Grand Preceptor Michael Bolton saw Winston Hill still kneeling on the ground, chattering incessantly, and couldn’t help but feel deeply humiliated. As Grand Preceptor, he not only had the duty of assisting the Son of Heaven, but was also the leader of the scholars and literati of Central Zhou. All three of the esteemed men had been nominated by him—how could he have anticipated that this person would be so lacking in wisdom? At first, when Winston Hill openly rebuked him, he was furious, yet still hoped to gloss over the matter. But then, seeing the strange look in Henry Linton’s eyes, he was instantly alarmed and hurriedly shouted, “Winston Hill, His Highness can judge right and wrong for himself—how dare you roar before the throne? Guards, take him away to reflect on his actions!”

Before Henry Linton could speak, two attendants standing behind Michael Bolton and the other three quickly stepped forward. After bowing deeply, they seized Winston Hill from both sides. Winston Hill had still been passionately expounding on the kingly way, never expecting to be treated like this. He tried to shout something more, but one of the attendants struck his mute acupoint, leaving him only able to glare furiously as he was taken away.

Once the doors were tightly shut again, Michael Bolton finally let out a sigh of relief, then rose to apologize: “Your Highness, Winston Hill is somewhat pedantic by nature. I never expected him to be so oblivious to the greater situation.” He swept a warning glance at the other two, deep worry rising in his heart. Though Central Zhou was not lacking in virtuous and talented men, they were often recruited by the lords of the four states, forgetting their roots. He had been strict in his selection this time, but forgot that those who remained in Central Zhou were mostly too decayed to be of use.

Henry Linton shook his head in self-reproach. “Grand Preceptor, there’s no need to mind it. Since ancient times, there have always been those who fail to see the bigger picture. I just never thought such a person would be counted among the esteemed.” He slowly rose from his seat, speaking thoughtfully, “Though I grew up in the wilds, my teacher once spoke to me of the principle of ‘power.’ His Majesty may be the common lord of the realm, holding the orthodox position in Central Zhou, but if he could truly and rightfully command the lords of the four states, there would be no need for me to exist in this world. The four states, each holding thousands of miles of land, will never willingly submit. No matter how virtuous His Majesty’s rule, without sufficient ‘power’ to subdue the lords, it’s nothing but empty talk.”

As he spoke his thoughts, he also observed the others. When he happened to glance at Ethan Cole, standing on the other side, he was struck by a sudden feeling. Ethan Cole stood there in a daze, a complex light flickering in his eyes, his expression exceedingly strange. Only when he noticed Henry Linton looking at him did he quickly lower his head. Though Henry Linton was puzzled, he didn’t wish to dwell on it at the moment, so he turned to the Grand Preceptor and the others with a self-deprecating smile: “I’m just showing off my meager knowledge. You may listen or not as you please. I grew up in the wilds, and my teacher, who taught me letters and learning, was a somewhat eccentric recluse, so my understanding of the bigger picture is inevitably flawed. Grand Preceptor, please continue—I am all ears.”

Grand Preceptor Michael Bolton could no longer hide the shock on his face. He rose and bowed deeply. “Your Highness’s words strike at the heart of the current crisis, which shows the wisdom of that recluse.” He glanced awkwardly at the other two esteemed men of Central Zhou, and in an instant made up his mind. At a time like this, it was better to hide one’s shortcomings than to make a fool of oneself. Rather than let these two also lose face before Henry Linton, it would be better to let His Highness go to the library to study on his own.

“Your Highness was taught by a great master from childhood and is exceptionally gifted. For someone as unworthy as myself to instruct you is truly inappropriate. His Majesty previously instructed that if we are unable to fulfill our teaching duties, only Lord Andrew Mason II may instruct Your Highness in matters of conduct and etiquette, while the rest is for Your Highness to study in the library. Now it seems our learning is shallow and we are not yet fit to be teachers.” With that, he signaled the other two to rise and take their leave.

The two “esteemed scholars,” seeing how Winston Hill had offended with his words earlier, quickly rose and bowed. “Grand Preceptor speaks truly. Your Highness is no ordinary person; how could our meager light compare to the brilliance of the sun and moon? Besides, we are already old and feeble. After Your Highness studies in the library, you will surpass us a hundredfold.”

Henry Linton knew well that they were acting out of fear, but since Grand Preceptor Michael Bolton had spoken first, he could not refuse. After the probing of yesterday and today, he had already seen the true face of the so-called esteemed men of Central Zhou, and felt all the more disappointed. He merely nodded in perfunctory agreement. For him, learning might be just passable, but the so-called rites and etiquette had been the most important lessons taught to him since childhood, with only minor differences. After two days of effort, he had already mastered the essentials, and the instructor Andrew Mason II was left in awe.

David Wood also kept his promise, and three days later sent someone to fetch the box most treasured by the Linton family couple. Given his current situation, Henry Linton had no desire to look at its contents, nor to mention the so-called betrothal by childhood promise, so he simply had someone deliver it to his parents. Though he had only been in the palace for ten days, his state of mind had gradually adjusted. In the current situation, even if he could leave, he would not escape the pursuit and hunting of the four states. Rather than play games with David Wood and risk his life, it would be better to find a true way to survive. After all, there was only a month left until the day the four states were to send their envoys for audience.

Chapter Eleven: A Perilous Situation