Returning a favor, James Young agreed to find a good son for Empress Dowager Bolton, but no one expected that Charles Brooks would be such a handful.

James Young took a deep breath and slowly stood up.

He wasn’t tall, but after years in the Grand Secretariat, over a decade of building his reputation, this Grand Secretary was as imposing as Mount Tai. Under his gaze, Richard Bolton kept backing away.

“Grand Secretary, Bolton has no intention of forcing you. My brother-in-law has worked diligently to restore the dynasty during the Hongzhi reign. We can’t let him be left without an heir, can we?”

So this guy can actually speak like a human being... James Young suppressed his anger with difficulty, his face dark as he said, “I am not a man who goes back on his word. Emperor Xiaozong was one of the rare wise rulers after the benevolent reigns of Ren and Xuan. The entire court is grateful for Emperor Xiaozong’s kindness. As a minister, I dare not forget it for a moment. As for the new emperor’s accession, I have my own views. Marquis Shouning, you may withdraw now!”

Richard Bolton gritted his teeth, unwilling to give up, and said, “Grand Secretary, does this mean you agree to let him enter the city with the rites of the crown prince?”

James Young kept a stern face, suddenly looked up, and his sharp gaze pierced through Richard Bolton. The man felt a chill down his spine, shivering with fear.

“I—I’ll take my leave!”

He turned around and scurried off.

James Young looked meaningfully at Richard Bolton’s retreating figure, then slumped back into his seat, seeming even more exhausted and helpless than before.

“Mr. Mason, just do as your Ministry of Rites suggests!”

Stephen Mason was overjoyed, finally escaping a disaster.

“Thank you for your understanding, Grand Secretary. I’ll take care of it right away!”

Chapter 8: Please, Your Majesty, Ascend the Throne

Henry Foster wasn’t much of a drinker, but Charles Brooks was truly terrible at it. In the first few years, his parents kept a strict watch on him. After his father Thomas Brooks died, he observed mourning and hadn’t touched alcohol for nearly two years.

This was the first time in Charles Brooks’s life that he got completely drunk.

From Anlu to the capital, over two thousand li, nearly a month’s journey— all the pent-up frustration and resentment evaporated with the strong liquor.

He was genuinely in a good mood. Even though Charles Brooks knew everything was just beginning, the stubbornness in his young bones was awakened. Not to mention the mere ministers of the capital—even if he faced the whole world, he would fear nothing.

In this messed-up world, as long as you show some backbone, your enemies will bow their heads.

As the Son of Heaven, retreating is simply not an option—not in this lifetime!

I will enter the city with dignity, sit securely on the dragon throne, and rule my empire as I see fit. No one will sway me... Charles Brooks was full of fighting spirit.

Even after a hangover, he got up early.

To his surprise, Henry Foster was up even earlier, running laps... What kind of strange behavior was this?

Charles Brooks found it amusing and wanted to ask, but just then a young eunuch came with a message: Grand Secretary Samuel Grant had arrived.

How odd!

Normally, the ceremonial matters of entering the capital were handled by Stephen Mason. Even if Samuel Grant were to come, it would be with Stephen Mason. Why would he come alone?

“Edward, what do you think is going on?”

Henry Foster happened to run by, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and smiled faintly.

“I’m afraid I should congratulate Your Highness in advance.” Henry Foster said confidently, “The civil officials are no longer united.”

Charles Brooks was clever. After a moment’s thought, he realized that Samuel Grant had indeed gone easy on David Carter’s issue—he had practically handed Charles Brooks the leverage.

Otherwise, there’s no reason why a Grand Secretary would be less assertive than the Minister of Rites!

“Even if Samuel Grant wants to defect, it depends on whether I’ll accept him!”

Charles Brooks said fiercely.

“All right, let him in!”

With that, he turned and went back to his tent, and Henry Foster quickly wiped his face and followed.

As soon as he entered, Grand Secretary Samuel Grant arrived.

After the formalities, Samuel Grant took the initiative and said, “Your Highness, after discussion in the Ministry of Rites and consultation with the Grand Secretariat, we believe Your Highness should enter the city with the rites of the Son of Heaven. Noon is an auspicious hour. I have come to ask Your Highness to set out immediately.”

The civil officials had conceded!

Even though Charles Brooks had expected this, he was still delighted and was about to nod, but instinctively glanced at Henry Foster and saw little Edward slightly shake his head.

Charles Brooks held back his words.

At this moment, Henry Foster suddenly said in a deep voice, “Grand Secretary Grant, just now you addressed him as... Your Highness? Shouldn’t you change your form of address?”

Samuel Grant’s old face flushed. Back when Stephen Mason insisted on welcoming Charles Brooks with the rites of the crown prince, they had called him ‘Your Highness’ all the way. Now, it was indeed time to change.

Thinking of this, Samuel Grant lifted his robe, knelt on the ground, and performed the grand ceremony of meeting the emperor.

“Your old minister pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!”

Samuel Grant kowtowed forcefully, but after a while, there was no response.

What’s going on?

Is he toying with me?

Samuel Grant instinctively looked up and saw Charles Brooks had turned his body away, not accepting the salute. The Grand Secretary was confused, but Henry Foster grinned and said, “Grand Secretary Grant, are you leading the way in urging the emperor to ascend the throne? As far as I know, the urging must be done three times before the new emperor agrees to formally ascend. Without this process, it would be improper!”

Charles Brooks burst out laughing. Edward really understands me!

“Reader Foster is right. There are still two more times, Grand Secretary Grant. Sorry to trouble you, please go make the arrangements!”