Paul Carter listened. Although he didn’t really understand just how miraculous this method was, just recalling the techniques Henry Lewis had used at Charles Carter’s house a few days ago made it clear that this was no ordinary skill. At the time, he simply felt that the prince he served had such abilities that, even if he were no longer in the palace in the future, he would still be able to make a name for himself. He never expected that His Highness would actually be willing to teach him this method!

Overcome with emotion, he didn’t know what to do for a moment. Fortunately, Henry Lewis didn’t mind these things. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly paused, feeling a bit puzzled, and waved his hand as he instructed, “Someone’s coming. Come with me to take a look!”

Paul Carter didn’t wonder how Henry Lewis knew. Since Henry Lewis practiced mystical arts, it wasn’t strange for him to have some extraordinary means. Following Henry Lewis out of the sleeping quarters, he saw a few people approaching from afar.

His eyesight was excellent, and he could tell from a distance who was coming. He was startled, his expression changing several times, and he whispered to Henry Lewis, “It’s the Chief Eunuch John Bennett!” Although his rank was lower than John Bennett’s, he knew they were not the same kind of people, so there was no particular respect in his tone.

Henry Lewis could also see clearly. He remained silent, wondering what this old fox was doing here to see him. Could it be that the old emperor wanted to see him?

“Or maybe the old emperor has regained his senses these past few days, wants to make my third brother the crown prince, and is planning to kick me out of the palace at the same time?”

At the thought of this possibility, Henry Lewis’s face turned gloomy, but he quickly returned to normal. He then stepped forward to greet them. When John Bennett came near, they exchanged formal courtesies—John Bennett was a marquis, and even the emperor would rise to return his salute, let alone Henry Lewis, who was just a prince and not even the crown prince.

After the formalities, Henry Lewis turned and invited John Bennett into his quarters. Along the way, not much was said, but Henry Lewis noticed that John Bennett was extremely polite to him, showing none of the overbearing arrogance of the palace’s most powerful man. Just this alone made Henry Lewis feel much more at ease—if John Bennett had come here to throw his weight around, he really wouldn’t have been able to swallow that.

As it was, both sides were polite, making it easier to talk about anything. Once they were seated, Henry Lewis didn’t speak first, waiting for John Bennett to open the conversation.

But after quite some time, the old man still hadn’t mentioned the reason for his visit, as if he had come today just to get closer to him. This left Henry Lewis even more puzzled, thinking to himself, “Could it be that the old emperor intends to pass the throne to me?”

On second thought, that seemed highly unlikely. In the end, he could only conclude that John Bennett was here to build a relationship and arrange a way out for himself.

With this in mind, everything became clear, and he sighed inwardly: “A grand eunuch who has controlled the inner court for decades is certainly no fool. Even if there’s no sign of danger yet, he’s already making plans and arranging an escape route for himself.”

Still, he didn’t immediately show any closeness. Although he chatted happily with John Bennett, he maintained a proper distance. After talking for half an hour, he respectfully saw him out—though in the end, John Bennett still did him a favor. Noticing that Henry Lewis’s quarters were a bit shabby and that there were only a couple of young maids and eunuchs serving him, he instructed his attendant, “Remember to have someone come and renovate the eldest prince’s quarters when we get back, and send a few young maids to serve him. How can things be left like this?”

Although Henry Lewis was not greedy for comfort, he didn’t like living in a place that was too run-down either. Now that John Bennett was proactively offering him benefits, he certainly had no reason to refuse. He cupped his hands in thanks, and at this moment of parting, the atmosphere was much warmer than during the previous half hour.

Once John Bennett had disappeared from sight, Henry Lewis stroked his chin and began to ponder: If things go as usual, John Bennett has less than a year left to live, but what if I save him?

Normally, there’s really no good reason to save John Bennett, given his terrible reputation! But Henry Lewis had almost no one available to use, and in the inner court, there was only Paul Carter, a young eunuch. Even if he wanted to carry out a major purge in the capital, it would be much easier with someone familiar with the imperial city and all its affairs to help.

“I’ll decide when the time comes. If he truly wants to side with me, I wouldn’t mind lending a hand when he’s in trouble. If not, there’s no need to waste the effort!”

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Chapter 9: First Sharpen the Tools

Because the emperor was ill and the world was in turmoil, the palace was anything but lively, and the fifth year of Zhongping passed in this cold and desolate atmosphere.

The Spring Festival of the sixth year of Zhongping was nothing special either. Although the emperor’s spirits had improved a bit in the past couple of days, he only managed to spend a short time gathering with his wife and children. He said little at the table, and his exhaustion was plain to see on his face. He didn’t even finish the meal before being helped away by palace maids to rest.

Once the emperor left, only Empress Harris and the three princes remained. At such a time, there didn’t seem to be much to talk about between the princes. Empress Harris was thinking of taking her son and leaving right away, but unexpectedly, after a few bites, Brian Lewis came over to Henry Lewis, laughing and joking, clearly in high spirits for some reason.

“Usually this child is always quiet and reserved. It’s rare to see him so happy today, so let him be for once,” she thought, glancing at the eldest prince Henry Lewis. “There probably won’t be many more chances like this in the future!”