This could also be considered a blessing. Though their experiences were different and William Carter found it hard to understand why a young woman would take up a blade and rebel, deep down he still wished everyone peace and safety—especially for such an ambitious woman.

The words were so sweet that Emily Harris was stunned for a moment before reacting, then scoffed, “You little eunuch, so glib and talented—if you were born in Jiangnan, who knows how many noble ladies you’d ruin.”

He chuckled, retying the bandage into a bow: “The Black Feather Guards won’t find this place for now. I’ve brought you some rations. Once you’re healed, you should leave. The people from the Dian Kui Division really are everywhere.”

Emily Harris continued resting on the bed, speaking softly: “Alright... If you ever need my help in the future, you can go to Minglou and find Miss Helen Ring. The code is: ‘A great monk has come from the south.’ She’ll help you get in touch with me.”

He stopped in his tracks, silent for a long time before saying, “I haven’t rebelled yet. Don’t talk about these things carelessly in the future.”

Reporting the code in front of the Dian Kui Division’s second-in-command—if he really was the tyrant of the capital, that undercover agent might be cut to pieces by tomorrow.

But Emily Harris just smiled sincerely and said:

“I believe you!”

===Chapter Six: A Narrow Encounter (Please Bookmark)===

The night was tranquil, a gentle breeze blowing.

Having dealt with the most troublesome matter, he felt much more at ease. He couldn’t forget his main goal of opening a shop and making a fortune.

It was early spring in February. On Yanglou Street, there were noble men and women, singing girls and dancers; the street was bustling with scholars and guests, filled with the fragrance of flowers, wine, and delicacies. There were secluded alleys, swallow pavilions, and singing houses—countless in number, too many to list.

Across from the East Corner Tower was a restaurant called Guiyun Pavilion, next to Pipa Garden, and the largest brothel in Bianjing, Minglou, was also on this street. Such a prosperous location made William Carter envious; he thought opening a restaurant here would be a waste—if he turned it into a jewelry shop, he’d make a fortune every day.

Pipa Garden was an official property, and every major event was held there. It was early spring, and the pipa gathering led by several great scholars of the court was the focus of attention for both men and women. Many students had already arrived early, taking in the scenery and composing poetry.

He wandered up and down Yanglou Street, pondering how to acquire Guiyun Pavilion, when he saw a burly man in a scholar’s robe running out of the building.

The man, looking frustrated, spotted him like a savior and rushed over in two big strides:

“Master!”

This man was named Victor Knight, once a friend of William Carter, and in fact, his only friend. His ancestors were founding heroes, sworn brothers with the current dynasty’s founder, but Victor Knight himself was a typical playboy, who loved to use poetry as an excuse to lure naïve girls home as concubines.

He had never met Victor Knight, but from the way he called him “Master,” he guessed who it was—only this young lord in all of Bianjing called him that, as he’d heard from Lucy Frost.

Seeing the man run over, he quickly gestured for him not to shout and slipped into a small alley beside Guiyun Pavilion.

Victor Knight happily followed into the alley, looking at the frosty-faced Overlord Carter, and grinned, “Master, you have to help me this time! That James Ward is such a bully—he actually said in front of the Minglou courtesan that my poem was no good. Who am I? The son of Duke Zheng, sworn brother to the Crown Prince...”

“Alright, alright!”

He quickly raised his hand, unable to stand this fool. He’d heard of James Ward, a famous talent of the Northern Song, supposedly in his fifties or sixties, and rumored to have had an affair with Li Shishi. He hadn’t expected him to bother with this idiot.

“Just say it—what poem did you write that Lord Ward said was no good?”

“Lord Ward?” Victor Knight blinked, but didn’t mind the title. He straightened his headscarf and said seriously, “A few days ago, someone gave my father an old turtle. I was inspired and wrote an Ode to the Great Turtle: ‘A turtle two zhang long, its shell bigger than a mountain. One day it flips over, four legs to the sky, shell to the ground.’ My father said it was bold and unmatched, but they dared say it wasn’t poetry. Master, you be the judge—isn’t that bullying?”

He stroked his chin. “It is pretty bold.”

Victor Knight clapped his hands, eyes brimming with tears, and immediately turned to head back to the restaurant, growling, “Those bastards—now that Lord Carter has spoken, let’s see if they dare say my poem is no good.”

“Wait!” William Carter quickly grabbed him. He already had enough trouble and didn’t want to offend more people.

Victor Knight paused, confused. “Master, do you also think my poem isn’t good enough?”

So you do know?

He really didn’t want to hurt this fool’s feelings, so after a moment’s hesitation, he said softly, “The poem is good, but it doesn’t fit the current mood. The country is peaceful and prosperous—how can you have a turtle flipping over?”

Victor Knight frowned, thinking it made sense, and said worriedly, “What should I do? They’re probably laughing at me upstairs. Master, why don’t you write a poem for me to copy? Yes, yes, you’ve read so many books—just give me one to save face.”

Being called “Master” so many times made him a bit embarrassed. After thinking for a moment, he waved him over. “Just this once—don’t ask again!”

“Alright, alright!” Victor Knight hurried over, listening intently.

Rustle, rustle...

Soon, Victor Knight frowned, pondering for a long time before saying, “Not bad, but I don’t understand it.”

He was exasperated and pointed to the alleyway. “Get lost!”

Victor Knight took off running, dashing upstairs.

After sending Victor Knight away, he turned back to continue surveying Guiyun Pavilion. After a lap, he found it was too big and he didn’t have enough funds to buy it, so he started looking for a slightly smaller shop nearby.