But just at that moment, today’s main character—the birthday star, Samuel Thompson—finally arrived. The noisy hall immediately quieted down, and many people even stood up to greet him. William Thompson was also very curious about this legendary grandfather of his, since he hadn’t met him yet after crossing over.

Footsteps sounded from the back hall, and then an elderly man with white hair and beard strode into the main hall. This old man was tall and imposing, with a dignified appearance and three long whiskers on his thin, elongated face. Although his face was lined with many wrinkles, his eyes were bright and piercing, making it hard for anyone to meet his gaze.

“Greetings to the birthday star!” The people in the hall all saluted in unison upon seeing the old man enter. There was no need to ask; he was certainly Samuel Thompson.

Samuel Thompson clasped his hands in return, then laughed heartily and said, “Hahaha~ No need for so much ceremony, everyone! Today is my birthday, and I’ve disturbed your peace!”

As soon as Samuel Thompson finished speaking, someone below called out, “Brother Thompson, you’re being too polite! I haven’t eaten since yesterday just to enjoy your birthday feast. I’m not leaving today until I’ve eaten my fill!”

There were very few people who dared to joke with Samuel Thompson like this, and the speaker was none other than the evergreen founding hero, John Taylor. He had known Samuel Thompson for decades, and they were fellow townsmen with a close friendship, so he spoke without reservation.

Sure enough, Samuel Thompson laughed loudly and pointed at John Taylor, saying, “Old Taylor, I always admired your appetite when you were young. I wonder, now that you’re this age, how much of it do you still have left?”

“I don’t know how much of Old Taylor’s appetite remains, but I’m sure his stamina is still strong. I heard he recently took another concubine. If he doesn’t eat his fill today, he won’t have the strength for the bridal chamber when he gets home!” At this moment, another old man stood up and joked. This was Duke of Ying, Arthur Foster. Last time, when William Thompson watched the executions, it was he who had captured those criminals.

As soon as Arthur Foster spoke, the whole hall erupted in laughter, because John Taylor was famous for his lustfulness, with a harem of wives and concubines said to number over a hundred, and countless children—so many that even he couldn’t remember how many sons and daughters he had.

A few old friends joked around for a bit, instantly making the atmosphere of the birthday banquet relaxed and cheerful. Samuel Thompson was in high spirits and immediately ordered the feast to begin. John Taylor, Arthur Foster, and several other old friends sat with him at the main table, chatting away. From time to time, people would come up to offer birthday wishes, making the banquet lively and festive.

William Thompson and Edward Clark sat at the same table. The main hall was filled with distinguished guests, so the younger generation like them could only sit in the corners, which also made it easier for William Thompson to observe the whole event.

“Cousin,” Edward Clark suddenly nudged William Thompson with his elbow and pointed to a table in the distance. “See that middle-aged man in blue? That’s your second uncle, Robert Thompson!”

Hearing the name Robert Thompson, William Thompson immediately focused his gaze. Robert Thompson looked to be in his forties or fifties, fair and plump, well-maintained, with a short beard under his chin. At the moment, he was chatting and laughing with guests at the neighboring table, occasionally raising his cup to offer toasts, looking completely at ease.

As William Thompson was observing Robert Thompson, Robert Thompson, who was in the middle of a toast, seemed to sense something and turned to look at William Thompson. Their eyes met, and Robert Thompson snorted coldly. Even from such a distance, William Thompson could feel his anger and disdain.

William Thompson, however, just chuckled nonchalantly. They were both people with one foot in the grave; he couldn’t be bothered to argue.

“The Crown Prince has arrived!” Suddenly, the steward outside announced, and everyone in the hall stood up. Samuel Thompson even prepared to go out to greet him.

But before Samuel Thompson could step outside, a stout, heavyset middle-aged man walked in. Upon seeing Samuel Thompson, he immediately saluted and said, “John Adams pays respects to the birthday star, wishing you happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as great as the Southern Mountain!”

“So that’s the Crown Prince!” William Thompson curiously sized up the prince. As the rumors said, he was indeed quite fat, with a round face full of smiles, looking approachable and kind, without any of the imposing air of someone in power. He even greeted Samuel Thompson as a junior rather than as the Crown Prince, making him seem even more amiable.

However, William Thompson was a bit disappointed. If George Washington had come in person, his plan might have gone more smoothly. Unfortunately, it was John Adams who came, which meant he would have to put in more effort.

“Your Highness, you are too kind. Please, take a seat!” Samuel Thompson laughed heartily, immediately stepping forward to help John Adams sit beside him. After all, John Adams was the Crown Prince and was representing George Washington in offering birthday wishes, so of course he couldn’t be neglected.

The guests in the hall all came forward to pay their respects to John Adams, who smiled and returned each greeting. Although he was large and heavyset, his features were quite dignified, and his words and actions were generous and open, making a good impression on everyone. William Thompson couldn’t help but praise him inwardly. No wonder the history books spoke so highly of John Adams; if this Crown Prince hadn’t died, Thomas Jefferson would never have dared to rebel.