In the state of Qi, where people were particular about refined food, the simple and strongly flavored cuisine of Western Qin was considered rustic fare by the high officials and nobles, yet it was highly praised by the common folk and widely popular. Seeing that Ryan Carter had a hearty appetite and no aversion to meat, the chef decided to give it a try, and sure enough, it was a big hit—Ryan Carter and Eagle Carter finished every last bite. Thus, Western Qin dishes became a regular feature on the menu at the Provisional Residence for Hostages.

Ryan Carter picked up a glistening slice of twice-cooked fragrant pork, tilted his head, and asked Eagle Carter, who was eating voraciously beside him, “Are you really not related to that Boss Carter?”

Eagle Carter was biting into a piece of bright green bok choy. Hearing this, he shook his head vigorously, making the leaves sway from side to side and splattering soup everywhere.

Ryan Carter paid no attention, popped the slice of meat into his mouth, and chewed with satisfaction, no longer concerned with the matter of Boss Carter.

……

Ryan Carter did not know that Boss Carter was facing a critical decision.

The capital city was a traditional square city, laid out with strict order: the east side was home to high officials and nobles; the west was a gathering place for merchants; the south was where the common people lived; and the north housed the various government offices and the garrison of the capital guards. These four sections encircled the vast imperial city, with rigid class divisions that were not easily crossed.

Although the three kingdoms stood side by side and war was ongoing, they shared the same roots and complemented each other, so naturally, there was frequent interaction and thriving trade. However, due to the antagonism between the countries, it was difficult for individual merchants to survive the harassment and exploitation, so they had to band together, forming various merchant associations to face the challenges of survival.

On the bustling Taozhu Avenue in the west of the capital, there were merchant houses from all the nations, large and small. The largest one occupied dozens of acres, with red tiles, green trees, high walls, and spacious courtyards. Inside, there were many halls and pavilions, filled with traveling merchants. At the entrance hung an ancient plaque inscribed with “Central Metropolis Guild Hall,” indicating that it was a gathering place for merchants from Zhongdu, the capital of Qin. Howard Carter was the head of this guild hall.

Usually calm and dignified, Old Master Carter was now somewhat at a loss. He had struggled in the capital for sixteen years to achieve his current status of comfort and influence. To suddenly give up everything in the capital and fulfill a long-neglected task was something Howard Carter could not face with composure.

He paced back and forth in the hall for a while, then said in a deep voice to the elderly steward standing silently by his side, “Uncle Smith, three things—please arrange them: First, from today on, all of our family’s shops are to stop restocking, and all funds are to be withdrawn from the accounts. Second, agree to Frank Lewis’s acquisition request, but the payment must be in cash. Third... all our people are to withdraw back to our home country.”

The old man called Uncle Smith rasped, “Master, won’t that mean all your sixteen years of effort will go to waste?”

Howard Carter was silent for a long time, then finally straightened his back and said resolutely, “Family above all else!” His voice was as firm as metal and stone. In fact, when he sent his guards to stop the assassination attempt on Ryan Carter some days ago, he knew this day would come sooner or later.

……

The person causing Howard Carter such distress was at that moment bidding farewell to William Thompson, the Assistant Minister of the Grand Herald’s Office of Qin.

William Thompson would set out for home early the next morning, with a formal ceremony. Ryan Carter, confined to the residence, could not see him off, so William Thompson came in advance to say goodbye.

At the gate of the Provisional Residence, Ryan Carter felt a bit sad. Although he had not known William Thompson for long, they had become both teacher and friend to each other, getting along very well—a true friendship that transcended age.

With a look of reluctance, Ryan Carter grasped William Thompson’s hand and said, “Today I bid you farewell, sir. I don’t know when we’ll meet again.” Eagle Carter, standing to the side, saw His Highness sticking to his usual sentimental style with Mr. Thompson, and secretly found it amusing, though he dared not show it.

William Thompson was also somewhat reluctant to part. Although the Fifth Prince’s studies had been delayed, he was exceptionally talented and intelligent, and, most importantly, generous, humble, and sincere with others. If he could return to his homeland, he would surely become a pillar of Great Qin. He had completely forgotten about those poor souls still lying in bed after the brawl at the Provisional Residence.

He patted Ryan Carter’s hand and said with emotion, “Your Highness, take good care of yourself. When you have time, read more of the books in that chest. You’re fine in every way, except your learning is still lacking!” Ryan Carter didn’t know any of the classical phrases—one could say he was quite unlearned.

Seeing his master a bit embarrassed, Eagle Carter picked up a tray and stepped forward, on which were three cups of watered wine.

Ryan Carter took one cup with both hands, offered it to William Thompson, and said in a clear voice, “The first cup, to wish you a smooth journey home, with no obstacles in your path.” The gentle and refined face showed not a trace of sadness.

William Thompson accepted it solemnly and drank it all.

Ryan Carter picked up the second cup and said clearly, “The second cup, to wish Great Qin victory in battle and the washing away of past humiliations!” His voice was elegant, but there was an unmistakable note of irony.

William Thompson gave Ryan Carter an apologetic look and drank.

Ryan Carter picked up the last cup and said loudly, “The third cup, for our reunion tomorrow! Please drink it all!”

Seeing Ryan Carter restored to his usual spirited self, William Thompson couldn’t help but laugh heartily, took the cup, and drained it in one go. He exclaimed, “Truly, good wine is best shared with a kindred spirit!” He tossed the cup aside, turned, and got into his sedan chair.

William Thompson lifted the curtain, cupped his hands to Ryan Carter and said resolutely, “When I return to the homeland, I will definitely seek an audience with His Majesty and speak on your behalf. Take care, Your Highness—until we meet again!”

With that, he departed in his sedan chair...

Ryan Carter walked to the doorway, habitually stepped onto the stone bench, and fell into silent thought. The guard at the gate, a member of the capital garrison, felt his heart pounding—he had heard that this “madman of martial arts” before him had once beaten a whole squad of his colleagues at this very spot, leaving them bedridden.