When the play finally ended, George Washington came back to his senses, looking somewhat lost and wistful. He lowered his head and saw the young eunuchs beside him all kneeling on the ground, so he sat down, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said lightly, “You may all rise.”

The eunuchs, as if granted amnesty, hurriedly stood up, each one hunched over, heads bowed in silence.

The rules within the palace were strict; even in the emperor’s presence, one had to stifle a cough.

At this moment, John Bennett walked over in small steps, smiling as he said, “Your Majesty was angered again today.”

George Washington was silent for a moment, then put down his teacup and slowly said, “If only the flying general of Dragon City were here, the Hu horses would never cross Yin Mountain.”

Upon hearing this, John Bennett immediately understood what George Washington meant. The country was beset by internal and external troubles, and after listening to the opera today, George Washington naturally began to wonder: who in this world is the loyal general of Ming, the flying general of Dragon City?

A kindly smile appeared on John Bennett’s pale face as he spoke unhurriedly, “Your Majesty has been on the throne for seven years, employing the talented, achieving great civil governance, military glory, and gathering many capable people…”

He carefully chose his words, wanting to continue, but George Washington interrupted, “If there truly were so many talented people and such military glory, then why, right under the Son of Heaven’s feet, can’t we even deal with a mere Rogue Carter?”

This retort made John Bennett’s smile freeze. He hesitated and said, “Your Majesty, this Rogue Carter is no ordinary person.”

George Washington kept a stern face, unmoved.

John Bennett personally controlled the Eastern Depot, and his adopted son had been recommended by him to become the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Not to mention, many of the capital’s garrisons were occupied by his descendants. He was second only to the emperor himself. Now that William Carter couldn’t be dealt with, in George Washington’s eyes, wasn’t it just John Bennett’s incompetence?

Although John Bennett had shifted all the blame onto a deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard named Charles Bolton, claiming it was all due to his delay in seizing the opportunity, he still couldn’t escape responsibility.

Since he couldn’t shirk it, John Bennett explained, “This William Carter is the reincarnation of a demon star, extremely vicious. I’ve heard he stands ten feet tall…”

Hearing of such height, George Washington couldn’t help but be moved.

So tall—surely not a mere mortal.

John Bennett continued, “And that’s not all. His arms have the strength of a thousand catties, and when he raises them, he can make a horse stand upright…”

Arms that could make a horse stand upright…

George Washington looked at John Bennett with an expression that said, “Are you trying to fool me?”

John Bennett said, “This man is a match for ten thousand, a fated demon star. To eliminate him is no easy task. I have worked tirelessly, day and night, not daring to slack off in the slightest.”

Seeing John Bennett’s pitiful look, George Washington’s heart softened a little.

John Bennett immediately added, “If Your Majesty does not believe me, just ask others, and you’ll know how troublesome this Rogue Carter is.”

He swore earnestly, but inside he wanted to laugh. Ask others? Everyone around His Majesty is my John Bennett’s people—ask anyone and they’ll say William Carter is invincible.

George Washington sighed, “Such a matchless warrior, yet he cannot be used by me, and instead becomes a bandit.”

After speaking, he seemed to recall the opera just now, and said wistfully, “There are such fierce tigers in the world, but where is my tiger-slaying hero?”

He lowered his brows, his mood gloomy.

John Bennett kept smiling. He had always understood His Majesty’s temperament best, and knew it was best not to say more at this moment.

Just then, a eunuch from the Office of Transmission hurried over, constantly signaling to John Bennett with his eyes.

Seeing this, John Bennett was about to quietly slip away.

But George Washington noticed the young eunuch and immediately asked, “What is the Office of Transmission doing here?”

The young eunuch quickly stepped forward and bowed, “Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has submitted an urgent memorial…”

George Washington sighed, “Who knows what’s happened now. Bring it here for me to see.”

Family matters, state affairs, world affairs—none seemed to bring George Washington any peace of mind. He reached out his hand.

John Bennett hurried to take the memorial from the young eunuch and carefully presented it to George Washington.

George Washington opened the memorial and read it carefully.

“Ah.” George Washington suddenly let out a surprised sound, his face showing suspicion.

John Bennett found it odd. After all, His Majesty was a man of great experience and wouldn’t show surprise so easily.

George Washington’s eyes shone, clearly showing great interest in the contents of the memorial, and he unconsciously asked, “Companion Bennett…”

“Your servant is here,” John Bennett bowed.

With suspicion, George Washington asked, “That Rogue Carter, is he really a match for ten thousand?”

John Bennett quickly replied, “Of course. Though Rogue Carter does not have three heads and six arms, he has the strength to subdue tigers and cannot be underestimated.”

George Washington nodded, reread the memorial, and then, his face lit up with joy, he said delightedly, “Interesting, interesting.”

Chapter 9: Father Descends from the Heavens

Beside him, John Bennett forced a smile and said, “I wonder what interesting matter it is.”

A smile played at George Washington’s lips as he said, “The matter is interesting, and the person involved is interesting too.”

The person is interesting too…

John Bennett couldn’t help but think to himself, For His Majesty, is there anyone in this world more interesting than me?