In the current situation, David Foster could only go against his professional ethics and say, “That makes a lot of sense. A long face means a long philtrum, which naturally leads to a longer life. Besides, from what I see, Commander Cooper, you are by no means someone destined for a short life. As long as you survive this calamity, good fortune will surely follow!”

Hearing even David Foster say this, Brian Cooper's eyes grew brighter. The heart that had already resigned itself to death now found a renewed desire to live.

Soon, Samuel Carter finished cleaning the wound. Brian Cooper broke out in a cold sweat from the pain, but after the medicine was applied, he was finally relieved for the moment and drifted back into a hazy sleep.

“I have done all I can. Now, it is up to the heavens.”

Samuel Carter wiped his brow, then looked at David Foster again, as if seeking his opinion.

David Foster simply sighed and said, “Back then, my father once read the faces of the old generals of the Prince of Yan’s household. The vast majority died by the sword, and Commander Cooper was no exception. To be honest, my father was surprised he survived the Jingnan campaign.”

At this, David Foster glanced at the unconscious Brian Cooper before continuing, “But this time, I fear Commander Cooper cannot escape his fate. His face is shrouded in death, with no sign of vitality. Even if a celestial immortal came, I’m afraid there would be nothing they could do!”

“The Prince of Han was too reckless. Commander Cooper is His Majesty’s trusted aide, commanding the capital’s troops and guarding the imperial city. Now that he’s dead, His Majesty will surely be furious. Over the years, the Prince of Han has made too many enemies. When the wall falls, everyone will push—I'm afraid…”

Samuel Carter suddenly stopped, because he heard footsteps outside. Moments later, John Adams walked in from outside.

Chapter 7 Garlic and Wine (Part 1)

John Adams entered the Buddha hall. When he saw Brian Cooper lying on the sickbed, he was momentarily stunned, then asked in confusion, “Why does this person look so familiar?”

Suddenly, John Adams slapped his forehead and said, “I remember now! Isn’t he that unlucky Brian Cooper? He’s actually still alive?”

“He’s alive, but not much better off than a dead man.”

Samuel Carter looked at John Adams with a complicated expression. Brian Cooper’s current predicament could be said to be entirely thanks to him.

John Adams understood the meaning in Samuel Carter’s eyes and cried out in his heart that he was being wronged. This was all a mess left by the previous John Adams—what did it have to do with him?

“Ahem, is Commander Cooper badly injured?”

John Adams stepped forward and asked. Since he had inherited the title of heir to the Prince of Han, some messes were destined to be his to clean up.

“The wound is swollen and festering, the fever won’t subside, and most of the time he’s unconscious. With his pulse so chaotic, I fear the outlook is grim.”

Samuel Carter seemed to realize his earlier words were a bit harsh, so he composed himself and answered again.

“Let me take a look!”

As John Adams spoke, he lifted the blanket from Brian Cooper. When he saw the gaping wound, he was startled.

“Who applied all this random medicine? The wound is so infected!”

John Adams saw the wound was covered in a thick layer of medicinal powder and immediately frowned.

“That’s the medicine I just applied!”

Samuel Carter replied irritably.

“Ah, so it’s the Grand Preceptor’s medicine. No wonder Commander Cooper looks so rosy despite such a serious injury! It must be the Grand Preceptor’s medicine working its magic!”

“That’s from the fever!”

Samuel Carter flung his sleeve in anger. If he weren’t so old, he’d really want to give this kid a good beating.

“Uh… well…”

John Adams was at a loss for words and didn’t know how to smooth things over.

“Grand Preceptor, please don’t be angry. The heir is only concerned about Commander Cooper’s condition!”

At this moment, David Foster finally stepped forward to speak.

“Yes, yes, I truly mean well!”

Seeing someone speak up for him, John Adams immediately went along with it. But then he looked at David Foster in confusion and asked, “And you are…?”

“Your humble servant, Assistant Minister of the Imperial Treasury, David Foster, pays respects to Your Highness!”

David Foster formally saluted John Adams.

“So it’s Assistant Minister Yuan. Did you come here with Commander Cooper?”

John Adams took a liking to David Foster and smiled as he asked again.

“No, I came to visit the Grand Preceptor and happened to run into Commander Cooper seeking medical help. We were old acquaintances, but I didn’t expect he might be the first to go.”

David Foster sighed at the end, his gaze once again falling on the unconscious Brian Cooper.

“Not necessarily. Commander Cooper’s injuries are serious, but not beyond cure.”

John Adams shook his head with a smile.

“What do you mean? Do you have a way to treat him?”

Before David Foster could answer, Samuel Carter couldn’t help but ask first.

“There is a way, but you don’t have the medicine I need here.”

John Adams replied confidently.

“I have every kind of medicine here—Korean ginseng, Yunnan notoginseng, Tibetan safflower, and so on. As long as you name it, I can produce it.”

Samuel Carter was very confident. He was skilled in medicine and loved collecting herbs. With his status, he had gathered almost every named medicinal ingredient.