David Williams furrowed his brows. “So what? The Zhongchang Attendant is just a minor official in the palace. I know William Turner; he served the emperor diligently for several years when the emperor was still the crown prince. Now that the emperor is dead, he’s nothing but a stray dog. But you’ve reminded me—when I ascend the throne, I’ll definitely deal with William Turner.”

James Foster looked at David Williams in astonishment once again.

“William Turner is a treacherous minister. You have no idea how many evil deeds he’s done—enough to be beheaded ten times over.” David Williams snorted contemptuously and returned to his chair. “You really are ignorant, but I can’t blame you. After all, your mother’s status is low, and Father never liked you… What?”

James Foster stood on the floor, glaring angrily at David Williams, his cheeks flushed bright red.

“You need to get used to hearing the truth.” David Williams wasn’t the least bit afraid of his elder brother, who was only a few days older than him. “That’s just how it is. Your mother used to be a palace maid, with not a single relative outside. Our Cui family—do you know who my maternal grandfather is? He was the prime minister during Emperor Wu’s reign. My eldest uncle is now the Grand Marshal of the Southern Army, commanding half the troops in the capital. My second uncle…”

David Williams rattled off a long list of relatives. From the way he spoke, it sounded as if the entire Great Chu dynasty was propped up by the Cui clan.

James Foster’s anger faded. He sat back down in his chair, listening quietly. When David Williams finally stopped talking, he asked, “Why did the Taixue students block you from entering the palace at Dongqing Gate?”

“The ministers wanted to proclaim me emperor outside the palace, but they’re too timid. They only sent a bunch of snot-nosed kids to make trouble.” David Williams said indifferently.

James Foster made a noncommittal sound. It meant nothing, but David Williams was provoked. “You think I’m lying? Our Cui family has held power for over a decade. My grandaunt was Empress during Emperor Wu’s reign. If she hadn’t died early, she’d be Grand Empress Dowager now, and even Empress Dowager Shangguan would have to listen to her. You’ve angered me. Once I ascend the throne, I’ll kill you, and have you executed together with William Turner. You’re both traitors.”

Having heard so many threats, James Foster was no longer afraid. He wanted to ask another question—why did David Williams also enter the palace alone? But he held back. He was increasingly convinced that the one who decided everything was not this boastful “imperial brother.”

David Williams suddenly fell silent, jumped off his chair, and hurried to the door, peering outside through the crack. “Prime Minister Richard Harris is here. That old fox is cunning and slippery, never willing to take the lead. You can’t count on him for anything. When I become emperor, I’ll definitely demote him—but not too hastily. I’ll wait at least half a year. I won’t be as impatient as Father.”

David Williams stayed by the door, peering out. He was indeed well-informed and recognized everyone.

“Right Censorate Inspector George Sullivan is here too. Everyone says he’s upright and incorruptible, but I think he’s all courage and no brains. Sometimes reading too many books isn’t good—he’s always spouting lofty ideals from the Spring and Autumn Annals. He might support you, just because you’re a few days older than me. Don’t get cocky. George Sullivan is not well-liked at court; everyone fears him, but no one agrees with him. The more he supports you, the less likely you are to become emperor.”

“Left Censorate Inspector Stephen Reed—ha, he’s one of our Cui family, sworn enemies with George Sullivan. He’ll definitely support me.”

“Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces Emily Foster—he’s a senior member of the imperial clan, and an honest man. In terms of seniority, he’s our great-uncle. Like Prime Minister Richard Harris, he doesn’t dare to act, only to maintain the status quo. When I become emperor, I’ll send him back to the countryside. The Grand Marshal may be a nominal post, but it’s still a top rank. It should go to the most trustworthy member of the imperial clan—and that certainly won’t be you.”

“So far, we’re about even. Don’t get smug. The real decision about who succeeds isn’t up to these people.”

James Foster didn’t want to seem too ignorant, so he interjected, “It should be the Empress Dowager, right?”

This remark angered David Williams again. He spun around, glaring fiercely. “You really are an annoying fellow—stupid and tactless. Who told you the Empress Dowager decides everything? Was it your mother? You’re both equally foolish. All the Empress Dowager’s power comes from the emperor. Once the emperor dies, she can only rely on her own family. The Shangguan clan has only been empress for three years, and empress dowager for less than half a year. Her relatives have no solid footing at court and aren’t even qualified to discuss major affairs. Unlike our Cui family—our descendants have filled the court since Emperor Wu’s time.”

James Foster swung his legs gently. “No wonder you know so many people.”

David Williams took this as an apology, his mood eased, and his tone softened. “All this was taught to me by my teacher.”

“You have a teacher?”

“Don’t you?”

James Foster shook his head.

“That’s what comes of not being favored. My teacher is a renowned Confucian scholar, with countless disciples—at least ten of whom are now high-ranking officials, third rank or above. He himself doesn’t care for office, and it took my uncle a lot of effort to invite him. If you don’t have a teacher, who taught you to read?”

“My mother.”

David Williams sneered, “Then you can’t know many characters.” With that, he turned to continue observing outside. Before long, he slapped the door excitedly. “My uncle is finally here—John Grant, you must have heard of him, Grand Marshal of the Southern Army, commanding half the troops in the capital. Now I can relax, and so can my teacher. Once I succeed to the throne, I’ll make him prime minister sooner or later.”