William Carter felt both shocked and delighted in his heart. In his eyes, Brian Bolton was already a figure far beyond his reach. Yet today, he was so amiable, which made William Carter all the more uneasy.

  “William Carter, what is your relationship with the old craftsman?” Brian Bolton suddenly asked.

  William Carter was taken aback and hurriedly replied, “I am just a helper under the old craftsman, running errands for him.”

  “Oh, just a helper?” Brian Bolton's gaze was sharp, as if he didn't quite believe it.

  William Carter quickly swore, “I truly am just a helper. If you don't believe me, you can ask around. If I have deceived you, I am willing to die under a thousand blades.”

  Brian Bolton finally relaxed his expression and smiled. “So that's how it is.” After pondering for a moment, he said, “William Carter, I have something to discuss with you. Would you be willing to listen?”

  William Carter stood up cautiously and said, “Sir, what are your instructions?”

  With a friendly smile, Brian Bolton said, “William Carter, you’ve worked hard following the old craftsman. Hehe, would you be willing to come to my provisions camp?” He continued in a gentle tone, “If you’re willing, I can guarantee you a formal soldier’s position.”

  William Carter suddenly looked up, his face full of disbelief.

  Seeing his expression, Brian Bolton nodded in satisfaction and said, “The old craftsman found you a job, but in my opinion, it’s not suitable for you.” He gently clapped his hands, and a handsome young man, about the same age as William Carter, walked out from the inner room.

  “This is my nephew, Grace Bolton.” Brian Bolton said coldly, “In a moment, I will take you to meet a few superiors. In front of them, you are to refuse that job and recommend Grace to take over. Do you understand?”

  William Carter was not very old, but he was no fool. Over ten years of hardship had taught him much.

  This was no blessing at all—Brian Bolton was clearly trying to seize the benefit for himself!

  Seeing William Carter muttering to himself, Brian Bolton's face turned cold and he said icily, “Even as you serve under the old craftsman, you are still under my jurisdiction. Heh, if you don’t obey orders, you should know what will happen to you, right?”

  William Carter's expression kept changing; he could clearly hear the heavy threat in those words.

  With a cold face, Brian Bolton said, “Think it over. If you do as I say, not only will I secure you a formal soldier’s position, but I’ll also reward you with a hundred taels of silver. If you refuse…” His voice grew softer and thinner, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

  A chill ran through William Carter's heart, and he felt a slight pain on his skin. He immediately realized that Brian Bolton was harboring murderous intent.

  Terrified, his heart pounding, he collapsed to the ground and cried out, “I obey, I will follow your orders!”

  Only then did Brian Bolton's expression soften. He pulled William Carter up and personally brushed the dust off his clothes, saying, “Good, I appreciate young men like you the most. Remember your promise and come with me.”

  William Carter answered meekly and, together with Grace Bolton, followed behind Brian Bolton.

  Along the way, he stole glances at Grace Bolton, who looked extremely excited, his eyes filled with barely concealed joy.

  William Carter could only groan inwardly, Old craftsman, is the job you found for me a blessing or a curse…

  Before long, they arrived at a residence in the rear camp.

  In the inner hall, an elderly man in fine clothes sat leisurely. When he saw Brian Bolton, he stood up and laughed, “Lord Zhang, you’ve brought the man?”

  Brian Bolton replied respectfully, “Reporting to you, sir, I have brought William Carter.” Pointing at William Carter, he said, “Sir, I have already informed William Carter of the matter. However, knowing his own limited fortune, he dares not accept it. So, he wishes to give this opportunity to a friend.”

  “Passing it to a friend?” The old man in fine clothes curled his lips slightly, looking at Brian Bolton with a half-smile, but there was no warmth in his eyes.

  A chill ran through Brian Bolton's heart, and he quickly said, “Sir, you and my elder brother serve in the same court. My brother often speaks highly of you, praising your integrity and keen judgment, and urges me to learn from you.”

  The old man paused, hesitated for a moment, and finally sighed softly, “I am here on imperial orders, simply fulfilling my duty. As long as everything is done according to the rules, I will act accordingly.”

  Brian Bolton looked delighted and said, “Yes, sir, you are wise!” He turned and said, “William Carter, this is Mr. Foster from the Imperial Inspectorate. Go and greet him!”

  William Carter trembled and replied, “Greetings, Mr. Foster.”

  The old man smiled and said, “I am Eric Foster of the Inspectorate. What is your name?”

  William Carter grumbled inwardly—wasn’t this a rhetorical question?—but respectfully replied, “I am William Carter from the Ordnance Camp. Wishing Mr. Foster peace.”

  Eric Foster nodded slightly and said, “Good. Let me ask you: are you unwilling to accept the munitions and wish to give this opportunity to him?” His gaze swept over Grace Bolton behind Brian Bolton as he asked in a gentle tone.

  Grace Bolton's eyes immediately lit up, and even his muscles seemed to tense with excitement.