However, Henry Johnson was overjoyed—he had finally caught James Johnson making a slip of the tongue, a rare opportunity that had fallen right into his lap. Still, he decided to press a bit further, just in case James Johnson tried to back out; otherwise, all his previous efforts would have been for nothing.

"Duke of England, you must keep your word!"

"A gentleman’s word is his bond!"

At last, you’ve given your promise! Henry Johnson immediately broke into a smile, nodding vigorously: "Very well, what I want is..." He deliberately drew out his words, glanced around, then suddenly pointed a finger at James Johnson and said, "Duke of England, the person I want is you!"

The whole room fell silent.

Seeing James Johnson, David Johnson, and several other sons and grandsons all staring in shock, Henry Johnson felt a surge of satisfaction. Of course, James Johnson could try to argue, but if word got out that he was playing tricks with a child, the Duke of England’s reputation would be utterly ruined. He had already made a promise as binding as a gentleman’s word, so now, let’s see where you can run, James Johnson, and how you’ll try to wriggle out of this!

James Johnson stood for a long moment, then suddenly let out a deep sigh: "It’s said that His Highness the Prince of Lu could speak from birth, recognize characters at two, and recite poetry at three. I didn’t believe it before, but now I see Your Highness truly is gifted! I was wrong to treat Your Highness as a mere child!"

Henry Johnson dared not let James Johnson continue praising him, so he quickly laughed it off: "Duke of England, you flatter me. I have no other requests—just that you accept me as your disciple, that’s all!"

James Johnson stared in disbelief at the six-year-old boy across from him, feeling a bit of regret for his earlier rashness. He had always prided himself on impartiality, which was why he hadn’t gotten involved in the Eastern Palace’s affairs before; all the titles of Grand Tutor and Guest of the Crown Prince had already been taken by others. But this time, it seemed he couldn’t avoid it and could only try to stall for time.

"Even if I agree to this, Your Highness, it still requires His Majesty’s approval."

Henry Johnson wasn’t about to let this be delayed, and immediately suggested, "In that case, let’s go to the palace right now, Duke of England, and see my father. As long as I report this to him personally, he will surely grant his consent!"

Trying to stall? No way! I’ve won this first round for sure!

Chapter Ten: Father and Son in Perfect Sync, Mother and Son in Silent Understanding

Just as Henry Johnson had expected, as soon as William Johnson understood the whole matter, he immediately nodded in agreement without the slightest hesitation. Not only that, William Johnson even bestowed a great honor.

"Sir Li, you are not only a famous general, but also a virtuous minister. I entrust Xian’er to you. Since you have agreed to his request, to make it official, I appoint you as the Prince of Lu’s tutor. If you can cultivate a prince of both talent and virtue for me, your name will surely go down in history. You must do your utmost."

Henry Johnson was very pleased with his father’s grand words, so when he saw James Johnson reluctantly bow his head in thanks, he immediately stepped forward to pay his respects. Although the position of tutor to a prince wasn’t as prestigious as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, this was James Johnson—Frank Johnson himself, a man of great renown. If he couldn’t win him over, given how cautious this old fox was, he might never have any dealings with a prince in his lifetime. Giving away a horse and gaining a master in return—he had truly struck it rich.

Having formally become a disciple, and seeing William Johnson beaming with pride, he seized the opportunity to request permission to study at James Johnson’s residence. As soon as he made this suggestion, William Johnson frowned in thought, and James Johnson looked even more distressed.

"That doesn’t seem to be proper."

The last thing Henry Johnson wanted to hear now was the word "proper," so he quickly interjected: "Father, the Duke of England is a renowned general—his residence is surely safe. I am not the Crown Prince, so the court officials will have nothing to say about it. Besides, as long as we keep a low profile and the Duke doesn’t speak of it, few will know. I have always admired the Duke’s character—please grant me this one request."

James Johnson had spent half his life in the military, seen all kinds of people, and met many so-called child prodigies, but he had never encountered one so shameless. Seeing Henry Johnson pleading so earnestly, he knew he couldn’t speak up for him, but standing by and doing nothing was also inappropriate. In the end, he could only cough lightly.

"Your Majesty..."

Before he could finish, William Johnson suddenly stood up and nodded repeatedly: "Since Sir Li also agrees, very well, I grant permission! Xian’er, now that you have such a distinguished teacher, you must study hard and live up to our expectations. Do you understand?"

"I understand, thank you, Father! Thank you, Master!"

When did he ever say he agreed? James Johnson grumbled inwardly, but seeing this father and son act in perfect harmony, he was truly helpless and could only accept another bow from Henry Johnson. And so, the matter was settled, clear as day.

Victorious, Henry Johnson was extremely pleased with his success, and when he went to see Empress Wu that evening, he was all smiles. Before he could say a word, Empress Wu beckoned him over with a smile and gently tapped his forehead with her finger.

"Your little trick on the Duke of England today is now known throughout the palace! For such a shrewd man to be fooled by a child like you—you’ve really made quite a splash!"