Ryan Carter saw that Eagle Carter was restless, so he gave him a light kick to snap him out of it and laughed, “Big Brother Carter, are you thinking about that courtesan in the garden?”

Eagle Carter had already become somewhat immune to his master’s two-faced behavior, automatically filtering out the prince’s teasing words. In a gruff voice, he asked, “Your Highness truly doesn’t intend to use force?”

Ryan Carter nodded and smiled, “I was wondering what Big Brother Carter was worried about. My plan is to have the State of Qi send me back home with full honors.”

Eagle Carter didn’t respond to that, but continued to complain, “I am the captain of your personal guard, Your Highness. It’s my duty to protect you. How can you just leave me behind?”

Ryan Carter chuckled and said, “I understand your loyalty, Big Brother Carter, but I can’t think of anyone more reliable to deliver this letter to Hangu Pass. I don’t trust anyone else.”

Eagle Carter knew that Ryan Carter was extremely cautious—even when it came to James Sullivan’s people, he would never trust them completely. It seemed this mission could only fall to him. Reluctantly, Eagle Carter said, “Then what about Your Highness’s safety?”

Ryan Carter brushed his hair from his forehead and snorted, “Did you think I’ve just been putting on a show these past few days?”

Eagle Carter nodded, assumed a ready stance, and said in a deep voice, “I was just about to ask for some pointers, Your Highness.” With that, he launched a “Black Tiger Steals the Heart” move, his right fist shooting out from under his armpit. On the eve of their parting, Eagle Carter finally took the initiative to attack.

Ryan Carter replied clearly, “Well done!” He dropped into a horse stance and used the “Imperial Concubine Looks in the Mirror” move to deflect Eagle Carter’s punch. Instantly, he sidestepped closer and drove his right elbow fiercely toward Eagle Carter’s ribs. Eagle Carter quickly lowered his arm to protect his organs, trying to block the blow. Unexpectedly, it was a feint—Ryan Carter’s forearm swung sharply, transferring all his force to his fist, which suddenly accelerated—landing squarely on Eagle Carter’s nose. Blood gushed out, a ghastly sight.

Eagle Carter couldn’t hide his shock: His Highness had improved at a staggering rate—both speed and strength had advanced greatly, and with those unpredictable attack patterns, even skilled fighters would have trouble stopping him now. He tore two strips from his collar and stuffed them into his bleeding nostrils, grumbling, “Since Your Highness has made up your mind, I’ll do as you say.” There was even a hint of grievance in his voice.

Volume One: Grass on the Plain

Chapter Eight: The Prince and the Master Play Chess

Ryan Carter Bribes Bennett

After Ryan Carter’s assassination attempt, the Qi State’s Internal Affairs Office stationed a battalion of Golden Guards outside the hostage prince’s residence, and every half hour, patrol soldiers would check on Ryan Carter’s condition.

At first, Ryan Carter did intend to break out by force. He had even rehearsed it several times with Eagle Carter, and estimated that as long as he recovered seventy percent of his strength, with his years of special operations experience, he had a pretty good chance of escaping this leaky prison.

But after a deep conversation with James Sullivan, Ryan Carter abandoned the idea—not because he couldn’t, but because he shouldn’t. James Sullivan told Ryan Carter plainly that, according to reliable sources, the reason Qin was sending troops this time was to bring the hostage prince home. If he were to disappear mysteriously, Qin’s plans would be affected: if the hostage prince had already escaped, what was the point of a rescue?

So, Qin needed him to remain imprisoned, like a princess captured by a demon, waiting for the prince to come to the rescue. Ryan Carter might not have felt this way himself, but he couldn’t ignore the military’s perspective. The identity of the fifth prince of Qin meant too much—something Ryan Carter could not abandon, as long as he lived in this world.

……

It was also during that conversation that James Sullivan told Ryan Carter he had to personally persuade one person for the plan to proceed smoothly.

That person was a monk, with a square face and big ears, always smiling, Dharma name Bennett.

The two of them sat facing each other in a small pavilion, a Go board on the table. At this moment, the black dragon was surrounded by white stones and was about to be wiped out.

The great monk Bennett patted his round belly and smiled at Ryan Carter, “You’re too calculating, benefactor. Don’t you know that taking a step back opens up a whole new world, and patience brings calm seas and clear skies?”

Ryan Carter twirled a black stone in his hand and smiled indifferently, “Just a few nobodies—if I have to fight, I’ll fight. Master, you’re the true heir of the venerable Chan master Huineng. Can’t you handle such a small matter?”

Bennett gave a wry smile, “If it were anyone else, you could fight them as you please. But my late master’s lay nephew is not so easily dealt with.”

Ryan Carter tossed the stone lightly and caught it, chuckling, “Who would have thought the grand preceptor’s nephew would end up as a gate guard at my hostage residence!” He truly hadn’t expected that the thug he’d knocked out with a kick the other day was actually the preceptor’s nephew.

Bennett gave an awkward laugh, “That young man really is a troublemaker—quitting a perfectly good post to hang around with a bunch of soldiers all day. Suffering a little isn’t all bad for him.”

Ryan Carter heard the hint of concession in his words and nodded to Eagle Carter, who drew a thin gift list from his robe and slid it in front of Bennett. Sincerely, he said, “Ever since I learned I’d accidentally hurt your young master, I’ve felt uneasy. I wanted to visit and apologize in person several times, but… sigh… so please use this to buy some millet and eggs to help him recover.”

Bennett smiled as he accepted the list, but when he opened it, his jaw dropped involuntarily—five hundred thousand taels! To put it in perspective, fifty taels of silver could support a comfortable middle-class family for a year. In terms of eggs? Qi probably didn’t have that many eggs.

Ryan Carter seized the moment and said, “If I make it home safely, the journey is long and I’ll travel light. I have some worthless calligraphy and paintings—please trouble Master to look after them for me.”

Bennett replied tactfully, “Since you entrust me with this, benefactor, I will take on this responsibility.”