Even The Bolton Family became nervous, and couldn't help but say worriedly, "Could it be that the Emperor... is still angry and wants to add more charges?"

John Grant took a deep breath, looked helplessly at William Bolton, and sighed, "I will go receive the decree. You all... stay here..."

The Bolton Family frowned and said, "Your Highness, husband and wife are like birds in the same forest; how can we fly our separate ways when disaster strikes? We will go together."

William Bolton glanced at his brother-in-law and sister, and also said firmly, "I'm going too."

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess, dressed in ceremonial attire, left the inner court and went to the main hall of the Office of the Chamberlain for the Crown Prince in the front courtyard of the Eastern Palace to receive the imperial decree.

At this time, all the officials and clerks serving in the Office of the Chamberlain for the Crown Prince had already gathered there to await the imperial edict.

The officials of the Office of the Chamberlain for the Crown Prince were all subordinates of the Crown Prince. The previous harsh imperial edict from His Majesty had already left them trembling with fear. Now, with another sudden decree, a strange and ominous atmosphere was in the air.

It was well known that the current Emperor did not favor the Crown Prince, but such a public reprimand was rare.

Could it be... someone has slandered him... and His Majesty is thinking of changing the heir again?

Therefore, when the Crown Prince and Crown Princess arrived, everyone was filled with complicated thoughts.

And when everyone saw William Bolton following behind, looking dejected, many couldn't help but grit their teeth in anger.

Isn't this useless fellow the culprit?

If anything happens to the Crown Prince, everyone's future is finished.

John Grant's feelings were also extremely complicated. He was overweight and had trouble moving, but he forced himself to kneel and bow: "Your son receives the decree."

The eunuch who came to deliver the decree took out the imperial edict and read aloud, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

Upon hearing this, although the subordinates all knelt in silence, many were filled with suspicion.

It's a 'decree'—what's going on? This format is used for commendations and promotions, shouldn't it be a reprimand?

John Grant was momentarily stunned, feeling completely lost.

The eunuch continued, "No one is as perfect as Yao or Shun; who can be flawless? Since the Crown Prince assumed the position of heir, he has fulfilled his duties with diligence and loyalty, working tirelessly..."

Although John Grant was usually steady, at this moment he couldn't help but raise his head, his eyes full of shock, thinking he had misheard.

"Sunzi said: 'The best generals achieve victory without great feats.' Now the Crown Prince has managed his subordinates with ingenuity and originality, showing great skill. Therefore, this special decree is issued to commend and record his hidden virtues. Let it be so!"

The eunuch finished reading.

The hall remained silent.

At this moment, John Grant was completely dumbfounded.

His father, the Emperor, had won the empire on horseback and was known for his forthright character, but...

Today was truly eye-opening. In the morning, he had received a harsh reprimand for failing to discipline his subordinates, but by noon, he was being praised, likened to Sunzi, who achieved victory without ostentation, and commended for his skillful management... What kind of play was this?

Someone behind him cleared their throat—it was the subordinates reminding the Crown Prince to accept the decree.

Only then did John Grant come to his senses, hurriedly gave thanks, and accepted the decree.

He pondered it carefully, but still couldn't grasp his father's true intentions.

At this moment, William Bolton said cheerfully, "Brother-in-law, His Majesty is praising you, saying you taught me well."

John Grant's face turned pale with fright. He quickly looked around and said, "Father's thoughts are hard to predict. Don't speak carelessly."

Although he stopped William Bolton, he more or less understood, so he quickly pulled William Bolton to the back garden to ask what William Bolton had been up to lately.

William Bolton said, "These past few days, I've really been studying hard. This morning, a lot of people came to the school and beat those usually unruly classmates half to death, but they didn't touch me. When people in the palace heard my name was William Bolton, they even told me to stay far away so I wouldn't get splattered with blood."

"His Majesty is truly amazing. He can see everything clearly and immediately knew I was an honest and reliable person."

John Grant: "..."

The Bolton Family also took the imperial edict, examined it for a long time, and said happily, "Your Highness, that's right, this is an edict praising our William. Although it looks like it's praising Your Highness, it's actually a roundabout way of saying our William is promising."

John Grant still seemed incredulous and said, "Am I dreaming?"

At this, The Bolton Family became displeased: "I've always said our William is a steady and decent person. It's always others who lead him astray, so he only occasionally makes mistakes, but at heart, he's upright and pure. William, are you hungry? Let's have a meal here today..."

William Bolton shook his head and said, "No, I still have something to do."

"What is it?" The sister who had just been ready to scold him now turned doting.

William Bolton said, "My brother's butt was beaten raw. I have to go find a doctor and medicine for him."

As William Bolton spoke, he hurriedly took his leave.

They watched as William Bolton ran off like the wind.

John Grant took the imperial edict, looked at it again, and suddenly burst out laughing: "At last, my heart is at ease. Our William is not completely useless after all."

John Grant's joy was understandable. After all, he had just been walking on thin ice, but now he had received imperial praise, and the weight on his heart was finally lifted.

As for William Bolton, it seemed he really had made some progress lately, which was even more gratifying.

...

William Bolton is a conscientious person.