Charles Carter laughed in exasperation, “Don’t you understand? I suggested the court decentralize government affairs to save the people’s energy, so of course my own writing must set an example: one point is one point. If no one cares about this point, I won’t write a second.”

Lucas Wright finally started to catch on. “Oh, I see, so that’s it… You didn’t make it clear.”

“It’s obvious—why waste words?”

Lucas Wright gave an awkward chuckle, then suddenly stood up. “In that case, I’ll take my leave. In a few days, I’ll treat you, and we’ll have a good drink together.”

Lucas Wright walked out. Charles Carter didn’t see him off; instead, the old family servant escorted him to the main gate. When he returned, he said, “Young master, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but this Young Master Wright is wealthy and influential—who at the academy wouldn’t want to befriend him? You’re not so young anymore, young master; it’s time to plan a path for yourself…”

Charles Carter was quite surprised. Although the old servant had looked after him for many years, they were, after all, master and servant, and rarely spoke unless necessary. He didn’t even know the old servant’s surname.

“All the other young masters have established themselves, but you… Sigh, I don’t understand what ‘being confined’ means, but I think, you’re the son of the Grand General—how could you not have a way forward? As long as you care, and make connections with useful people, you’ll always find a path.”

“Isn’t Young Master Mason a ‘useful person’?” Charles Carter asked with a smile.

“Lord Mason is fine, but… never mind, I’m just a servant—how could I have the right to comment on my master’s friends?”

“There are no outsiders here. Let’s not talk as master and servant—just speak your mind.”

The old servant scratched his head. “I’m just saying, young master, don’t take it to heart, and definitely don’t mention it to Lord Mason.”

“I won’t.”

The old servant scratched his head again. “Lord Mason… how should I put it? I’ve drunk with his servants, and they all say their master has good character and is very talented, but…”

“But what?”

The old servant pondered for a long time before saying, “What’s that phrase? Something lofty, something far…”

“Overly ambitious?”

“That’s it. Everyone thinks Lord Mason is overly ambitious, not someone who works steadily.”

“Haha, Young Master Mason’s ancestors were emperors of the previous dynasty, so naturally his aspirations are higher than others’.”

“Having an emperor for an ancestor is impressive, but there’s no need to bring it up all the time. After all, this isn’t the previous dynasty anymore—the imperial family’s surname is Zhang, not Ma. You’re different, young master. It’s like you’re afraid people will find out you’re the Grand General’s son.”

Charles Carter was slightly taken aback. “Just because of that?”

“One should keep their feet on the ground. If everyone wants to fly to the sky, wouldn’t things be a mess? Young master, you should spend more time with your own brothers, or with people like Young Master Wright, and seek a proper future.” The old servant grew more animated as he spoke, sighed, and advised, “Be content, young master. With the great tree of the Carter family behind you, how could you lack shade? If someone born into a family like yours still feels wronged, what about people like us—should we all go drown ourselves, hang ourselves, or slit our throats?”

The old servant tidied up the teapot and cups on the table. “My words may be blunt, but the reasoning is sound. Please take it to heart, young master. I won’t speak out of turn again in the future.”

“I actually enjoy hearing you say these things. But—everyone has their own ambitions.”

“I don’t understand your ambitions, young master. I just worry that you still haven’t even arranged a marriage at your age.”

“I’m only eighteen.”

“Others have children by eighteen.”

“What about you? Were you married at eighteen?”

The old servant gave a dry laugh. “I really was married at eighteen. But I had bad luck—my wife died within two years, and we had no children. I’ve been alone ever since.”

“Why didn’t you remarry?”

“Heh, we servants have our own way of living—it’s not something you’d understand, young master. I’ve got a pile of chores to do.” The old servant hurried off.

There were no classes at the Academy of Learning. Charles Carter stayed home reading for several days, not going out or visiting Victor Mason, until one afternoon, someone came to summon him to the Hall of Generals for a meeting.

This time he arrived fairly early. The Grand General and his advisers hadn’t arrived yet. Over thirty members of the Carter family were chatting idly, still discussing the military situation in Qin and Bing provinces, envying the officers sent to suppress bandits, thinking they would surely make their mark, and lamenting that they themselves couldn’t get such opportunities.

Charles Carter walked slowly through the crowd, approaching his brother in charge.

His name was Scott Carter, seventh in line, responsible for managing family affairs. At the moment, he was speaking to a few close brothers. With their father absent, he seemed taller than usual. “Grand Tutor Liang’s grandson didn’t get appointed as a general—he’s furious, and went to the palace at dawn to slander the Grand General to His Majesty, but after waiting all day, he didn’t even get into the palace gates. He also tried to get the Censorate to impeach the Grand General, but no one dared step forward. Haha, Grand Tutor Liang must be senile to dare challenge the Grand General.”

Everyone agreed and burst out laughing. Charles Carter didn’t laugh. He gave Scott Carter a deep nod, then walked off to the side.

This trick worked well. Before long, Scott Carter came over alone, asking suspiciously, “Do you need something?”

Charles Carter gestured for his seventh brother to walk a bit farther with him, then said seriously, “Seventh brother, how long have you been managing affairs at the Grand General’s side?”

“Hmm? What are you getting at?”

Charles Carter cupped his hands and said, “Your foolish younger brother has a benefit to offer you.”

Scott Carter’s expression softened a bit. He looked around, then asked in a low voice, “What benefit?”