He said, “In our dynasty, princesses are always married to handsome commoners, and the sons of civil and military officials are not allowed to participate. I know this as well. But, this fool, isn’t he just a bit too... ha.”

Richard Benson said, “Actually, there are plenty of people willing to become the imperial son-in-law. But if you only look at appearance, bearing, family background, and character, this Third Young Master Miller really is...”

“Truly the best among them,” Henry Bolton said mockingly.

He sneered inwardly: “From the Ministry of Rites, to the Crown Prince’s residence, to the Office of Judicial Review—layer upon layer—who exactly orchestrated this? Probably just a random selection, but appearances can be deceiving. Ha, they picked a fool to be the imperial son-in-law. There are just too many people in the world who do things perfunctorily; that’s why the court is so rotten.”

The next moment, Richard Benson spoke mysteriously again, “But there’s more to it than that...”

“There’s more?”

“Second Young Master of the Wang family, Julia Miller, you’ve heard of him too, right, Mr. Bolton?”

Henry Bolton nodded. “I’ve heard of him. He’s quite skilled in business.”

“There are many commoners who want to become imperial relatives, and plenty are willing to spend money for it. But with Second Young Master Miller making a move, how could he possibly fail?”

Henry Bolton was a bit stunned and whispered, “The emperor marrying off his daughter, and yet someone dares to take bribes?”

“Tch, in this world, what business is done without someone taking money?” Richard Benson lowered his voice. “Even I know of two channels: one is the Marquis of Jianing’s residence, the other is the chief eunuch in the Imperial Household Department.”

“The Marquis of Jianing is the current emperor’s brother-in-law, the empress’s own younger brother. Princess Chunning isn’t the empress’s legitimate daughter, but a concubine-born princess. As long as the Wang family is willing to spend, this matter will naturally go smoothly...”

Listening to Richard Benson’s detailed explanation, Henry Bolton raised an eyebrow and suddenly said, “That second son of the Wang family is quite the schemer.”

“Indeed,” Richard Benson agreed.

Henry Bolton sneered, “With one move, he cuts off his elder brother’s path to the imperial exams, removes his younger brother from the list of heirs, and at the same time elevates the Wang family from merchants to imperial relatives. Three birds with one stone. If he entered officialdom, he’d be quite a character.”

“This...” Richard Benson was momentarily speechless.

In matters like this, ‘what you see is what you get’—everyone guesses based on their own perspective...

Richard Benson had originally thought that Second Young Master Miller’s maneuvering was just to secure a noble title for the family. Now, hearing Henry Bolton’s analysis, he too felt that the second son of the Wang family was deeply calculating.

Suddenly, Richard Benson felt a bit of regret for gossiping about Second Young Master Miller behind his back. If word got out, it would surely cause trouble.

So he poured another cup of tea for Henry Bolton, smiling as he said, “Today I was just chatting idly with you, Sir, just take it as a joke.”

Henry Bolton nodded. “I’m a scholar, not a gossipmonger. Don’t worry.”

Ha, drinking tea with this petty official today has really broadened my horizons. Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Looks like, as an official in the future, I’ll have to watch out for all sorts of demons and monsters.

As they spoke, he glanced out the window and saw a scholar in his forties or fifties staggering out of an alley.

“That’s Mr. Cooper, isn’t it?” Richard Benson followed Henry Bolton’s gaze and said.

Henry Bolton’s expression was somewhat complicated. “Yes, Edward Cooper, he was on the same list as me, but he hasn’t been appointed yet.”

Richard Benson nodded—since he hadn’t been appointed, it wouldn’t be appropriate to call Edward Cooper ‘sir’ in front of Henry Bolton.

This Edward Cooper only passed the imperial exam in his forties, and with his fat head and big ears, he was rather ugly. Judging by Henry Bolton’s tone, he clearly looked down on him.

Richard Benson said, “Speaking of which, the courtyard that this Scholar Cooper rents actually belongs to the Wang family.”

“Oh?” Henry Bolton leaned closer to the window, squinting as he watched Edward Cooper’s retreating figure.

Just from his gaze, Richard Benson could tell that he and Edward Cooper didn’t get along, so he joked, “That fellow surnamed Luo looks like a pig, but he’s got some good fortune—he married a young and beautiful wife...”

Henry Bolton frowned, seeming a bit displeased.

He stood up, took out some silver, and tossed it on the table.

“I have something to do, so I’ll be leaving first. Here’s the money for tea. If there’s any left, use it for your next tea.”

Richard Benson beamed. “How could I accept this? Mr. Bolton, you’re too kind.”

Henry Bolton hurriedly left the teahouse.

His face was calm, but inside he was burning with anxiety. He took a deep breath or two, deliberately slowed his pace, and walked in the direction of Edward Cooper’s house.

Thinking of the wife in Edward Cooper’s home, he felt a bit parched, but still tried to make himself look like he was just aimlessly strolling...

At the entrance of the alley was a fabric shop.

In front of the shop, a young master and maid—both teenagers—were talking.

The youth, named Olivia Miller, wore a white silk robe, his face as handsome as carved jade, like a golden boy from the seat of the Supreme Lord Lao. His eyes were clear, filled with curiosity, as he looked around.

The graceful maid seemed to be scolding him.

“Why did you run out, young master? You haven’t even picked out the fabric yet...” The girl’s tone was slightly reproachful, but also doting.

Olivia Miller didn’t reply, just looked around the street with curiosity.

“Then, young master, wait here for me. I’ll be right out after I pick the fabric.”

“Alright,” Olivia Miller replied.

“Don’t wander off, okay? I can see you from inside the shop.”