Ryan Carter and Andrew Bennett looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Second Young Master, it’s only been two years—why so distant!”

Andrew Bennett pointed to the sword at his waist and said, “I’m carrying a blade, so I count as half a soldier.”

Ryan Carter pretended to notice for the first time and laughed along, “Nice blade! Second Young Master, you’ve had a hard journey escorting the emperor this time. After we meet His Majesty, let’s have a drink tonight!”

Andrew Bennett looked a bit regretful and gestured for Ryan Carter to look at the deputy general Matthew Lee following behind him. “Big Brother sent someone to keep an eye on me. How could I really enjoy drinking like this? Give me a few days to recover, and I’ll treat you.”

Matthew Lee gave Ryan Carter a salute with an expressionless face.

Ryan Carter smiled in response and said to Andrew Bennett, “Then let’s head into the palace first. The honor guard is still waiting.”

The two chatted and laughed as they walked into the palace together. Matthew Lee followed behind, glancing at William Sullivan as they left. The nearby imperial guards understood and dragged William Sullivan back again.

Ryan Carter watched as Andrew Bennett entered the palace. Only when he was surrounded by his own men did he spit on the ground in frustration. The smile vanished from his face, leaving only a belly full of complaints.

He had thought this rascal was usually reckless and bold, so killing someone would be nothing out of the ordinary. Who would have guessed this fool was actually cunning, going easy and letting William Sullivan off with just a kick.

* * *

Andrew Bennett entered the palace, and Matthew Lee handed him a handkerchief, which he used to wipe his hands as he walked.

Matthew Lee said in a low voice, “Young Master, that kick just now was too risky. If that dog Sullivan remnant had died on the spot, the Empress Dowager would likely have been displeased.”

Andrew Bennett’s smile faded, his brows darkening. He had just come off the battlefield, unable to hide his murderous aura, which made the eunuch leading the way ahead too afraid to listen in.

Andrew Bennett said coldly, “I meant to kick him to death. Old Dog Sullivan made Zhongbo run with blood like a river. The soldiers in the Chashi sinkhole took half a month to bury, and still weren’t done. Now the Hua family wants to protect this old dog’s remnant for personal reasons—how could things go so smoothly in this world? Besides, Big Brother made a forced march of a thousand miles, and after this battle, there’s no more reward to be had. I’ve already reached the top in Li Bei, and I’m already a thorn in the Empress Dowager’s side.”

Matthew Lee said, “The heir always says that when the moon is full, it will wane. This reward banquet in Qudu is likely a Hongmen Banquet. Young Master, the army is stationed a hundred miles outside Qudu, and the city is full of the aristocratic families’ spies. Now is absolutely not the time for rash action.”

Andrew Bennett tossed the handkerchief back to Matthew Lee and said, “Got it.”

“Is Ah Ye here?”

Abraham Lincoln was feeding his parrot.

The feathered creature was sharp and clever, and echoed Abraham Lincoln’s words, opening its beak to say, “Ah Ye is here! Ah Ye is here! Ah Ye greets His Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Long live! Long live! Long, long live!”

Charles Bennett held a dish of feed and replied, “He should be here.”

“Two years, right?” Abraham Lincoln teased the parrot. “I haven’t seen him in two years. That boy takes after your father—he’s shot up fast, probably even taller than you by now.”

Charles Bennett said, “He is taller, but he’s still a child at heart, always causing trouble at home.”

Abraham Lincoln wanted to say something, but started coughing. Edward Foster served tea at his side. Abraham Lincoln sipped to soothe his throat, but before he could continue, he heard the announcement that Andrew Bennett had arrived.

“Let him in,” Abraham Lincoln sat back in his chair, resting one arm. “Come in and let me have a look at you.”

A eunuch carefully lifted the curtain, and Andrew Bennett stepped through the door. He knelt on the cold floor, bowing to Abraham Lincoln in greeting.

Abraham Lincoln smiled and said, “Good lad, wearing armor and looking very imposing. I heard that two years ago, when the twelve tribes of Biansha raided the supply lines and border posts, you performed admirably and even captured a few people, didn’t you?”

Andrew Bennett smiled and said, “Your Majesty flatters me. I did catch a few, but they were just some common soldiers.”

Two years ago, when the twelve tribes of Biansha raided the supply lines north of the pass, Andrew Bennett led troops into his first battle, only to be beaten badly by the Biansha warriors. It was Charles Bennett who cleaned up the mess. The story became a joke that year, and Andrew Bennett became widely known as a fool.

Seeing him like this, Abraham Lincoln became even more gentle. “You’re still young, but already skilled at riding and fighting. But your big brother is one of the four great generals of our Zhou dynasty, so I’m sure he’s taught you a lot about military strategy. Charles, I see that Ah Ye is very motivated, so don’t be too strict with him.”

Charles Bennett acknowledged this.

Abraham Lincoln continued, “This time, the Li Bei cavalry saved the throne, and besides yesterday’s grand reward, today I want to give Ah Ye a little something extra.”

Charles Bennett stood and bowed. “Your Majesty’s favor is his good fortune. However, he has not yet achieved any real merit—how could he accept such a great reward?”

Abraham Lincoln paused and said, “You made a forced march of a thousand miles, crossed the frozen river at night—your merit is immeasurable. This time, not just Ah Ye, but even your wife Olivia Harris, I intend to reward. Ah Ye, Li Bei is a crucial borderland, but you’re young, and staying there too long must be dull. Now I want you to come to Qudu and serve as the lively Commander of the Imperial Chariots. Are you willing?”

Andrew Bennett had been bowing his head motionless, but at these words, he looked up and said, “If it’s Your Majesty’s reward, of course I’m willing. My whole family are warriors, and we can’t even find a place to listen to music. Now that I’m in Qudu, I’ll be so happy I won’t want to go home.”

Abraham Lincoln burst out laughing. “You rascal, I want you to serve as a guard, but all you think about is having fun! If your father heard you say that, you’d never escape a beating.”