“I am Deputy Commander Benjamin Foster, Brother Smith, you have suffered.” The official smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

Evelyn Smith was even more surprised. He had heard of Benjamin Foster; when the Retired Emperor personally led the campaign and unfortunately fell into the hands of the northern barbarians, Benjamin Foster had always stayed by his side. After returning to the capital, the Retired Emperor was imprisoned in the Southern Garden, and Benjamin Foster was not put to important use. Now that the restoration had succeeded, Benjamin Foster’s promotion was expected, but it was unexpected that he would personally receive a disgraced centurion.

Evelyn Smith hurriedly saluted, “A guilty man pays his respects to Lord Foster.”

Evelyn Smith had not yet regained his status as a centurion and did not dare to claim any official title.

Benjamin Foster stepped forward, carefully scrutinized Evelyn Smith, and sighed, “You’ve endured the Jinyi torture devices, Brother Smith?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve both been through it. Even spending just one day in the Jinyi prison is unforgettable for life. Even now, my heart still races a bit when I walk through the gate.”

“Lord Foster, you also…”

Benjamin Foster waved his hand, “That was in the past.”

Benjamin Foster invited Evelyn Smith to sit, chatted for a while, then said seriously, “Brother Smith, do you know why you were exonerated?”

“I await your guidance.” Since his release, Evelyn Smith had heard all sorts of rumors, but none seemed quite accurate.

Benjamin Foster glanced toward the door, made sure there were no outsiders, and lowered his voice slightly, “Brother Smith, you rendered great service. His Majesty is grateful to you.”

“How so?” Evelyn Smith recalled his wife’s words. Could helping a palace maid really be considered such a great merit?

Benjamin Foster smiled, “Last October, Lingji Palace held a blessing ceremony for Prince Cheng. Because of your disturbance, the ceremony failed. Prince Cheng was already ill at the time, and his condition worsened the following year, which led to the restoration. Isn’t that a great achievement?”

Evelyn Smith dared not respond. The whole matter was becoming more and more bizarre, even shaking his long-held disbelief in the supernatural.

Benjamin Foster laughed again, “Brother Smith, you still don’t believe in spirits?”

Evelyn Smith hesitated for a moment, “I don’t. Even if there are immortals, they wouldn’t bother using an ordinary person like me.”

Benjamin Foster put away his smile and stared at Evelyn Smith for a while, then said, “Good. The Jinyi Guards need someone like you.”

Evelyn Smith was completely confused.

Benjamin Foster stood up, “Brother Smith, go home and recover first. We’ll talk again in a few days.”

Eleven

When Evelyn Smith saw Benjamin Foster again, his body had mostly recovered. Friends and relatives all came to congratulate him, thinking that Lady Xu had won the Empress’s favor, and were full of envy.

“There are spirits three feet above your head; fate works in mysterious ways.” After a few pleasantries, Benjamin Foster said this.

“Yes.” Evelyn Smith didn’t want to argue. Having narrowly escaped death, he cherished his life.

“Unfortunately, fate is hard to predict, and immortals are hard to find. Since the founding of the dynasty, the court has been openly and secretly searching, hoping to find a true immortal. I’m sure you’ve heard of this.”

“Just street gossip.” Evelyn Smith felt he had come to the wrong place and met the wrong person.

“For nearly a hundred years, immortals have shown glimpses but never revealed themselves, while impostors keep appearing. The palace wants to rectify this, but lacks the right person.”

Evelyn Smith stood up in surprise, “Lord Foster, I…”

“I know, Brother Smith, you don’t believe in spirits, which makes you the perfect person to investigate these charlatans.”

“I… I don’t believe in any of it, real or fake.”

“Exactly. There’s only one requirement: when you convict someone, Brother Smith, you must have evidence.”

Evelyn Smith blushed slightly. At the time, he was certain Zhou Xuanheng was a fraud, but had no solid evidence. “Whose orders do I follow?”

“In a few days, I’ll transfer you to the Northern Branch of the Jinyi Guards. For all matters, big or small, report directly to me.”

Evelyn Smith thought for a moment, “The soul-stealing case isn’t over yet. I want to start investigating from Lingji Palace.”

“As long as you have evidence, even the imperial palace is open to your investigation.”

Evelyn Smith bowed deeply, “I will go through fire and water and will not let Lord Foster down.”

Benjamin Foster sighed softly, “I actually hope there will be a time when you do let me down.”

Twelve

In the summer of the first year of Tianshun, Evelyn Smith was transferred to the Northern Branch of the Jinyi Guards, and from then on accomplished countless remarkable feats.

Benjamin Foster’s official career had its ups and downs, and he was eventually promoted from Deputy Commander to Commander-in-Chief, while Evelyn Smith remained a centurion, though he was often rewarded and his family grew increasingly prosperous.