“Hahaha, you still dare to deny it! If I hadn’t noticed in advance and sent James Lewis to appease the Shengjie Army, I’m afraid three thousand troops would have already left the city by now!” William Harris sneered, “Shall I summon James Lewis and the men of the Shengjie Army to confront you?”

Samuel Todd was completely stunned, drenched in sweat. As a veteran general, he instantly understood William Harris’s intention.

He wasn’t just glossing over the matter and letting it go—he was clearly using this as a pretext to press the issue relentlessly… You and Ethan Brooks may be eager to escape responsibility, but Samuel Todd absolutely cannot be let off!

After all, compared to those two useless fools, Samuel Todd had led troops for many years and could not be underestimated. And as long as Samuel Todd was removed and completely stripped of military power, Charles Harris would be like meat on a chopping block—whether to braise or boil him would be entirely up to William Harris.

In short, anyone could be spared, except for Samuel Todd—he must be taken down!

After decades of weathering storms, Samuel Todd finally sensed the taste of impending doom!

He lifted his head and looked toward the imperial carriage.

Almost at the same moment, Charles Harris also looked this way, and the eyes of ruler and subject met.

In Samuel Todd’s gaze, there was hope and pleading. He didn’t speak, but after decades of serving together, what could remain unclear?

The Shengjie Army hadn’t come, but William Harris had. The Emperor had spared the Retired Emperor, and even Ethan Brooks had only been scolded—the intention was all too obvious. At this moment, the only one who could save Samuel Todd was Charles Harris!

After all, he was still the Retired Emperor, and after decades on the throne, his supporters were everywhere in the court!

As long as Charles Harris dared to step forward and confront the Emperor, at the very least, Samuel Todd’s life could be spared.

It had been decades—even a dog would have developed feelings by now. Retired Emperor, do you really refuse to speak up?

Samuel Todd’s expression was clear to William Harris at a glance. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze also shifted toward Charles Harris, as if encouraging him: Go on, step out!

Take the blame for Samuel Todd!

As long as you step forward, the culprit for abandoning Kaifeng and fleeing south will be you!

Although everyone already knew this in their hearts, if it was exposed, even the last shred of dignity would be gone.

No matter how great the Retired Emperor, he could not surpass the ancestors!

Charles Harris, as long as you dare to speak, I’ll go to the ancestral temple and summon Zhao Da and Zhao Er. Anyway, you’ve already handed over power—even if you smash the imperial seal, I can still depose you!

If William Harris had held back before, this time he was truly ready to break all ties.

Don’t talk to me about ruler and subject, father and son, or about political scheming.

High-level power struggles are often just this plain and simple!

William Harris was calculating, thinking Charles Harris still wouldn’t dare to tear things open, but who would have thought Charles Harris actually spoke up.

“Your Majesty!”

At that moment, William Harris’s muscles tensed, fists clenched—was this the chance to beat up the coward?

“Retired Emperor!”

William Harris replied in a deep tone.

Charles Harris swallowed nervously. After just one day apart, this rebellious son’s authority had grown even more!

“Well… Your Majesty, Tong—Tong the traitor harbors evil intentions. You must not listen to his nonsense.”

What?

William Harris could hardly believe his ears. Charles Harris, really? You’re just abandoning Samuel Todd like that?

At that moment, Samuel Todd, kneeling on the ground, was struck as if by lightning, his mouth agape in disbelief!

What a heartless Charles Harris!

All these years, and this is who I’ve served?

Tears streamed down Samuel Todd’s old face. He struggled to prop himself up with both hands, barely keeping from collapsing, but his spirit was already broken.

William Harris steadied himself, urged his horse forward, and looked at Charles Harris with a strange expression.

“Retired Emperor, I didn’t quite catch that just now. Could you say it a bit more clearly?”

Charles Harris swallowed again, feeling miserable—but what could he do? With the situation as it was, was he supposed to take the blame for abandoning the city and fleeing?

No way!

Absolutely not!

He was the Retired Emperor, after all. As for Samuel Todd, you lost the battle at Yanshan Prefecture, yet I bore no grudge and granted you a princely title. For a eunuch to reach this point, you should be content. Even if you die bearing infamy for me, it’s a worthy end—go to your grave with a smile!

“Your Majesty, this traitor Samuel Todd has feared the Jurchens since last year and has been plotting to flee south. I—I was once swayed by his persuasion, but later, your Majesty’s righteous words made me see the truth. But this old traitor wouldn’t give up and still tried to trick me into leaving the city. He—he ran off from Taiyuan himself and wanted to drag others along. How vicious!”

Charles Harris showed no mercy, pushing all the blame onto Samuel Todd.

To be honest, even William Harris felt a bit sorry for Samuel Todd, and even hesitated a little.

“Retired Emperor, for such a grave crime, Tong the traitor deserves to be cut to pieces!”

Charles Harris paused for a moment, then hurriedly said, “That’s right, he truly deserves to be cut to pieces! But he’s so depraved, slandering the royal family, spouting all sorts of nonsense. I beg your Majesty not to be deceived by him—don’t listen to a word he says, just—just execute him at once!”

People knew Charles Harris was cowardly, but no one expected he could be so shameless!

Even George Hall, also a favored minister of Charles Harris, looked grim. Retired Emperor, with conduct like this, how can anyone follow you? Truly disappointing!

William Harris took a deep breath and came before Samuel Todd.

“Did you hear what the Retired Emperor just said?”