"Yeah, I had to try several times before I finally managed to get up." Henry Clark said with a laugh, "I went to such lengths for you just to repay your kindness in giving me medicine and acupuncture. So, are you touched?"

William Carter replied coolly, "Not at all."

Henry Clark raised his eyebrows, "Then should I leave?"

William Carter thought for a moment and said, "Fine, just find an excuse to go back to the Marquis's residence."

Henry Clark choked, suddenly feeling that life was not worth it: "...That's too much, bro."

Chapter 6

Henry Clark's expression was full of immense grievance, as if he had braved blades and fire, overcoming countless hardships just to arrive at the Lin residence.

William Carter found it amusing. All Henry Clark had done was get up an hour earlier than usual, leave the house, get on a carriage, and then switch to a wheelchair—what was there to feel aggrieved about?

Having one Charles Bennett was already enough of a headache, and just as he was about to send him away, Henry Clark showed up to join the commotion. He just wanted to have a nice meal with his family—why was it so difficult?

Seeing that William Carter was unmoved, Henry Clark was forced to let it go. He had come, brought gifts, and even put on a bit of a show, giving William Carter plenty of face. He had more or less repaid the kindness of being given medicine and acupuncture, and going back to sleep at home sounded pretty good too. It really was a bit cold outside, and pretending to be well-behaved was rather exhausting.

Henry Clark shrugged, "Alright, then I'll just say I have some urgent business."

Before William Carter could reply, a small head poked out from the inner room, "Brother, why aren't you coming in yet?"

Edward Carter spoke as he cast a curious glance at Henry Clark. Henry Clark responded with a smile.

William Carter said, "Coming," then turned to Henry Clark, "So you..."

Henry Clark said, "According to etiquette, shouldn't I go say goodbye to your parents?"

William Carter snorted, "Aren't you supposed to be well-versed in etiquette? Why are you asking me?"

Henry Clark laughed, "Doctor Lin, the way you say that, it seems I did a pretty good job acting just now."

William Carter pushed Henry Clark inside, and the Lin family had already saved a seat for Henry Clark.

A brazier was burning in the hall, making it warmer than outside but not stuffy. The aroma of wine drifted through the air, and two winter bamboo bonsai sat in the corner, adding a touch of elegant freshness. The Lin family preferred lighter flavors, so the dishes on the table were mostly mild. There was also a dessert, white tinged with pale red, looking like a vibrant mix of red and white plum blossoms, which caught Henry Clark's eye for a moment.

Father Lin said, "Young Marquis, this way please."

Henry Clark paused, then smiled, "I won't be staying for the meal. I just came to bid farewell to my father- and mother-in-law."

"Oh?" Charles Bennett glanced meaningfully at William Carter, "Young Marquis, why are you leaving just after arriving, without even eating?"

Henry Clark coughed lightly and said, "I'm afraid my health won't hold out much longer, so I need to go back and lie down... Forgive me."

Mother Lin said, "It takes at least an hour to get from the Lin residence to the Marquis of Nan'an's residence. The carriage ride is bumpy. Young Marquis, why not rest here first and go back when you feel better?"

Henry Clark looked troubled, "Well... Qingyu, what do you think?"

William Carter looked at Henry Clark with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Henry Clark didn't use the excuse of urgent business, but instead said he was unwell and needed to rest. Anyone with a brain could see his real intention.

This was the Lin residence, and his father was an Imperial Medical Institute deputy, not a high official, but still a close minister to the emperor, responsible for caring for the emperor, empress, and concubines in the palace. His medical skills were beyond question—he could be called the best in Dayu. To claim illness in front of him was already a clear hint.

William Carter saw through it but didn't expose him, "Suit yourself."

Only then did Henry Clark say, "Then I'll respectfully accept your hospitality."

Before taking his seat, William Carter pushed Henry Clark aside to wash his hands, "After the meal, let my father check your pulse."

Henry Clark was indifferent, "No need, it's a terminal illness—incurable."

William Carter sneered, "Stop pretending. Isn't this the real reason you stayed?"

Henry Clark washed his hands unhurriedly and said frankly, "No, I just wanted to try that plum blossom cake. It looks delicious. I'm a bit hungry."

If it were anyone else, William Carter would never believe such nonsense. But hearing Henry Clark say it, he actually thought it might be true. For a lazybones, aside from sleeping, eating was naturally the most important thing.

William Carter turned around and saw Charles Bennett was still there. Not wanting to beat around the bush anymore, he said bluntly, "You can't drink at the same table as me, so why are you still here?"

Charles Bennett seemed prepared and smiled, "Today I have the honor of witnessing the Young Marquis's elegance. In my humble opinion, the Young Marquis is open-minded and broad-hearted, and certainly wouldn't interfere with you as some pedantic people might. I just want to offer a few cups of wine to our teacher. The Young Marquis wouldn't mind, would he?"

Henry Clark smiled, "Of course not. We're all men here, no need to be so formal."

William Carter shot Henry Clark a cold look, regretting that he hadn't given Henry Clark a few more years of acupuncture that night. He was more trouble than help—Henry Clark really knew how to make things difficult for him.

Before Charles Bennett could sit down, Henry Clark suddenly asked, "Brother Tan, are you married?"

Charles Bennett replied, "To answer the Young Marquis, I have been married for three years."

Henry Clark let out an "ah" and said regretfully, "Then if your wife finds out you're drinking at the same table with us, won't she be upset?"