In this era that values appearance, Charles Clark's looks are still quite impressive.

Samuel Hall suddenly bowed deeply to Charles Clark, excitedly saying, "造 pays respects to Ma Fuzi! I have come here today on behalf of all the young scholars of Handan to make a request of Ma Fuzi! The people of the world have long hated the barbarity of Qin. The Qin people have humiliated our Zhao, captured our generals, and seized our cities. We will bring our own retainers to follow Ma Fuzi, and ask that Ma Fuzi lead us to the battlefield, slay Wang He, break through Hangu Pass, and capture the King of Qin!"

Charles Clark stared at this young man in shock.

Such a handsome young man—what a pity, why is he so foolish?

Chapter 007: Zeng Mu Throws the Shuttle

At first, when he heard Samuel Hall's words, Charles Clark was a bit afraid, worried that he had been sent by the King of Zhao to order him to the battlefield. But as he listened further, Charles Clark finally understood that it was nothing of the sort. This was not an assignment from the King of Zhao, but rather a few hot-blooded young men in Handan, unable to bear Zhao's military defeats, filled with righteous indignation, and Charles Clark's appearance had given them great hope!

So they thought to bring their own retainers and follow Charles Clark to defeat Qin. Yes, the combined number of these people's retainers was not small—over three hundred in total. That's right, they wanted Charles Clark to lead these three hundred men to the battlefield, slay Wang He, break through Hangu Pass, and capture the King of Qin.

Hehehe.

Just as Charles Clark was thinking of having his retainers throw this lunatic out, Grace once again entered the courtyard. He kept his head down, trying not to let others see the bruises on his face. His right eye was almost swollen shut. He said, "There is a guest, named Steven Hill."

Charles Clark was startled. The memories in his mind told him that this Steven Hill was a person of great importance. He was a friend of Zhao She, almost like Zhao She's disciple, and now served as Shangqing in Zhao, reportedly an official in charge of military construction—Charles Clark couldn't quite remember. After Zhao She's death, Steven Hill had taken good care of Charles Clark, often coming to test his knowledge. Of course, when it came to military strategy, Steven Hill had never bested Charles Clark.

Every time he came, he would be refuted by this young man more than ten years his junior, left speechless. This gradually reduced the number of times Steven Hill visited the Zhao residence, and in recent years, there had been no news at all. Even so, Charles Clark still respected this elder greatly, always treating him with the courtesy of a junior. Charles Clark hurriedly stood up, intending to personally welcome Steven Hill. Samuel Hall, who had been waiting for Charles Clark's reply, also fell silent upon hearing that Steven Hill had arrived, and sat among the retainers without shame.

Charles Clark walked out and saw this elder. Steven Hill was frowning, with a resolute face and upright posture, exuding an extraordinary presence. Charles Clark quickly saluted him. Steven Hill looked Charles Clark up and down but said nothing, walking straight into the courtyard. Charles Clark followed behind him into the courtyard, where the many retainers all rose to pay their respects. Steven Hill did not return the greeting, but instead coldly swept his gaze over everyone present, suddenly fixing his eyes on Samuel Hall.

Samuel Hall lowered his head. In Handan, the person he feared most was Steven Hill. Back when Steven Hill was just an official in charge of public order, he was strict in law enforcement and hated evil with a passion. Samuel Hall had fallen into his hands countless times. Now, seeing him again, Samuel Hall felt a bit panicked, but fortunately, Steven Hill did not scold him. He simply took Charles Clark and walked with him into the inner room. A few retainers wanted to follow, but Charles Clark shook his head, signaling them to stay.

Entering the room with Steven Hill, Charles Clark quickly fetched seats, and the two sat facing each other.

"括, now is not the time for pleasantries. Everyone knows that the Qin want to destroy Zhao. Yesterday, a merchant came to visit me. His name is Benjamin Lee. He told me that Zhao is at a life-or-death moment, and that the only one who can save Zhao is you, Charles Clark. He wanted me to recommend you to the lord, to make you the general," Steven Hill said seriously.

Charles Clark was shocked and quickly asked, "Did you agree to his request?"

Steven Hill sighed deeply before saying, "I did not accept the money he offered. At a time like this, even a merchant is spending his own money for the sake of the country—how could I, because of my personal ties to you, ignore the affairs of the state? I recommended you to the lord."

"What?!" Charles Clark nearly jumped up. Steven Hill, however, said regretfully, "Unfortunately, the lord would not listen to me and did not appoint you as general." Only then did Charles Clark breathe a sigh of relief. Seriously, can't you just say everything at once? Charles Clark was a bit confused. Although he didn't know why the King of Zhao hadn't appointed him as general like in history, this was actually a good thing.

He said helplessly, "You don't know—I've suddenly become famous in Zhao and received so much praise, precisely because the Qin want to use me to replace General Lian Po and thereby destroy Zhao. You shouldn't have recommended me to the King of Zhao."

Steven Hill's eyes widened. After thinking for a moment, he exclaimed, "It was my mistake! I almost put Zhao in danger!"