"Why do you say that?" Stephen Thompson's expression changed. Ever since he was dismissed from office by John Thompson last year on charges of corruption and extravagance, Stephen Thompson realized that his achievements had overshadowed his master, so he needed to keep a low profile and restrain himself. For the past year, he hadn't stepped outside his door, focusing on self-cultivation and waiting for the right opportunity. But the wait had been long, and he was growing impatient.

Samuel Thompson had experienced something similar to Stephen Thompson, so he naturally understood Stephen Thompson's thoughts. The two were close brothers, so he spoke frankly: "The divine weapon is extraordinary and should be regarded as a national treasure. We must obtain it. Moreover, the young master of the Qin family publicly claimed to have created a peerless sword technique from the divine weapon and used it to kill the assassin. I went to the Chang'an County yamen to check the records, and it was indeed the young master who did it. This shows that the divine weapon holds a great secret—perhaps it truly is a relic left by pre-Qin sorcerers."

"Is there really such a thing?" Stephen Thompson was a bit surprised.

"Would I deceive you? The imperial army is only suited for warfare and charges; they're somewhat lacking in assassination skills. The young master of the Qin family, only fourteen or fifteen years old, was able to comprehend a peerless sword technique and kill a notorious assassin. If you and I join forces to seize the divine weapon and develop a sword technique suitable for assassination to present to His Majesty, our return to court would be hopeful. Besides, the divine weapon might even contain the method for becoming immortal, since it's a relic of pre-Qin sorcerers. Though it sounds far-fetched, what if it's true? His Majesty would surely be pleased, and you and I would be favored in his heart, never having to live in fear again."

"Thank you, Brother Wang!"

Stephen Thompson bowed solemnly, his eyes shining. Money was the last thing Stephen Thompson lacked—he was one of the wealthiest among the imperial clan. He didn't necessarily have to serve in office, but he had to show his stance and gain the trust of the one in the Golden Throne, to secure blessings for his descendants.

Chapter 10: Paul Rogers

The Duke of Yi's residence, back courtyard.

Henry Brooks was practicing with a spear. The family heirloom tiger-head spear danced with fierce momentum—at times like a divine dragon stirring the seas, at times like a tiger pouncing and tearing, at times like a monkey leaping and dodging. His movements flowed like water, combining strength and softness. The air was ripped apart by the spearhead, buzzing and booming.

"Young master, young master."

A pleasant voice called out, and then Helen entered through the courtyard gate like a cheerful sprite. Ever since Henry Brooks won a thousand taels in prize money and received another thousand taels as a reward for turning in the Three Demons of the Yellow River, the household no longer had to worry about silver for the time being, and Helen had become much more cheerful as well.

"What is it?" Henry Brooks stopped, a bit puzzled. Helen would never disturb him during practice unless it was important.

"Lord Du requests an audience, saying he comes on the Crown Prince's orders."

"Which Lord Du?" Henry Brooks didn't react at first.

"From the Duke of Cai's residence, Lord Douglas Hall."

Henry Brooks suddenly thought of someone—Philip Hall's son, Douglas Hall. Philip Hall died in the fourth year of Zhenguan, and his son Douglas Hall lost his support, much like himself. But this fellow brought disaster upon himself by siding with the Crown Prince Matthew Thompson, inciting rebellion in hopes of gaining merit by supporting a new emperor and restoring his father's glory.

The idea was good, but unfortunately, he ran into the even more reckless Matthew Thompson. The rebellion was exposed, and he was beheaded, along with Fang Er, Prince Han Benjamin Thompson, William Howard, and others. Matthew Thompson was demoted to commoner and exiled to Qianzhou, where he soon died.

This Douglas Hall was considered a close confidant of the Crown Prince. His sudden visit was probably related to the treasured sword. It was a good opportunity to make his position clear and avoid getting entangled in the struggle for the throne. He quickly instructed Helen: "Go tell Douglas Hall that I'm observing the treasured sword and comprehending a peerless fist technique. It's a critical moment, so it's inconvenient to receive guests."

It was sword technique before, now it's fist technique. The purpose was the same—to continuously increase the mystery and value of the treasured sword, making the bait more attractive. In a few days, he would find an opportunity to publicly display a fighting style completely different from this world to enhance credibility. By then, he would claim it was self-created from observing the treasured sword. He didn't believe the Wang family could resist.

The more realistic the trap, the more confusing it would be!

After Helen left, Henry Brooks first went to the west wing and saw Uncle Marshall still polishing that horse lance. Judging by the progress, it should be finished before nightfall. After a brief chat, he left and found Edward Grant to instruct him: "Uncle Grant, the residence may not be safe for a while, and we might not have enough people. Can you transfer some strong men from the estate?"

Edward Grant replied with some difficulty, "The spring wheat has just been harvested, and we still need to plow for other crops. We're really short-handed. How many do you need, young master? I'll try to arrange it."

"Forget it!"

Reminded by Edward Grant, Henry Brooks realized he couldn't spare any more people, lest it delay the farming. After thinking for a moment, a figure came to mind—Paul Rogers, son of Peter Rogers, grandson of Mark Rogers.

Peter Rogers was considered the most formidable general among the second generation of meritorious families, unmatched by his peers and highly favored by John Thompson, who adopted him as a godson. Later, due to the Princess Tulu incident, he was demoted from his "His Highness" title and forbidden from attending court. Paul Rogers was still young, and the prestige of the Duke of Yue's residence was waning.

As he grew older, Paul Rogers's martial talent became apparent. The Luo family's spear techniques were superb, reminiscent of his father. But with Peter Rogers in decline and no one in court willing to help, they gradually faded from the circle of nobility.

By seniority, William Brooks and Mark Rogers were cousins, and Henry Brooks and Peter Rogers were of the same generation, making Henry Brooks an elder to Paul Rogers. Paul Rogers was upright, loyal, brave, and obsessed with martial arts.

"Uncle Grant, send someone to the Luo residence and have Paul Rogers come here in secret."

As an old retainer, Edward Grant naturally knew of Paul Rogers's bravery. His eyes lit up and he hurried off.

Henry Brooks returned to the back courtyard to continue practicing spear techniques.

An hour later, Helen hurried over: "Young master, the steward asked me to report that the person has arrived."

"Have him wait in the study and serve tea."