Charles Bennett did not argue: “As expected, nothing can be hidden from Emily brother. To be honest, I suddenly remembered something important, but it would have been inappropriate to turn back and disturb you, so I used the excuse of losing my jade pendant to stay in the residence and wait.”

William Carter found even one more word with this kind of person too many: “Speak.”

Charles Bennett looked bitter: “Emily brother, you must know that the Imperial Medical Bureau’s examination is getting closer and closer, and I really have no confidence in my heart.”

William Carter knew Charles Bennett wanted to touch his sore spot, to stab him where it hurt. He had to admit, it was a clever move. The Imperial Medical Bureau’s exam had always been a thorn in his heart, suffocating whenever it was brought up.

But that didn’t mean just anyone could use this matter to show off in front of him.

“You already failed once three years ago, so it’s only natural you lack confidence.”

Charles Bennett was hit where it hurt, forcing a smile through gritted teeth: “For this exam, I’ve been studying day and night, hanging my head from the beam and pricking my thigh with an awl…”

William Carter praised, “The clumsy bird flies early, diligence makes up for lack of talent, not bad.”

Charles Bennett finally couldn’t hold it in, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot.

Every word from William Carter sounded like praise, yet every word was also mockery. Someone as gifted as William Carter, a true prodigy, could never understand how much ordinary people had to give just to catch up to him by a tiny bit.

“At least I can still take the exam again this year.” Charles Bennett stared hard at William Carter’s face. “I know Emily brother has many treasured medical books. You won’t be needing them anyway, so why not lend me a few? If I manage to pass, I’ll be sure to thank you generously.”

William Carter looked up and asked, “Would you even understand my books?” With that, he flicked his sleeve and turned away. “Julia Lane, see the guest out.”

In the blink of an eye, night had fallen. The marquis’s coachman sent word that it was time to return to the residence.

Mrs. Carter packed the prepared pastries into a food box for William Carter to take back: “Just now at the table, I noticed Young Howard also liked the plum blossom cakes, so I packed a few extra. Now that it’s cold, the pastries won’t spoil quickly.”

William Carter said, “He probably doesn’t dislike any kind of food.”

Mrs. Carter smiled gently: “Young Howard hasn’t gotten up yet, why don’t you go wake him?”

William Carter went to the guest room and saw Henry Clark was already awake, lying on the bed staring blankly at the ceiling. He asked, “When did you wake up?”

“About half an hour ago.”

“Then what are you doing?”

Henry Clark wrapped himself in the quilt, only his eyes showing as he looked at William Carter, his voice muffled: “Lazing in bed. It’s so cold outside, I don’t want to get up. I want to be a blanket.”

William Carter didn’t waste words, grabbed a corner of the quilt and yanked it off forcefully, his tone icy: “I’m not a maid in your room. That trick doesn’t work on me.”

Henry Clark got up slowly, not angry even after being uncovered: “What trick? I didn’t use any trick on you…” He saw William Carter’s expression was off and asked, “Didn’t Charles Bennett leave? Who’s upset you now?”

“No one.”

Henry Clark blinked: “Oh.”

William Carter was silent, and silent again, but in the end couldn’t hold back: “Charles Bennett is preparing for the Imperial Medical Bureau’s exam and even asked to borrow books from me.”

Henry Clark couldn’t help but laugh: “That’s it?”

William Carter’s gaze was as sharp as a blade.

Henry Clark tried to reason with William Carter: “Charles Bennett isn’t even a match for a strand of your hair. If you take him seriously, you’re lowering yourself. Just treat him as a joke, tease him, and have a laugh.”

“I know that.” William Carter gave a self-mocking smile. “But Charles Bennett is just a mediocre person. A few years ago, he couldn’t even tell the difference between Tian Kui Zi and Xiang Fu, yet he can still take the Imperial Medical Bureau’s exam, while I can’t—ridiculous.”

Henry Clark said helplessly, “Yes, yes, it’s all the fault of the Marquis of Nan’an’s residence. I’ll try to die early, so you can be a widow before the Imperial Medical Bureau’s exam, how about that?”

William Carter closed his eyes and said nothing, his long, thick lashes trembling slightly.

Henry Clark sat with William Carter in silence for a while, then suddenly smiled: “Alright, don’t be upset. It’s rare for you to come home, cheer up and smile more, okay?”

William Carter replied indifferently, “I was born not to like smiling.”

“Hey, why are you getting even more upset? I have a seven-character motto, it’s my personal creed, maybe it’ll help you. Want to hear it?”

“No.”

“Just listen, it won’t tire you out.”

William Carter pressed his brow: “If you want to say it, just say it. Why all the pointless buildup?”

Henry Clark looked sincere: “Don’t compare yourself to others too much.”

William Carter: “……”

Chapter 7, Chapter 7

After everything was packed, William Carter and Henry Clark bid farewell to Mr. Carter and Mrs. Carter and returned to the Marquis of Nan’an’s residence.

Everyone from The Carter Family saw them off at the gate. Henry Clark got into the carriage first, giving William Carter time to say a proper goodbye to his family.

Although The Carter Family and the Marquis of Nan’an’s residence were both in the capital, it was not easy for the young lord of a marquis’s household to visit his family. By the rules, he needed the permission of the main wife, and in a whole year, the number of visits home could be counted on one hand.

Mrs. Carter’s eyes were red with reluctance, Edward Carter held his brother’s hand tightly and wouldn’t let go, but the most emotional of all was Julia Lane, who had grown up with William Carter since childhood.