The premise of all this is to establish a good relationship with David Brooks and his detachment of guest troops.

Most importantly, a group of just over ten men actually defeated more than a hundred Japanese pirates. Chris Bolton felt that this young banner officer had limitless potential.

Once a hero encounters an opportunity, it is just as the opera says: “How could a golden-scaled fish remain in a pond? When the winds and clouds arrive, it transforms into a dragon.”

Such a person should be befriended before he rises to prominence.

Chris Bolton wore a smile on his face.

“Human heads!” Brian Walker exclaimed.

In the courtyard, several baskets of human heads emitted a foul stench in the spring sunlight.

“Commander, that half-moon hairstyle is much like the Japanese pirates they spoke of.” A centurion’s face was flushed, as if he himself had led the team that took those heads.

The Japanese pirates ran rampant, and the soldiers of Southern Zhili were cowed into silence.

Yet at this very moment, a detachment of just over ten Ming soldiers had defeated more than a hundred Japanese pirates.

He felt honored by association.

At the same time, he grew even more curious and respectful toward that young banner officer.

“Where is Little David?”

Chris Bolton asked kindly.

The leading sergeant pointed ahead...

Everyone looked over and saw a pale-faced youth sitting beneath the eaves, with a banner officer beside him listening respectfully as the youth spoke.

“...It’s a good thing you want to study military strategy. There can never be too many ambitious people.” The youth spoke unhurriedly, as if addressing his own disciple.

“Yes.” David Brooks felt a surge of excitement, wishing he could kneel and become a disciple on the spot. “I beg for your guidance, Master Maocai.”

“I know you wish to become my student.” The youth looked up and saw the astonished group led by Chris Bolton. “Unfortunately, we have guests.”

Robert Bennett spread his hands. “See? The time just isn’t right.”

...

Suzhou Prefecture.

A dozen riders dismounted outside an inconspicuous residence and filed inside.

Not long after, they rushed out in a panic.

“Quick, report to Frank Carter.”

Outside Suzhou city, there was not only Hanshan Temple, but also the Long Pavilion. Suzhou was bustling, and people came and went daily in and around the pavilion.

The usually crowded Long Pavilion now held only a few people.

Outside the pavilion, two Jin Yi Wei guards stood with swords in hand, their eyes sweeping the official road. All passing merchants and travelers avoided their gaze or lowered their heads.

“Make way!”

A dozen riders galloped up, dismounted before the pavilion, and the leading Little Officer knelt outside.

“Reporting to the Centurion, we have found the noble one.”

Inside the pavilion, a Jin Yi Wei centurion, standing with her back to them, slowly turned around.

On her fair face, her eyebrows were thicker than those of most women. The icy Jin Yi Wei female centurion, Emily Carter, asked coldly, “Where is the noble one?”

Little Officer lowered his head. “The noble one killed his own cousin and has now been exiled... to Taizhou Prefecture.”

Emily Carter gripped her sword hilt tightly. The deputy centurion before her, Matthew Bolton, barked, “What crime did the noble one commit?”

Emily Carter said coldly, “What crime he committed is not important.”

Little Officer said, “After the noble one’s father passed away, the Ye clan tried to seize the family property. The noble one refused. At the end of last year, cousin Ye Tian publicly humiliated the noble one’s late father. Unable to bear the insult, the noble one seized a butcher’s knife and killed his cousin in the street.”

Matthew Bolton turned back. “The brothers in Suzhou Prefecture reported that the noble one is frail. Centurion, I fear the noble one’s body won’t survive the journey to Taizhou!”

“Suzhou Prefecture, how dare they!”

A fierce look flashed in Emily Carter’s eyes. “To dare insult His Majesty’s uncle—seeking death!”

“Shall we storm Suzhou Prefecture?” Matthew Bolton straightened up.

Since Charles Morgan took charge of the Jin Yi Wei, their power had soared thanks to his relationship with the Jiajing Emperor.

Emily Carter narrowed her eyes at the city. “Rescuing the noble one comes first.”

“Yes. If anything happens to the noble one, the Commander will skin us alive!”

At the thought of the Jiajing Emperor’s milk brother, Jin Yi Wei Commander Charles Morgan, everyone shuddered.

“Pursue them!”

Dozens of riders galloped away.

...

The capital.

Jin Yi Wei headquarters.

The notorious Jin Yi Wei headquarters in the capital looked rather unremarkable.

Yet no one dared walk close to its walls.

Inside a secret chamber.

With a thin face and calm expression, Charles Morgan was reading a newly delivered report.

“Commander!”

Charles Morgan looked up. Outside the door stood a man with a scholarly air, holding a document.

“Chad Sullivan!”

Jin Yi Wei official Chad Sullivan entered and saluted.

“News just arrived from Emily Carter. The brothers in Suzhou Prefecture have investigated thoroughly and confirmed that John Bennett and his son Robert Bennett are indeed His Majesty’s relatives.”

Chad Sullivan handed over the document.

Charles Morgan read it several times and sighed, “A pity about John Bennett.”

If John Bennett had survived until now, with his status as the Jiajing Emperor’s uncle, the Ye clan would have had no choice but to grovel.

“Robert Bennett was born with a lung ailment, frail since childhood, never free from medicine...”

Charles Morgan looked up. “What do you think?”

Chad Sullivan, upright and direct, looked steadily at Charles Morgan. “From now on, the capital will have one more useless person to support.”

Charles Morgan was not offended and said gently, “Since His Majesty moved to the Western Garden, he has become ever more isolated from the outside world. Now, only family can bring him some comfort. Send word to Emily Carter to guard the noble one carefully on the way back to the capital. Also... have an imperial physician skilled in lung ailments meet them en route. There must be no mistakes!”

“Yes.” Chad Sullivan replied coolly.