he refused. Previously, when the Han emperor wanted to abdicate in favor of our Great Wei’s Emperor Wen, Emperor Wen was virtuous and refused three times.”

“Now it seems, His Majesty is a virtuous ruler like Yao, Shun, and Yu. Empress Dowager wishes to personally present the imperial seal to His Majesty—there is nothing wrong with that.”

“It is precisely because of His Majesty’s virtue that we should persuade him to ascend the throne as emperor.”

“How could we let the world miss out on such a wise and virtuous ruler?”

Matthew Wright spoke at length, but Wang Su only heard a few key words.

Yao and Shun, abdication.

Empress Dowager, personal presentation.

“Mr. Wright speaks truly. Mr. Harris, have everyone prepare, and tomorrow we shall again invite His Majesty to ascend the throne!!”

Chapter 010: Birds of a Feather

“Actually, my family’s relationship with the The Smith Family is not bad.”

“My cousin, Marquis of Pingyuan Grace, married William Smith’s daughter and serves as Colonel of the Archers, in charge of the palace guards.”

“My uncle Lily serves as Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary and Colonel of the Changshui, overseeing the provincial guards.”

“My cousin, Marquis of Linjin Jack, serves as General of the Guards, in charge of the imperial guards.”

Robert Grant slowly began to talk about his family’s situation. Robert Grant was from the Grant Clan of Westfield, a relative of the current Empress Dowager Grant.

Years ago, the Grant Clan of Westfield was implicated in a rebellion, and the entire clan was arrested and became government slaves.

Later, Edward Carter took a liking to Grant, made her his consort, and pardoned her relatives.

After such upheaval, the Grant Clan of Westfield dwindled in numbers and was never as large as before.

Precisely because of this, they became even more united. Even distant relatives like Robert Grant could be promoted and often corresponded with those relatives who held central positions.

William Carter glanced at him. “I thought so. I had never met Empress Dowager before, yet she chose me and even told William Smith that she was very familiar with me and insisted on handing the imperial seal to me personally. So it was all thanks to your efforts!”

Robert Grant looked a bit embarrassed and hurried to explain, “I only praised you a little when talking about my own situation…”

“Not just a little, right?”

“I was just telling the truth.”

“Fine, go on.”

Robert Grant continued, “My family used to get along well with the The Smith Family. Several of my cousins all obeyed William Smith. I suppose it’s because they didn’t see William Smith’s true nature!”

William Carter didn’t interrupt him, but he understood in his heart.

Those relatives of Robert Grant saw things very clearly; they just didn’t care. Following the The Smith Family meant they could enjoy the spoils—why make things difficult for themselves?

“It’s just that my aunt doesn’t like the The Smith Family much, but she can’t get any support…”

Robert Grant was describing their relationship from his own perspective.

But from William Carter’s standpoint, the situation was different.

It seemed the The Grant Family had long since formed a marriage alliance with the The Smith Family, cooperating to carve up Carter Dynasty. Empress Dowager was not opposed to the The Smith Family; she was quite happy to share power with them. However, the The Grant Family also had its own bottom line.

Their bottom line was the position of Empress Dowager.

The The Grant Family’s current prominence was entirely due to the position of Empress Dowager.

Looking at the positions held by their relatives, all were in charge of palace affairs by virtue of their kinship with the Empress Dowager.

That’s why, when William Smith wanted to make the elder Philip Carter emperor, Empress Dowager Grant refused to step down and insisted on making herself the empress dowager.

You know, even when the The Smith Family deposed the emperor, she wasn’t this agitated. Even when William Carter was assassinated, she didn’t react at all and even helped the The Smith Family denounce William Carter harshly.

But the matter of enthronement was different. If Philip Carter became emperor, the The Grant Family would lose the position of Empress Dowager—that was their fundamental interest and non-negotiable.

William Carter couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, thinking of many things.

Meanwhile, Robert Grant continued, “But now things are different!”

“With my lord ascending the throne, Empress Dowager will no longer be alone!”

“The revival of Great Wei is just ahead!”

Robert Grant was very excited and happy.

William Carter was not surprised at all. Robert Grant was someone suitable for handling affairs, but not for devising strategies.

Of course, William Carter didn’t expect him to come up with any earth-shattering schemes; he just wanted to better understand the situation of the The Grant Family.

That was about all Robert Grant could say.

Then, he looked eagerly at William Carter. “Shall I prepare to go to Luoyang?”

“No rush.”

William Carter fell into thought.

Since he had decided to ascend the throne, he needed to make some preparations. This was already his second time around—he had to get a better start than the first time.

Now that he understood the The Grant Clan’s position, he seemed to have some ideas.

“Grant, I’d like you to write a letter right now and send someone to deliver it to Empress Dowager.”

“Alright, my lord, what would you like me to write?”