“Big Brother Carter……”

“You don’t need to say any more.” James Carter placed his hand on Quentin Bennett’s shoulder, stopping Quentin Bennett from continuing, and said with deep feeling, “You and I are brothers. Your business is my business. Hurry up and sign. After you sign, we’ll go see Eunuch King. Yes, just press your fingerprint there… Huh? You refuse? Kid, Big Brother Carter is always clear about gratitude and grudges—gentle as a breeze to brothers, but if you’re Big Brother Carter’s enemy, then the blade comes out and blood will be spilled within five steps…”

……

Dragged to the residence of the Chief Eunuch, Quentin Bennett was completely out of options, utterly despairing. In the past, he was always the one tricking and deceiving others; who would have thought that today he’d be ruthlessly extorted by this Carter? He thought to himself, “Just don’t let me get a chance to turn things around, or I’ll make this Carter pay.”

Then his thoughts turned chaotic again. That Eunuch King was notorious for being cold and ruthless—what good could come from falling into his hands?

The eunuch’s residence was quite large. In front stood two stone lions, which, under the dim glow of lanterns, seemed to be haloed in light. The lions were fierce, mouths agape in bloody snarls, their bell-like eyes mocking the passersby.

At the gate stood two doormen, both burly. Though dressed in blue robes and small caps, neither looked like someone to mess with.

“He’s here.” James Carter dragged Quentin Bennett, his demeanor turning icy once more.

The two doormen sized up Quentin Bennett and nodded in unison.

One of the servants grabbed Quentin Bennett’s hand, and only then did James Carter let go. Having completed his task, he still grinned and said to Quentin Bennett, “Brother Bennett, until we meet again.”

Quentin Bennett cursed inwardly, “Don’t let me see you again.” But on his face, he smiled and said, “Big Brother Carter… take care.”

The doormen clearly had no interest in letting Quentin Bennett dawdle. One of them had already picked Quentin Bennett up and dragged him inside.

Quentin Bennett was filled with grief and indignation. If only he were a bit older, he wouldn’t be bullied so easily by these people. Now, being carried in like this was truly undignified.

Inside the eunuch’s mansion, archways and ceremonial gates stood everywhere. Quentin Bennett cursed inwardly: “You’re just a damned eunuch—what’s with all these archways? Do you think you’re a courtesan?”

He also felt a bit afraid. He was just an inconspicuous transmigrator—no martial skills, no background. Now that he was here, he could only hope that damned eunuch would just rough him up a bit and not do anything truly serious.

He didn’t know how many corridors and moon gates they passed through, but after entering three layers of ceremonial gates, the doorman carrying Quentin Bennett finally stopped under a corridor outside a pavilion. Just then, a servant in blue robes and a small cap approached, gave Quentin Bennett a cold look, and said to the doorman, “Take him in. Eunuch King is getting impatient.”

The doorman nodded and carried Quentin Bennett into the pavilion. The pavilion was arranged like a hall, though clearly not a formal one—more like a garden hall in the back courtyard. Quentin Bennett clicked his tongue inwardly; bringing him here probably meant they were going to use private punishment. He was shoved to the center of the hall, and as he looked around, he found the decor surprisingly elegant. The east wall was hung with many paintings and calligraphy, the west wall with treasured swords and ancient zithers. In the corner stood a lampstand with chrysanthemum patterns, its flickering candlelight shrouded in red gauze, casting a faint glow throughout the hall.

On the north wall hung a beautifully mounted calligraphy scroll. By the light, Quentin Bennett saw the horizontal scroll read: “Loyal and Obedient.”

Quentin Bennett grumbled inwardly. He’d heard of people hanging admonitions like “All rivers run to the sea,” “Upright and aboveboard,” or “Heaven rewards diligence” on the main wall, but never “Loyal and Obedient.” This damned eunuch really had unusual taste.

“Ahem, ahem…” A cough sounded.

Quentin Bennett heard the sound and finally focused his attention on the man in a scarlet robe sitting behind the desk beneath the scroll.

This man sat high above in a chair, about forty years old, pale-skinned and beardless, his complexion well maintained. But at this moment, as he stared at Quentin Bennett, his gaze was so cold and sinister that Quentin Bennett felt deeply uncomfortable.

Was this Eunuch King?

Without another word, Quentin Bennett quickly smiled and bowed. “This humble one, Quentin Bennett, greets the honored eunuch.”

Now was not the time to play games with Eunuch King—that would be courting death. Quentin Bennett decided to rein in his usual bravado and obediently act like a good citizen.

After all, he was just a child. Kneeling and bowing was nothing compared to his life. All that talk of “domineering aura” and “tiger’s body trembling” was a joke—most of those executed at the marketplace were the ones who showed too much bravado.

“So it’s you?” Eunuch King looked Quentin Bennett over with a chilling gaze. He seemed surprised that the one selling the prescription was so young.

“Tsk tsk, didn’t expect such tender skin—and rather handsome, too.”

That line made Quentin Bennett shiver. He’d always heard that eunuchs had strange tastes. Could this damned eunuch…

Cold sweat began to bead on his forehead. In the candlelight, it seemed as if Quentin Bennett’s face was shrouded in a faint, gloomy halo.

Chapter Three: Counterfeit