The little emperor spoke lightly—was this the legendary pushing one’s luck?

Entering the city with the rites of a Son of Heaven wasn’t enough; he still had to accept three rounds of entreaties to ascend the throne, completing the final formalities before his enthronement!

Truly, not a single drop was left unaccounted for!

Samuel Grant was breaking out in a sweat. He had to admit, whether it was Henry Foster’s idea or Charles Brooks’s plan, these two youths were not to be underestimated!

But it was strange—his own grandson was still out walking the dog and fighting crickets. They were about the same age, yet the difference in character was enormous.

While Samuel Grant hesitated, Charles Brooks spoke again: “Grand Secretary Grant, I have left my home and traveled north to the capital to inherit the throne. Looking around, there is no one I can entrust with great matters. I can only rely on loyal and virtuous officials in the court. You have escorted me all the way north, assisting and protecting me—I am deeply grateful. As for this matter of entreaty, I can only entrust it to you. In short, thank you for your hard work, Grand Secretary.”

With things said to this extent, what else could Samuel Grant do!

“Please rest assured, Your Majesty. This old minister will make the arrangements at once.”

Samuel Grant bowed and withdrew, frowning, lost in thought.

In terms of seniority, he was no less than James Young, and James Young’s rise to chief minister was mostly because he had been the late emperor’s tutor. With that relationship, he could rise smoothly and enter the cabinet.

After years as master and disciple, when the late emperor passed away, James Young seized power and, under the pretext of the late emperor’s edict, criticized him mercilessly—truly lacking in loyalty.

Samuel Grant was not convinced. He had helped Charles Brooks, making things difficult for James Young, and Grand Secretary Young could do nothing about it.

But if he went any further and became the new emperor’s lackey, most of the civil officials would look down on him. That would not do… Samuel Grant’s mind was in turmoil.

Back in the imperial tent, after Samuel Grant left, Charles Brooks hesitated again.

“Edward, do you think that old man can really withstand the pressure and do things for me?”

Henry Foster shook his head. “I think Samuel Grant wants to eat but is afraid of being burned. He came here to curry favor, but didn’t expect to pick up a hedgehog—he’s definitely hesitating again.”

Charles Brooks snorted coldly. “That’s exactly how he should be treated! These scholars are full of schemes, always calculating for themselves, never letting go of anything, yet still want a good reputation—truly despicable!”

From Anlu to the capital, though not a long journey, it had already made Charles Brooks thoroughly disappointed in the scholars—this was the beginning of future conflicts between ruler and ministers…

But right now, Charles Brooks was still worried about himself. “Edward, according to you, if Samuel Grant is unwilling to help, doesn’t that mean I can’t enter the city?”

Henry Foster burst out laughing. “Samuel Grant is indecisive, but James Young may not trust him. And James Young is a smart man—he’ll definitely prepare for the worst!” And what’s the worst outcome? That Charles Brooks can’t be stopped, and the civil officials end up divided.

As long as James Young feels the situation is unstable, he’ll take the initiative to step back. Rather than let Samuel Grant succeed, he’d rather play the good guy and win the new emperor’s favor.

That made perfect sense.

But Charles Brooks still frowned, feeling something was off!

Suddenly, he glared fiercely at Henry Foster, even reaching out with both hands!

“Little Edward! When did you get so clever? Have you been possessed by a ghost?”

Henry Foster was dumbfounded—had such a big secret really been discovered?

Charles Brooks’s eyes darted around. Suddenly, he grabbed Henry Foster’s clothes, unable to contain his joy: “Edward, did you meet an immortal who enlightened you and opened your mind? Also, do you know how to live forever? Tell me, quick!”

This guy was so anxious his eyes were shining, scratching his head in excitement—he was even happier than if he’d found the throne!

Almost forgot—Charles Brooks was a fanatic for Daoist cultivation! He’d picked up the habit from Prince Xing, Zhu Youyuan, who, trapped in his manor and uninterested in having children, spent his time practicing Daoism and alchemy. Charles Brooks, influenced by this, had learned quite a bit.

But judging by Prince Xing’s lifespan, it seemed that cultivating Dao not only didn’t grant longevity, but actually hastened death.

Henry Foster felt it would be necessary to give Charles Brooks some science lessons in the future. Otherwise, if he kept treating lead and mercury as treasures, that would be terrifying. Even worse, Charles Brooks liked to give his medicines to those around him, taking everyone to heaven together.

Thinking of this, Henry Foster felt his scalp tingle and shivered—he definitely didn’t want heavy metal poisoning… He quickly shook his head.

“I haven’t been possessed. Scheming and trickery are just standard business tactics—I’ve known them since I was a child.”

Charles Brooks thought for a moment, still unconvinced.

“Then why were you so honest and simple before?”

“Of course, because I’m a good actor!” Henry Foster replied confidently. “See? No one noticed! If the civil officials hadn’t bullied people so much, I would have kept being honest and simple, really!”

Yeah, right!

Charles Brooks wasn’t so easily fooled. He wanted to keep questioning, but just then, a young eunuch ran in excitedly, shouting, “They’re here! Lots of people are here!”

Charles Brooks immediately stood up. Outside the imperial tent came a loud voice: “We ministers respectfully invite Your Majesty to inherit the throne!”

At last, the moment had come!

The entreaty party had arrived!

In an instant, Charles Brooks’s eyes grew misty…

Chapter 9: Entering the City in Glory

Charles Brooks wanted to cry—this journey had truly been too hard.