Michael King stood up and bowed, then slowly withdrew. Simon Stone picked up James Lee’s bronze token and sighed softly, “Although James Lee unfortunately died, he did well this time, successfully stopping Samuel Young from entering Guanzhong.”

George Lee also said with deep regret, “It’s a pity that Samuel Young didn’t listen to James Lee. If Samuel Young had entered Yangzhou to the east, allied with Wagang in the west, connected with Simon Stone in the north, and relied on the wealthy lands of Jianghuai in the south, he could have established a solid foundation. But he stubbornly attacked Luoyang, wasted too much time, and gave Robert Young the chance to strike back.”

Henry Douglas impatiently waved his hand, “Samuel Young has already failed completely, there’s no need to talk about him anymore. Let’s just discuss our next plan!”

Simon Stone nodded, his eyes shining as he fixed his gaze on George Lee, and said slowly, “I have already discussed with the head of the Douglas family. Since James Lee is dead, our next plan can only be carried out by someone else. We’ve decided to have Paul take James Lee’s place to take over the Wagang army. Peter, do you have any objections?”

Chapter 0007: The Temptation of Martial Power

George Lee had already heard Henry Douglas mention this matter briefly before. He was unwilling to let his son take such a risk, so he gritted his teeth and said, “But everyone in the world knows that James Lee is dead. How can Paul impersonate him?”

“That’s not a problem. We have secretly swapped James Lee’s head. Anyone with a discerning eye will recognize that the head displayed on the city wall is not actually James Lee. People will then believe that James Lee is still alive. Besides, we also have a personal letter from Brian Carter.”

Simon Stone raised the silk in his hand, “I believe Brian Carter will acknowledge Paul as James Lee.”

Beside him, Henry Douglas also tried to persuade George Lee, “Actually, Brian Carter just wants to cooperate with us Guanzhong nobles. Whether it’s James Lee or not doesn’t really matter. We’re only having Paul impersonate James Lee to protect you. I think even if Brian Carter knows the truth, he’ll still help us keep this secret.”

George Lee knew he could no longer object, but he didn’t know the full story, so how could he feel at ease letting his son go to Wagang Village? After a moment’s thought, he asked again, “How sincere is the Wagang army?”

Simon Stone smiled at him, “Brian Carter sent Arthur Wade to secretly contact us two months ago, hoping to gain our support. At first, we didn’t want to consider the Wagang army, but since Samuel Young has failed, taking over this army will benefit us as well. So, after discussing with the head of the Douglas family, we decided to send James Lee to take over the Wagang army. But since James Lee is dead, we can only have Paul replace him.”

George Lee thought to himself that this matter had both risks and benefits. Although there was some danger, if Paul could successfully take over the Wagang army, it might become a great help to his own cause in the future.

Thinking of this, he finally nodded in agreement, “Alright! Then let Paul go to Wagang and make his mark.”

Seeing him agree, Simon Stone happily stroked his beard and said, “To ensure Paul’s safety, I plan to have Michael King accompany him.”

George Lee quickly cupped his hands in thanks, “Thank you, father-in-law, for your thoughtful consideration.”

Simon Stone called out loudly, “Michael, come in!”

Michael King entered the room once again, bowed deeply, and stood with his hands at his sides.

The three of them exchanged glances, and Simon Stone tried to use a gentle tone, “About what we discussed last time, are you ready?”

Michael King nodded silently. He knew he was being sent to Wagang, but since James Lee was dead, who would he go with?

“You’ll go with Paul, and you must ensure his safety!” Simon Stone seemed to know what he was thinking.

“Paul?”

Michael King was stunned, but quickly recovered and immediately said, “I will obey orders!”

Beside him, George Lee bowed, “Michael, I entrust Paul to you.”

“Please rest assured, Mr. Lee, Michael will do everything possible to protect his safety!”

At this moment, Michael King remembered that Eric Bolton was still waiting to be received, and quickly said, “Would the master like to meet Eric Bolton?”

Simon Stone smiled slightly, “Actually, I’ve already met him.”

Michael King was quite surprised. When did the master meet Eric Bolton? How did he not know?

“Mr. Stone, you’re not thinking of letting him join the Wuchuan Society too, are you?” Henry Douglas said with a hint of displeasure.

Since Simon Stone became the master of the society over a year ago, he had promoted people based on talent and recruited many sons of humble families into the Wuchuan Society. This greatly displeased Henry Douglas, who valued bloodline and pedigree. Was Wuchuan Mansion a vegetable garden? Was he going to bring in anyone who could grow a few vegetables? What a disgrace!

Simon Stone could hear the dissatisfaction in Henry Douglas’s tone. Of course, he wouldn’t argue with Henry Douglas over a single Eric Bolton, especially since this Eric Bolton’s background was unclear. How could he rashly bring him into the society?

“Mr. Douglas, you’re overthinking it. I only said I’ve met him, nothing more!”

Henry Douglas snorted coldly, “It had better be nothing more! But you’ve reminded me, I think it’s necessary for us to further discuss the issue of maintaining the purity of Wuchuan Mansion’s lineage.”

……

“Father, why do you want your daughter to watch over that Eric Bolton? Just because he said a few insightful things?” In the study of Wuchuan Tower, Adam Bolton asked her adoptive father Simon Stone in confusion.

Simon Stone stood with his hands behind his back at the window, gazing into the distance at the imperial Ziwei Palace, and said lightly, “I want you to watch him because I suspect that James Lee was killed by this man!”

Adam Bolton was shocked, “How could that be?”

Simon Stone glanced at Adam Bolton, “You shouldn’t ask so many questions.”

Frightened, Adam Bolton quickly lowered her head, “Your daughter knows her mistake.”