Brian Carter also spoke in a low voice: "I will do my best."

David Sullivan nodded in satisfaction, stepped forward, and said, "Master, this is Brian Carter, one of the best in the Jinyiwei, my most capable subordinate. If you need anything, just let him handle it."

Edward Cooper rolled his grayish-white eyes, glanced at Brian Carter, merely nodded, but said nothing.

William Foster looked displeased, thinking to himself that the Jinyiwei were truly annoying, showing up everywhere. This matter originally had nothing to do with them, yet David Sullivan insisted on interfering. With this in mind, he mocked, "Just because Commander Sullivan thinks he's capable doesn't mean the Master will necessarily use him."

Charles Thompson stroked his long beard and smiled, "Governor Xu, the people have been brought, but it's up to the Master to choose. There's no need for you to worry."

While everyone secretly competed, only Edward Cooper remained seated, as if he had existed there since time immemorial.

William Foster frowned, suppressed his dissatisfaction, and pointed to the sturdy yet steady man behind him: "Master, this man is called Jacob Miller. Though he is only a Qianhu in the Five Armies Governor's Office, he is extremely steady and capable, highly skilled in martial arts, and can be entrusted with important tasks."

Edward Cooper sat with his eyes closed, not even opening them, so it was unclear whether he heard or not.

Jacob Miller's face was as hard as iron, standing there as upright as a spear. Seeing the situation, he looked a bit embarrassed, but still managed to keep his composure. David Sullivan had just seen Edward Cooper treat Brian Carter with indifference, which made him uneasy, but now, seeing this, he almost wanted to laugh out loud. Because David Sullivan secretly believed that Edward Cooper should value Brian Carter more.

William Foster was also embarrassed and looked toward Charles Thompson.

Charles Thompson frowned slightly, stepped forward, and said, "The Governor's Office is full of talent. I think this Jacob Miller should be able to meet the Master's requirements. However, since the Master has given instructions, I dare not be negligent and have also found someone..."

David Sullivan heard his polite words and thought to himself that Charles Thompson was shrewd and well-liked by the Emperor. Clearly, he was trying to curry favor with the Governor's Office. Hmph, do you really think that if the Governor's Office and the Cabinet join forces, I'll be afraid of you?

Charles Thompson pointed to the person beside him and said, "This is Olivia Morgan, actually a steward in my residence. He may not be skilled in other things, but he can handle miscellaneous tasks."

Everyone saw that Olivia Morgan was middle-aged, with slender eyebrows and phoenix eyes, refined and calm, unfazed by favor or disgrace. Charles Thompson's introduction sounded modest, but for Olivia Morgan to be valued by a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, he must have some real ability.

David Sullivan thought to himself, the Master only said to find someone to handle a task, but never specified what kind of person was needed or what the task was. This made things difficult for Charles Thompson and William Foster, so to be safe, they each brought one martial and one scholarly candidate. In that case, by letting Brian Carter participate, my chances of winning are still fifty-fifty!

Thinking this, David Sullivan had a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, but before he could say more, footsteps suddenly sounded at the stairs, and then Samuel Parker was heard saying, "The Commander has ordered, you can't go up. Hey... why are you hitting me?"

Then there was a loud slap, as if Samuel Parker had been struck across the face, and in a flash, someone entered the tower.

David Sullivan was furious, thinking, if the tiger doesn't show its might, do they all think I'm a sick cat? William Foster and Charles Thompson dare to go against me—one day I'll make them pay. And now, who is this, coming upstairs without my permission? If I don't teach you a lesson, everyone will think they can do as they please in this Qingshou Temple.

He strode forward, intending to intimidate the newcomer, but as soon as he saw who it was, his expression changed.

That person stormed up the stairs, swept over to David Sullivan like a gust of wind, reached out, and nearly poked David Sullivan in the eye, shouting, "David Sullivan, are you the one who won't let me in?"

David Sullivan, as the Commander of the Jinyiwei, held great power and had killed countless people, yet someone dared to point at his nose and question him—this was truly unexpected for everyone.

But Charles Thompson and William Foster showed no surprise on their faces; instead, they looked rather pleased.

David Sullivan was about to get angry, but in an instant, he became as meek as a sick cat, stood with his hands at his sides, and forced a smile: "So it's Her Highness the Princess."

He had been full of anger, but upon seeing that person, he could only swallow it and dared not show it.

Brian Carter glanced over, his eyes showing a hint of surprise. Looking more closely, his usually calm face suddenly took on a strange expression. He seemed unwilling for others to notice his reaction, so he immediately lowered his head to look at his toes, but his robe fluttered without wind, clearly showing he was somewhat agitated.

But of course, no one paid attention to this insignificant Jinyiwei; everyone was secretly watching the newcomer.

That person was as urgent as wind and fire, wearing a scholar's headscarf, appearing to be a man, but with arched brows, cherry lips, a face like a painting, and no Adam's apple—clearly a woman.

Not only was she a woman, but an exceptionally beautiful one.

Though the woman was beautiful, most in the tower dared not look at her directly. For she was not only a stunning beauty, but also the most unruly woman of the current dynasty, and the one Emperor Zhu Di favored most.

Nowadays, the woman most favored by the Emperor was not a concubine from the harem, but his own daughter.

The newcomer was none other than the Emperor's most beloved daughter... Princess Taylor.

Someone like this, even David Sullivan dared not offend. Yet he couldn't help but wonder, this Princess Taylor is willful and unruly, and often acts as she pleases. It's not strange for her to dress as a man, but what is she doing at Qingshou Temple?