“Every incense stick’s time, throw one, then after another incense stick, throw another one... kept throwing until dawn. Every time I threw, every time the person was awake!”

  Eleanor murmured softly, “Mr. Harris’s health, I’m afraid it’s really taken a turn for the worse...”

  The imperial study fell into silence.

  William Thompson looked at the loyal Jinyiwei kneeling at his feet, his expression complicated, unable to speak for a long time.

  Author’s note:

  Edward Harris, dazed: Who is it, knocking on my window?

  William Thompson: ...It has nothing to do with me.

  Note: “There was never a road in this world...” is from Lu Xun.

Chapter 6 Digging a Pit for Sure

  That very day, Eric Young went to hire ten guards for the residence.

  After catching up on his sleep, Edward Harris woke up, opened the door, and saw ten burly men surrounding his courtyard. For a moment, he almost thought some ritual was being performed.

  Eric Young presented them, “Sir, is this alright?”

  Edward Harris clapped his hands, “Very good, very good.”

  Whether it was the effect of the ten guardians, or the little thief had finally been worn out by him, for the next two days, the other party seemed not to show up again.

  Instead, the next day, the palace suddenly sent over some tonics.

  Brian Clark brought the imperial edict and rewards, smiling as he cupped his hands to Edward Harris, “Sir, you must take good care and recover soon. Don’t let down His Majesty’s grace.”

  Edward Harris sighed inwardly at the unpredictability of the emperor’s heart.

  At first meeting, he had clearly wanted him dead, but now he was keeping him around and even sending medicine. Whether it was for show or for some other reason, for now it seemed William Thompson didn’t want his life.

  “Your subject thanks His Majesty for his grace.”

  As he bowed in thanks, his lashes drooped, a faint blue under his eyes, looking every bit the sickly patient.

  Brian Clark exclaimed in concern, “Sir, have you not rested well?”

  Edward Harris shook his head, “I haven’t slept all night.”

  “What’s the reason? Have you seen a doctor?”

  “It’s nothing.” Edward Harris certainly couldn’t say it was because he was wrestling with a petty thief, so he changed the subject, “It’s just that I worry about His Majesty, and can’t sleep day or night.”

  Brian Clark smiled reassuringly, dusting off his whisk, “This servant will be sure to convey your loyalty.”

  Edward Harris gave a polite smile.

  He could, but there was no need.

  After sending off the palace attendants, the maid Grace sorted through the tonics with a happy face, “His Majesty is so good to you, sir! These are all top-quality ingredients! I’ll pick some to make soup for you right away.”

  Edward Harris nodded with his hands in his sleeves, then added, “Just pick some for today, no need for tomorrow.”

  Eric Young asked, “Does sir have something to do tomorrow?”

  Edward Harris gazed outside the residence, “Mm, going to freeload.”

  ...

  The agreed time with Jason Grant was the next day.

  Before leaving, Eric Young draped a cloak over Edward Harris while nagging, “It’s good to get out for a walk... but you absolutely must not drink again, and don’t catch a chill.”

  Edward Harris fastened the cloud-patterned cloak with white silver threads, the red clothes underneath bright and dashing. Though his face still showed some illness, it didn’t diminish his looks—instead, it gave him a unique allure.

  He seemed thoughtful at her words, as if inspired.

  Eric Young grew alert, “Don’t even think about it!”

  Edward Harris gave up, “Alright, alright, I know.”

  The carriage made its way through the bustling streets, stopping beneath Wanghe Tower.

  Wanghe Tower was in the prosperous southern part of the city, the street in front teeming with people and traffic. Inside, guests came and went, a lively scene.

  Edward Harris lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage.

  His crimson clothes and white cloak made him stand out in the crowd. As soon as he appeared, a waiter hurried over to welcome him, “This way, honored guest!”

  Edward Harris gave Jason Grant’s name, and was quickly led to a private room on the second floor.

  Inside, Jason Grant was already waiting.

  The window was wide open, and he was gazing out into the cold wind.

  Edward Harris shivered as the cold wind hit him, clutching his cloak and staring at Jason Grant, “An ambush on all sides? A Hongmen Banquet?”

  “...” Jason Grant raised his hand and closed the window.

  The room finally warmed up, and Edward Harris took a seat, unceremoniously ordering a large table of dishes.

  Once the food was served, the door was closed.

  Edward Harris rubbed his hands, eagerly picking up his chopsticks, “What’s the matter, calling me out like this?”

  Jason Grant didn’t touch his chopsticks, looking as if he had no appetite. “You haven’t attended court these past few days, so you don’t know—things have been turned upside down.”

  Edward Harris busied himself eating, signaling with his eyes for him to continue.

  Jason Grant said, “His Majesty ascended the throne and issued several new decrees... The decrees are good, but which one doesn’t cost money? All five ministries are asking the Ministry of Revenue for funds. My father, as Minister of Revenue, can’t come up with the money and has been impeached these past few days.”

  Edward Harris was surprised, “The national treasury is that empty? Where did the money go?”

  He had seen the bustling, prosperous streets and thought Dacheng must have a full treasury.

  Jason Grant’s face turned a bit awkward.

  “...” Edward Harris paused, suddenly finding the food tasteless, looking at the table as if it were stolen goods.

  He silently put down his chopsticks and scooted back a little.

  Jason Grant grew annoyed at the look, “What’s with that look? My father didn’t embezzle! Eat your food!”

  Edward Harris picked up his chopsticks again, half believing, half doubting, “Then where did the money go? If he didn’t embezzle, why not report it?”

  Jason Grant shook his head in frustration, “It’s tied to the struggle for the throne... Remember the rumor I told you about?”