Ryan Bennett stood by the window, facing his ‘disappointed’ Uncle Sam, his expression mild. After listening to the nagging for quite a while, he finally turned around and spoke:

“What happened today was because Grace Carter was rude first. I didn’t go too far—just wanted to verify whether the Zhan Gang Blade was real.”

Ethan Bennett sat down behind the desk and slapped the tabletop:

“You need to stab someone to verify if it’s real? The day after tomorrow, the Princess is choosing a Prince Consort. You came to the capital for that, and now you’ve caused trouble. What, is the Princess supposed to go to the prison to pick you the day after tomorrow?”

That was exactly what Ryan Bennett was thinking, but of course he couldn’t say it in front of his elder. He sat down across from the desk, shook his head, and sighed:

“Uncle Sam, being Prince Consort isn’t easy. Besides, there are so many people vying for the position, I might not even be chosen.”

Ethan Bennett naturally knew it wasn’t easy, especially to be the Princess’s Prince Consort. He said seriously:

“Whether you’re chosen or not is up to the Princess—it’s not for us to consider. What we should consider is whether you want to do it or not.”

Ryan Bennett answered crisply:

“I don’t want to.”

“Even if you don’t want to, you have to.”

Ethan Bennett raised his hand and pointed at the towering city walls of the imperial city:

“The Emperor is young, and the Princess is acting as regent. To put it plainly, everything in our Dan Dynasty is decided by her alone. Now, according to tradition, she’s recruiting a Prince Consort. All the noble families in the land are scrambling for the chance—how could our The Bennett Family not go?”

Ryan Bennett took a sip of tea and said, “It’s true our The Bennett Family has some land, but we’re not exactly a great clan—just have a bit of influence in the four southern counties…”

Ethan Bennett waved his hand, leaned back in the grand chair, and said earnestly:

“But Uncle Sam is an official in the capital. Now the Princess is regent as a woman, and she’s already the subject of criticism from the royal clan. There are plenty of dissenters in court, but who dares speak out openly?

Wanting to be Prince Consort is, frankly, a show of loyalty—a way to prove you want to be on the Princess’s side. All the sons of noble families are going, but if our The Bennett Family alone acts aloof and above it all, what does that mean? That I, Ethan Bennett, look down on the Princess?”

Ryan Bennett understood now—it was a matter of choosing sides. He thought for a moment:

“I’m the seventh son in the family. There are still four or five unmarried sons in The Bennett Family, and Fifth and Sixth Brother aren’t married either. Why pick me first…”

“Because you’re the best looking!”

Chapter Four: Unwilling Man, Unwilling Woman

Ethan Bennett pointed at Ryan Bennett’s face:

“Of all the dozen or so young masters in The Bennett Family, you’re the best looking, and you love to wander around, so everyone in the four southern counties knows you. It’s like when the Emperor chooses a consort—if your family has a beautiful daughter, would you dare send someone less than the best into the palace?”

“……”

Ryan Bennett opened his mouth, but had nothing to say.

Seeing his nephew no longer arguing, Ethan Bennett’s expression softened a bit:

“I know you like your freedom and don’t like being controlled. This time, for the Prince Consort selection, you just need to do your best and let everyone see where our The Bennett Family stands—that’s enough.

If you’re chosen, it’s your good fortune. The Princess is stunningly beautiful, and you’d make a perfect couple. If you do your best and still aren’t chosen, just treat it as if nothing happened.”

Ryan Bennett couldn’t refuse any further, so he could only nod slightly:

“Understood. I’ll do my best. If I’m not chosen, Uncle Sam, don’t blame me for not living up to expectations.”

“Her Highness the Princess has sharp eyes. As long as you don’t slack off, how could she not choose you? It’s late—go back, rest well, and prepare.”

After giving his instructions, Ethan Bennett got up to see him off.

Ryan Bennett nodded, raised his hand in farewell, and walked out of the study, leaping straight onto the roof.

Ethan Bennett saw this and came to the window, puzzled:

“Ryan, it’s late at night—why aren’t you going to bed? What are you doing on the roof?”

Ryan Bennett was new here and didn’t feel comfortable staying at Uncle Sam’s house. He wanted to go out and find somewhere else to stay, but couldn’t say so directly. Standing on the eaves, he smiled and said:

“It’s my first time in the capital. I’m just going out for a stroll. I’ll be there on time for the Prince Consort selection, Uncle Sam, don’t worry.”

After all, Ryan Bennett was a man, not a sheltered young lady waiting to be married off. Ethan Bennett didn’t want his nephew to go missing, but couldn’t force him to stay either. After thinking it over, he just reminded him:

“When you’re out, mind your appearance. Don’t act like a brute, drawing your sword at the slightest provocation. And whatever you do, don’t go to any brothels—at least not for the next couple of days.”

Ryan Bennett stood in the rain under his umbrella, looking a bit helpless:

“Uncle Sam, I’m not interested in women.”

Ethan Bennett frowned slightly, glanced around to make sure his wife wasn’t there, then put on a knowing look:

“Not interested in women—can you still call yourself a man? Don’t pretend to be so proper in front of Uncle Sam. And listen, being interested in men is no good either—don’t you dare go to any of those ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ in the city…”

??

Ryan Bennett didn’t even know what to say, shook his head, sighed, and with a few leaps, disappeared into the rain…

……

Under the same night sky.

The majestic palace stood solemnly on the eastern side of the capital. The wind stirred the palace lanterns, and rain beat against the flying eaves, making the vast imperial city seem shrouded in mist, its grandeur faintly visible through the haze.

Inside the Changle Palace, where the Emperor resided, the lights blazed brightly. Eunuchs stood quietly outside the imperial study, dust whisk in hand, while palace maids carried books in and out.