Such a thing had happened, and Henry Clark no longer had any appetite.

This meal tasted like chewing wax.

"Is Young Master Ji here?"

After dinner, a sudden knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

Both Henry Clark and Old Butler looked over.

"It's me, the accountant."

Came the voice.

When the door opened, a thin figure stood outside, dressed in a blue silk long robe, about forty or fifty years old, with a pair of drooping mustaches. His eyes darted about, and when he spoke, he gave off a sly and calculating impression.

This was the accountant of the Yang clan, known as "Rocky", responsible for the clan's finances.

"Mr. Li!"

Old Butler exclaimed in surprise.

"Hehe, Young Master Ji, Old Butler, sorry to bother you."

"Rocky" cupped his hands and stepped inside, his crafty eyes quickly scanning the room.

"If you have something to say, say it quickly."

Henry Clark blocked "Rocky"'s way, sounding somewhat displeased.

"Rocky" was one of the Lady's people, and every time he came to collect money, he was never straightforward. Henry Clark really disliked him.

"Hehe, didn't Old Butler come a few times before to ask for the silver? Well, as soon as I had time, I hurried over to deliver it."

"Rocky" gave an awkward laugh, pulled a money pouch from his chest, shook it so it jingled, and then handed it over:

"Old Butler, Young Master Ji, please take it."

"Would this guy really be so kind?"

Henry Clark and Old Butler exchanged a glance, then took it suspiciously.

The clan's allowance was something every member was entitled to.

But in the past, whenever Old Butler went to ask for the allowance, it was always delayed for ten days or more before being reluctantly handed over. This was only the fifth day, and yet the allowance was already being distributed, and even delivered personally by the accountant. This made both Henry Clark and Old Butler feel rather uneasy.

"Offering kindness for no reason—either a traitor or a thief. Could this guy be up to something?"

Henry Clark secretly became more alert.

"Heh, I have other matters, so I won't disturb you further. Young Master Ji, Old Butler, farewell!"

After handing over the allowance, "Rocky"'s eyes flashed with a barely noticeable cold smile. He didn't linger, just cupped his hands and turned to leave.

"Wait a minute!"

Henry Clark suddenly called out loudly, staring at "Rocky"'s back. "How much money is actually in this pouch?"

Startled!

The sudden shout made "Rocky"'s back visibly tremble, as if he'd been frightened.

"Money?! How much?—How would I know?"

"Rocky" tried his best to remain calm, but the panic in his voice betrayed him.

Henry Clark's heart sank. Without hesitation, he turned the pouch over, and with a clatter, coins spilled into his hand. A quick count—twenty copper coins in total.

Behind Henry Clark, Old Butler also changed expression at the sight. From now on, for the next sixty days, the weather would be extremely cold, and they would need the clan's allowance to get by.

Twenty copper coins weren't even enough for half a month's allowance, so how could they survive the next two months?

This arrangement by the clan was truly malicious. They were cutting off their food supply!

"What is the meaning of this?"

Henry Clark erupted in anger.

"Young Master Ji, this... this is the clan's decision. I... the clan... funds are tight lately. Take this half month's allowance for now, and we'll make up the rest in installments..."

With his scheme exposed, "Rocky" stammered, completely incoherent.

"You think I'm a three-year-old to believe that?"

Henry Clark shouted angrily, and with a slap, sent "Rocky" sprawling to the ground.

The clan was in trouble? Since when?

Three days ago, Henry Clark had personally seen large batches of luxurious silk robes being carried through the main gate; he had also seen precious medicinal herbs distributed to every household—except his.

But now, when it came to him, the clan's funds were suddenly tight?

Back then, the clan had embezzled the property his father left him, claiming it was for safekeeping, and that he would receive the same allowance as everyone else each month, to prevent him from squandering the family fortune.

He had tolerated it when they cut his share in half. But now, after repeated requests, they gave him only twenty copper coins to last through two months of winter!

"You people are simply going too far!"

Henry Clark roared.

"Oh no, help! Murder!"

"Rocky", already terrified after being slapped by Henry Clark, saw him now enraged and, before he could do anything, started screaming, scrambling out the door in a panic.

"Bastard!"

Henry Clark wanted to chase after him, but Old Butler held him back.

"Let it go. The less trouble, the better. He's just a servant; there's no need to make things harder for him."

Old Butler sighed.

"I just can't swallow this!"

Henry Clark said bitterly.

"The situation is against us; we can't fight them. And with the end of the year approaching, though this money won't last, if we think of something, stretch every coin, we can at least buy some time."

Old Butler took the coins from Henry Clark's hand:

"You get some rest and focus on your studies. Leave the money matters to me."