Over the years, Alice Bennett, who had exhausted all his energy just to survive, was so angered by these words that he nearly lost his balance.

Alice Bennett let out a bitter laugh, reflecting on whether the petty struggles of these years had worn away his ambition. Otherwise, why would hearing Edward Carter's words make him want to scold him on his father's behalf?

Isn't being alive a good thing?

Alice Bennett was so furious that his eyes turned red.

Edward Carter looked at Alice Bennett with great interest and asked, “Alice Bennett... are you worried about me?”

Alice Bennett didn't catch what Edward Carter said, and looked up in confusion. Edward Carter sneered, “I get it... you just want to get away from me. You think that if you show me a little concern, I'll remember our old ties and let you go, is that it?”

Alice Bennett could barely keep his eyes open, now holding on by sheer willpower. If he didn't care about losing face in front of Edward Carter, he would have found a chair to sit down long ago. He could only vaguely sense that Edward Carter was speaking, but couldn't make out a single word.

Cold sweat broke out on Alice Bennett's forehead. He raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, took a shallow breath, and unconsciously said, “Henry, I feel awful...”

Edward Carter was taken aback, then said after a moment, “Make a bowl of ginger soup.”

A servant looked up and hurried off to do so.

Alice Bennett was already completely delirious from the fever, and hoarsely instructed without any reserve, “Add more sugar.”

Edward Carter: “...”

The servant was also surprised and looked at Edward Carter, who nodded.

Alice Bennett was already muddled. When he woke up again, he was leaning on the couch where Edward Carter had been sitting. The ginger soup with extra sugar was brought to him, and Alice Bennett, not caring about anything else, took it and gulped it down.

After a bowl of ginger soup, some color returned to Alice Bennett's face.

Edward Carter said nothing, just watched Alice Bennett like that.

The servant brought another bowl for Alice Bennett, who sipped it slowly. The servants of the Prince Yu's residence were very attentive; they had added some medicine to dispel cold and wind to the ginger soup, all good ingredients. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he felt much better.

Once his body felt better, his mind cleared, and his anxiety grew.

What exactly did Edward Carter want by bringing him here?

Edward Carter didn't speak, and naturally Alice Bennett dared not say much either. The two sat in silence, one sipping tea, the other taking medicine.

After a long while, Edward Carter suddenly said, “Alice Bennett...”

Alice Bennett swallowed the last mouthful of ginger soup, put the small bowl on the table, and vaguely sensed that Edward Carter was about to give him a quick end.

Another suffocating silence.

Edward Carter tapped the table lightly and said slowly, “All these years, I've asked myself many times.”

Alice Bennett looked up. What did he mean?

Was it time to settle old scores together?

Edward Carter seemed lost in his own memories, speaking unhurriedly, “Constantly confused, never understanding—did I... once fall seriously ill and burn out my brain?”

Alice Bennett was bewildered. “Huh?”

“Or perhaps I fell off a horse and hit my head?”

Alice Bennett was stunned. What was he talking about?

Edward Carter said blandly, “Every time I almost believed those stories you made up about me...”

Alice Bennett suddenly choked.

Edward Carter glanced at Alice Bennett and continued, “Every time I couldn't trust myself, every time I wavered, I would ask the old servant who had been with me since childhood if I had ever lost my memory. Otherwise, how could there be so many romantic escapades that I can't remember a single one?”

Alice Bennett started coughing his lungs out.

Alice Bennett clamped his hand over his mouth. At this moment, he absolutely, absolutely, absolutely could not laugh.

If Edward Carter could kill Lin Si, he could kill him too.

But just imagining the young Edward Carter in a fit of self-doubt, grabbing the old servant and asking if he had amnesia, Alice Bennett really couldn't hold it in.

Alice Bennett buried his head deeply, using his coughing as cover.

Henry Carter looked at Alice Bennett calmly. “Laugh, don't hold it in.”

Alice Bennett shook his head vigorously.

Henry Carter curled his lips into a smile. “Be good, laugh out loud... If you laugh once, I'll let you cry once.”

Alice Bennett's legs went weak for no reason. He could have held it in, but after hearing this, he couldn't help it and let out a laugh.

Henry Carter smiled, “Very good, that's one.”

Alice Bennett pinched himself hard. He was feeling much better now and didn't dare sit any longer, so he stood up.

Edward Carter looked at Alice Bennett with a complicated expression for a while, then suddenly said, “You can go.”

Alice Bennett was dumbfounded. Just like that... he was letting him go?

Edward Carter stood up. “I'm tired. You can go.”

Alice Bennett felt as if he had been granted amnesty. As soon as he turned to leave, he heard Edward Carter say coldly, “Keep that dog of yours that can't bark in check. Don't let him bother me again.”

Alice Bennett paused, knowing he was talking about Lin Si, and replied with an “Mm” before backing out.

After the Longevity Festival, he had already planned to send Lin Si back to Qian'an, so naturally he wouldn't trouble Edward Carter again.

On the way back to the Qian'an Prince's residence, Alice Bennett struggled inwardly several times.

Alice Bennett had originally planned everything well: once Emperor Chong'an was completely at ease, he would take his people back to Qian'an and never return to the capital. But now, he suddenly felt a bit hesitant.

Alice Bennett thought about Edward Carter's situation and felt very uneasy.

Anyway, Xuan Rui would soon have no use for him. Maybe he could help Edward Carter plan a little, persuade him to get out early...

Alice Bennett immediately dismissed the thought.