Abraham Lincoln put down his teacup, calculating inwardly. The opportunism of the censors was too strong; without certainty, even Abraham Lincoln could not easily recruit or mobilize them. It seemed that finding some helpers outside the palace would also require careful planning.

Unconsciously, Abraham Lincoln pressed his aching temples with both thumbs, sighing inwardly: ‘It really isn’t easy for a puppet emperor to break free from his shackles. I wonder how those young emperors in history who managed to defeat powerful ministers and seize power actually did it…’

At this thought, Abraham Lincoln suddenly snapped his eyes open, his gaze burning as he stared at Ethan Brooks.

He had thought of it!

He had thought of a way!

That Qing emperor Kangxi ascended the throne at eight years old. In order to bring down the powerful minister Oboi, he practiced wrestling daily with a group of youths. Oboi thought he was just playing around, but one day, when he entered the palace, these youths subdued him. Oboi was thus defeated, Kangxi smoothly took power, and eradicated Oboi’s faction!

Abraham Lincoln’s heart surged with excitement.

With this idea, other thoughts came flooding in, and some initial plans quickly took shape in his mind.

Ethan Brooks, frightened by Abraham Lincoln’s intense gaze, braced himself and said, “Your Majesty, is something wrong?”

Abraham Lincoln withdrew his gaze, took a deep breath, and stood up with a smile: “It’s nothing, I just thought of something pleasant. Come, let’s go for a walk.”

Ethan Brooks was taken aback and said, “Your Majesty, it’s time for your meal.”

At this, Abraham Lincoln realized he was a bit hungry and said, “Then have the imperial chef prepare some of Eleventh Brother’s favorite dishes and come with me to the schoolhouse.”

Ethan Brooks suspected nothing and replied, “Yes, I’ll arrange it right away. Your Majesty, please wait a moment.”

Abraham Lincoln sat down again, gazing outside, a cheerful smile on his face and a much lighter heart.

He had thought of a way.

His eleventh brother was none other than the famous Woodrow Wilson in history, the creator of the “Slender Gold” script, and also one of the two emperors associated with the “Jingkang humiliation.”

In history, Abraham Lincoln died suddenly without an heir, and it was this eleventh brother who succeeded him. He had a particular hobby—cuju, that is, playing football.

That very famous Robert Foster from “Water Margin” was noticed by Franklin Pierce for his excellent football skills and was thus promoted to Sir Foster!

Abraham Lincoln looked out the window at a squad of more than twenty solemnly standing imperial guards, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Cuju—this cover was simply perfect, and with Franklin Pierce, it would be easy to keep things hidden from Mrs. Foster!

Having thought of a solution, Abraham Lincoln was naturally delighted, and even the previously tedious “Annals of Shenzong” became engrossing to read.

After a while, Abraham Lincoln and Ethan Brooks headed to the palace schoolhouse, followed by a squad of seven imperial guards.

Abraham Lincoln merely glanced at them before entering the schoolhouse.

Inside, the princes and imperial grandsons were attending class, with William Reed teaching at the front.

William Reed, around fifty years old, though weathered by life and a bumpy official career, still carried an air of elegance and grace in his demeanor.

“Heaven and earth have their principles, sages have their methods, gentlemen have their virtues, thus…”

William Reed held a book in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the group of ‘children,’ his voice clear and measured.

Abraham Lincoln stood by the window, peering through a small gap at William Reed, nodding to himself. This great literary figure was the leader of the literary world in the current Song dynasty, with few equals.

Sima Guang, Wang Anshi, and others had already passed away seven or eight years ago.

His gaze shifted to the group of children, among whom were several of Abraham Lincoln’s younger brothers as well as other members of the imperial clan.

After watching for a while, his eyes settled on the nine-year-old Franklin Pierce.

Franklin Pierce had rosy lips and white teeth, a lively face, but was not listening attentively. His gaze often drifted outside, and he fidgeted constantly, clearly not paying attention in class.

Watching him, Abraham Lincoln narrowed his eyes, a flash of anger in his gaze.

This little rascal had been unruly since childhood—no wonder he would one day bring about the fall of the nation. He needed a beating!

Chapter Five: Balancing Kindness and Authority

‘Just you wait!’

With ‘old and new grudges’ in mind, Abraham Lincoln glared at Franklin Pierce, his face full of anger, fists clenched. If William Reed weren’t still teaching, he would have rushed in and given this little rascal a good beating!

William Reed paced as he lectured, occasionally asking a few questions.

Ethan Brooks stood behind Abraham Lincoln, noticing his expression was off, and whispered, “Your Majesty, should we interrupt?”

Abraham Lincoln waved his hand, suppressing his anger.

Beating Franklin Pierce now would be letting him off easy—he would ‘properly’ deal with him later!

Mrs. Foster placed great importance on the education of the princes and imperial grandsons. William Reed not only taught these children but usually also gave lessons to Abraham Lincoln, though Abraham Lincoln’s ‘illness’ had delayed this.

“That’s all for today.” After a while, William Reed closed his book and looked at the children below.

“Thank you for your hard work, sir.” The princes and imperial grandsons quickly stood up and bowed respectfully.

William Reed acknowledged them, hugged his book, and turned to leave.

Abraham Lincoln waved his hand, signaling for people to hide, and he himself hid behind a corner.

William Reed came out and left directly. He had a family banquet today—his younger brother Charles Reed had been promoted to Grand Commandant and was about to become a minister, so he was going home to celebrate.

Once he was gone, the group of children cheered and rushed out.

Franklin Pierce, however, lingered at the back. After making sure everyone had left, he quietly slipped away, heading toward the Qing Shou Hall.

Abraham Lincoln watched his back, snorted to himself, and followed without making a sound.