Before long, Hazel walked lightly into the hall, bowed respectfully to the masters present, and said softly, “Old Madam, the Third Young Master left early this morning for Qujiang Pond to attend Lady Guo’s poetry and wine banquet.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Clark couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. She quickly waved her hand, signaling Hazel to withdraw.

Lady Guo’s banquet at Qujiang Pond was a major event in Chang’an recently—how could Matthew Bolton not know about it? If it weren’t for what happened with Samuel Bolton, Matthew Bolton might have gone to join the festivities himself. But now, how could he be in the mood? Yet Henry Bolton still went.

Matthew Bolton couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh once more.

He just felt that yesterday Henry Bolton’s behavior was very different from usual—his words were insightful, his manners appropriate. He had thought the prodigal son had truly turned over a new leaf, and subconsciously wanted Henry Bolton to be present and participate in the Zhang family’s discussions… Who would have thought—it was all just wishful thinking!

Stephen Bolton raised his eyebrows, thinking to himself, “A dog can’t change its ways; a fancy pillow is still just a fancy pillow. At a time like this, that fellow still has the leisure to go out and pretend to be refined at a poetry banquet! Pity my elder brother’s lifetime of good reputation, only to have such an unworthy son… Truly sad and lamentable!”

Despite his dissatisfaction and sighs, the matter was urgent, and Matthew Bolton couldn’t afford to dwell on Henry Bolton any longer.

He spoke in a low, serious voice, “Sister-in-law, Irene, I’ve asked someone to inquire at the palace… The current situation is very grim. It’s said that because the matter is once again linked to the Eastern Palace, His Majesty is furious and has issued three imperial edicts, ordering the Court of Judicial Review to investigate strictly and swiftly. Judging by His Majesty’s attitude, he likely wants to cut through the mess quickly and put an end to the incident…”

Stephen Bolton also looked up and said gravely, “Everyone in court knows who Simon Foster of the Court of Judicial Review is. Though he’s mediocre and incompetent, he’s ruthless and a staunch ally of Julian Wynn… With the case now in the hands of Simon Foster and Julian Wynn, I fear things look grim for Licheng.”

Matthew Bolton slammed the table decisively. “So at this point, we can’t hesitate any longer. We must immediately take gifts and shamelessly call on Victor Thompson, and ask Victor Thompson to introduce us to Mr. Thompson. In today’s court, the only one who can influence His Majesty’s decision and suppress the faction of Simon Foster and Julian Wynn is Mr. Thompson. As long as Mr. Thompson is willing to speak up, there may still be a sliver of hope for Licheng.”

“At worst…” Matthew Bolton stopped himself before finishing the sentence. Some things, though true, were still hard to say aloud.

Stephen Bolton glanced at his elder brother with a complicated look, sighing inwardly. He understood exactly what Matthew Bolton meant: Edward Thompson was greedy for wealth. As long as Edward Thompson was willing to accept the Zhang family’s generous gifts, Samuel Bolton might not be saved, but the Zhang family would most likely avoid being implicated.

Clark and David Bolton exchanged a glance, then stood up and bowed to Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton, saying, “We’ll leave everything to you two uncles.”

“Time is of the essence. Let’s head to Mr. Thompson’s residence at once. I hear Mr. Thompson has been recuperating at home lately, so we can use visiting the sick as our pretext.” Matthew Bolton waved his hand. “Third Brother, you’re familiar with Victor Thompson, let’s go together!”

“All right.” Stephen Bolton nodded silently.

The two of them left the Zhang family’s parlor side by side. After a few steps, Matthew Bolton suddenly turned back, frowned at Clark, and said softly, “Sister-in-law, send someone to bring Henry back home. This is not like before—our Zhang family members shouldn’t be out in public, let alone causing trouble…”

Clark nodded.

After Matthew Bolton and Stephen Bolton hurriedly left the Zhang residence with a carriage full of lavish gifts, heading for Edward Thompson’s mansion, Clark finally called over a servant and instructed him to go to Qujiang Pond at once to find the Third Young Master Henry Bolton and order him to return home immediately, not to linger outside.

※※※

Southeast of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda was Qujiang, which Henry Bolton had long admired. This magnificent imperial garden, filled with music and dancing, echoed with the splendor of the Great Tang.

When the results of the spring imperial exams were announced, a banquet was held at Qujiang—a much-discussed event among the people of Chang’an. Besides that, throughout the year, high officials and nobles lingered here, gathering friends for feasts that lasted all night.

As the saying goes, “On the third day of the third month, the weather is fresh, and by the waters of Chang’an are many beauties,” and “The whole country celebrates the festival, galloping horses and rolling carriages”—these words describe this very place.

Today was the eighteenth of the seventh month, not a particularly special date. But today, Lady Guo, elder sister of the imperial consort Yang, was hosting a poetry and wine banquet for the nobles and scholars of Chang’an. With Lady Guo’s power and unrivaled influence, the scale and prestige of this social event were nearly on par with the imperial banquet for the spring exams.

Arriving at Qujiang Pond and seeing it for himself, Henry Bolton finally understood what was meant by “wine and music, painted boats, colorful canopies and emerald curtains lining the banks. Fine carriages and spirited horses crowding together.”

Nobles and their entourages, proud and haughty, entered the Hibiscus Garden in droves. Scholars and literati, elegantly dressed, lingered in small groups along the banks. The women, in low-cut long skirts, open-collared jackets, sheer shawls, and high coiffures, came and went, singing and dancing, laughter and joy filling the air.

There were also decorated boats cruising, singing courtesans, dancers with flowing sleeves, acrobats performing stunts, and vendors hawking their wares.

Standing at the entrance to the Hibiscus Garden, Henry Bolton was awestruck, filled with emotion, and did not enter immediately.

As he looked around, he suddenly heard a hoarse voice behind him calling, “Third Young Master… Third Young Master!”