William Carter was currently pulling a few merchants from within Yuancheng, speaking loudly about business matters, though those people couldn’t really make sense of it.

“These are just the simplest ways. I have many more methods here that are even more profitable!”

“These past years, with my guidance, you’ve made quite a bit of money, but you can’t use it all for your own enjoyment—you must do more good deeds!”

William Carter seemed as if he were drunk. He said, “I will never help those selfish and self-serving people. From now on, whenever you travel, you must give alms to the poor along the way, do more good deeds, and build a good reputation…”

“I don’t have much ability; I can’t help all the people in the world. I can only help by persuading you!”

The merchants, shrewd as they were, exchanged glances and suddenly understood.

“Of course! We have received your teachings and have been deeply moved. From now on, we will certainly act with more benevolence and spread kindness, never failing your guidance!”

William Carter staggered out of there, leading his hangers-on back toward his own home.

Those who were keeping watch didn’t notice that among William Carter’s twenty-two retainers, one was missing.

Chapter 011: Though a Tiger Cub Is Young, Its Fangs Are Innate

“Mr. Carter! James Lee is missing!”

The next day, as soon as William Carter opened his eyes, he saw Robert Grant standing before him, face full of anxiety.

William Carter rubbed his eyes, then sat up.

“Oh, James Lee? Something happened at his home, so he went back to take care of it. It’s nothing, you don’t need to worry.”

As William Carter spoke, he calmly began to get dressed.

“That letter of yours—has it been sent?”

“It was sent out yesterday. Please rest assured, it will reach the Empress Dowager within five days.”

“Good, that’s fine then.”

William Carter and Robert Grant walked out of the inner room together. The weather was very nice, quite refreshing. The heroes had probably drunk too much yesterday, as few of them were awake at this moment.

“You should make some preparations. With such good weather today, I expect we’ll have distinguished guests.”

Hearing this, Robert Grant seemed thoughtful. “You mean Richard King is coming?”

“He hasn’t left Yuancheng, so naturally he’ll come again… if not today, then tomorrow.”

“So what will you do?”

“The Grand General holds power over the world. As a minor member of the imperial clan, if I want to survive, of course I must heed Mr. Young’s advice and serve as the Grand General’s dog. What else can I do?”

“My lord?! You—”

“Hahaha, don’t worry. This time, I still can’t agree to him, because I have something else to do. I need to first stabilize Richard King and the others. I have my own plans—just do as I say!”

Robert Grant nodded heavily. “Understood!”

After washing up, William Carter once again began exercising in the front courtyard. He had kept up this routine for over a year, never slacking.

Practicing martial arts could even be said to be the thing William Carter valued most this past year.

The fate of being run through by Mark Johnson’s spear was his greatest motivation for training—he had to at least have the ability to fight back, right?

The wooden staff in his hands moved with the force and vigor of a tiger, whistling through the air with a powerful momentum.

Naturally, this drew the retainers to come and watch.

One of the retainers, feeling eager, couldn’t help but spar with William Carter.

The public residence was lively.

William Carter fought three at once without falling behind, earning cheers from the retainers.

The sudden arrival of distinguished guests interrupted the lively atmosphere in the residence.

Richard King, leading his entourage, once again appeared outside the residence of the Marquis of Gaogui Township.

This time, they didn’t send people to cordon off the route. In fact, there was no need—anyone who saw this display was terrified and quickly avoided them.

Even the children playing outside were so frightened they burst into tears and were carried away by their parents.

The common folk, panicked, ran into their homes and shut their doors.

In just a moment, there was hardly a soul on the street—empty and desolate, like a ghost town.

This was a scene completely different from when William Carter usually went out.

The knights leading the way were quite proud when they saw this, holding their heads high, feeling smug about their impressive display.

This time, they could finally enter the residence of the Marquis of Gaogui Township.

Robert Grant had already made preparations, leading the old soldiers of the residence to throw open the gates. He stood to the left of the entrance, maintaining a respectful posture.

Standing on the right was Andrew Young, whose face was unusually flushed today for some reason. He stood there in a daze, humming something to himself.

Richard King nodded in satisfaction, looked left and right, and ordered, “Everyone else stays outside. Mr. Wright, you may enter with me.”

Harris Monument, though somewhat displeased at being left outside, dared not show it.

Richard King, holding his staff of office, strode into the residence. He looked straight ahead, showing not the slightest curiosity about the place, nor did he glance around. Matthew Wright was even more reserved, head lowered, following behind Richard King in small steps, never looking up.

William Carter stood alone in the front courtyard, bowing to Richard King and his companion.

Just as Richard King was about to speak, William Carter hurried forward, grabbed Richard King’s hand, his eyes full of sincerity.

“Mr. King, might we go inside to talk?”

Richard King frowned, but did not refuse.