Charlotte Green swallowed and gestured: There are just too many rumors. I don't know if I've become numb from hearing so many, or if I've realized the rumors have already taken root in people's hearts. Young Lord Carter is utterly disheartened and no longer tries to explain... He was practically forced to admit to this matter.

Charlotte Green thought for a moment and said: Maybe it's because I've heard it so much that even I believe it now. No one in the capital dares to mention this openly, but in Jiangnan, where people are more open-minded, there are even plays and songs made about it. Young Lord Carter once traveled incognito and spent an entire night on a Suzhou pleasure boat listening to a play about you two, and even tipped them before leaving.

Alice Bennett looked utterly miserable; now he truly didn't dare to face Edward Carter.

Chapter 4 Bennett, Thomas, David

"After the Longevity Festival, come back to Qian'an with me."

They were about to enter the city. Alice Bennett instructed Charlotte Green, "If you have any unfinished business, take care of it early."

Charlotte Green was taken aback and gestured: I can't leave, I have to stay in the capital to help you.

"No need." Alice Bennett shook his head. "After meeting Samuel Grant and Ethan Grant, His Majesty should be completely reassured. There's not much use for you to stay here. It's better to come back with us. In the future, the world is wide open, and you can live a peaceful life with me."

Before Charlotte Green could object, Alice Bennett continued, "You said it yourself, Edward Carter doesn't care about old ties. Last time he turned a blind eye and let you go, but what about next time? Besides, the Fourth and Fifth Princes are still at odds. The Fifth Prince has the support of The Carter Residence, and the Fourth Prince may not be able to withstand it. It's not safe for you in his residence. I can't leave you here."

Charlotte Green thought for a moment, didn't insist further, and hesitantly nodded.

Alice Bennett patted his shoulder. "Go on."

Charlotte Green kowtowed to Alice Bennett, and just like when he arrived, quietly left again. Alice Bennett lifted the carriage curtain, glanced at the city gate not far away, and straightened his clothes.

Worried about being questioned, Alice Bennett didn't get out of the carriage. Outside, William Harris was handling paperwork with a minor official from the Ministry of Rites and the city gate officers. They had received word half a month ago that the The Warren Residence would be coming to the capital, so they didn't make things difficult. From a distance, they saluted Samuel Grant's carriage, briefly asked about the number of attendants, and then led everyone into the city.

The former The Howard Residence had long since been reclaimed by the current emperor. After renovations, it was now the residence of the Fifth Prince, Olivia Grant. As they passed by The Howard Residence, Alice Bennett lifted the carriage curtain.

When the current emperor had just ascended the throne, at least on the surface, he was very generous to his younger brother—granting him a title, a mansion, and personally selecting a noblewoman for marriage, playing the role of a fatherly elder brother.

At that time, Lord Howard's maternal family, The Bennett Residence, had already gotten into trouble. The The Bennett Family had many daughters and few sons, producing two imperial consorts, but not many male heirs. Those of any standing were all implicated, except for a young boy from a minor branch who, because of his age, barely escaped. Later, he was taken in by Lord Howard, adopted as a foster son, and thus silenced the censors.

With such protection from Lord Howard, Alice Bennett was able to grow up without worries.

Having received such great kindness from Lord Howard, yet almost failing to protect Samuel Grant when disaster struck, Alice Bennett felt too ashamed to look at the place where he grew up. He took a deep breath and let the curtain fall.

They were led to another residence, not large but quite refined.

William Harris wasn't used to dealing with these minor officials, so Alice Bennett took a few pouches of silver, tucked them into his sleeve, jumped out of the carriage, and went over to greet them warmly, coaxing the Ministry of Rites officials into broad smiles.

"Please, Your Highness, rest well here. It's best to freshen up a bit," one of the minor officials said with a smile. "Around the time of shenshi, someone from the palace will likely come to summon you."

Alice Bennett handed over the pouch. "Thank you very much."

After seeing off the Ministry of Rites officials, Alice Bennett didn't have time to rest. He rubbed his sore neck and went to the inner courtyard to tell everyone to prepare the young lady's room first. Standing in the courtyard, he asked through the curtain, "Is the young lady's room arranged well?"

Grace Grant had been watched over by him since childhood and wasn't shy. She came out herself with a fox-fur cloak in hand. "I finally finished sewing this on the way. See if it fits you."

Alice Bennett hurried to take it, smiling. "So you've been making this for me these days? I thought it was for your big brother..."

"You get cold more easily." Compared to her naive and mischievous younger brother, Grace Grant was much more mature. She was cool by nature, and even when caring for others, her tone was calm. "It's really cold in the capital. You should stay inside early. Don't get sick again when you come back."

"I know, I know." Alice Bennett smiled as he wrapped the cloak around himself, agreeing, "I'm going right now."

Grace Grant looked him up and down, silently noted the measurements, and said, "There's no time to alter it now. Just wear it for now. I'll have someone bring it tonight, and I'll fix the collar for you."

Alice Bennett couldn't help but laugh. "Are you trying to kill me with all this fuss?"

Grace Grant didn't say much more. After speaking, she turned and went back inside.

Alice Bennett had no time to rest and turned to go to Samuel Grant's courtyard.

Samuel Grant looked unwell.

Half of it was from recalling old memories upon returning to the capital, and half from being frightened by Alice Bennett.

Alice Bennett hadn't expected Samuel Grant, already an adult, to be so easily scared, and felt a bit guilty. Leaning against the door, he smiled and said, "If Your Highness goes to see His Majesty like this, the emperor will think our Qian'an is so poor that even the prince can't get enough to eat."

Samuel Grant knew Alice Bennett was teasing him, but still couldn't smile. He licked his dry lips, eyes full of anxiety. "I've felt uneasy ever since entering the city. All I can think about is seven years ago, when I was trapped alone in the prince's residence. Father was gone, you were taken away, and I..."