So, his name really is “Treacherous Minister.”

Well, what a fucking provocative name!

·

After the third toll of the bell and drum.

Edward Harris arrived just in time to enter the hall.

He stood in line with the other officials, entering the hall to pay respects, loudly shouting “Long live His Majesty” in sync with the others, and while rising, he secretly glanced up at the throne.

A living, breathing emperor.

Let him take a good look.

His gaze swept across the court, and he saw the young emperor wearing a jade crown, his face uncovered by ceremonial beads. His features were cold and distant, looking just past the age of adulthood, yet his entire bearing seemed as if he had long since passed thirty.

Like an ancient, sharp sword.

Just one look made your heart race.

Edward Harris was secretly sizing him up when the emperor, seated high on the dragon throne, suddenly turned his gaze, seemingly sweeping in his direction.

His heart skipped a beat, and he instantly dropped his eyes!

Over twenty years of survival experience: never make eye contact with the teacher in class.

The Minister of Rites’ voice continued steadily at the front, and after a few moments, the gaze that had fallen on him subtly shifted away.

……

The new emperor received the imperial seal and granted amnesty to the realm.

The final part of the grand ceremony was the rewarding of officials.

The chief eunuch Brian Clark stood at the front, holding the imperial edict, his thin voice echoing through the Golden Throne Hall.

Edward Harris was standing in line, spacing out, when suddenly he heard a familiar and provocative name: “Reader-in-Attendance Henry Harris——”

Edward Harris took two seconds to react: Who’s being so disrespectful?

Then he realized: Oh, that’s him.

“Henry Harris is virtuous and talented, with exceptional literary skill, and was promoted by the late emperor’s decree…” Suddenly, Brian Clark’s voice changed, “Your—Your Majesty?”

Edward Harris: ?

Edward Harris looked up and saw the emperor above actually standing up.

The hall instantly fell silent.

William Thompson stood atop the hall, his gaze passing through the court and landing directly on the figure ahead—Henry Harris.

The minister personally appointed by the late emperor to assist in governance, who later colluded with the empress’s family, embezzled grain funds, framed loyal officials, and committed treason… His faction’s reach was so wide it riddled the entire Cheng dynasty with holes.

The scene of ten thousand arrows flying before the Golden Throne Hall was just yesterday.

William Thompson’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward.

In the solemn court, the newly enthroned emperor walked down step by step, stopping right in front of Edward Harris.

Their eyes met, and a flash of murderous intent appeared in those cold, sharp eyes.

Edward Harris: ……

????? What’s going on?

There was no time to figure out the emperor’s sudden murderous intent before a large hand suddenly shot up—

His heart blared with alarm!

The fierce palm was about to strike him when, under the watchful eyes of the officials, Edward Harris suddenly collapsed to the ground! His face was as pale as snow, the corners of his eyes red, like a delicate little white flower trembling in the wind.

“……”

The officials snapped out of it and cried out in alarm, “Your Majesty, spare him!”

“Your Majesty, why are you doing this!”

“Mr. Harris will be beaten to death—”

The last line, no one knew which trusted official shouted it, but the word “death” was drawn out so long it nearly cracked.

William Thompson, who hadn’t even touched him: ?

He lowered his eyes, expressionless, looking at the man collapsed before him.

Edward Harris looked up after his act, meeting a pair of deep, heavy eyes.

“……” He wiped the corners of his eyes again, bracing himself and bowing his head, “Your servant is so fragile.” Sob.

William Thompson: ………

The wrist exposed from Edward Harris’s wide sleeve was pale and thin, supporting his frail figure. Strands of hair fell down, and the red mole on his ear, set off by his crimson robe, made him look heartbreakingly beautiful.

He looked every bit the picture of someone who had suffered abuse.

William Thompson’s hand, which had missed its target, trembled slightly. Furious, he let out a cold laugh:

Well. What a treacherous minister indeed.

·

Edward Harris was hanging his head, trembling slightly, when a faint, cold laugh fell from above: Heh.

“……” He immediately started coughing his lungs out.

The next moment, a large hand gripped his arm. A strong force pulled him up from the ground—

To call it “helping up” was more like a clamp.

Once steady, Edward Harris looked up and met William Thompson’s incomparably handsome face. His deep features were like finely carved jade, betraying no emotion.

William Thompson lowered his lashes, one hand pressing on Edward Harris’s shoulder.

His thumb pressed through the fabric against the thin shoulder, pointedly tapping, “David Harris’s body really is frail—just a pat on the shoulder and you collapse.”

Edward Harris gave a weak smile, “……”

Are you kidding me.

I almost got slapped into the next world by you.

The touch lasted only a moment before William Thompson withdrew his hand and turned back to the throne as if nothing had happened. “Brian Clark, continue reading.”

Brian Clark hurriedly bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The tense atmosphere in the hall eased a little.

Brian Clark continued, “By the late emperor’s decree, promoted to Grand Academician of Diligent Study, thus decreed—”

Edward Harris, “…Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”

…

The long enthronement ceremony finally ended.

The officials returned to their residences, waiting to re-enter the palace for the evening banquet.

As William Thompson’s figure disappeared behind the hall, Edward Harris’s colleagues immediately swarmed around him!

“Mr. Harris truly has the emperor’s favor—first the late emperor’s decree, now His Majesty’s praise.”