As for serving the emperor and catering to his preferences, isn’t that exactly his area of expertise!

Richard Lee left, and Patrick Lee also went to allocate funds and provisions, converting the annual tribute into military supplies. The others likewise returned to their offices to implement the emperor’s orders.

William Harris watched the backs of the departing ministers and sighed softly. If it weren’t for executing Samuel Todd to establish authority, if it weren’t for completely suppressing Charles Harris, these officials would never have handed over the silver for peace negotiations. In this Song dynasty, trying to get anything done is truly not easy.

After sighing for a moment, William Harris turned his gaze to Thomas Lee, who was the last to remain. Just now, Thomas Lee had advised him not to negotiate for peace. Although he had already made his stance clear, there were still some things that needed to be said.

“Prime Minister Lee, just now I said you and those others were all birds of a feather. That was reckless of me.”

Thomas Lee trembled slightly all over—this was the emperor apologizing to him! The tough old man was moved.

“Your servant was too impatient, it was my fault,” Thomas Lee said hoarsely.

“No!” William Harris walked up to Thomas Lee and said in a low voice, “Prime Minister Lee, I know that among the entire court, you are the only one truly determined to resist the Jin. If there is a second, perhaps it would be me.”

Thomas Lee was shaken again. William Harris placed his hand on his shoulder. “You and I, sovereign and minister, are of one heart. We may have our differences, but our ultimate wish is the same. I hope Prime Minister Lee can trust me!”

Thomas Lee turned his head and looked into William Harris’s clear eyes, and finally nodded. “I understand, Your Majesty. I will go make arrangements for the city’s defense and will not fail your grace!”

Thomas Lee disappeared, and William Harris turned and returned to the Funing Hall. Not long after, David Carter arrived.

“Your Majesty, this servant has, as you instructed, taken over the Imperial City Department.”

William Harris nodded. David Carter stepped closer, aggrieved, and said, “Your Majesty, I just heard about it. I feel wronged on your behalf. Thomas Lee is just a minister, yet Your Majesty actually had to humble yourself to him…”

William Harris gave a helpless, bitter smile. “Let’s not talk about that. You don’t know my situation right now. I’m threatening, pleading, coaxing, flattering—whatever it takes to resist the Jin, I’ll do it!”

Hearing this, David Carter couldn’t help but tear up. “I know Your Majesty is suffering, and I have no ability to share your burdens. I’m just so useless!”

“That’s enough,” William Harris said with a smile. “In your position, as long as you’re loyal, that’s enough. Don’t go stirring up trouble for no reason, understand?”

David Carter was so frightened he trembled all over, immediately prostrated himself on the ground, and dared not say another word.

William Harris looked at him for a while before finally saying with a smile, “Before I go to the Chui Gong Hall, James Lewis mentioned Brian King. Go and call George Hall, and have him accompany me to see this man.”

David Carter didn’t dare say a word, hurriedly got up, and ran off to find George Hall. Meanwhile, William Harris lowered his head in thought, pondering what method he could use to win over Brian King.

Chapter 11: Let the Emperor Wash My Feet!

George Hall was uneasy. He couldn’t figure it out—if the emperor wanted to use Brian King, a single decree would suffice. Why bother coming in person?

Could it be that this man had some extraordinary quality?

George Hall racked his memory. To be fair, Brian King was quite famous and had served in the army for a long time. His most renowned feat was capturing Samuel Lane alive—definitely a formidable general. Unfortunately, Brian King’s career had not gone smoothly. He had joined the army at fifteen or sixteen, struggled for twenty years, and only managed to become a Wujielang, which was the thirty-eighth rank among military officials.

A world apart from George Hall.

With such a bumpy career, Brian King’s actions were inevitably unconventional—he had even married a prostitute. Not to mention proper officials, even ordinary wealthy or respectable families wouldn’t do such a thing.

A man who could fight, but had bad luck and eccentric behavior—a rough-and-tumble soldier… That was George Hall’s entire impression of Brian King.

“Does Your Majesty intend to have Brian King fight a battle?”

William Harris’s eyes shifted. “Grand Marshal Hall, why do you say that?”

George Hall replied, “Brian King’s only merit is his bravery. Your Majesty is determined to resist the Jin, and now the Jin army is crossing the river. According to military strategy, attacking them halfway across is only natural. Your Majesty is honoring talent and humbling yourself, even going to the prison in person—surely to make Brian King deeply grateful and serve Your Majesty to the death!”

After saying this, George Hall felt it was only logical—there was no other reasonable explanation!

William Harris pondered for a moment. By rights, George Hall’s suggestion suited him well. Now that he held real power, had begun to win over the court, and had raised the banner of resistance against the Jin, what he needed was a morale-boosting battle.

But this first battle was fraught with danger. If he entrusted it to Brian King and lost such a fierce general, it would be a huge loss! On the other hand, besides Brian King, was there anyone else up to the task?

William Harris could only sigh lightly, “Let’s go take a look first!”

When they arrived at the prison, they didn’t expect chaos up ahead.

Eight guards were blocking someone, refusing to let them in, and both sides were arguing.

“My husband also serves in the army—can’t you show a little consideration? I’m not asking for much, just to deliver a padded jacket and a jar of old wine. If you won’t let me see him, at least let me send these things in!”

This person, who was not at all small in stature and dressed in a soldier’s outfit, turned out to be a woman!