For example, Stephen Bolton served as an official under Edward Thompson’s son, Victor Thompson. Although he disapproved of the character of Victor Thompson and his father, he also knew that the great tree of the The Thompson Family could not be shaken. He kept his words few and was always cautious, and over the past two years, he had managed to get along peacefully with Victor Thompson.

If at this moment, the The Bolton Family were to flatter and beg Edward Thompson for help, it would certainly cause great damage to the good reputation they had built up over the years. But reputation is just an empty name; compared to Samuel Bolton’s life and the fate of the entire family and clan, it seemed insignificant.

Therefore, after a moment, Matthew Bolton’s suggestion was tacitly accepted by everyone present.

Clark sighed softly, and together with David Bolton, rose and bowed to Matthew Bolton, gently saying, “In this moment of crisis, we will rely on Second Uncle to make the decision!”

Matthew Bolton stood up, avoiding Clark’s bow, and sighed, “Very well. Our three households are united as one, sharing both fortune and disaster, truly one family. Now that eldest brother is gone, I will take charge.”

“Sister-in-law, Irene, at this moment, the only thing we can do is quickly prepare a generous gift, and I will go with third brother to Edward Thompson’s residence to seek help.”

“Third brother, take Irene and prepare at once. I will wait here with sister-in-law… This matter cannot be delayed or hesitated over.”

Matthew Bolton waved his hand as he spoke.

With William Bolton’s passing, he was the eldest of the three The Bolton Family brothers, and at such a critical moment, he had no choice but to make the decisions.

Stephen Bolton also knew the urgency of the situation. Without wasting words, he nodded and, taking David Bolton with him, prepared to leave and gather gifts and valuables for Edward Thompson.

Edward Thompson was fond of luxury and grand displays, and all his expenses naturally required vast sums of money. So, he was indeed somewhat greedy for wealth and fine things. If the The Bolton Family truly presented a gift that could catch Edward Thompson’s eye, perhaps Edward Thompson might really speak up for Samuel Bolton.

And as long as Edward Thompson showed even a hint of a conciliatory attitude, Julian Wynn, that mad dog kept by Edward Thompson, would change his stance, which would also influence the emperor’s attitude. Then, Samuel Bolton and the The Bolton Family would have a glimmer of hope.

This was Matthew Bolton’s thinking. What he was striving for was precisely this sliver of hope.

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the door: “This must not be done!”

As the words fell, the door to the front hall was pushed open, and Henry Bolton, dressed in a blue silk robe and looking grave, strode in.

Henry Bolton had been eavesdropping outside for quite some time. Hearing that his family had finally decided to spare no expense and disregard their dignity to beg Edward Thompson for help, he was greatly shocked. He could no longer hesitate, so he immediately pushed open the door and entered, speaking out to stop them.

It was already late July in the eleventh year of the Tianbao era, and Edward Thompson was on the verge of death. After Edward Thompson died, John Young would not let the The Thompson Family go, inciting Andrew Lawson to falsely accuse Edward of conspiring with the foreign general Albert to rebel. Emperor Xuanzong would then strip Edward of his titles, confiscate his family property, and exile his sons-in-law.

If the The Bolton Family were to seek refuge with Edward Thompson at this time, not only would it damage their reputation and fail to save Samuel Bolton, but they would also be implicated by Edward Thompson, standing in direct opposition to John Young, who was about to rise to power, and truly face the disaster of total destruction.

With his familiarity with the course of history, Henry Bolton understood this very well. If Samuel Bolton being falsely accused and imprisoned was a great calamity for the The Bolton Family, then choosing to turn to Edward Thompson at this moment would only lead the The Bolton Family to utter ruin.

Utter ruin was right before their eyes.

Therefore, even though he knew that, bearing the reputation of a wastrel, his words carried little weight and probably no one would listen, he still could not help but do his utmost to stop them.

Sure enough, as soon as Henry Bolton appeared, everyone’s expression darkened except for Clark.

Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton also deeply disliked this ignorant and unskilled nephew, but as elders, they had to maintain their dignity at this moment. David Bolton, however, was different.

He was already in a foul mood, as the whole family was treading on thin ice, working together to rescue his elder brother Samuel Bolton and weather the family crisis. Now this prodigal suddenly appeared to stir up trouble—how could he possibly show Henry Bolton any kindness?

David Bolton glared angrily at Henry Bolton and rebuked, “Third brother, what are you doing here? The family is facing a major crisis—there’s no room for your nonsense. Leave at once!”

Henry Bolton paid no attention to David Bolton’s attitude. He gazed deeply at William Bolton and Stephen Bolton, steadied himself, and bowed deeply, “Greetings, mother, greetings, uncles!”

Although Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton did not like Henry Bolton, since he paid his respects in person, as elders they had to respond.

“Rise, Xuan’er,” Matthew Bolton said with a faint smile.

Stephen Bolton frowned and waved his hand, squeezing out a grunt from his nose, then glanced at David Bolton, ready to continue out to prepare the gifts.

Henry Bolton stepped sideways, just in time to block his path. Stephen Bolton raised his eyebrows, about to lose his temper, when he heard Henry Bolton say loudly, “Uncle, seeking help from Edward Thompson must not be done! Absolutely must not!”

Stephen Bolton glared at him and scolded impatiently, “Ignorant child, what do you know? Step aside at once and stop causing trouble here!”

David Bolton, extremely impatient, stepped forward to grab Henry Bolton’s arm and tried to pull him aside. Clark’s expression changed, just as she was about to speak, Henry Bolton had already forcefully shaken off David Bolton’s grip, turned and stood tall, gazing resolutely at Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton, bowing once more. Though his voice was not loud, it was exceptionally firm and powerful: “Uncles, please allow Xuan’er to finish speaking.”