George Washington lowered his head again to read the memorial. The memorial not only proposed that the Son of Heaven should guard the gates of the nation, but also explained the reasoning behind it with perfect clarity.

George Washington couldn't help but say, "This person's handwriting is as messy as a dog's scratchings, but the writing itself is very clear and logical. For such a rascal to have this kind of insight—hasn't he always been a notorious troublemaker?"

At this point, Richard Young thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, seeing is believing; street rumors are not to be trusted. However... how should this matter be properly resolved?"

Indeed, it was supposed to be a simple probe, but they ended up catching a big fish.

George Washington clasped his hands behind his back, frowning. Suddenly, he bared his teeth in a cold sneer and said, "A brat like this shouldn't have such insight. Could it be the Crown Prince..."

Upon hearing this, Richard Young immediately showed a look of delight. "Then, this humble monk must congratulate Your Majesty."

After hearing this, George Washington also felt greatly relieved.

He didn't like the Crown Prince. On one hand, the Crown Prince was too fat, not at all like a ruler; on the other hand, he thought the Crown Prince liked to mingle with a bunch of pedantic scholars, always talking about benevolence and righteousness. Such a person... could be a scholar, but would never make a good emperor.

How could an emperor afford to be soft-hearted?

But if this really was related to the Crown Prince's teachings, and the Crown Prince actually had such strategic vision, it would certainly make people see him in a new light.

George Washington waved his hand and said, "There's no need to pursue this matter any further. If we keep digging, rumors about moving the capital will inevitably spread throughout the land. Now is not the time. These things—let it be just between me, you, and the Crown Prince, understood without being spoken."

After saying this, George Washington couldn't help but show anger again, complaining indignantly, "As for the other sons, I think they're all scoundrels. Pick out a few of the worst among them and give them a good thrashing for me—especially that Henry Bolton. If I don't break his legs for his father, I won't be able to let this go!"

"Really beat them?"

George Washington said sternly, "Beat them!"

The two finished their discussion. Suddenly, Richard Young said, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? Not long ago, you issued an edict admonishing... His Highness the Crown Prince..."

George Washington's expression instantly froze.

Chapter Seven: Imperial Edict

For the past few days, it had been raining in Nanjing. The rain in Jiangnan was always like prostatitis—always about to fall but never quite coming down, never ending, like a veiled woman, always lacking in satisfaction.

The weather had turned noticeably colder. Over at the Eastern Palace, an eunuch delivered a new garment to Stephen Bolton, sent by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who were worried that William Bolton might not notice the change in temperature and had specially ordered someone to bring it.

Although William Bolton was not lacking in clothes, he knew that whenever the weather changed, the Eastern Palace would always bestow garments. In fact, it was a reminder for William Bolton to put on an extra layer.

William Bolton happily headed off to the academy again.

But today, something had changed at the academy.

Outside the courtyard wall of Charles Howard's residence, a group of imperial guards in flying fish uniforms stood with swords at their sides, stationed every three steps, with sentries every five steps.

It looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

From inside the courtyard, cries of pain could be heard.

William Bolton got off the carriage, his legs tensing up.

He glanced fearfully at Michael Bolton, who had come with him. "Oh no... has my mentor Charles Howard been raided?"

Michael Bolton blinked, swallowed hard, and was too scared to speak.

William Bolton entered the academy alone, only to find that in the front courtyard, more than a dozen young men were kneeling on the ground.

Edward Grant was in even worse shape, his head hanging low, and someone had even put a cangue around his neck. The heavy wooden collar hung from his neck. When he saw William Bolton, he said, "Big brother, run!"

William Bolton shivered, but then heard another scream.

This scream grew clearer, and he saw someone being held down on a wooden bench and whipped with a leather lash.

Looking closely, who else could it be but Henry Bolton?

Henry Bolton was howling, and seemed to catch sight of William Bolton, shouting, "Big brother, big brother, run! They're coming to beat you too!"

The enforcer wore a flying fish uniform, and beside him stood a cold-faced eunuch.

At this point, William Bolton's legs were trembling with fear.

He had indeed lived two lives, but this was the first time he had seen such a grim scene—he simply lacked the experience.

Instinctively, William Bolton wanted to run, but then thought: would it be too late to run now?

He was afraid that running would only make things worse.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, William Bolton obediently said, "I won't run. I'll accept my punishment. I'll kneel too."

With that, he darted over, trying to find a spot among the kneeling youths.

But the eunuch looked up at William Bolton and asked, "Who are you?"

William Bolton replied, "Zhang Anshi."

The eunuch took out a register, flipped through it, and said, "Zhang Anshi? Oh, your memorial was quite good. Clearly, you put in effort. No need for you to be punished."

William Bolton immediately felt relieved.

At that moment, another lash came down hard.

Crack...

Henry Bolton howled like a slaughtered pig.

He mumbled, "Big brother, didn't you say you wrote it at random?"

William Bolton almost shed a tear of sympathy.

The eunuch said again, "Young Master Bolton, since you don't need to be punished, and there are no lessons at the academy today, please go home."

Henry Bolton also whimpered, "Big brother, if you stay here, you'll feel bad. Just go, I can take it."

"Okay." William Bolton nodded and dashed off.

Henry Bolton: "……"