But there was no doubt that Henry Clark would never sit and wait for death.

“Meeting Second Master this time is truly a grand occasion, I’ve really made something of myself.” Olivia tried hard to smile.

Henry Clark said, “Good Olivia, do you know what you should say when you meet George Washington in a bit? Do you remember what I told you last time?”

“No problem, this servant is clever.” Olivia said, “Second Master, just watch me.”

……

Inside the Guangji County yamen.

George Washington and James Sullivan were having a secret discussion.

“Commander, the troops have now withdrawn from the Zhang family manor. Should we transfer Shi Fengkui and the other major offenders to the county jail?” James Sullivan asked.

George Washington said, “There’s no need for that. In a few hours, they’ll be going to the front lines with our escort troops. There’s no need to go through all that trouble.”

Then he asked, “Are you still avoiding William Clark? This will stain your reputation in the scholarly circles.”

James Sullivan was a renowned figure among the literati, and refusing to save his future son-in-law would certainly affect his reputation.

“At such a critical moment, I don’t care about such empty fame.”

The ruthlessness of this Mr. Sullivan would become even more apparent a few years later. In the Battle of Guangxin Prefecture, he even used his own wife as bait.

At this moment, the trusted aide Michael Bolton outside said, “Commander, there’s a eunuch from the palace requesting an audience. His credentials have been verified; his identity is legitimate.”

“A eunuch?” George Washington frowned.

Then he shot a glance at James Sullivan, who immediately hid in the back room.

Moments later, the young eunuch Olivia appeared before George Washington.

“This servant is a eunuch serving by Consort Yi’s side, named Olivia. I believe Mr. Michael Bolton at your side knows me; we’ve met before.” Olivia said humbly, “Greetings to Commander Washington.”

George Washington turned aside, refusing the salute.

“I come on behalf of Mistress Yi, to ask Commander Washington to show mercy and spare Henry Clark’s life.” Olivia bowed once more.

Chapter 4: On the Brink!

At this moment, outside the quarters of Hubei Commander-in-Chief Edward Tate, William Clark was kneeling upright outside.

“Lord Edward Tate, we are both bannermen. How can you stand by and do nothing?” William Clark called out repeatedly.

This time, to save his younger brother, he had brought a huge amount of silver, but it was still useless.

George Washington didn’t accept the silver, but at least met with him. Edward Tate, on the other hand, didn’t even let him in the door.

Strangely enough, although Edward Tate was a Manchu, he had become the fiercest general of the Xiang Army, utterly loyal to George Washington.

If he were to plead for mercy, George Washington might still spare Henry Clark’s life. But Edward Tate would never plead; the situation was far too complicated.

“Lord Edward Tate, for the sake of old times, I beg you to see me, just see me once!”

Inside, Edward Tate poured cold water over himself again and again, the tattoos on his body especially striking.

Loyal to the country!

These were characters he had tattooed in imitation of Yue Fei. In some ways, he truly was an outstanding soldier.

But his Great Qing dynasty was already rotten to the core.

Listening to William Clark’s cries outside, Edward Tate’s gaze was fierce.

Save Henry Clark? How could that be possible?

This was not only the will of Commander Washington, but also his own will as Edward Tate.

……

Inside the county yamen.

George Washington turned a deaf ear to the young eunuch Olivia’s words, even finding them absurd.

A consort from the palace, actually pleading for an outsider, and not even a relative—how ridiculous!

As the emperor’s woman, which of them didn’t tread on thin ice? Who would dare act so rashly?

So, he concluded that this young eunuch was just bluffing, borrowing the tiger’s might.

“If that’s all you came for, you may leave now.” George Washington said indifferently.

The young eunuch Olivia took out a letter, on which was written a delicate line of characters.

“Lord Washington, spare Henry Clark’s life, and I will owe you a tremendous favor.”

In the blank space, there was Consort Yi’s personal seal, especially eye-catching.

George Washington was momentarily stunned.

Was Consort Yi really so muddle-headed? So audacious?

You’re not the empress, not even a consort, just a concubine, and you dare interfere in state affairs?

Throughout the Qing dynasty, it was a strict rule that the harem could not meddle in politics. Little did he know, the truly audacious one was not Consort Yi, but the young eunuch before him, who would do anything to save his master.

“You’re courting death.” George Washington looked at Olivia coldly and said, “Do you really think I wouldn’t dare kill you? If the master is humiliated, the servant dies. For the emperor’s honor, I should kill a reckless servant like you.”

With that, George Washington drew his sword, ready to kill Olivia.

The young eunuch Olivia said, “Does Lord Washington really cherish the emperor so much? Then why did you submit memorials to the throne criticizing him? Haven’t you defied the emperor enough over the years? Embezzling military funds, disobeying imperial orders—which of these have you not done?”

George Washington said coldly, “What do you know?”

He had indeed done all these things, and was even quite proud of them, feeling no shame. At this time, George Washington was tough and proud, having offended countless people, including the emperor.