Henry Clark's smile gradually faded. After a moment of silence, he said, "Sorry, that's not what I meant. I just..." Halfway through, he suddenly became playful, "If you don't want to, then don't. Don't be angry. Although Doctor Carter is quite a sight when angry, too much anger is bad for your health. As the saying goes, 'Getting angry over trivial matters, in hindsight, is it really worth it? If you die of anger, who will be pleased? Besides, it only harms your spirit and wastes your energy.' ①"

William Carter replied calmly, "I'm not angry."

Henry Clark waved at Grace Reed, and Grace Reed leaned in to listen. "What is it, young master?"

Henry Clark said, "Someone is angry, but I'm not telling you who."

William Carter: "..."

"Shh." Henry Clark put his index finger to his lips and looked out the window. "My mother is here."

William Carter sneered, "Why are you shushing? You're the one who talks the most. As for your mother, she's probably here to call you to account."

Henry Clark stroked his chin and said, "Let me guess, did she tell you to stick to me, but you couldn't be bothered?"

Surprised, William Carter even forgot to be angry. "How did you know?"

Henry Clark smiled meaningfully. "There are a lot of things I know."

After a brief thought, William Carter suddenly smiled. He lifted his sleeve and picked up the bowl of congee that Henry Clark had half-finished. "Young Marquis, let me feed you some congee."

Henry Clark: "...Uh."

Outside, Bennett, supported by Nanny Miller, entered the courtyard. Alice Ford went up to greet them, saying, "Greetings, Madam."

Bennett asked her, "Where is the young master?"

"Replying to Madam, the young master is dining in the bedroom."

"Is the young lord with him?"

Alice Ford shook her head. "The young lord is alone in the study."

Nanny Miller whispered, "Madam, you heard it yourself. Everything I told you came directly from the young lord."

Bennett adjusted the hairpin at her temple and said coolly, "Of course I trust you. Come, let's go in and have a look."

Nanny Miller hurried ahead, clearing the way for her mistress. "The young master only woke up last night; this is when he needs care the most. There may be maids in the room, but the young lord is still the young lord. With her husband bedridden, what wife wouldn't tend to his illness? And this is only the first day, yet the young lord is already so neglectful. How can this be worthy of our Lu family's formal marriage..."

Everyone says the Marchioness of Nan'an is gentle-tempered, but even she couldn't help but darken her expression and quicken her pace.

The two of them almost rushed into the inner chamber. The wedding decorations had yet to be taken down. Henry Clark was half-lying on the wedding bed, William Carter sitting by his side, holding a bowl of congee in one hand and offering a spoonful to Henry Clark with the other, saying, "Young Marquis."

Henry Clark teased, "It's a bit hot, blow on it for me."

William Carter narrowed his eyes, his gaze as if to bore a hole through Henry Clark's smiling face.

No matter what, the two of them—one handsome and noble, the other radiant and dignified—presented such a harmonious scene that any onlooker would feel warmth and peace.

Bennett and Nanny Miller were both stunned, until Henry Clark looked over at them. "Mother, what brings you here?"

Bennett frowned, then quickly relaxed, speaking gently, "Mother came to see how your appetite is." As she spoke, she glanced subtly at Nanny Miller.

Nanny Miller, flustered, lowered her voice and questioned, "Didn't you say the young lord was in the study!"

Alice Ford replied in confusion, "J-just now the young lord really was in the study."

William Carter put down the bowl of congee and stood up. "Madam, you just sent Nanny Miller over not long ago, and now you've come yourself. Are you here to personally check if the young marquis is eating properly?"

Henry Clark smiled, "It's so cold outside, and Mother still came to watch me eat. I'm touched."

Bennett forced a smile. "What mother doesn't care for her child? Wan Cheng, did you drink the chicken soup I sent you?"

"I wanted to," Henry Clark looked at William Carter, "but he wouldn't let me."

William Carter replied unhurriedly, "The books say: Only after expelling evil can one take tonics. The young marquis is currently weak; strong tonics would only burden his body. This is common knowledge, surely Madam is aware?"

Bennett's face grew even uglier. She opened her mouth, "I..."

"Of course Mother knows. It must have been the servants' oversight, forgetting to remind you." Henry Clark smiled pleasantly. "Isn't that right, Nanny Miller?"

Nanny Miller glanced at Bennett, saw she wouldn't meet her eyes, and understood most of it. Bracing herself, she knelt down. "Yes, yes, it's this servant's fault. I deserve to be punished."

Before Bennett could speak, Henry Clark said, "Emily, how do you think she should be punished?"

"This concerns the young marquis's health, so a small punishment is necessary as a warning to others," William Carter said. "According to the marquisate's rules, she should forfeit three months' allowance and do hard labor for one month."

Henry Clark nodded. "I think that's fine. But it's up to Mother to decide."

Bennett forced a smile. "We'll do as Emily says."

After that, Bennett was clearly distracted and left with Nanny Miller after sitting briefly. When only the two of them were left in the room, Henry Clark asked, "What did Nanny Miller do to offend you?"

William Carter said, "She tried to make me change how I address you—twice."

"Change how? Make you call me husband?"

William Carter's jade-like face remained cold. "...Mm."