Speaking, John Grant lowered his voice a bit: “Besides, there are many eyes and ears in the palace, and you keep causing trouble. Do you know… a few days ago, the Emperor… even heard about your affairs…”

William Bolton thought to himself, isn’t the current Emperor Zhu Di also a ruthless man? He didn’t even hesitate to behead his own nephew Zhu Yunwen. I’m just following his example.

But… has my reputation gotten so bad that it’s reached the Emperor’s ears?

This couldn’t help but make William Bolton worried.

You have to know, the current Emperor has three sons. Although his brother-in-law is the Crown Prince, the Emperor actually prefers the Prince of Han, Zhu Gaoxu.

But can you blame him? Ever since he transmigrated into this world, most of the time he’s been honest and well-behaved. It was only yesterday that he hit a merchant selling fake medicine.

As for his notorious reputation, on one hand, the original owner of this body wasn’t a good person, and on the other hand, it’s probably because someone is deliberately slandering him in front of the Emperor.

Looking at his brother-in-law John Grant’s worried expression, William Bolton felt a jolt in his heart. No, I can’t go on like this. I need to turn over a new leaf and strive to leave a good impression.

Only then did John Grant say, “Alright, don’t let it happen again.”

“Okay.” William Bolton nodded obediently.

“Are you hungry?”

William Bolton shook his head.

John Grant knelt, and seeing William Bolton’s aggrieved look… his honest face hesitated for a moment, then he suddenly muttered to himself, “Those attendants didn’t hurt you, did they?”

William Bolton shook his head. “I’m fine, just my arm hurts a bit.”

John Grant said, “I’ll punish them later to vent your anger.”

The eunuch standing to the side trembled slightly, looked up in surprise, then quickly lowered his head again.

John Grant had William Bolton kneel beside him, then gently patted William Bolton’s back and sighed, “You’re too reckless. Although I am the Crown Prince, Father is not satisfied with me. Precisely because of this, I must be even more cautious in the Eastern Palace. Anshi, you mustn’t fool around anymore. Fortunately, your sister doesn’t know about this yet, otherwise…”

Having lived two lives, William Bolton immediately understood John Grant’s thoughts.

He is now a royal relative, but has a terrible reputation. The Yongle Emperor is dissatisfied with the Crown Prince. If someone were to exaggerate the misdeeds of the Crown Prince’s brother-in-law in front of the Emperor, it would be very disadvantageous for the Crown Prince.

William Bolton has been able to adapt to this world largely thanks to the care and affection of his brother-in-law, the Crown Prince. John Grant may not be a simple man, but he treats his wife’s younger brother very well.

So William Bolton immediately declared righteously, “Don’t worry, brother-in-law. I’ve decided, starting tomorrow, I’ll turn over a new leaf and never let people say I’m utterly wicked again.”

John Grant smiled, affectionately patting William Bolton’s back. “It’s good that you have this resolve.”

Clearly, he didn’t really believe William Bolton’s solemn vow.

At this, William Bolton felt indignant. Do I not even have this much credibility?

After being lectured by John Grant about how to conduct himself, William Bolton was finally allowed to leave the Eastern Palace.

As soon as he left, William Bolton was like a bird released from its cage.

And outside the Eastern Palace, someone had long been waiting for him. This person, dressed in a blue robe and small cap, immediately came forward when he saw William Bolton come out, bowed and said, “Young master, you weren’t punished, were you?”

“Punished? What punishment? My brother-in-law dotes on me too much for that.” William Bolton looked proudly at his servant Michael Bolton. Having such a brother-in-law in this life, it’s all been worth it.

In the future, his brother-in-law will become Emperor!

Chapter Two: Turning Over a New Leaf

Speaking of which, every emperor of the Ming Dynasty was ruthless. He was lucky that his brother-in-law was the future Hongxi Emperor. If it were anyone else, a brother-in-law like him would have been drowned in a pond long ago.

Of course… that being said, William Bolton still regarded his brother-in-law as his closest family. For his brother-in-law’s sake, he had to change his image, lest his bad reputation become an excuse for others to attack his brother-in-law.

Alright, it’s decided. I’ll turn over a new leaf, and it has to be immediate!

The next day.

William Bolton got up early, and Michael Bolton called people to prepare for his washing up.

The Zhang family’s residence wasn’t large. After all, land in Nanjing was extremely valuable. Plus, his father died early, and although his brother-in-law John Grant was the Crown Prince, his position was rather awkward. After the Jingnan Campaign, the Yongle Emperor rewarded many meritorious officials with residences, but the Zhang family didn’t make the list. Even this house was personally secured by John Grant.

After washing up, Michael Bolton poked his head in and said, “Young master, Young Master Zhu is here.”

Young Master Zhu…

In the Ming Dynasty, if someone surnamed Zhu wasn’t a royal, and was still called “Young Master” by Michael Bolton, there was only one person… the son of the current Duke of Chengguo—Edward Grant.

This guy had always been William Bolton’s partner in mischief.

Sure enough, before William Bolton could react, he heard laughter, and then saw Edward Grant rush in impatiently.

At this time, Edward Grant was only twelve or thirteen, but already quite burly. He rolled up his sleeves, carrying a lacquered box in his hand, and shouted, “Anshi, Anshi, look! I found a great cricket, heh heh… it looks just like a little bull…”