James Carter had been waiting outside for a long time. After being a low-ranking guard for so long, he finally had a day when people noticed him. James Carter was so excited he was nearly moved to tears, feeling as if his ancestors were smiling down on him today, bringing honor to his family. After jogging inside, James Carter quickly saluted Eunuch King and said, “This humble one greets you, Eunuch.”

Eunuch King spoke slowly, “Last night, did you stand guard outside Sean Foster’s bedchamber all night?”

James Carter replied, “Yes, this humble one was following Young Master Bennett’s orders and kept watch outside Sean Foster’s bedchamber all night.”

Eunuch King’s face was expressionless, his tone flat as he asked, “Did you see Sean Foster leave the room during the night, or come to the main hall?”

James Carter shook his head and said, “After Sean Foster entered the room, he didn’t come out until this morning.”

At this point, there was no need to ask further. Sean Foster hadn’t left the room, while Connor Reed insisted that Sean Foster had gone to the main hall last night. Connor Reed had lied, and the reason for his lie was simply to cover up his own theft.

Chapter Ten: Future Prospects

It was still the main hall.

But now everyone else had left; only Eunuch King kept Quentin Bennett behind. He looked a bit tired, but joy was still written all over his face. On the wall behind his chair, a calligraphy scroll was once again hanging high. The scroll had been fully recovered; Connor Reed couldn’t withstand the interrogation and soon confessed the whereabouts of the original.

As for who had instigated Connor Reed, that was not Quentin Bennett’s concern.

“Sit.”

Eunuch King’s tone was calm, but there was a rare hint of appreciation for Quentin Bennett, and he even managed a kindly expression.

Quentin Bennett didn’t stand on ceremony, bowed slightly and sat down, saying, “Congratulations, Eunuch.”

Eunuch King picked up his teacup and said slowly, “There is indeed something to celebrate, but it was also a close call. In any case, it’s thanks to you.”

He used his fingernail to fish out a bit of tea leaf from the cup, then continued, “Since you understand calligraphy and painting, I suppose you’ve read some books?”

Quentin Bennett felt a surge of grief and indignation. Books—he had read plenty. In his previous life, he worked in a museum and had studied ancient culture to some extent, with some skill in antiques and calligraphy. On top of that, the original owner of this body was a bookworm, spending every day poring over the Four Books, Five Classics, and Zhu Xi’s commentaries, which had left Quentin Bennett with a bellyful of knowledge. Yet Eunuch King just had to bring up the sore spot. After all, he was of the lower classes, and people like him couldn’t become officials no matter how much they studied. What was the use of all that learning?

Quentin Bennett replied, “I’ve read a little, but it’s nothing worth mentioning before you, Eunuch.”

In front of Eunuch King, Quentin Bennett felt it best to keep a low profile. This eunuch was a cultured man, a half-baked scholar, and Quentin Bennett himself was a cultured member of the lower classes, also a half-baked scholar. Since ancient times, scholars have looked down on each other, and half-baked scholars even more so. So humility and caution would never go amiss.

Eunuch King sighed and said, “You’ve read books, but it’s a pity you’re the son of a petty official. What a shame.”

To Quentin Bennett, it seemed as if Eunuch King was deliberately rubbing salt in his wounds, so he decided to remain silent.

Eunuch King stood up, hands behind his back, and paced a few steps in the hall. Then he looked up and said, “Let’s wipe the slate clean between us. I see you’re clever and quick-witted. If you get an opportunity, you might have a future ahead of you. I happen to have such a prospect here—just not sure if you’re interested.”

A future… For Quentin Bennett right now, that sounded as fantastical as science fiction. His whole life was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, wearing a black uniform and working as a runner in the county office. The best he could hope for was to become a head constable.

Now, Eunuch King suddenly mentioned the word “future,” making Quentin Bennett’s eyes light up.

But then, he shook his head inwardly.

Easier said than done—changing one’s household registration was no simple matter. Even if Eunuch King was willing to help, it might not change his situation. In the Ming Dynasty, the upward mobility of the lower classes was tightly restricted. Even with the help of powerful officials, there might not be a way out.

Besides, although they were of low status, the The Bennett Family had relied on this path to make a living for generations. If their lowly status was revoked, how would the whole The Bennett Family survive? Quentin Bennett was still counting on his father to support him for life, buy him a house, and find him a wife. If he lost his livelihood, how could he go on?

Quentin Bennett’s thoughts were a mess, and he suddenly felt a bit ashamed. In his previous life, he had just muddled along, waiting for death, and after transmigrating, he still had no sense of a transmigrator’s resolve.

Of course, Eunuch King wasn’t a mind reader. He seemed to be weighing something, his eyes narrowing to a line as he stared blankly for a moment, then said, “During the Tianshun era, led by Yu Qian, a group of court officials were convicted, and their families implicated. Dozens had their property confiscated, and hundreds were demoted to the Music Bureau or exiled…”

Eunuch King sat back down, his face as calm as still autumn water, and said, “This case has always been controversial. In the Hongzhi era, the Filial Emperor issued an edict to clear their names and grant amnesty.” Here, Eunuch King paused and continued, “At that time, there was an official surnamed Bennett in the court who was also implicated by Yu Qian’s case. His descendants were either sent to the Music Bureau or exiled to various places. After the Filial Emperor’s amnesty, he repeatedly ordered his subordinates to search for their descendants, strip them of their lowly status, and ensure they would no longer be homeless wanderers.”

Quentin Bennett was completely bewildered.