As soon as James Carter finished speaking, two soldiers came in and took Edward Grant away. While Edward Grant was being led out, James Carter kept gazing longingly at Edward Grant's back, as if Edward Grant might suddenly turn around and run back to say, “I am willing to surrender!” Unfortunately, even after Edward Grant's figure disappeared from everyone’s sight, not a word like that was heard. James Carter sighed, sat back in his seat, and said to everyone, “Edward Grant is a man of great talent—what a pity he cannot be used by me!”

At this moment, Michael Bolton jumped out and said, “Brother, don’t worry! Let me take my blade, put it to his neck, and see if he’ll surrender or not! If he dares say no, I’ll just kill him!” With that, he turned to leave, looking as if he really intended to force Edward Grant to surrender at knifepoint. If James Carter hadn’t stopped him right then, Edward Grant’s head might have already rolled.

James Carter stopped Michael Bolton, but in his mind he was also thinking, “Release him? Or kill him?” Just then, Benjamin Reed gently whispered in James Carter’s ear, “Edward Grant was captured by General Brooks. Why not ask General Brooks for his opinion, my lord?”

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Chapter Five: Offering a Plan

James Carter looked at Benjamin Reed, only to find Benjamin Reed smiling, fanning himself, and nodding at him. James Carter trusted Benjamin Reed deeply. Although he didn’t understand why he should ask Ethan Brooks’s opinion, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do as suggested. Straightening up, James Carter called out to Ethan Brooks, who was standing at a distance: “I wonder, Andrew, what do you think should be done with Edward Grant?”

Ethan Brooks was standing at the back of the crowd, waiting to watch everyone argue about how to deal with Edward Grant, but unexpectedly, James Carter called his name and asked for his advice. Ethan Brooks was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “In my humble opinion, if Edward Grant refuses to surrender, it would be better to kill him!”

As soon as Ethan Brooks finished speaking, Michael Bolton immediately laughed and said, “Ha! Well said, kid! That’s just my style! I’ll go chop off Edward Grant’s head right now!” As he spoke, he was about to leave the hall, but just as he lifted one leg, before it touched the ground, James Carter stopped him. After being scolded by his elder brother, Michael Bolton immediately drooped his head, and, unwillingly, pulled his leg back.

James Carter stopped Michael Bolton, scolded him a few more times, then turned to Ethan Brooks with a frown and said, “But Edward Grant is a man of great talent. To kill him just like this—I truly cannot bear it!” As he spoke, James Carter looked utterly sorrowful, as if he were about to kill one of his own trusted generals. Seeing this, Ethan Brooks couldn’t help but admire him, thinking to himself, “I always knew from reading the Three Kingdoms that James Carter cherishes talent, but I never imagined it was to this extent!” His mind raced, and after a moment’s thought, he said, “If my lord pities his talent and cannot bear to kill him, then keep him under house arrest nearby, but by no means let him return to Charles Miller!”

“And why is that?” James Carter had originally intended to release Edward Grant, but upon hearing Ethan Brooks’s words, he asked in confusion.

“Precisely because Edward Grant is a man of great talent!”

Upon hearing this, James Carter immediately understood the key point. He was no fool; he hadn’t thought of it before only because he was preoccupied with the regret of not being able to recruit Edward Grant. Now, with Ethan Brooks’s reminder, he instantly saw the reason. Edward Grant is talented—if released, sooner or later he would lead troops to attack, and who knows what losses that might bring. If kept close and not allowed to return, it would at least weaken Charles Miller’s forces a bit. Though not by much, weakening the enemy is strengthening oneself—this much he understood.

“So are we just going to feed a freeloader?” Michael Bolton huffed upon hearing Ethan Brooks’s suggestion, glaring and puffing out his beard. “Might as well just kill him and be done with it!”

Hearing Michael Bolton’s words, Ethan Brooks sighed inwardly: “This guy really is hot-tempered! I haven’t even finished speaking yet!” He paused, gathered his thoughts, and continued to James Carter: “Of course it’s not for nothing! While under house arrest, my lord can treat him as an honored guest, and outwardly declare that Edward Grant has already surrendered. In future battles with The Miller Army, you can have someone charge under Edward Grant’s banner, making The Miller Army believe Edward Grant has defected to our side! This will make Edward Grant give up any hope of returning to The Miller Camp. Then, my lord can win him over with kindness and virtue. Over time, Edward Grant will be moved by your grace and will surely come over to your side.”

James Carter listened, nodding as he went, as if he could already see Edward Grant surrendering to him and helping him lead troops in battle. But after thinking it over, he still felt uneasy and asked, “But Edward Grant has served Charles Miller for many years. How could Charles Miller fall for such a ruse?”

Ethan Brooks smiled and said, “This plan isn’t aimed at Charles Miller, but at the many generals under him! As long as even one person believes it, the plan will have succeeded!”

Upon hearing this, James Carter thought for a moment, then burst out laughing. He turned to look at Benjamin Reed, as if to ask for his opinion. Benjamin Reed didn’t speak, but simply nodded slightly, which counted as his answer. Seeing Benjamin Reed’s approval, James Carter was even more delighted, and said to Ethan Brooks, “Today, not only did Andrew capture Edward Grant, but you also came up with this plan. At such a young age, Andrew, you are truly accomplished in both civil and military affairs! To have you, Andrew, is truly Heaven’s blessing for me!” This speech made Ethan Brooks’s face flush red, and not knowing how to respond, he could only mumble a couple of words and retreat.