Even Mr. Bennett, who had always treated Charles Bennett with cold words and a stern face, barely sparing him a glance, now showed an expression of utter astonishment on his resolute face.

He was a commanding general on the battlefield, someone who wouldn’t bat an eye even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. But what Charles Bennett had just said was simply too shocking for him.

His own son was far too unruly, idling about all day with no ambition, associating with a group of disreputable friends. This time, he had even committed the outrageous act of forcibly taking a common girl, bringing utter disgrace to the entire Wang family and turning them into a laughingstock.

After much painful reflection, he had finally decided to send Charles Bennett into the military camp ahead of schedule. The military was the best place to temper a person; perhaps only the army could change this rebellious son of his.

Even if Charles Bennett hadn’t brought it up, he had already planned to mention it at the dinner table. In his heart, he had long made up his mind—regardless of whether Mrs. Bennett agreed or whether Charles Bennett was willing, this matter was set in stone and could not be changed.

He never expected Charles Bennett to bring it up himself.

Precisely because he knew what kind of person his rebellious son usually was, Mr. Bennett was deeply moved, and all the more aware of how difficult this decision was for Charles Bennett.

Joining the army is not like attending a banquet; the dangers involved go without saying. If his previous actions were just minor schemes, then enlisting in the army was no joke.

A prodigal son turning over a new leaf is worth more than gold—could it be that after all these events, his rebellious son had truly reformed and awakened?

In that instant, Mr. Bennett was overjoyed. He began to believe that his child had truly changed.

Charles Bennett observed everyone’s reactions and knew that his words had had the desired effect.

Having lived two lifetimes, Charles Bennett knew very well that at this family dinner, even if he didn’t bring it up, his father would soon propose sending him to the army as punishment.

In his previous life, he had resisted for a long time. But it was useless—his father’s mind was made up and would not be changed. In this life, knowing that the matter was unalterable, he might as well bring it up himself.

This way, he could also help change his father’s impression of him and regain his father’s trust!

Moreover, thinking it over carefully, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The real question was how to go about it, which was worth considering.

“Chong’er, you’re still a bit young to join the army. But that’s not a big issue. Have you decided where you want to go? I can put in a word for you in advance.”

Mr. Bennett said.

In the past, he always called Charles Bennett “rebellious son,” but this time he actually called him “Chong’er,” showing just how pleased he was with Charles Bennett’s decision.

“Father, I’ve thought it through. I want to start with the training camp. To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. I want to join the Kunwu Training Camp first, hone my own skills, and then join the regular army.”

Charles Bennett voiced the thoughts he had long considered.

“Kunwu Training Camp?”

Mr. Bennett was truly surprised. He had just received news from the court that His Majesty had decided to establish three major camps—Kunwu, Shenwei, and Longwei—to train a youth army for the court.

This was a very recent and secret matter—how did this rebellious son know about it?

But then he thought, this rebellious son had always associated with all sorts of disreputable friends; perhaps he’d heard it from somewhere else.

“Why choose the Kunwu Training Camp?”

Mr. Bennett quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice:

“There are also the Shenwei and Longwei training camps. Kunwu is only for the sons of ordinary generals, while Shenwei and Longwei are of a higher level than Kunwu, specifically for the sons of the capital’s nobility and powerful officials. I believe the training there should be more advanced and comprehensive than at Kunwu.”

“If you go there, it might help your future prospects. If you’ve made up your mind, I can use your grandfather’s influence to help you join the Shenwei or Longwei camps.”

Mr. Bennett was just a border general commanding troops outside the capital, not a noble or a lord, so in that sense, Charles Bennett could only be considered the son of an ordinary official.

But Charles Bennett’s grandfather was different. In the previous reign, he was a founding hero who helped the current emperor ascend the throne, and was later promoted to Left Chancellor, with disciples and old friends throughout the court.

Although he had retired, his influence remained.

So when Mr. Bennett said he could use Charles Bennett’s grandfather’s influence to get Charles Bennett into the Shenwei or Longwei camps, there would be no problem at all.

Charles Bennett remained silent. His father meant well, but Charles Bennett knew very well that, contrary to what Mr. Bennett said, among the three camps, Kunwu was actually the best choice.

The current emperor was wise and capable. In his previous life, it was also at this time that, in order to select the most talented sons of generals, nobles, and all the powerful families in the capital to form a youth army, the three training camps—Kunwu, Shenwei, and Longwei—were established.

Now, with the three camps newly founded, everything was still unclear. Everyone still believed that Shenwei and Longwei were of a higher level than Kunwu and were the best choices.

For a long time afterward, countless people would rack their brains and do everything possible to get into those two camps. However, Charles Bennett knew that time would prove Kunwu was actually the best choice.