"Really?" Charles Carter was a bit skeptical. Third Brother Henry Carter was a man of wine and women, neither accomplished in literature nor martial arts, old enough to be the emperor's father, and nothing like a favored minister.

Franklin Gordon smiled and said, "Brother 楚, you are a scholar, oblivious to the world outside your window, not even caring about your own family's situation. But your elder brother is truly remarkable. I heard of his great reputation back in Jiangdong. It's said the emperor listens to his every word. Since ancient times, no minister has been more favored than John Carter."

Charles Carter thought for a moment. "Fine, let's say I can find out the emperor's whereabouts, and Brother Ma knows a skilled assassin. Everything goes smoothly—then what? When the crown prince ascends the throne, he'll surely investigate the murderer. It seems none of us will escape death."

Franklin Gordon patted his chest and said, "With the three of us making plans, I still have some use. Don't worry, Brother 楚. If the tyrant dies suddenly, the one to succeed may not be the crown prince."

"Prince Guangling, the imperial uncle?" Charles Carter ventured a guess.

Franklin Gordon's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly recovered and said awkwardly, "I let that slip."

Victor Mason laughed and said, "If you want to keep a secret, don't mention Jiangdong. Who in the world doesn't know Prince Guangling sits in command at Shitou City, leading a hundred thousand troops to oversee all of Wu? Since you returned from there, of course you're serving as his strategist."

Franklin Gordon cupped his hands and smiled. "You two are making fun of me. Please keep this confidential. If word gets out, I'll lose face before Prince Guangling. That's right—once things are done here, Prince Guangling will immediately raise troops in Shitou City and march to the capital to 'clear the emperor's side.' The crown prince is still a child; who in the world wouldn't wish for an elder to be emperor? Prince Guangling's fame shakes the land, and he has the people's support. The late emperor once intended to pass the throne to him, but unfortunately, the ministers opposed it."

Charles Carter glanced at Victor Mason, who said, "Prince Guangling isn't the only one wronged by the court."

Franklin Gordon immediately understood. "Prince Guangling has long resided in Jiangdong, deeply loved by officials and people alike. After ascending the throne, he'll still need the help of the people of Wu, so there will naturally be no more restrictions. Talents from all five states can fully display their abilities in the new dynasty. Besides, Brother 楚, you never think of your birth mother..."

Charles Carter waved his hand, unwilling to discuss his mother with outsiders, and asked, "Who does Prince Guangling see as the treacherous minister?"

Just then, music suddenly rang out from the Grand General's residence, mixed with faint laughter.

Franklin Gordon listened intently for a moment. "When things reach their extreme, they reverse; when they flourish, they decline. Such is the Grand General. The emperor is suspicious—how much longer can he tolerate the Lou family? Your elder brother is only buying a little more time. To be honest, the Lou family has produced a treacherous minister, but if you, Brother 楚, can achieve a great merit now, you will surely win the new emperor's favor and secure your family's safety in the future."

"I can't guarantee I'll be able to get any information from the Central Army General," Charles Carter said.

"Man proposes, heaven disposes. Just do your best, Brother 楚." Franklin Gordon took a short flute from his sleeve and smiled. "The bright moon hangs high—let me play a tune for you two gentlemen."

Victor Mason held a chopstick in each hand and tapped out a rhythm on his wine cup. "I'll join in as well. Brother 楚 isn't skilled with instruments—how about you perform a sword dance for us?"

Charles Carter knew his swordsmanship was mediocre, but his spirits were high, so he didn't refuse. He got up, took his sword, opened the door, and performed a sword dance in the courtyard.

Music continued in the Grand General's residence, but it couldn't drown out the sobbing sound of the flute from the small house in the back alley.

Chapter Four: Manuscript

When Charles Carter woke up, most of his ambition and fighting spirit had faded, and he began to doubt whether the whole plan could succeed. Fortunately, Mason and Gordon didn't rush him, so he didn't need to hurry.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Inducement Academy suddenly became busy. No one knew why, but the Eastern Palace had taken an interest in these students who didn't follow the "orthodox path," inviting them to gather at Qianzi Lake in ten days. They even set a topic, requiring everyone to write a practical essay, to be judged by the Eastern Palace. The top three would receive special honors and be allowed to present their ideas directly to the crown prince.

The crown prince was only seven years old and probably couldn't understand the essays, but that didn't matter. If one could gain the recognition of the Eastern Palace officials, it would be a direct path upward—worth waiting for no matter how long.

Edward Reed had also become rather lazy lately, taking the opportunity to give the students a holiday and enjoy a few days of leisure himself.

Charles Carter didn't go home, staying at the academy to write his essay. He already had an idea in mind, so he quickly finished a draft, planning to polish it in a couple of days before submitting it.

When he turned around, Charles Carter saw a grinning face.

"Young Master Lou, your essay... is truly excellent," Lucas Wright praised.

"You're too kind," Charles Carter stood up, blocking the still-wet ink on the paper. Only then did he realize all the other students had left; only he and Lucas Wright remained.

Lucas Wright was rather tactless, trying to get around Charles Carter. "Let me take a look at your essay—let's discuss it together."

Charles Carter stood his ground. Lucas Wright craned his neck to read for a while. "'Use... the people... according to the times.' Hmm, good topic..." The more he read, the harder it got. Lucas Wright pulled back, took two steps away, and smiled. "Young Master Lou, I'm not just saying this, but what's the use of writing this essay?"

Charles Carter was under restriction; no matter how good his essay was, it was useless. He didn't need anyone to remind him—he had never forgotten this. He turned to put away his draft and writing tools. "As a minister, one should do one's utmost and have a clear conscience, regardless of whether it is useful or not."

"Heh, saying that in front of me... You should write those lines in your essay—the Eastern Palace would surely like it."

Charles Carter finished packing, tucked his book box under his arm, and took his leave.