A lion can lead a flock of sheep to become a pride of lions—this saying is perhaps the truest portrayal of the ever-evolving James Clark. Of course, it may be a bit exaggerated, but in the process of evolving from sheep to lion, the current James Clark has at least become wild dogs or hyenas. Perhaps the next step will be wolves, but whether they will become lions is beyond Brian Carter's ability to predict.

"If that's the case, wouldn't Henry Smith's promise to us be nothing but perfunctory nonsense?" The young woman showed a look of indignation on her face. Henry Smith is the head of the Nanyang Liu clan and has always been friendly with the Li clan of Guanzhong.

"Not entirely so. Although the Liu family is currently unable to march north, they still command tens of thousands of armored men. Even if they can't compete with the Zhu family for dominance, they can still effectively restrain the Zhu clan's actions. If the Li family wants to head south in peace, befriending the Three Jin and Nanyang is the best strategy." Brian Carter shook his head.

"Head south?" A faint trace of melancholy appeared on the young woman's face. "To be able to keep a piece of land in Guanzhong and live in peace is probably just my father's extravagant hope."

"Why do you say that, Your Highness?" Brian Carter asked in surprise.

"Forget it, let's not talk about these troubling matters. Anyway, my eldest and second brothers and Uncle Bennett will worry about those things." The young woman seemed to realize it was inappropriate to discuss such family matters in front of outsiders, so she shook her head and changed the subject: "How long do you plan to stay in Xiangyang?"

"Heh, I will disembark early tomorrow morning. I don't plan to go to Xiangyang." Brian Carter planned to disembark south of Xinye, take the mountain path along the foothills of Tongbai Mountain, pass through Shenzhou, and return to Guangzhou.

"Why is that? Xinye is also under Liu's control, so why take the risk? Why not go to Xiangyang together, take a boat south to Ezhou, and then head north back to Guangzhou? Wouldn't that be better?" A look of anticipation flickered in the young woman's eyes.

Brian Carter was also moved. Clearly, this young woman had a favorable impression of him. It seemed that his performance last night had made her see him in a new light. But on second thought, the difference in status between Eric Carter and the Li family of Guanzhong was like heaven and earth. It was already remarkable that she would lower herself to associate with him. If he still clung to his 21st-century mindset, that would truly be a path to self-destruction.

"Your Highness's invitation is an honor for me, but I am under orders from Lord Cooper to gather intelligence on the bandits. The situation is urgent, and I must return immediately to report. I can only regretfully decline Your Highness's gracious invitation." Brian Carter sighed.

Emily Thompson felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

She had few friends in Chang'an. Those sons of noble families who flattered her did so either for her family background or her beauty. On this trip to Wan, even though Henry Smith's son William Smith was known as one of the Four Gentlemen of the East and was considered talented and learned, he was at a loss for words and awkward in her presence, far less at ease than this man before her.

She knew her family had brought her to Wan and Xiang with Uncle Bennett partly to find her a husband, but William Smith's performance was truly mediocre, and that Xiao clan's George Harris was probably no better.

Seeing the young woman's face fall, Brian Carter couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her.

In terms of impression, this young woman seemed to surpass the idol in Eric Carter's heart by quite a bit. Although she was born into a noble family, she was not at all arrogant. Not only was she graceful and elegant, but she was also poised and dignified. Especially after last night's brief ambiguous encounter, it was as if a seed had been sown in both their hearts, ready to take root and sprout at the first sign of rain.

"Your Highness, if fate allows, we can meet even from a thousand miles away. Guanzhong is not far from Guangzhou—half a month at most. If Your Highness truly welcomes me, I promise to visit Guanzhong within a year."

Emily Thompson was delighted. "A man's word is his bond. Once spoken, even four horses cannot chase it down. You must keep your promise."

Brian Carter smiled and assured her he would, and the two began to laugh and joke again.

Brian Carter also felt a bit sorry for this young woman of the Li Tang imperial family. Although the customs of this era were much more open, she was still in a high position, surrounded mostly by people with ulterior motives. Even the outstanding ones probably approached her for her status.

Especially when the young woman tactfully warned him that the Xu clan was narrow-minded and that he should be careful in his dealings, Brian Carter was even more moved.

To speak so frankly despite a shallow acquaintance showed that he already held a place in her heart.

Wanting to cheer her up, Brian Carter began to recount some of his more colorful and exaggerated exploits as a roguish wanderer in Guangzhou, making the young woman laugh out loud, her face beaming with joy. By the end of the day, she was in an exceptionally good mood, laughing more than she had in an entire year.

David Bennett rarely saw the young woman so happy, so he instructed those around not to disturb them, letting the two talk and laugh until lunchtime.

Chapter Thirteen: Guangzhou

Watching the boat slowly disappear from view, Brian Carter felt an inexplicable sense of reluctance.

He had been in this era for almost ten days, and it seemed to be the first time he truly felt like he was starting to fit in. After standing for a long time, he shook his head to cast off the sudden wave of melancholy, returned to reality, got his bearings, and strode quickly eastward.

Guangzhou, formerly known as the State of Huang, was conquered by Chu during the Spring and Autumn period and incorporated into Chu. Later, it was called Yiyang. It sits along the long Huai River, controlling Ying and Cai, and has always been a strategic military location between the Yangtze, Huai, and Han Rivers.

When Brian Carter stepped through the main gate of Guangzhou's prefectural city, he joked and laughed with the two gatekeepers. Once inside, there was a straight road ahead.

Brian Carter did not take the main road, but, out of habit, walked a few hundred steps along the city wall. There stood the Guan Yu Temple, and in front of the temple, the square was at its liveliest.

The community opera was at its climax.