"Alright, everyone get up." David Walker happily put his hands on his hips, flamboyantly directing, "Those coming off duty in front, night shift at the back, line up properly, don't push or shove."

"Yes." The palace attendants responded in unison, joyfully lining up to receive their rewards.

The things looted from Changyang Palace looked like a lot, but with over a hundred people, once divided, each person didn't get much.

But for the people of Changyang Palace, who had lost their master, suffered endless oppression, and endured all kinds of hardships, this little reward meant a great deal.

It showed that their Highness cared about them and understood their difficulties.

Moreover, the fact that their Highness managed to extort the notoriously wicked Consort Ding—and succeeded—proved that although their master was young, their abilities were anything but small!

In such difficult times, seeing a glimmer of hope was more important than anything.

David Walker was so happy he kept wiping away tears. Ever since Her Ladyship was sent to the Cold Palace, he had exhausted himself trying to keep up morale in Wan'an Palace. But he himself was just a servant; his status meant his efforts were bound to yield little result.

Seeing the whole palace's morale plummet and people about to scatter, he had been so worried he cried into his handkerchief every night. He never expected that at this critical moment, His Highness would suddenly grow up overnight and turn the situation around with a single move.

Truly, heaven never seals off all exits, and the earth is full of kindness!

...

Tired of the endless voices expressing gratitude, James Johnson turned and entered the main hall.

Ethan Brooks hurried in after, serving His Highness as he changed clothes and washed his hands, preparing for dinner.

"Why didn't you go get your share?" James Johnson sat on the imperial concubine's couch, lifting his foot to make it easier for Ethan Brooks to remove his boots.

"No rush, this servant will serve Your Highness first." Ethan Brooks shook her head with a gentle smile, helping His Highness change into soft-soled satin shoes embroidered with cloud patterns.

James Johnson suddenly realized—she was his chief palace maid; who would dare withhold her reward? Surely it would be delivered to her quarters in full, maybe even extra, so she had nothing to worry about.

After dinner, David Walker came in to report that the rewards had all been distributed and asked His Highness to rest assured.

Even now, he couldn't contain his excitement and kept praising His Highness endlessly.

"This is just the beginning! Consort Ding has already agreed to make up all the arrears for this year, and the rewards due before the New Year will be given out in advance as well." James Johnson took the millet porridge offered by Ethan Brooks, slurping it down as he spoke unclearly:

"Keep an eye on this matter. If they dare not give it, I'll go find Consort Ding myself."

"Ah, Your Highness is truly heroic!" David Walker's eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Parrot? You're more like a myna bird." James Johnson burst out laughing. "It's just that Consort Ding is kind-hearted and indulges me as a child, that's all."

"Since Consort Ding is being so generous, does that mean our Lady might be coming back soon?" David Walker asked hopefully.

"It's possible." James Johnson nodded slightly, pretending to be deep in thought. But his chubby cheeks and the little millet grain stuck to his face made it hard for him to pull off the effect.

"Really?" Ethan Brooks couldn't help but exclaim softly, quickly apologizing and bowing her head, using a fragrant handkerchief to wipe His Highness's mouth.

"Woo woo, that's wonderful, Your Highness!" Mr. Walker cried even harder, tears streaming down his face. "Her Ladyship is truly blessed. To turn misfortune into blessing this time is all thanks to Your Highness!"

"We can't be too optimistic yet, and besides, I'm not that amazing." James Johnson grinned, his thick eyebrows arching, feigning modesty.

"Even this old servant knows that Consort Ding's change of heart must be because Your Highness found her weak spot." Mr. Walker raised his hand in a delicate gesture, giving a thumbs up.

"It's not a weak spot, it's a weak hand," James Johnson sighed, looking at his slightly red and swollen left hand, his thoughts drifting back to earlier in the main hall, when he was caned by Benjamin Lee...

Chapter 13: I Admit There Was an Element of Gambling

That morning, after James Johnson taught Prince Qi to write the character 'one'...

Benjamin Lee, holding the imperial ruler, brought Prince Chu to the library, entering the duty room at the east end.

Because of his status as a prince, even though the Emperor had specially permitted corporal punishment, the offense had to be clearly stated, and only after repeated admonishments failed could a light punishment be administered in a private room.

These tedious and pretentious rules fully reflected Mr. Johnson's contradictory mindset—afraid of not teaching his son well, yet also afraid of his son suffering.

"Your Highness, this is the second time this old minister has warned you. Please respect your teacher and observe discipline. Don't say I didn't warn you!" So at first, Benjamin Lee only intended to scare the little chubby boy into behaving.

"Sir, the seventh prince has already admitted it was he who pushed me into the water." James Johnson persisted.

"Children's words don't count." Benjamin Lee wasn't surprised; this explained the prince's floor calligraphy. "Copy the school rules ten times and hand them in tomorrow morning!"

"With your wisdom, sir, you know it was him." James Johnson pouted. He knew Benjamin Lee's words applied to himself as well, so persuading him to testify was the key to everything.

"I'm old and muddled, I don't know." Benjamin Lee refused to engage. "Twenty times."

"Please, sir." James Johnson put his little hands together, pleading pitifully, "I'm not doing this for the seventh prince, but to save my mother. Sir, you taught me 'filial piety comes first among all virtues.' How can I sit by while my mother suffers in the Cold Palace?"