Robert Bennett coughed a few times, lamenting the decline of his body, and smiled, “Old David, are you trying to force your way through?”

David Brooks gave an awkward laugh, placed the roast chicken on the table, rubbed his hands and said, “I know a man of your great talent cannot be kept here for long. If I could receive your guidance for just a few days, I would be endlessly grateful.”

Chris Bolton walked out, with Deputy Qianhu Brian Walker following behind. In a low voice, he said, “Qianhu, twenty-five heads, none of the hair is freshly shaved, and the tan lines under their loincloths aren’t new either. It’s clear they’re all real Wokou.”

Chris Bolton nodded. Brian Walker glanced back at the small courtyard, a fierce look flashing in his eyes. “Qianhu, that Robert Bennett dares to treat you so disrespectfully. If we killed him…”

If Robert Bennett were killed, the credit could be divided at Chris Bolton’s discretion. As for David Brooks, the army never lacks ways to make subordinates submit.

“You think I don’t want to?” Chris Bolton said irritably. “But didn’t you see the way David Brooks looks at Robert Bennett? Have you ever seen how scholars bow to the Sage Confucius?”

Brian Walker nodded.

The Sage is the deity in the hearts of scholars; whoever desecrates their god will face endless enmity.

“In David Brooks’s eyes, Robert Bennett is his benefactor and teacher. If I make a move, unless I kill all those prisoners and David Brooks and the others as well…”

“Qianhu means that Robert Bennett knows your intentions, so he’s fearless?”

Chris Bolton nodded. “The young are to be feared.” Brian Walker was shocked. “Are we just going to let him manipulate us?”

“If he’s not speaking, he’s waiting for me to open the conversation.” Chris Bolton gave a bitter smile.

“This kid is bold.” Brian Walker sighed.

“Let’s go back.” Chris Bolton turned around.

“Why don’t I go negotiate with him?” Brian Walker decided to take the blame for his superior; this would also be a personal favor.

“You?” Chris Bolton shook his head. “That young man seems gentle, but as a serious criminal, sitting across from me, he’s like a teacher facing his student. If you go, I bet he’ll just sneer and refuse to talk.”

“Who’s the student?” Brian Walker protested.

“Of course, it’s me!” Chris Bolton stomped his foot. “Come! Let’s go talk business with this talented scholar.”

Back in the thatched hut, Chris Bolton laughed heartily. “To be honest, over the years I’ve met many self-proclaimed great scholars, but most of them end up accomplishing nothing. Only James Bennett has truly impressed me…”

Unsolicited flattery is always suspicious… Robert Bennett smiled and said, “Qianhu flatters me.”

Chris Bolton and Brian Walker sat down.

Chris Bolton stroked his beard and glanced at George Foster and David Brooks behind Robert Bennett.

He didn’t want outsiders present for the upcoming, somewhat embarrassing negotiation.

But Robert Bennett shook his head. “Shitou has been with me for years, and Little David is a hero of this battle.”

No need to avoid them!

Chris Bolton glanced at David Brooks, who held his head high, thinking, I’m not on your side. If you have the guts, go report me to the authorities in Yingtian Prefecture.

As for George Foster, having heard from the young master earlier that Chris Bolton intended to kill for credit, there was no way he would leave.

Chris Bolton was caught in his own web, but he was also straightforward. After a laugh, he calmly asked, “What does James Bennett want?”

He was letting Robert Bennett name his terms.

David Brooks coughed, worried that Robert Bennett would ask for too much and anger Chris Bolton. If Chris Bolton lost his temper, who knows what trouble might follow.

“Me?” Robert Bennett smiled. “Commander Bolton, do you think all I want is to escape punishment?”

Brian Walker said coolly, “Isn’t that so? But, a life for a life—capital crimes can be spared, but lesser punishment is unavoidable.”

That was a threat.

Chris Bolton stared hard at Robert Bennett, thinking that although this young scholar was talented, he was still young and inexperienced. This intimidation should make him back down!

Suddenly, Robert Bennett laughed it off. “The Wokou have been causing havoc in recent years. The coastal areas of Taizhou and Ningbo Prefectures have suffered greatly. But where are we now?”

“Songjiang Prefecture!” Brian Walker said coldly. “So what?”

Idiot… Robert Bennett didn’t even look at him, but fixed his gaze on Chris Bolton, a teasing glint in his eyes. “The Wokou actually landed in Songjiang Prefecture and penetrated dozens of miles inland. Commander Bolton, guess what will happen if this news reaches Nanjing? What will those officials do?”

The original capital of Ming was Nanjing. After Emperor Yongle’s successful usurpation, he moved the capital to Beiping, but Nanjing still retained the title of capital and a set of central institutions.

This was the two-capital system.

But the ministries and offices in Nanjing had little power and gradually became a ‘place of exile’ for frustrated officials.

These officials might be useless at everything else, but they’re experts at shifting blame and grabbing credit.

When these slick officials learn that the Wokou landed in Songjiang Prefecture, who will they blame?

Brian Walker was still confused, but Chris Bolton’s face changed dramatically, and his gaze at Robert Bennett was now filled with shock.

If the person before him were a seasoned old official, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to analyze things so deeply.

But the young man before him didn’t even have a beard yet!

“Nanjing needs a scapegoat.” Robert Bennett picked up the earthenware bowl, looking at Chris Bolton with a half-smile. “What’s more, they need one less person to compete for credit. Sharing the credit with you, Commander Bolton, is no problem. But if you take the credit, who will take the blame? Commander Bolton… you’re in danger!”

This is your defense zone, Chris Bolton!

You idiot, you actually let the Wokou land, and even let them massacre several villages.

What crime do you deserve!