Two more days passed, and several palace guards were executed. Their blood-soaked corpses were transported at night to The Smith Family, frightening David Smith so much that he fainted on the spot.

When he awoke, David Smith sat dazed in the ancestral hall. After dawn, he wrote a letter of apology to His Majesty, over a thousand words long.

After submitting this eloquent and moving letter of apology, David Smith anxiously waited in his residence for news from the palace. His eldest son already held an official post at court, but his abilities were mediocre, and he was still lingering at the lower ranks, though at least there was hope for advancement.

But now, the whole family knew everything was ruined.

The eldest son’s face was grave; no one looked well.

Charles Smith was being cared for in his room as he recovered from his injuries. At such a time, no one in the family could reproach him, but resentment lingered in their hearts.

Why was he bold enough to trespass into the palace?

That was the imperial palace! The Inner Court! The place where His Majesty resided—how could Charles Smith dare?!

David Smith looked haggard. He had never experienced anything like this in his life. The current emperor was kind to his ministers, especially close to him, yet now, even if he wished to see His Majesty, he could not even enter the palace gates.

No one knew how much time had passed before someone from the palace finally arrived.

The imperial envoy’s expression was indifferent. After exchanging a few polite words with Grand Tutor David Smith, who came leaning on a cane, he spoke bluntly: “His Majesty is considerate of the Grand Tutor’s health. Now that Young Master Smith is gravely injured, everyone at The Smith Family should be busy caring for Young Master Smith. In that case, there is no need to attend the Lantern Festival banquet at the palace.”

Those who could attend the palace banquet were at the very center of political power in the entire Great Heng dynasty. Now that The Smith Family was not allowed to attend, didn’t that mean they were being excluded from the center of political power?

At these words, everyone’s expression froze. David Smith’s hand trembled violently. He knelt shakily to the ground, choking out, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness.”

His Majesty was truly angry this time.

The kneeling members of The Smith Family recognized the reality before them more clearly than ever.

Having angered His Majesty, did The Smith Family have any future left?

Author’s note:

Fifty red envelopes will be given out this chapter. Tomorrow, there will be a garden stroll and a beauty to share the bed.

————

Thank you to the little angels who cast overlord tickets or watered with nutrient solution for me between 2020-07-16 18:00:00 and 2020-07-17 18:00:00~

Thank you to the little angel who threw a landmine: 远远的, 1;

Thank you to the little angels who watered with nutrient solution: 暮雨亦成詩, 20 bottles; 醉生梦死, 左右少爷, Taoist, 10 bottles; 想花钱, 一许深情, 6 bottles; 绥喻而安, 5 bottles; 祭兮, 3 bottles; 杰森, 2 bottles; firefly, 44609937, 白花花的花花, 甜甜的肖先生啊, 一条镀金小咸鱼, 1 bottle each;

Thank you all so much for your support! I will keep working hard!

Chapter 6

The Lantern Festival arrived quickly. That day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh. There was no morning court, so the ministers rested at home during the first half of the day. After the hottest part of the day had passed, they would stroll through the imperial gardens with His Majesty.

Brian Clark slept until noon. After washing up and finishing lunch, he found that ministers were already waiting outside.

The bedchamber had prepared the latest spring garments. Brian Clark chose a crescent-moon white robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, and draped a blue-patterned cloak over it, walking out of the bedchamber with a beaming smile.

The ministers, accompanied by their sons, bowed to Brian Clark: “Long live Your Majesty.”

Well-rested, Brian Clark was full of energy. The corners of his lips curled up as he said in a clear voice, “Rise.”

The rare flowers and exotic plants in the garden had bloomed after the recent spring rains. The palace attendants had tended them day and night, so even trees that shouldn’t be green at this time of year were especially vibrant.

The sun was bright today, and the palace attendants had watered the grounds in advance. The delicate flowers were adorned with droplets of water, making them look their most beautiful.

Surrounding His Majesty were members of the imperial clan and ministers. The sons brought by the ministers trailed behind; they couldn’t even catch a glimpse of His Majesty’s robe, let alone see him.

Owen Reed was among those trailing behind the ministers. He and Ethan Cooper gradually walked together, the two of them strolling unhurriedly, as if they were simply there to admire the flowers.

Seeing that there weren’t many people around, Ethan Cooper asked, “Where’s the handkerchief you picked up?”

Owen Reed clasped his hands behind his back, standing tall and handsome, looking every bit the gentleman. He replied carelessly, “I burned it to ashes.”

Ethan Cooper teased, “I thought you’d take the chance today to return the handkerchief to its owner.”

Owen Reed acted as if he’d heard a funny joke. “Once it’s in my hands, it’s mine. Why would I return it?”

Just as Ethan Cooper was about to speak, a commotion arose ahead. It turned out that an official had a sudden inspiration and composed an excellent spring poem, causing a small stir.

A palace attendant recorded it and then read it aloud. After listening, Ethan Cooper couldn’t help but clap and praise, “What a fine poem!”

Owen Reed: “Your father is counting on you to stand out today. Why not take this chance to recite one of your own poems?”

Ethan Cooper shook his head immediately. Owen Reed’s lips curled up. He fell a step behind, then kicked Ethan Cooper, causing him to stumble forward. An official recognized him and, laughing, made way. “When it comes to poetry, the young master of the Chang family must not be left out.”