Getting angry with someone like Richard Bolton, a playboy, is pointless.

He turned his head, face full of guilt, and saluted James Young.

“Grand Secretary, I have made a terrible mistake, and the evidence has fallen into others’ hands. I have failed your trust, and I am willing to accept punishment!”

James Young swept his old eyes over Stephen Mason, sighing softly. It was clear there was regret in his tone, as well as anger, and even helplessness.

“Don’t say such things. What do you intend to do?”

Stephen Mason lowered his head, silent for a long time.

Back when they went to welcome Zhu Houcong, he had advocated treating him with the rites due to the crown prince. That’s why Zhu Houcong rode in the crown prince’s carriage all the way. Stephen Mason’s attitude was beyond doubt.

But now even the Ministry of Rites had been dragged in, and as Minister, he couldn’t stay out of it.

“Grand Secretary, I intend to resign and take all the blame upon myself. As long as it doesn’t affect the overall situation of the court, I will die without regret!” As Stephen Mason spoke, he even wiped away a tear.

He was indeed a bit hesitant, but he couldn’t say that. However, James Young was so clever—hopefully the Grand Secretary could understand his intentions.

Stephen Mason kept his head down, as if awaiting the judgment of fate.

After a long while, James Young finally let out a long sigh. “You can’t be blamed for this. The grand ceremony for the new emperor’s ascension isn’t just the Ministry of Rites’ responsibility—the Grand Secretariat is involved too! As the chief minister, I cannot shirk my own blame.”

At the mention of the Grand Secretariat, Stephen Mason’s heart stirred slightly.

Frankly, he still wanted to tough it out, but the problem was that Samuel Grant had already backed down.

Of course, Grand Secretary Grant was also thinking of the Ministry of Rites, not wanting to make things too hard for him. He couldn’t repay kindness with ingratitude, could he? Thinking of this, Stephen Mason lowered his head even further.

Another suffocating silence fell. Suddenly, James Young turned to his son and asked thoughtfully, “What do you think?”

Robert Young quickly replied, “Father, given the current situation, the new emperor insists on ascending with the rites of a Son of Heaven and inheriting the great line. If the Grand Secretariat keeps opposing him, before he’s even ascended, it will cause a rift between ruler and ministers, which is truly unwise. In my opinion, it’s better to agree to His Majesty’s wishes, let him ascend as soon as possible, issue the edict, and settle the hearts of the people. That is what matters most!”

“What?”

Richard Bolton suddenly shrieked, “Robert Young! What are you trying to do?” The man looked like he’d gone mad, baring his teeth and claws, as if he wanted to eat someone.

Stephen Mason saw this and felt even more contempt in his heart.

Richard Bolton had accompanied him to Anlu to welcome Zhu Houcong to the capital.

Along the way, Stephen Mason had figured out this two-dynasty playboy’s thoughts completely.

If the civil officials advocated for Zhu Houcong to be adopted by Emperor Xiaozong Zhu Youcheng, it was out of feelings between ruler and minister, the direction of the court, and all sorts of considerations.

But for Richard Bolton, things were much simpler.

His sister had married Zhu Youcheng. The couple respected each other, lived in perfect harmony, and had put on a model display of monogamy. Their marital affection was beyond question.

Because of this, Richard Bolton had enjoyed a carefree life under his sister’s protection for two reigns.

From the Hongzhi to the Zhengde era, for over thirty years, no matter what he did, he never had to worry.

But now times had changed. Zhu Houcong had nothing to do with him and wouldn’t indulge him.

Richard Bolton felt as if the sky was falling. His only hope was to push for Zhu Houcong to be adopted by Emperor Xiaozong. That way, his sister would remain Empress Dowager, and he would still be the imperial uncle.

Not only would his past misdeeds be overlooked, but he could continue his carefree life.

Once you understood these relationships, it wasn’t hard to see why he was making such a fuss.

Stephen Mason was polite to James Young, but he didn’t care about Richard Bolton.

Arrogant relatives like this really needed someone to put them in their place!

Thinking of this, Stephen Mason even felt that letting Zhu Houcong become a legitimate emperor wasn’t so unforgivable… Of course, it was just a fleeting thought. Recognizing Emperor Xiaozong as his father was still necessary; as for the rest, everything could be negotiated.

“Marquis Shouning, you caused this disaster yourself, and you still have the nerve to blame others? If it weren’t for your stupidity, would the Grand Secretariat and the Ministry of Rites have to clean up your mess? If word of your actions got out, local officials and the gentry across the land would never let you off!”

Richard Bolton gnashed his teeth, his features twisted with rage.

“Stephen Mason! Now you’re putting all the blame on me—are you planning to let the new emperor enter the city with the rites of a Son of Heaven?”

Stephen Mason’s face darkened, and he snorted, “The new emperor is right outside the capital. As ministers, can we really keep the ruler outside? Or do you, Marquis Shouning, want to imitate Huo Guang and control the emperor?”

Stephen Mason couldn’t out-argue Henry Foster, but dealing with Richard Bolton was easy enough. A few words left him speechless, gasping for breath, and Stephen Mason felt an indescribable satisfaction.

At last, he’d vented his frustration.

Richard Bolton’s eyes darted around. Unable to reason with Stephen Mason, he could only turn to James Young.

“Chief Minister, don’t forget what you promised my sister back then! It’s only been a month—have you forgotten already? James Young, is this how you people keep your word?”

Richard Bolton’s words were almost a direct confrontation.

Back when Emperor Zhengde passed away, James Young was serving at his side. He wasn’t the only one close to the emperor, but the reason he could control the situation was, of course, thanks to the Empress Dowager’s help.