Charles Clark's medical skills, however, made the old madam see him in a new light. Even the most renowned doctors in the capital couldn't cure the illness, yet this son-in-law, picked up by chance, managed to do it. Especially after saving Ethan Foster's life, her attitude toward Charles Clark improved greatly. She asked Charles Clark many questions, to which he responded fluently—neither appearing nervous nor arrogant. His gentle temperament made the old madam beam with joy, and she kept saying, "You are simply unlucky for now. Since you are educated and know medicine, you will surely make a name for yourself sooner or later." With that, she called Xiang'er over, selected a jade pendant, and gave it to Charles Clark, saying, "I have nothing much to give my grandson-in-law. This jade pendant was part of my dowry when I married in. Wear it and see how it looks on you."

Charles Clark put it on as instructed, and the old madam chuckled, "You look even more like a refined gentleman now."

Ethan Foster, hearing her grandmother praise her husband, felt proud and was in an especially good mood. Smiling, she said to Charles Clark, "This jade pendant is grandmother's treasure. You must keep it well."

On the other hand, William Foster's face turned alternately pale and green. In his view, even if Charles Clark was skilled in medicine, he was still just a doctor. So what if he had read a few books and knew some medicine? A refined gentleman? What a joke. In the yamen, he dealt with all sorts of people—what kind hadn't he seen? He simply felt that a bookworm like Charles Clark was not someone his daughter could entrust her life to. But at this moment, with the old madam in high spirits and his daughter's health improving, he certainly couldn't spoil everyone's mood. He merely gave Charles Clark a long look, then slowly picked up his teacup and gently blew away the tea foam.

Chapter 008: Murdering One's Husband

After chatting for a while, Charles Clark helped Ethan Foster back to rest.

The hall instantly quieted down.

Though it was daytime, the room was dim, so the maids lit a few oil lamps. The tiny flames flickered, casting a rosy glow on the old madam's face.

The old madam sat cross-legged on the couch, her staff resting across her knees. She spoke slowly, "This grandson-in-law is not as useless as you say. They say that studying and medicine go hand in hand. To have such skill at a young age, he must be well-learned too. It's just a pity his official title was revoked, or else our Wen family might have produced a successful scholar."

William Foster listened to the old madam's words, pretending to sip his tea, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

The old madam sighed and continued, "No matter what, I have accepted this grandson-in-law. As for what you just said, don't bring it up again. There's one more thing I need you to handle."

William Foster felt a bit displeased but still said, "Mother, what are your instructions?"

The old madam smiled faintly, "Now that Chenxi has recovered, I can finally be at ease. But from now on, this grandson-in-law is part of the Wen family. Since he has lost his official title, we can't just send him back to set up a calligraphy stall, can we? As his father-in-law, why not arrange a position for him in the yamen?"

William Foster frowned repeatedly at this. It was just as he feared. In fact, when Ethan Foster got married this time, as a Jinyiwei deputy commander, he was a man of some standing. Now, having taken in such an obscure son-in-law, he already felt embarrassed in front of his colleagues. Even the daughter of a mere company commander in the garrison could marry into a noble family, but he, a deputy commander, had brought in a scholar without even an official title.

Back when they were seeking a son-in-law, it was a desperate measure and he couldn't care about so much. But now, thinking back, he felt it was a blow to his pride. William Foster now dreaded others connecting him to Charles Clark. If he arranged for Charles Clark to join the garrison, who knew what people would say behind his back.

William Foster coughed and said, "Mother, let's put this matter off for now. After all, Chenxi has just recovered and needs someone to look after her. Besides, he's a scholar—he may not be suited for criminal affairs. I'll think of another way."

The old madam sat firmly on the couch, unmoving, but her cloudy eyes were sharp and penetrating. She glanced at William Foster casually and said coolly, "Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? You're afraid this grandson-in-law will embarrass you. Hmph, what nonsense! Have you forgotten that I, too, came from a humble family? It was only after marrying your father that I had you. If you look down on Chengfeng, why not look down on me as well? This matter must be settled quickly. I'll ask you about it again in a few days. Keeping a perfectly good son-in-law idle at home is what's truly shameful. Besides, I see that his heart isn't bad, and he's good to Chenxi. He's educated and knows medicine—what about him isn't good enough to be a Jinyiwei officer or an imperial guard?"

William Foster was scolded so harshly that he could only reply meekly, "Yes, I will take care of it right away." He was always most obedient to the old madam, and seeing that she was truly angry, he didn't dare utter another word of protest.

Only then did the old madam smile and say, "That's better. It's getting late—go attend to your duties. I don't need you to wait on me."

William Foster meekly left. As soon as he stepped out of the old madam's quarters, his face turned ashen. Just then, a servant was talking quietly with a maid under the eaves. William Foster shouted, "Did I raise you all to sneak around like this?"