Charles Carter did not become mute, and it was soon discovered that when he was alone, he would actually mutter to himself, though no one could make out what he was saying.

Seven

In the blink of an eye, another half year passed. General had gained the new emperor’s trust, his position secure, and so he returned to a life of indulgence, enjoying himself to the fullest, making friends far and wide, and holding grand banquets almost every day.

On this day, there was only one guest. He held no official post at court, yet was a distinguished guest whom all the high officials and nobles vied to invite. Even General had waited many days before finally bringing him into his residence.

The fortune-teller of Zhongnan, Simon Clark, had read countless faces in his life, never once making a mistake. Before he had even left his home county, his reputation had already spread throughout the land.

General, at the pinnacle of power, did not care much about his own fate, but lately he had been feeling weak and frail, and began to worry about the future of his children and grandchildren. So, one by one, he summoned them all to have Simon Clark take a look.

The The Carter Family was blessed with many descendants. Over a hundred of them entered in groups, respectfully saluting their father and the guest, then standing aside to hear their own predictions.

After several rounds of wine, Simon Clark began to examine the sons and grandsons of the The Carter Family, sometimes offering a few words, sometimes just nodding and smiling, never letting it interrupt his eating and drinking. In less than an hour, he had finished his assessments, and everyone was satisfied—especially General himself, who could not stop grinning.

“My third son truly has a boundless future?”

“Gentle on the outside, able to make many friends; strong on the inside, able to command his subordinates. He inherits the blessings of his ancestors, relies on his brothers, and is also the Empress Dowager’s own nephew. His prospects are limitless. Only one thing: he must beware of making friends unwisely…”

The third son was the legitimate son of Lady Lan. He exchanged a smile with his father, caring only about the words “boundless future.”

The children coming in grew younger and younger, and Simon Clark’s comments became ever simpler—often just a grunt or a “good,” without praise or criticism. William Carter did not mind; with over a hundred descendants, as long as seven or eight turned out well, the The Carter Family would not fall.

Charles Carter and several brothers were in the third-to-last group to enter the hall. They had waited outside for so long that their stomachs were empty and rumbling. Seeing the table full of food and wine, each of them swallowed secretly, but still had to salute properly.

Simon Clark gave his usual brief comments, but suddenly his gaze returned to one of the children. “And this one is…?”

William Carter looked to the attendant at his side. With so many sons, he could not remember all their names and ranks.

“The seventeenth young master, name is 楚,” the attendant whispered.

“Oh, that’s the ‘Silent Young Master,’ isn’t it?” Simon Clark showed some interest.

“Huh, even my son’s reputation has spread outside?” William Carter laughed. He had nearly forgotten this son, along with the Princess of Wu.

“I’ve heard a little. Please, Seventeenth Young Master, come forward and let me take a closer look.”

Charles Carter walked up to the fortune-teller and looked him straight in the eye.

Simon Clark smiled and nodded, scrutinizing him for a long time, then said, “Open your mouth.”

Charles Carter pressed his lips together even tighter.

William Carter was a bit annoyed. Out of all his children and grandchildren, only this boy was disobedient. He was about to scold him, but Simon Clark changed his mind. “Never mind, you may step back.”

The face-reading ended, the food and wine were cleared away and replaced with new dishes. Host and guest enjoyed themselves, and it was nearly midnight before the banquet finally dispersed.

William Carter, drunk and tipsy, still insisted on seeing Samuel Clark out of the residence. Several older sons bustled about, and he put his arm around Simon Clark’s shoulder, thinking he was speaking quietly: “Old Liu, you still have something you haven’t said. Don’t hide it from me—I can tell.”

Simon Clark chuckled. His thin body could hardly bear the weight of General’s bulk, and his legs grew even more unsteady.

“I treat you as a friend—what do you take me for?” William Carter demanded.

“That ‘Silent Young Master’…”

“What about him? Is there a problem?” William Carter was taken aback, not expecting Simon Clark to be concerned about this son.

“There are many rumors outside, saying that the gentry of Wu still have not given up…”

“So what? He’s my son—could he possibly rebel with outsiders? Besides, how old is he anyway?” William Carter truly did not know this son’s age.

Simon Clark shook his head, indicating that was not what he meant. He pondered for a long while, saw his carriage had arrived at the gate, and said solemnly to General: “Though this young master is still a child, he seems to have lofty ambitions and an extraordinary appearance. In my opinion, as long as he keeps his mouth shut, all will be well. But if he opens his mouth—trouble will follow.”

“What do you mean? If he dares to speak nonsense, I’ll tear his mouth apart.”

Simon Clark still shook his head. “If this child can remain silent, he could be a fine and virtuous man in peaceful times. But if he opens his mouth—I fear he will become a formidable figure in troubled times. General, there’s no need to worry. Everyone has their fate, only Heaven can decide, and mortals cannot force it.”

General let go of the fortune-teller and said loudly, “I have destroyed all the enemy states under heaven and killed countless foes, yet I have never seen a person or a matter that cannot be forced.”

Simon Clark laughed heartily, cupped his hands, and said, “General is no ordinary man, beyond the reach of face-reading. That this child was born in General’s household must also be fate.”

William Carter liked hearing such words, and with a smile, he saw the fortune-teller off and went back to sleep. By the next day, he had completely forgotten what Simon Clark had said.

Eight

But the rumors still spread. Many people took it as a joke, and often said in front of Charles Carter, “A virtuous man in peaceful times if he keeps his mouth shut, a hero in troubled times if he opens it. Why don’t you open your mouth and let us see what a hero looks like?”