Plymouth was shrouded in gloom that day, as if mourning Paladin's passing.According to custom, after the burial, relatives and friends would gather at the deceased's home. They would have a meal together before parting ways.About five miles from Plymouth's famous Mayflower Landing tourist spot, there was a vast seaside manor. This was the site of the Blackburn family cemetery and the family's ancestral home.In a smoke-filled room of the manor, John and Joseph Blackburn, Paladin and Milo's grandfather and father respectively, sat in silence."Paladin was a good boy. I don't think I'll ever find a better one," said a kind-looking middle-aged man softly, "I think... I think Paladin wouldn't want us to be so sad that we can't move on."After he finished speaking, the other men in the room nodded in agreement. Except for John Blackburn and Joseph Blackburn, whose expressions were heavy.Then, John Blackburn, the former Massachusetts Senator who had served as the party whip, spoke up. "Dear George, you're right. Paladin is in the past." "We must look forward. Robin needs your comfort, George. She's the one who's hurt the most among us." George nodded, indicating that he would go and comfort his sister.However, he didn't leave immediately, perhaps because he didn't pick up on the subtle hint of dismissal in John's words. But soon, seeing everyone staring at him, the Texas governor realized. He thought, this whole room full of Democrats, they probably want to discuss some things that I'm not supposed to hear. After all, although they were relatives, their interests were not entirely the same.George Bush finally got up, nodded to everyone with a smile, and left the room.After Paladin and Milo's uncle left, Joseph Blackburn spoke softly, "Paladin has passed away. I think we should discuss who will take his place." "Andrea, he hopes he can take over Paladin's position. He was Paladin's right-hand man," said Brian Rosco. Brian Rosco was a confidant of the Blackburn family. He was the current Massachusetts congressman and Joseph Blackburn's chief strategist."But the Harrisons hope that Hayley will take over Paladin's position," said Jeff Mark Hughes, another member of the Blackburn family. Hughes was one of the forty senators in the Massachusetts State Senate.A discussion ensued, with some people arguing that Andrea was more suitable. Andrea had always been a loyal member of the Blackburns and was Paladin's right-hand man. But others argued that Paladin's wife, Hayley, was more suitable. According to American political tradition, if a politician dies while in office, their spouse, in theory, can take over their position during the remaining term. Moreover, when Paladin was so young and became the Attorney General of Massachusetts, the local Blackburn family had certainly put in a lot of effort. But the Harrisons, Hayley's family, had also contributed no less. Now that Paladin was dead, it was reasonable for the Harrisons to want to take back that position.In the end, including Joseph, everyone stopped and looked at old John, who had been silent for a long time. Although John Blackburn no longer held any official position, he was too old. And unlike everyone else present who were Democrats, John was still a Republican. But everyone was clear that he was the true core figure of the Blackburn family."Andrea and Hayley are both good children," John Blackburn said slowly. "But I think Washington would be more suitable for Hayley. Let Andrea take over. I'll explain it to Giles." His decision seemed to settle things for everyone. No one discussed any further about who should succeed Paladin as Attorney General.After a moment of silence, Joseph suddenly said, "Should we call Milo back?" No one was stupid, and everyone immediately understood what Joseph meant. The Blackburn family originally had a brilliant Paladin. The family had poured all its resources into him. As for the younger son, Milo, they let him play as he wished. Since the family already had a perfect successor, it was more beneficial for the internal unity of the Blackburn family if Milo didn't compete with Paladin for resources. That was why, for so many years, the Blackburn family had turned a blind eye to Milo's development into a spoiled brat. But now, with Paladin gone, the only young generation left in the Blackburn family was Milo... Thinking about his grandson, old John also felt a headache. But on second thought, the Blackburn family only had this one seedling left. It was a pity that Paladin was gone. John hesitated, "Milo..." Seeing the old patriarch's hesitation, Brian Rosco thought for a moment. He interjected, "Although... although Milo has a bad reputation. But he also has a good side, which is that everyone knows he has an excellent relationship with Paladin." "Perhaps we can use Paladin's good reputation to pave the way for Milo?" "We can say that they were brothers with a deep bond, and that Milo is willing to turn over a new leaf to carry on Paladin's unfinished legacy?" It was a good idea, and John and Joseph thought it was worth a try. The perfect grandson/eldest son, as perfect as he was, was gone. And Milo, no matter how bad he was, was the only pillar of the family's future. Maybe with a little push, he could rise to the occasion? Even the dull-witted George Bush from the Bush family could become the Governor of Texas. There was no reason why Milo couldn't. At least, compared to a dull-witted fool, Milo's image was much better. With a little packaging and a little push, he could attract a lot of female voters. Seeing John nod slightly, Brian Rosco continued, "Milo has been in California for six years. I think we should support him there. If we succeed, our gains will be very rich." Feeling more and more feasible, Brian Rosco gave an example. "The Bushes did the same thing. Although Jeb Bush failed last year, if he had succeeded, the Bushes would have had two governors, and they would be governors of different states!" "I also think Brian's suggestion is good," said Jeff Mark Hughes. "What's even better is that Milo doesn't have any political identity now. He can join them in California." Seeing his staff and confidants supporting his younger son, Joseph smiled. He was about to speak when the door to the secret room was knocked. Everyone quieted down, and old John gestured for Brian, who was closest to the door, to open it. Brian opened the door and found an old man with white hair standing outside. It was Kim Arris, one of the Blackburn family's butlers. Kim Arris looked a little anxious. He looked at John and Joseph and said, "Gentlemen, something has happened outside, and I have to interrupt your meeting." "What's wrong?" Joseph asked calmly. "Milo, dear Milo, he hit someone!"