Lucas Wright refused to give way, his smile growing even more obsequious. “Young Master Carter, don’t leave! You’ve already finished your essay, and you have nothing else to do. Why not come have a drink with me? I have a jar of fine wine just brought from a foreign land at home. Let’s discuss essays over wine—wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Charles Carter had been bullied by Lucas Wright when he was young, but he wasn’t afraid of him now. “Not interested. I have other things to do.”

Seeing that flattery didn’t work, Lucas Wright said directly, “I want to buy your essay. Name your price.”

“Go find someone else.”

Lucas Wright shook his head and said with a smile, “It has to be you. Among all of us, only you and Victor Mason write the best essays. Edward Reed never praises anyone, but when he reads yours and Victor Mason’s essays, he often nods in approval. Everyone can see it.”

“Then go find Victor Mason.”

“Heh, Victor Mason is so arrogant, always acting like he’s a prince of Liang, not easy to deal with—unlike you, Young Master Carter, who are so easygoing…”

The “easygoing” Charles Carter sidestepped around Lucas Wright and strode out of the academy. No matter how loudly he was called from behind, he refused to look back.

There was no one at home. Charles Carter took out his draft and polished it again. Feeling satisfied, he believed that in the Eastern Palace competition ten days later, this essay would surely be ranked among the best. As for whether he could meet the Crown Prince or gain good fortune in officialdom, he didn’t care. This was one of his principles: never be careless when writing.

Early the next morning, Victor Mason sent someone to invite him over, specifically reminding Charles Carter to bring his essay along.

Discussing essays over wine was something that required the right company, so Charles Carter gladly went. As soon as he arrived at the The Mason Family, they exchanged essays to read.

“To distinguish loyalty from treachery, determine rank, clarify rewards and punishments, carry out promotions and demotions, and keep flatterers at bay—Mr. Mason, you’re truly bold. These five points directly address the flaws of our dynasty,” Charles Carter praised, suddenly feeling less confident about his own essay.

Victor Mason smiled calmly. “It’s all just old talk. This dynasty, the previous one—what dynasty hasn’t had these problems? But your essay, Charlie—are you really going to submit it as is?”

“Of course. ‘Employing the people according to the times’ is even more of a cliché. There’s nothing excessive about it, is there?”

“Haha, in another dynasty, under another emperor, your essay wouldn’t be excessive at all. I’d even call it stale. But in this dynasty, it’s far too bold. The current emperor loves grand projects and constant warfare, never ceasing to build or conscript, and the last thing he wants to hear is ‘employing the people according to the times.’ You should remember, last year an official was demoted just for writing a few lines about ‘considering the people’s strength’ in his memorial. The emperor was still angry and later had him beaten with dozens of strokes.”

“Censor Lord Luo? I remember. But I have no official post, and the Eastern Palace isn’t the emperor. Besides—some things, the more you keep them in your heart, the less they’re worth.”

Victor Mason put away his smile. “That’s why we can’t accept being shackled. It’s not that we’re disloyal, but that the ruler doesn’t use his ministers. Besides, we’re not even subjects of the Tiancheng dynasty. Our ambitions have nowhere to go—have you made up your mind, Charlie?”

Charles Carter nodded. “Franklin Gordon… can he be trusted?”

“I’ve known him for many years and can vouch for him. Mr. Gordon comes from a humble background and has lofty ambitions, but the court doesn’t value talent, leaving him with no way out.”

“Alright, but I don’t know when I’ll be able to get close to John Carter.”

“I understand. These things can’t be rushed.”

“And—” Charles Carter felt this was important, “don’t add anyone else.”

“Don’t worry, Charlie, it’s just the three of us… No, there’s also a chivalrous swordsman. When the time is right, I’ll introduce you.”

After chatting a while longer, Victor Mason turned and took a bundle from the cabinet, placing it on the table and opening it to reveal gold, silver, and jewels. He smiled without saying a word.

Charles Carter was a bit puzzled. “Mr. Mason, are you trying to bribe me? It doesn’t seem… like enough.”

Compared to the dangers of regicide, this amount of treasure was indeed meager.

Victor Mason laughed. “You and I are gentlemen; what matters is friendship and shared ambition. When have we ever cared about such worldly things? If this leaks, neither of us will survive. If it succeeds, glory and wealth will follow. This is just for you, Charlie, to grease the palms of those in the Grand General’s residence.”

Though he was the Grand General’s son, Charles Carter had little status at home. To get close to his elder brother Henry Carter, he did indeed need gold and silver to pave the way.

Charles Carter hesitated, and Victor Mason explained, “This isn’t money from me or Mr. Gordon. We’re both poor. This is a small gift from Duke of Grant.”

“That’s exactly what worries me. Duke of Grant…”

“You don’t have faith in Duke of Grant, Charlie?” Victor Mason smiled, tying up the bundle. “Duke of Grant respects the talented and is widely supported. When the late emperor was alive, he often considered changing the heir, but the ministers insisted on passing the throne to a son, not a brother, which is why the current emperor ascended. Over the years, Duke of Grant has been deeply mistrusted and forced to leave for Jiangdong. Now he commands a hundred thousand elite troops. When he raises his arm, great things will happen.”

Charles Carter slowly shook his head. “The emperor has been wary of Duke of Grant for so long; he won’t be unprepared.”

“That’s why we need a single strike, with responses inside and out. Don’t worry, Charlie, you only need to find out the emperor’s movements. You don’t need to get involved in anything else. If things go wrong, I’ll do my best not to implicate you.”