Charles Bennett's expression twisted for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. “Emily my friend, you must be joking. Speaking of noble families... where is your return gift, Emily? Hurry and bring it out, let me see the wealth of a marquis’s household.”

William Carter lifted the two jars of nu’er hong in his hand. “Here.”

Mr. Carter saw this and exchanged a smile with him.

Charles Bennett stared in disbelief. “That... that’s it?” Even if William Carter had fallen out of favor, he was still the legitimate husband of the marquis’s household—how could the return gift be so shabby?

“There are also a few jin of candied snacks,” William Carter said blandly. “Would you like to try some, Brother Bennett?”

Edward Carter perked up at the mention of candied fruit, exclaiming, “I want some! Thank you, brother.”

Charles Bennett joked, “Emily, did you hide all the good stuff away, not wanting to share with teacher and madam?”

Mr. Carter said, “I think this is just fine. Madam, would you please take the wine to warm it up? Later, I’ll have a few drinks with Emily and Charles.”

Charles Bennett hesitated. “Teacher, I’m afraid that’s not proper.”

Mr. Carter asked, “How is it not proper?”

Charles Bennett hesitated, then said, “Emily is now married—how can he drink at the same table with an unrelated man like me?”

Mr. Carter's face darkened. Even though his eldest son was strikingly handsome and had married into a noble house as a man, he still regarded him as a proper man. But others might not see it that way. The Marquis of Nan’an’s household was strict with rules; whether a male spouse could even meet with unrelated men was debatable, let alone drink at the same table.

“It’s indeed improper.” William Carter appeared calm on the surface, but was already thinking about what kind of poison would suit Charles Bennett's mouth. “So what are you waiting for, Brother Bennett? See yourself out.”

Charles Bennett was left speechless, clearly disappointed that he hadn’t gotten to see a good show, and didn’t want to leave just yet. He gave a dry laugh and said, “To be honest, besides paying my respects to master, I do have another favor to ask...”

Before he could finish, a steward hurried in to report, “Master, madam, the young master-in-law has arrived!”

William Carter said coldly, “Who is the young master-in-law? Don’t call people by the wrong title.”

“It’s the young marquis!” said Julia Lane, who followed the steward in. “The young marquis of the Marquis of Nan’an’s household is here!”

At this hour, what was Henry Clark doing at the Lin residence instead of sleeping in his own bed?

William Carter composed himself. “I’ll go take a look.”

Mr. Carter said in a low voice, “We’ll go too.”

Given Henry Clark's noble status, if they didn’t go out to greet him, it would be seen as disrespectful. If word got back to the Marquis of Nan’an’s household, William Carter's situation would only become more difficult.

Charles Bennett rolled his eyes and followed along.

As soon as William Carter reached the courtyard, he saw Henry Clark sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed in by a young servant.

Their eyes met.

Henry Clark curved his lips in a smile, the very picture of elegance and refinement. “Emily, you returned to the Lin residence and didn’t bring me along.” Seeing William Carter's less-than-pleased expression, he lowered his voice and said, “Seriously, are you angry again? Why are you upset even at your own home?”

In the past few days, Henry Clark had regained some color in his face, though he was still paler than most. He held a delicate hand warmer, wore crimson robes with a snow-white cloak draped over his shoulders, and a white fox fur over his legs. Yet he didn’t look bulky at all—rather, he appeared even more noble and handsome, his features like jade and gold.

When Henry Clark was lying in bed, he was like a salted fish; once he got up, he actually looked quite presentable.

Before William Carter could speak, his parents came out. Henry Clark glanced sideways, and the servant behind him immediately understood—he took the hand warmer and fox fur, and helped him stand. Once steady, Henry Clark bowed to Mr. Carter and Mrs. Carter: “Greetings, father-in-law, mother-in-law. Forgive me for arriving late.”

His bearing was dignified and poised, exactly as a noble young master should be.

Edward Carter hid behind his brother, staring wide-eyed at Henry Clark. “Brother, this person is so good-looking.”

William Carter watched coldly. “It’s an illusion.”

Mr. Carter said, “No need for such formality, young marquis. You’re unwell, please sit.”

Henry Clark sat back in the wheelchair, his gaze falling on Charles Bennett. “And who is this?”

“Greetings, young marquis.” Charles Bennett stepped forward respectfully. “I am Charles Bennett, a student of Judge Carter. My family owns the ‘Changxihe Pharmacy’ in the capital.”

Henry Clark smiled. “Hmm? Chang what he?”

Charles Bennett quickly replied, “Changxihe.”

Henry Clark asked again, “What xihe?”

Charles Bennett began to sense he was being teased, but given the other’s status, he could only smile and play along. “It’s Changxihe.”

“Changxi what?”

...What kind of nonsense was this?

William Carter interrupted the two. “The wind is cold. Father, mother, please go inside. Leave the young marquis to me.”

Mrs. Carter reached out to Edward Carter. “Edward, don’t cling to your brother. Come to mother.”

After the parents left, William Carter lowered his voice and asked Henry Clark, “Did you take the wrong medicine?”

Alone with William Carter, Henry Clark dropped the act, his eyes half-lidded, looking exhausted. “I’m here to back you up, Doctor Carter.”

“No need.” Something was off, and William Carter frowned. “You’re never even up at this hour.”