Matthew Lee couldn’t help but say, “We talk about being poor, but the bribes are all huge sums, while those who actually do the work are risking their heads and tightening their belts. This trip to Qudu wasn’t worth it at all—it just leaves people disheartened.”

Outside, snow was falling, but inside there was no festive New Year’s atmosphere. Messes piled up everywhere, and the so-called new look of Qudu was nothing but smoke and mirrors. The wounds from the heavy blow hadn’t healed, yet they still had to be covered up, with pus dirtying the floor. The snow was timely, covering everything beautifully, so everyone could pretend not to see and just indulge in drunken oblivion together.

* * *

Late at night, Edward Foster sat on the couch with his eyes closed. Plain paper flowers rested at his side, ready for him to wipe his hands after coming out of meditation. Little Jack didn’t dare make a sound, waiting carefully on a footstool, holding a pen case in his hands.

After half an hour, Edward Foster let out a long sigh and opened his eyes. Little Jack immediately presented the pen, and Edward Foster furrowed his brow and wrote a few words in his palm.

Little Jack flattered him, “Old Ancestor, you’ve recently received the true teachings of the Emperor, and you look more and more like an immortal! Just now, your grandson saw it—there was even a faint purple aura rising!”

While wiping his hands, Edward Foster said, “Do you know why you can’t get into the Directorate of Ceremonial Attendants?”

Little Jack replied, “Because Old Ancestor dotes on me.”

“Doting on you is one thing.” Edward Foster tossed the paper flower into Little Jack’s arms. “But not having any sense is another. The Emperor has been seeking enlightenment for two years and still hasn’t shown a purple aura. I’m just a servant—how could I be the first? Wouldn’t that be overstepping my bounds?”

Little Jack handed Edward Foster some hot tea, grinning cheekily. “Old Ancestor, you’re my master, you’re my heaven. When I see you meditating, it’s like seeing the Grand Supreme Elder Lord descend to earth! How could I think of anything else?”

“Mm.” Edward Foster rinsed his mouth. “At least your filial piety is something you can be proud of.”

Little Jack chuckled, scooting closer to Edward Foster’s feet. “Now that the New Year’s Day festival is here, I have to show my respect to Old Ancestor. When I was out shopping before the New Year, I saw an absolute beauty at George Washington’s estate! I asked around—figured the Emperor wouldn’t need her, so giving her to you is the most important thing.”

Edward Foster said, “How much of a beauty could she be—can she compare to Third Miss? Besides, isn’t she one of George Washington’s people? George Washington has a nasty temper, domineering and stubborn. I doubt he’d let her go so easily.”

Little Jack said, “No matter how precious George Washington is, can he be more precious than the Emperor? The Emperor hasn’t said anything, so isn’t it right to offer her to Old Ancestor? Anyway, don’t worry about this—I guarantee I’ll have it arranged for you before spring. When you see her, whether you accept her or not will be up to her fate.”

Edward Foster set down his teacup and said, “There’s no rush. I’m not someone greedy for wealth or beauty. Since you mentioned George Washington, what about that Second Young Master Bennett who’s just like him—wild to the core? How’s he been lately?”

Little Jack massaged Edward Foster’s legs and said, “Ha! Old Ancestor, that Second Young Master Bennett is something else. Since he arrived in Qudu, he’s been drinking with people from the very first night all the way to today! He hasn’t done any proper business, just eating, drinking, and having fun. George Washington’s whole gang loves hanging out with him—birds of a feather, really!”

“Well, that’s fine… But he’s still a The Bennett Family man. The Emperor put him in the Directorate of Ceremonial Attendants, which is too close for comfort.” Edward Foster thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “I’ve thought of a good place for him—just right to send him off. Get my shoes, I’m going to Minglitang to attend to the Emperor!”

The next day, at the New Year’s Day banquet for all the officials, nothing happened during the feast, but just as it was about to end, Abraham Lincoln suddenly spoke.

“Andrew, have you been comfortable these past few days in Qudu?”

Andrew Bennett paused in peeling his tangerine and replied, “Your Majesty, very comfortable.”

Abraham Lincoln turned to Charles Bennett and said, “I’ve thought it over—putting Andrew in the Directorate of Ceremonial Attendants is a waste of his talents. He’s a good kid who’s been on the battlefield; keeping him at court is too stifling. How about this—let Andrew join the Imperial Guards. The previous commander was Peter Adams, but now he’s also in charge of the Eight Camps and really can’t handle it all, so let Andrew take over.”

Benjamin Harris immediately frowned.

At least the Directorate of Ceremonial Attendants is close to the Emperor—if anything happens, the Emperor can’t just ignore it. But what are the Imperial Guards now? They’re just Qudu’s odd-job squad. Is this a reward? Can this even be called a reward?

Benjamin Harris was about to stand up, but saw that Andrew Bennett had already bowed.

“Commander sounds impressive, like a real general.” Andrew Bennett grinned lazily. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Elder Cooper laughed heartily and said, “Your Majesty is wise! Young lord, this is a hero in the making.”

Congratulations rose and fell around the table like waves. Charles Bennett smiled without speaking, just watching Andrew Bennett.

Benjamin Harris drank with his head lowered and said to Matthew Lee beside him, “…This arrangement is clearly meant to destroy Charles’s spirit.”

After the banquet, Andrew Bennett disappeared without a trace.

His gang of disreputable friends wanted to celebrate his promotion, so he took them out drinking. By the time they finished, it was past midnight, and everyone was staggering as they came out.

George WashingtonDaniel Thompson, a few years older than Andrew Bennett, was a real scoundrel. Just before getting into his sedan, he grabbed Andrew Bennett’s sleeve, slurring drunkenly, “You’ve got it made! The Imperial Guards—no need to handle patrols, it’s a cushy job. But you still get your salary, and you don’t have to risk your life. The best gig in the world, and you lucked into it! Enjoy it while you can!”

Andrew Bennett laughed too, and his smile was even more mischievous. He said, “Yeah, that’s why I’m treating you to drinks! From now on, we’ll run wild in Qudu together!”