She then softly added, “Of course, I will also tactfully let the Crown Prince know what you just said. The heir is the foundation of the nation; regardless of prestige, the last bit of dignity must be preserved at all costs.”

Charles Reed nodded in deep agreement and asked, “Second Madam, how do you plan to use this evidence?”

He also addressed her as “Second Madam” rather than “Lady Du,” which made Aunt Brooks smile knowingly once again. She said, “The Crown Prince must discuss with several court lecturers to come up with the most appropriate solution.”

This was no longer a matter Charles Reed could be involved in, so he asked, “Who is behind all this mischief?”

Aunt Brooks gave a slight, cold laugh. “Who else could it be but the current Right Chancellor, Li Linfu?”

Charles Reed said nothing, quietly waiting for her to continue.

“Li Linfu’s childhood name is Genu. Because he is naturally ruthless and cunning, with a stern face and harsh spirit, like a fighting rooster, the court officials call him ‘the fighting rooster.’ Back then, he strongly supported making Prince Shou the heir, and since he felt he had no credit in the establishment of the Crown Prince, he now seeks to undermine the Eastern Palace. The Wei Jian case at the beginning of the year was the result of his instigating wrongful convictions…”

Aunt Brooks was quite sharp-tongued, thoroughly berating Li Linfu, and finally concluded, “This man is jealous of the virtuous and capable, brings disaster to the world, and is truly a treacherous minister.”

Charles Reed listened very attentively.

He sat upright, and from time to time his fingers would unconsciously form a loose grip and tremble slightly, as if holding a chalk pencil to take notes.

Aunt Brooks glanced over, guessing that he used to have the habit of taking notes while listening to others speak.

After discussing Li Linfu, Charles Reed pondered for a moment and then asked, “Is there a Yang Guozhong in the court?”

Aunt Brooks thought for a moment, then shook her head. “I’ve never heard of such a person.”

“He is the brother of Consort Yang.”

“Consort Yang has only three older sisters and a brother who died young,” Aunt Brooks said. “But this year, a rather unreliable cousin showed up—he’s a ‘spittoon.’”

“Spittoon?”

“There’s a story behind that. If not for it, I wouldn’t even know of this person,” Aunt Brooks said. “His name is Robert Harris, addicted to drinking and gambling, despised by his relatives, so he had to seek a living in Xichuan. It seems it was last year? He returned to Chang’an from Xichuan, giving gifts everywhere, and managed to curry favor with Li Linfu.”

At this point, she curled her lips downward and waved her sleeve before continuing.

“One day, Li Linfu was leaving the imperial city with a mouthful of old phlegm and nowhere to spit it. Robert Harris was right by his side, quickly opened his mouth, and invited Li Linfu to spit into it. That’s how he got the nickname ‘spittoon.’ A fighting rooster and a spittoon—birds of a feather.”

Ethan Green, who was nearby, couldn’t help but utter a disgusted “ugh,” shivering with revulsion.

Charles Reed was also speechless for a long moment.

He thought to himself, so this Robert Harris is Yang Guozhong, who has yet to rise to power.

Aunt Brooks asked, “Why are you inquiring about this person? Has Brian Clark had dealings with him?”

Charles Reed remained calm and asked in return, “Why does Second Madam think so?”

“Brian Clark serves as Left Xiaowei Bingcao, Robert Harris as Right Xiaowei Bingcao, and both are the type who would love to drown themselves in wine. It’s normal for them to associate,” Aunt Brooks said. “Are you saying… Brian Clark was introduced to Matthew Grant by Robert Harris? Did eldest sister tell you this?”

Last night, Charles Reed had talked with Olivia Brooks for a long time, but Olivia Brooks didn’t know much about these court figures, only saying that Brian Clark never spoke of such matters after returning home.

By comparison, Aunt Brooks, steeped in the ways of power, was indeed much more astute.

Listening to her, Charles Reed instantly gained a lot and pondered before saying, “The key to this case—”

Just then, Brooklyn came running back in a hurry and reported, “The Crown Prince has returned.”

“So soon?” Aunt Brooks was a bit surprised.

“The people I sent out had just left. I suppose the Crown Prince must have heard some news and rushed back.”

Aunt Brooks nodded, stood up to greet him, and at the same time instructed Charles Reed, “Let me meet the Crown Prince first, then I’ll bring in eldest sister and Fifth Young Master. You two wait here and don’t wander around.”

…

Aunt Brooks was considerate to others and even remembered to have lunch prepared for Charles Reed and Ethan Green.

But after lunch, Charles Reed waited a long time in the Crown Prince’s villa, yet she did not return.

It wasn’t until a middle-aged man in a red, round-collared, narrow-sleeved robe came trotting over.

This man was about forty years old, stooped and hunched, extremely ugly, with bulging eyes, a protruding forehead, crooked buck teeth, and a beardless face… He must have been a eunuch.

“I am the Eastern Palace eunuch Andrew Thompson. May I ask if you are Mr. Reed?”

Andrew Thompson’s voice was odd, probably because he was castrated before his voice changed.

Charles Reed quickly saluted and said, “I am.”

Andrew Thompson stepped forward, leaned in close to Charles Reed, and whispered, “Li Linfu has sent people here. Officially, it’s a visit, but in reality, it’s a search.”

Before Charles Reed could react, he raised his hand and said, “Please, Mr. Reed, this way.”

They left the side hall, not daring to go to the front courtyard, but instead hurried along the corridor to the back courtyard.

At the end of the corridor, Andrew Thompson looked down and saw that Charles Reed and Ethan Green’s shoes were still in the front courtyard. He quickly called over a few young eunuchs and told them to take off their boots and give them to Charles Reed and Ethan Green.

Charles Reed said nothing, just glanced toward the front courtyard.

Ethan Green pursed his lips before putting on the young eunuch’s boots. Since the boots were a bit too big, he stumbled as he walked.