"That's really good. If Master and Madam knew about this in the afterlife, they would be very happy too..." As she spoke, they reached the door. Grace opened it and brought in hot water and a towel.

Steam rose from the clear water in the copper basin, reflecting the face of a young man. His features were delicate yet slightly cold, his lips thin. At first glance, one would feel that this boy's appearance carried a natural aloofness, causing a moment of daze.

Since being reincarnated here from Earth, he had once been full of ambition, but after struggling arduously, he was reduced to ashes fifteen years later.

By a stroke of luck, he died and was reborn, finally returning to this very moment fifteen years ago...

While Edward Clark was lost in thought, Grace carefully wrung out the towel and wiped his face. As she bent down, a glimpse of snowy white skin was revealed, naturally drawing Edward Clark's gaze.

Grace was very sensitive to such looks. She instinctively glanced at him, her movements pausing briefly before resuming smoothly.

At sixteen, the girl was no longer naive. Her face flushed red, steam rising from her head, yet she couldn't help but shyly think, The young master has grown up...

Something was brewing in the warm atmosphere. Edward Clark seemed a bit absent-minded, as if lost in memories or counting the time. Suddenly, he softly said, "It's about to happen."

Grace let out a sigh of relief and asked in confusion, "Who's coming?"

"Take a guess!" Edward Clark lifted his head and gestured to Grace. Just then, a knock sounded at the door from outside.

"Nephew, it's your uncle!" Along with the words came another round of knocking.

Uncle William Clark, it's truly been a long time...

Under Grace's astonished gaze, Edward Clark made a "shh" gesture, coughed, lay back down on the bed, and then said, "Uncle, please wait a moment... Grace, go open the door."

"Creak!" The wooden door opened, and a middle-aged scholar walked in. He had a long face and a black beard, and he casually glanced at Grace.

It was still early morning, and the wind outside was biting cold, making Grace shiver slightly. She lowered her hands and quietly retreated into the shadow behind the door.

Edward Clark's branch of the family had declined, but the entire Ye family was still prosperous and maintained strict rules. She dared not offend.

Edward Clark was half-lying on the bed, but now he sat up, his smile warm and bright as sunlight, lighting up the small room: "Uncle, please come in and warm up. Though my home is a bit chilly, it's much better than outside."

William Clark had already entered, placing a bundle on the table, brushing the frost from his clothes, and then looking over at Edward Clark on the bed, frowning slightly. "Since you've caught a chill, you should be more careful. I heard from the servants that you've been studying outside these past two days. Why don't you take better care of yourself?"

The tables and chairs were old and worn, a bit shabby, but not a speck of dust could be seen—clearly they were cleaned often. Noticing this, William Clark brushed his sleeve and sat down by the bed.

Edward Clark struggled to get out of bed and replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I'm really fine."

William Clark showed a faint smile. This nephew had always been obedient, making all his years of support worthwhile. He placed one hand on the bundle, stroked his three-foot-long black beard with the other, and leaned back in the chair: "Mm, the weather is getting colder. You must take care not to really catch a cold. Today, your uncle brought you some warm wine and meat—nourish yourself first!"

At this time, catching a cold was dangerous. Edward Clark cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Uncle."

William Clark couldn't help but laugh, his tone kind: "This room is quite chilly, and you didn't even mention it. I'll have a servant send over some charcoal later to help keep you warm."

"Thank you very much, Uncle." Edward Clark thanked him again with a smile. "Thanks to your care, I've been diligently studying the classics lately and feel about seventy to eighty percent confident. If I can succeed in the upcoming exam, it will be all thanks to you."

As he spoke, he looked at William Clark with admiration.

"Uh..." William Clark felt a bit awkward, the words he was about to say stuck in his throat. He replied perfunctorily, "You are a member of our clan, and your father entrusted you to me. It's only right for me to look after you—no need to thank me."

The atmosphere in the room became a bit subtle.

Grace was pouring tea for the two of them. Hearing this, she pricked up her ears, sensing something was off. As she retreated to the inner room, she glanced at Edward Clark again.

William Clark took another sip of tea, then got up and paced the room. After a moment, he fixed his gaze on his nephew, a trace of hesitation flashing in his eyes, but finally he spoke: "Nephew, the reason I came today is to discuss something with you."

"Uncle, please speak freely!" Edward Clark's smile didn't change, but his eyes grew a bit deeper.

"To be honest, in a little over ten days, the county will hold the children's exam. But I'm afraid you're still too young and not yet familiar with the classics. Why not study for another three years and take the exam then? What do you think?" William Clark spoke slowly, his eyes on Edward Clark.

"..." Edward Clark couldn't help but feel a chill in his teeth. The children's exam was crucial for one's future. Only those aged fifteen to twenty-five could take it, and only by passing could one qualify to learn Daoist arts.

At that time, even the county would issue basic Daoist techniques.

This was strictly age-based, and one only had three chances in a lifetime. Because of this, the competition was fierce—one more candidate meant one less chance for others.

Edward Clark understood that William Clark didn't mean much harm; he just wanted one less competitor for his own son. But even so, having been reborn and hearing his uncle say this for the second time, he still felt a chill in his teeth.