In Henderson Village, lanterns were hung and festive decorations adorned every corner. The entire village was buzzing with excitement—Eugene Henderson was marrying the mute girl. The villagers now understood everything about Eugene’s past; no one spoke of it openly. Eugene’s plan to go to Charlesburg and turn the generals was put on hold for now.
Meanwhile, Zane Zhuang carried a letter personally written by Henry Henderson and headed to Charlesburg. The plan still needed to go forward, but it could only be delayed. Eugene had also come to terms with the situation: at the very least, he must fulfill his filial duty and leave descendants for the Henderson Family. His elder brother, Edward Henderson, though married, remained childless. His sister-in-law, now nearly forty, could no longer bear children.
This was one of Henry Henderson’s many worries. The second son, General Henderson, had died without leaving any heirs. The family’s legacy needed to be passed on. Under such pressure, Henry Henderson finally agreed to let his son go to Charlesburg.
For a moment, the gloom that had hung over the Hendersons seemed to lift with Eugene’s wedding. Just a few days ago, Victor Fan had arrived at the Hendersons’ home.
He’d already heard about Eugene Henderson’s situation from Zane Zhuang. Seeing Eugene’s transformation, Victor Fan was comforted. Victor knew all too well: Arthur Jian’s current actions were leading the Cao Kingdom to its doom. Lord Charles now sided with Qi and Lu, and the Yan Kingdom would never let matters rest. With Lord Charles’s attitude, it was only a matter of time.
Victor Fan’s two sons were already in their early teens. He had decided, one last time, to build a foundation for his sons. Then, once all his responsibilities were fulfilled, he would join Xishi in death.
Now, Victor Fan’s only worry was Eugene Henderson. Although Eugene had temporarily abandoned his plans, one day, he would still go to Charlesburg.
The Johnson Family had arrived as well. After Noah Johnson led a group over, he searched for Zane Zhuang, but could not find him anywhere.
"Zane has something to attend to and has stepped out for now."
Facing Noah Johnson’s questions, Victor Fan gave a simple explanation. It had been nearly a year since Noah had seen his son, but now he only asked casually; the longing that used to show on his face was gone.
Victor Fan was still worried about something deep down. After a brief chat with Noah Johnson, Noah followed Victor to meet Eugene Henderson. After some pleasantries, they got down to business.
"Boss Yin, our influence in Charlesburg is starting to face resistance. For now, we must act together. So I hope the Henderson Family can quickly reach out to all the generals in Charlesburg. If things change, we can raise troops immediately."
There was a trace of ruthlessness on Noah Johnson’s face, but Victor Fan only smiled faintly.
"Arthur Jian is nothing to worry about. He’ll collapse on his own."
Previously, the Cao Kingdom had been a subordinate of Jin, but as Jin and Yan clashed over the years, Jin’s power waned. Lord Charles, seeking freedom, began currying favor with Yan, Qi, and Lu. He hoped to choose the strongest patron among them, and for years, he’s maneuvered between the three.
Victor Fan had heard from Noah Johnson about Lord Charles’s title in Cao Kingdom. He killed his own brother, Lord Victor Charles, to seize the throne. This secret was accomplished with the support of the Johnson and Henderson families—a matter never spoken of.
Officially, it was said that Lord Victor Charles died of illness, but in truth, he perished in a palace struggle. That’s why Victor Fan believed the Hendersons were safe for now. Lord Charles was old and confused, but he feared this secret, so he hadn’t yet acted against the Hendersons. If word got out, he’d be trapped.
In Cao Kingdom, another power existed—Lord Charles’s nephew, James Charles.
James Charles was exceptionally capable and employed many strategists. Today, the Johnsons hoped to win the Hendersons’ support, so both families could join James Charles. This would strengthen their position and give them legitimacy if trouble arose.
"Heh, Mr. Johnson, always the businessman. Since King Cyrus hasn’t made a move, you’re switching sides now?"
Henry Henderson looked angry, but Noah Johnson just laughed.
"Boss Yin, this is hugely advantageous for us. We can’t ignore King Cyrus, but right now, the Hendersons probably can’t hold out much longer."
Everyone knew what it meant when the envoy from Charlesburg arrived with a large contingent of soldiers on the wedding day—they were here to watch the Hendersons’ every move.
"As for taking action, Boss Yin, I hope you can contact the generals in Charlesburg as soon as possible."
Noah Johnson brought up the matter again. After a long discussion, there was no conclusion, and as the banquet began, Noah left early.
Victor Fan wore a troubled expression, and Henry Henderson also sensed something was off.
"Zhuzi, what do you think is wrong with all this?"
After thinking carefully for a while, Victor Fan replied.
"They probably need your family to give them an excuse. After all, when it comes to the military, your Hendersons still have ties to those generals, so they want you to make a move."
That was all Victor Fan could think of for now. Deep inside, he felt a vague unease.
As the wedding banquet began, Eugene Henderson was all smiles, drinking with the guests. Victor Fan watched carefully, seeing something of himself in Eugene’s actions.
Finding an opportunity, Victor Fan pulled the already tipsy Eugene Henderson into a quiet courtyard.
"Eugene, do you still want to go to Charlesburg?"
Eugene Henderson first smiled and shook his head, but seeing Victor Fan’s serious look, he nodded.
"I see. In that case, make the most of this time with your family."
Victor Fan knew well: once a man makes up his mind, it can never be changed. Eugene was just like him. Victor decided that after leaving a legacy for his sons, he would fulfill his promise to Xishi.
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Eugene Henderson also resolved to go to Charlesburg for the future of the Henderson Family and settle everything once and for all.
Days passed. Victor Fan started running a business in the city, selling goods imported from other countries—things Dingtown desperately needed. People wondered how Victor managed to get his hands on these supplies.
Victor didn’t run the business himself; he left it to his two sons, Ronald Charles and Leonard Charles, who helped him. Many locals lent a hand, and within months, Victor had earned a tidy profit yet again.
Over the years, Victor Fan’s reputation and connections in Dingtown made business easy. The previous charge—that he’d sold weapons to a supposed enemy—had failed to result in confiscation of his assets. Lord Charles hadn’t troubled Victor at all.
The accusation was fabricated; most in Cao Kingdom knew Victor Fan was innocent. His reputation saved him from disaster.
After some time in business, Arthur Jian had sent people to cause trouble, but it came to nothing.
Victor Fan knew that Arthur Jian was stretched too thin. The schemes he’d given Lord Charles left him vulnerable—no monarch liked a turncoat.
A sense of foreboding hung over all of Cao Kingdom.
Qi and Lu had rejected Lord Charles’s gifts several times and stationed troops at Cao’s borders. Meanwhile, Jin and Yan were preparing for conflict. Now, Lord Charles and Arthur Jian could hardly sleep at night.
All four kingdoms seemed to tacitly agree to use this clown as a test case—then negotiate how to divide the spoils.
At this crucial moment, if the Hendersons fanned the flames and led the defection, Lord Charles would be finished. But doing so would leave the Hendersons with a terrible reputation—something the family would never allow.
Even Henry Henderson himself didn’t want the family’s legacy destroyed in his generation.
After handing everything over to his two sons and his most trusted aides, Victor Fan moved into the Henderson home. The mute girl was pregnant now—her belly growing day by day.
Lately, Victor Fan kept sensing a strange aura—something emanating from the Beauty, a sword. It was a powerful, longing energy. Every night, Victor dreamed of a beautiful infant, who grew larger and gradually took on Xishi’s features.
Each time, Victor would wake to Xishi’s gentle smile. For a month straight, he’d been having these dreams.
The mute girl’s belly grew bigger by the day, and the dreams grew stronger—even during daytime naps, Victor was haunted by them.
Xishi, sealed completely within the Beauty sword, posed no danger to anyone. But Victor grew thinner and paler, tormented by these nightmares.
One night, Victor fell asleep and began to dream—but this time, it felt different. The dream was so real.
"Victor, you and I are inseparable now. Do you wish to see me again?"
Victor’s eyes widened. In his dream, he saw Xishi, and spoke to her. For the first time, Xishi talked to Victor.
Without hesitation, Victor nodded.
Xishi gave a cold, sinister smile.
"Victor Fan, do you remember what you promised me the day we went to Wu?"
Victor looked sorrowful, then began to speak.
"The day Wu falls will be the day Victor and Xishi fly away together."