Samuel Linton and Charles King carefully examined their son, and were startled to find that there seemed to be something new and indescribable between his brows, causing both of their hearts to ache. With just a few words, Henry Linton explained his current situation. In order to ease his parents’ worries, he did not reveal his true identity or circumstances, only saying that he had been noticed by David Wood and would stay in Huadu to study. As for the fate of everyone at Zhao Manor, he did not mention a word. Since David Wood wanted to keep two people as hostages, it was actually better for his parents to remain completely in the dark. He did not know that the deep gloom on his face had already been noticed by his parents, but the understanding Samuel Linton and Charles King did not press him for answers. Their son was already grown; they did not wish to interfere with Henry Linton’s choices.

“钧如, it seems your mother and I won’t be leaving here for the time being. We left in such a hurry that we didn’t bring that box. Could you talk to that Mr. Wood and ask him to help retrieve it?” Samuel Linton let out a long sigh, clearly still troubled. “Although there’s been no news from Mr. Howard for many years, this is the only keepsake he left behind. I can’t just abandon it.” Charles King, standing to the side, wanted to stop him, but in the end said nothing. In her view, the now-downtrodden Lian family was hardly worthy of the The Howard Family’s noble daughter.

But Henry Linton did not want to go against his father’s only wish. Although they had not spent much time together, the overflowing warmth and affection in his memories still felt vivid and real. To have truly experienced parental love in this life was already enough for him. After the rare and precious time together as a family of three, an ill-timed knock sounded at the door, and the one who appeared before them was none other than David Wood. Seeing the false smile on his face, Henry Linton could only do his best to control his anger.

In yesterday’s confrontation, both sides had finally reached a compromise. Henry Linton agreed to do his best to understand the state of the world and, depending on future circumstances, to influence King Hua, James Grant. In return, David Wood and his associates would ensure the safety of Henry Linton and his family while he assisted the Central Plains royal family, and would provide all possible support. As for Henry Linton, he would be allowed to see his parents once every ten days as compensation. Of course, in public, all attendants would treat Henry Linton as their master, and there would be no more overt surveillance as before—something that greatly satisfied Henry Linton. No matter what, for the sake of his and his parents’ lives, he could not allow outsiders to suspect anything.

Reluctantly, Henry Linton walked out of Yiyou Palace. As the palace doors closed behind him, he felt as if the only crack left in his heart had also shut tight. Facing David Wood, he wore a completely calm and composed expression. “David Wood, when my parents left, they left a precious box at home. I hope you can retrieve it. Now that my parents can only live in Yiyou Palace, I hope you can fulfill their only wish.”

David Wood sneered inwardly, but bowed respectfully. “Rest assured, Your Highness, such a small matter will be handled. In addition, His Majesty has already appointed the Grand Tutor and three esteemed scholars of the Central Plains to come and instruct Your Highness on the state of the world and other necessary matters. As for the classics you mentioned to His Majesty, you may also visit the royal palace to read them at any time if needed.”

Since both of them were accompanied by many attendants assigned by James Grant, his demeanor became even more respectful. Seeing that Henry Linton had no objections, he stepped forward and, lowering his voice, pointed to a young girl dressed as a maid behind him. “Your Highness needs someone to attend to your daily life, and ordinary maids are not up to the task. This is the envoy Ethan Cole. Not only is she highly skilled in martial arts, but she is also loyal and reliable, and will never let Your Highness fall into danger. With her by your side, I won’t have to worry every day.”

Henry Linton’s body trembled slightly at these words. He had not expected David Wood to resort to such a tactic, assigning a dignified envoy to such a menial role. However, he had long known that David Wood would never fully trust him, so he merely nodded indifferently and then glanced at the maid a few times. Unlike before, when her face was covered by a black veil, Ethan Cole now looked especially pretty, though her face was frosted with coldness, clearly displeased with this arrangement.

“Well, since you have nothing else, I’ll return to Qin Zun Hall first. Don’t keep the people His Majesty sent waiting too long.” Henry Linton called out to Ethan Cole and left, surrounded by a group of attendants. David Wood had already keenly noticed several suspicious figures among the attendants, and couldn’t help but show a mocking smile. To think that King Hua, James Grant, claimed to trust Henry Linton so much, yet still transferred his most trusted palace attendants over—truly laughable.

However, Henry Linton’s current performance was still quite impressive. Last time, when the Grand Tutor of the Central Plains, Michael Bolton, came to instruct him, he praised Henry Linton’s intelligence endlessly, and after returning to court, spread the word widely, which greatly aided David Wood’s plans. Among the officials of the Central Plains, many had already been bought by the powerful lords of the four kingdoms. Once the news spread, perhaps the previously silent feudal lords would soon gather in Huadu. As David Wood thought about this, he clenched his fist. After wasting decades of his life, he could finally make his move.