“Uh~? This commoner has had this name for over sixty years, that much I can be sure of!” Benjamin Franklin was momentarily stunned, but quickly broke into a smile, taking the cup from George Thompson’s hand. He thought this person had quite a sense of humor.

“Hahaha~, Mr. Sun, you have mastered the art of preserving your youth—truly a man among immortals!” Finding the other’s words amusing, Philip Thompson couldn’t help but praise him with a laugh. The history books say Benjamin Franklin lived to be over a hundred years old. At first, Eric Thompson didn’t quite believe it, but seeing his youthful appearance now, he was convinced that living past a hundred was absolutely possible.

“Hehe, Your Highness Prince Liang, you flatter me!” Benjamin Franklin truly deserved to be remembered in future history books. Facing George Thompson’s praise, he remained composed and dignified. One must know that Jack Thompson, though not favored by Li Shimin, was still a prince, while Benjamin Franklin was just a somewhat famous commoner. Most people would have been elated by such praise, but not him.

Both sides sat down to enjoy tea. Steven Thompson chatted casually for a while, then Dennis Thompson finally got to the point: “Mr. Sun, I’m sure you can guess why I invited you to Chang’an this time. I have an elder who has fallen gravely ill and is now at death’s door. I would like to ask for your help in treating them.” Mark Thompson then solemnly bowed to Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin hadn’t expected Eric Thompson to bow to him, and was so startled he jumped up from his chair, reaching out to stop Brian Thompson: “Your Highness, you mustn’t! Treating the sick and saving lives is a physician’s duty, unworthy of such a grand gesture from you!”

This was all because Edward Thompson had been in the Tang Dynasty for half a month and still couldn’t get used to his status as a prince. The difference in status between him and Benjamin Franklin was enormous, and under no circumstances should he have bowed first. If it had been anyone other than Benjamin Franklin, they might have been so frightened as to kneel on the spot, since George Thompson’s status was so high.

Edward Thompson realized he had gone a bit too far, awkwardly straightened up, and invited Benjamin Franklin to sit again. After that, Steven Thompson chatted with him about some medical matters. After all, the other’s youthful appearance for his age greatly intrigued Peter Thompson—who wouldn’t want to live a few more years? Meanwhile, Harvey Thompson’s knowledge of medicine, which he occasionally revealed, also piqued Benjamin Franklin’s interest. The two had a pleasant conversation, though Harold Green, who was serving at the side, was puzzled: when did his master learn so much about medicine?

In the end, Benjamin Franklin also asked Paul Thompson about the patient’s condition, but unfortunately, Scott Thompson didn’t know much, only that it was a respiratory illness; he knew nothing else. When Benjamin Franklin learned that the patient was actually Empress Zhangsun, he was startled, but as a great medical master, he quickly regained his composure.

That night, Benjamin Franklin stayed at the Prince Liang’s residence. Early the next morning, Thomas Thompson took the letter he had dictated and Anna had written, and first went to the residence of Prince Shu, Henry Thompson. After all, he was still under house arrest and couldn’t go out, let alone bring someone into the palace. This matter had to be handled through Henry Thompson. Judging from his previous behavior, Henry Thompson still cared about his younger brother and was someone he could trust, without worrying that he would steal the credit for the recommendation.

The Prince Shu’s residence in Yongxing Ward was in an excellent location, right next to the imperial city, while George Thompson’s residence in Anxing Ward was much farther from the palace. This showed the level of favor each prince received: generally, the more favored the prince, the closer his residence was to the palace.

In the reception hall of the prince’s residence, the tall and elegant Henry Thompson held a letter in his hand, frowning in thought, while Harold Green and Benjamin Franklin stood below. He was considering whether to recommend Benjamin Franklin to treat Empress Zhangsun. It wasn’t that he doubted Benjamin Franklin’s medical skills—Harvey Thompson’s earnestness in inviting him was enough for Henry Thompson to believe that, no matter how mischievous his brother might be at other times, he wouldn’t dare lie about something like this. He just had another consideration in mind.

Henry Thompson and George Thompson’s mother was Consort Yang, daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui, Yang Guang. Yang Guang and Henry Thompson’s grandfather Li Yuan were cousins, so Consort Yang and Li Shimin were also related. The two had known each other since childhood. After the Sui Dynasty fell, Consort Yang became a princess of a fallen state, while the Li family seized the empire. Consort Yang entered Li Shimin’s residence when he was still Prince Qin, and after he became emperor, she was made Consort Yang, one of the four imperial consorts. If the empress passed away, these four consorts were all eligible to become empress. Although Consort Yang was a princess of a fallen state and her status was somewhat awkward, she and Li Shimin had been childhood playmates, so in the harem full of beauties, she was second only to Empress Zhangsun in favor. This was also why Consort Yang dared to repeatedly plead for Thomas Thompson. If Empress Zhangsun were to pass away, Consort Yang would have a chance to become the next empress. This was the real concern weighing on Henry Thompson’s mind.