“At the end of the fifth year of Tianbao, Eric Clark accused Douglas Allen posthumously of plotting with prophecies, colluding with the Eastern Palace, and slandering the throne. Edward Thompson seized upon this to make a big fuss, once again attempting to bring down the Crown Prince. The case implicated many; both Douglas Allen and Eric Clark died under heavy beatings, their bodies piling up at the Dali Temple, and their wives and children were exiled to distant lands. The governor of Beihai, Leonard Thompson, was also beaten to death. Yet the Crown Prince remained unscathed.”

“What does this mean?” Henry Bolton asked passionately, waving his arm, his words forceful and resonant. “It means His Majesty will absolutely not depose the current Crown Prince. Any case involving framing the Eastern Palace will be investigated with utmost caution. And as for the sinister intentions of Edward Thompson and others, His Majesty is fully aware. Since that is so, if you, brother, have been falsely accused this time, and your conduct is upright, you will surely be safe and sound.”

Henry Bolton’s eyes were clear and his face radiant, sweeping away all traces of a dissipated playboy, and his words were incisive and logically rigorous.

Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton stared at Henry Bolton in shock, unable to speak for a long while.

Was this Henry Bolton before them still the same Chang’an playboy Henry Bolton who, having lost his father’s guidance young, spent his days carousing with friends and frequenting brothels?

After a moment’s contemplation, Matthew Bolton finally spoke softly, “Xuan’er, though what you say is true, while the Crown Prince may be unharmed, it doesn’t mean Licheng will be safe. His Majesty today…”

“Whether it was Howard Freeman, or Wayne Kent, or later Eric Clark, Douglas Allen, Leonard Thompson, and even the Censor-in-Chief Warren King who was executed for crimes this year… all of these show that when His Majesty deals with such grave cases of treason, he often uses thunderous means, preferring to kill by mistake rather than let anyone go!”

“Uncle, my brother is but a minor civil official, nothing like powerful ministers such as Howard Freeman and Wayne Kent. And Eric Clark was a petty man, while Leonard Thompson, though renowned for his writing, was corrupt and lawless…” Henry Bolton stepped forward and spoke loudly, “Even so, in my humble opinion, my brother’s case cannot be rushed; we must wait and see His Majesty’s attitude before deciding what to do… I ask Uncle to consider this carefully!”

Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton exchanged a glance, and both saw a look of admiration in each other’s eyes after their initial shock.

No matter what kind of playboy nephew Henry Bolton had been before, today he had shown composure, dignity, courtesy, and a keen grasp of the situation—just for this alone, not to mention David Bolton, even Samuel Bolton could hardly compare.

“Mm. What Xuan’er says makes sense. In that case, let’s wait and observe for a day or two before deciding our next move.” After much thought, Matthew Bolton finally spoke, making the final decision.

His opinion represented that of Stephen Bolton as well.

However, Stephen Bolton still added, “We must also prepare the gifts and money. As soon as news comes from the palace, we must immediately go to Edward Thompson’s residence to beg for help, seeking a slim chance of survival for Licheng and the Bolton family.”

“There’s no time to lose. The two of us will go gather information; the rest of you stay home and do not go out these next two days.” With that, Matthew Bolton nodded to Clark in farewell along with Stephen Bolton, and strode away.

Henry Bolton let out a long breath, finally relaxing his taut nerves.

The crisis was not truly over yet, and Henry Bolton knew that once news came from the palace, Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton would likely still have to bring gifts to Edward Thompson’s house to “apologize” and “beg for help.” Still, this at least bought Henry Bolton a few days—a buffer that gave him a chance to save the Bolton family from disaster.

Chapter 007: Poetry and Wine Banquet at Qujiang Pool (1)

Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton each went off to gather news from their own channels, and will not be mentioned for now.

Clark, David Bolton, and Henry Bolton saw Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton out the door. Then David Bolton glared angrily at Henry Bolton before turning on his heel and leaving.

“Mother, let’s go back too.” Henry Bolton smiled and was about to step forward, when he suddenly remembered that in this Tang era, which valued etiquette, he needed to change his playboy image starting from the smallest details.

So he bowed to Clark, stepped aside respectfully, and let his mother go first.

Clark’s eyes lit up, a look of delight shining in her gaze.

Just now, Henry Bolton had spoken righteously in the hall, sweeping away all traces of his former dissipated air. Now, he was even more courteous… This son had finally grown up. Clark was so moved that her lips trembled slightly.

“Xuan’er, my good Xuan’er. Mother is truly happy…” She gently grasped Henry Bolton’s hand, tears glimmering in her eyes.

At that moment, David Bolton’s wife Joyce came from the back courtyard, supporting the pale-faced Samuel Bolton’s wife Scott. Behind them trailed a little boy and girl, their delicate faces still streaked with tears—these were Samuel Bolton’s two children.

The two women stood there and bowed to Clark, saying in unison, “Madam. We wonder…”

Of William Bolton’s three sons, the eldest, Samuel Bolton, had been married for over ten years, and the second, David Bolton, had also been married for several years and had a daughter. Both Samuel Bolton and David Bolton had married daughters of official families in Chang’an; Scott and Joyce were both ladies of distinguished background.

With her husband suddenly imprisoned and accused of the grave crime of treason, Scott’s anxiety was understandable. Joyce got along well with her sister-in-law Scott, so she had stayed in Samuel Bolton’s quarters to comfort Scott and her children.