This Zhengde Emperor’s posthumous edict—many people only focus on the four characters “inherit the imperial throne,” thinking this is the basis for Charles Brooks’s justified struggle, but it clearly spells out his identity right at the start.

He is the son of Prince Xingxian, the nephew of Emperor Xiaozong, and he is inheriting the throne according to the ancestral rule of “the younger brother succeeds when the elder dies.” Yet the court officials insist on treating him with the rites of a crown prince, as if they’re trying to fool people—are they really treating Charles Brooks like a child to be played with?

Henry Foster’s brilliant and incisive reading comprehension instantly silenced the two top scholars.

Stephen Mason’s face turned ashen, Samuel Grant’s brows furrowed tightly. They had prepared a bellyful of grand arguments, but now couldn’t utter a single word, their stomachs swelling like angry frogs. Henry Foster felt an indescribable satisfaction.

Thinking back, when they first set out, he’d nearly lost his life, and it was partly due to these two’s negligence and indifference… Old fellows, haven’t you ever heard the saying “Don’t bully the poor youth”?

Just as Henry Foster was feeling full of confidence, Stephen Mason suddenly rose slowly, bowed deeply to Charles Brooks, and then, with a look of anguish, declared, “Your Highness, palace reader Henry Foster, though a lowly official, dares to presumptuously interpret the intent of the posthumous edict, twisting its meaning, using convoluted arguments, harboring sinister motives! Such a treacherous villain—if not eliminated early, will surely become a traitor and corrupt minister like Liu Jin! I, in my boldness, earnestly beg Your Highness to immediately execute Henry Foster!”

After speaking, the old man’s knees buckled and he knelt straight to the ground.

Samuel Grant hesitated slightly, but could only kneel as well, echoing, “Your Highness, the posthumous edict allows Your Highness to inherit the throne, but it does not specify how to do so in a way that is proper and legitimate. We are all thinking of Your Highness, for the sake of the Ming dynasty and the nation. At this moment of unity between ruler and ministers, someone is sowing discord and currying favor—this is not the conduct of a gentleman. The late emperor’s downfall was precisely because he favored petty men, plunging the realm into chaos. Your Highness must not repeat his mistakes!”

With that, he too knelt down.

Facing these two, Henry Foster was a bit hesitant, even at a loss whether to laugh or cry. He had prepared a whole speech, ready for a fierce debate, but it ended before it even began?

These two are really something. What they’re saying, translated, is: “No matter what you say, you’re a villain and must be eliminated!”

Look at us—we’re both kneeling. Won’t you give us some face?

Henry Foster didn’t know what to say. If there were another hundred officials kneeling together, that would really set the scene! No wonder so many Ming emperors didn’t like holding court—being targeted by a crowd is truly uncomfortable!

Now, his fate was in Charles Brooks’s hands. It was time to test the young man’s willpower!

Charles Brooks slowly stood up, trying hard to keep a straight face and suppress his anger… After a while, Charles Brooks managed to calm his tone.

“Minister Mao, Grand Secretary Liang, can you tell me why the posthumous edict calls me the heir of Prince Xing, yet you want me to be adopted by Emperor Xiaozong? Is my father, Prince Xing, not the son of Emperor Xianzong, not of royal blood?”

Charles Brooks questioned sternly, his voice booming.

Stephen Mason’s face looked especially ugly; for a moment, he didn’t know how to answer. Next to him was Grand Secretary Samuel Grant—in theory, Samuel Grant should know better, being in the cabinet, but seeing Charles Brooks truly angry, he just lowered his head and said nothing…

Stephen Mason had no choice but to force himself to speak: “Your Highness, what is written in the posthumous edict is, of course, correct. At the time, we did not inform Your Highness, so we dared not change it at will. But we believe that having Your Highness adopted by Emperor Xiaozong is the best arrangement. We hope Your Highness will put the greater good first, think of the people, and quickly accept the succession. All the subjects of the realm are eagerly awaiting it!”

The old man spoke with tears streaming down, prostrating himself on the ground. Listening to him, one might even be a little moved.

But Charles Brooks didn’t believe a word.

“Henry Foster, you just explained the meaning of the posthumous edict very clearly. Now, what do you think of Minister Mao’s opinion?”

Henry Foster smiled calmly, “Minister Mao spoke very well just now. He has already admitted that Your Highness is the heir of Prince Xing, but only hopes that Your Highness will instead be adopted by Emperor Xiaozong. I wonder if Your Highness is willing?”

“I am not willing!”

Charles Brooks replied bluntly, “Minister Mao, my father, Prince Xingxian, has only one son, and that is me! How could I let my father’s line die out! If you insist on this, that’s fine. I… will return to Anlu right now and continue mourning for my father. No matter how great the throne, I cannot, for the sake of the dragon seat, become an unfilial son! Nor will I let the world laugh at me!”

After speaking, Charles Brooks decisively waved his hand: “You may leave! I want to rest now.”

The two ministers were driven out of the imperial tent. Outside, they were still dazed, their minds in a jumble. Charles Brooks’s words just now were forceful and full of conviction.

Moreover, Charles Brooks clung to the principle of filial piety, which is the very foundation advocated by Confucianism. As the Son of Heaven, he should naturally set an example for all. Charles Brooks’s stance was perfectly justified.

These two top scholars, both former Number One Scholars, faintly sensed trouble. They had underestimated Charles Brooks—this young man was no simpleton!

Samuel Grant and Stephen Mason stopped in the suburbs of the capital. Unable to bring the young emperor into the city, they naturally alarmed others.

They had just returned, and before half a day had passed, someone came storming in.

It was none other than the Empress Dowager Zhang’s brother, Marquis Shouning, Richard Bolton!

“The succession by the crown prince was agreed upon long ago—how dare you go back on your word and break your promise?”