Old Wolf anyway found this very frightening, but Scholar thought it was quite good—the officials selected were indeed of high moral character. However, in the later period, too many people did all sorts of outrageous things just for empty fame. Old Wolf gives an example in the book, which really happened that year. Such incidents were common in the late Han... Moreover, things like killing one's son to save one's mother, or killing one's wife to save the army and civilians, were also very frequent... The historical records do mention these, and although there are differences between eras, thinking about it now still feels rather terrifying.

Chapter 0009: The Gongyang Revenge

Hearing Little Chubby One's words, Wade Young was not angry but rather pleased. Having reached such a high official rank, every word and action of his would spread far and wide, even becoming anecdotes for later generations. Today's discussion with this marquis would surely be known throughout the land. This confidence naturally came from the strength of the Yuan clan. Moreover, he had come this time because his father had secretly given him orders.

Henry Clark was merely a minor marquis, and in front of the Prime Minister of Hejian, who managed the affairs of a whole state, he was hardly worth mentioning. However, Henry Clark was different in one respect. In the past, when Emperor Xiaozhi passed away, the Grand General welcomed the Marquis of Liwu to the throne, who became the current emperor. The emperor was the great-great-grandson of Emperor Suzong Xiaozhang and the grandson of King Xiao of Hejian. King Xiao of Hejian had four sons: the eldest, King Xiao of Bohai, Zheng, who lost his title due to a crime.

The second son, King of Pingyuan, Yi, was the emperor's father, but the emperor had no heir.

The son, King Xiao of Anping, De, died young.

The son, Marquis of Jiedu Pavilion, Shu, also died, but had a grandson—Henry Clark!

Among the emperor's close relatives, only the Marquis of Jiedu Pavilion remained; the rest were distant kin.

The matter of Henry Clark's household servants was not a big deal and did not require the Prime Minister himself to visit. However, if the target was that person in Weiyang Palace, then it was indeed worth it. Seeing Henry Clark furious, Wade Young smiled slightly. After all, he was just an eight- or nine-year-old child. The matter of household servants was nothing, but offending the governor, defying superiors, and insulting the Prime Minister was a serious crime. Although he could not arrest Henry Clark and punish him, he could still report to the emperor, make Henry Clark apologize and admit guilt, and have his rank lowered for self-reflection.

So, would the emperor agree to this, for the sake of his only close relative?

What happened next would be handled by the officials at court. The emperor had just arrested two officials and would need to use leverage over the imperial clan to rescue them. Moreover, the emperor needed to understand the principle of keeping petty men at a distance and virtuous ministers close, and of governing by non-interference!

Little Chubby One was furious, but Wade Young felt it was not enough. He shook his head and said with some sadness, "In the past, I was fortunate to meet the late Marquis of Jiedu Pavilion. The marquis was a man of noble character and virtue, admired by all. Who would have thought his offspring would be so rude—just like their mother!"

These words were basically cursing Henry Clark to his face, saying, "You and your mother are both ill-mannered, base, and without integrity!"

Little Chubby One immediately jumped up in anger, about to order the household servants to beat this man to death. The old man's gaze grew sharp. He had originally resigned and left to avoid the chaos at court, but he hadn't expected these people to scheme even against an eight- or nine-year-old child. Suddenly, he drew his sword and shouted, "You brat, how dare you insult my disciple!"

He stepped forward, thrusting his sword. Wade Young hurriedly dodged, and the sword sliced off Wade Young's headpiece!

Wade Young was both shocked and enraged. Pointing at the old man, he shouted, "Are you trying to kill an official and rebel? Seize him at once!" Several attendants immediately drew their swords, but the old man was unafraid and charged straight at Wade Young, ready to strike. Wade Young also had a sharp sword at his waist, but there was no time to draw it. The old man's sword stabbed straight at his abdomen. Wade Young leapt back, narrowly avoiding the blow!

The attendants were about to surround and attack the old man when David Smith shouted, "How can we allow such recklessness here!" Many household servants drew their weapons and surrounded Wade Young. At this moment, Wade Young finally felt fear. He had wanted to anger Henry Clark and force him to act, but he had never intended to lose his life here. Henry Clark was young and knew nothing; if he were older and understood the consequences of attacking a high official, he would surely have stopped.

But now, what could he do?

He quickly asked, "May I ask who the old gentleman is, and why have you come here? Why have you come here?"

"Heh, I am Rencheng Hugh Harris! What will you do?!"

Upon hearing this, Wade Young's vision went black. Hugh Harris was a great Confucian scholar of the time, known along with Mark Moore of Guanzhong as "the Two Masters." Even Grand Tutor Ethan Brooks had repeatedly sent people to invite Mr. Harris for assistance, but he had always declined. Why would he be here today? Wade Young immediately bowed and said, "I am the son-in-law of Ma of Nanjun in Guanzhong, greetings to Mr. Harris!" Hearing this, the attendants looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

Hugh Harris did not return the courtesy, but instead turned coldly to Little Chubby One and questioned, "Is it possible to avenge a grudge of nine generations?"

Little Chubby One was stunned, then looked up and replied, "If the kingly way is restored, honor the king and expel the barbarians, even a grudge of ten generations can be avenged!"

Hugh Harris said nothing. Little Chubby One suddenly understood, shouted, "If the father is not punished, the son may avenge him!" He snatched the sword from Hugh Harris's waist and stabbed fiercely at Wade Young. Wade Young was terrified and cried out, but the sword pierced his right thigh. Little Chubby One pulled the sword out, blood gushing from the wound, and Wade Young fell to the ground, everyone around was terrified!

Only Hugh Harris clapped and laughed loudly, saying, "If the mother is humiliated, the son may avenge her—this is the way of wielding the blade!"