Miss Bennett exclaimed, “I saw in the plays that Guan Yu also read the Spring and Autumn Annals. Sir, you are truly a refined man.”

Charles Harper almost coughed up blood. Just last night he was a beast reading erotic books, and today he had already ascended to the level of Lord Guan.

As soon as Charles Harper left, April stood up. Miss Bennett was still behind the screen and said, “I think this teacher teaches very well. It’s quite interesting to listen to.”

But April was not so easily fooled. She knew Charles Harper’s knowledge was limited, so she just smiled faintly and said, “As long as you like it, Miss.”

Chapter 9: The Trap

In the Listening Rain Pavilion, the tea on the table beside Mrs. Bennett had already gone cold, and the fruits placed nearby remained untouched.

She held a string of prayer beads in her hand, sitting quietly with her eyes closed, motionless.

April stood to the side, recounting what she had seen and heard in today’s lesson. It was Miss Bennett’s first day of study, and as her mother, Mrs. Bennett had arranged for April to be there—partly for peace of mind, and partly to know what the teacher was teaching.

April dared not hide anything and recounted all the lesson’s content. When she got to the first story, Mrs. Bennett frowned slightly and said, “Why does this Mr. Feng always tell stories? There are so many allusions in the Four Books for Women—why not teach those?”

She was just making a casual comment, but it seemed she was somewhat dissatisfied with Charles Harper’s teaching.

April continued to the second story. Mrs. Bennett’s thoughts stirred, and she said, “Now that’s odd. Household matters—could it be that this teacher is using you to give me advice?”

April replied calmly, “I think that’s exactly what Mr. Feng intends.”

Mrs. Bennett couldn’t help but laugh and said, “He’s a man who doesn’t do his proper work—truly boring.” Then she sighed, “He’s just arrived at our residence and already knows the inside story of the Lu family. Outwardly glamorous, but only we know the reality.”

April’s expression remained stiff as she said, “Actually, I think the stories he tells do make some sense.”

Mrs. Bennett smiled dismissively, “I know my own limits. This teacher is a bit different from the others—let’s observe a while longer. Anyway, Yan’er is just reading for amusement. As long as she doesn’t break the rules, it’s fine.”

With that, Mrs. Bennett showed signs of fatigue, as if she wanted to take a nap. April said, “Madam, please rest well. I’ll take my leave.”

Just then, a maid came in and said, “Master has arrived.”

“Oh.” Mrs. Bennett still appeared indifferent, as if nothing could disturb her heart. She then complained, “He’s only here to go through the motions. In a while, he’ll most likely end up in that vixen’s room again.”

April said, “Madam, actually…”

Mrs. Bennett raised her hand to stop her, “I know what to do. You needn’t worry.”

The Marquis of Yongchang, Peter Bennett, was a dignified-looking man, though his skin was somewhat dark. He wore ordinary casual clothes, but walked with the wind, and his gaze carried a certain authority.

He strode into the flower hall in the back courtyard and saw Mrs. Bennett. His expression showed a hint of surprise and a trace of guilt.

Mrs. Bennett rose with a smile and stepped forward, saying, “Master, have you just returned from the Northern Camp? Ah… the journey must have been tiring. Official duties are busy, but you must also take care of your health.”

Peter Bennett was taken aback. In the past, Mrs. Bennett was always cold to him. He knew in his heart this was a silent protest, so he didn’t mind. But he hadn’t expected her to show such concern today. He quickly said, “The rebels have already taken Shandong, and the vanguard has reached north of the Yangtze. At a time like this, there’s no room for anything else. The defense of the riverbank is of utmost importance, so I’ve been especially busy lately.”

Mrs. Bennett nodded understandingly, “But when you’re away, especially in the camp, you must take care of yourself. You can’t let your health suffer just because of the rebels. Please sit, Master. I’ll pour you some tea. Steward Wang recently brought some Wuyi tea, said to be refreshing and invigorating. Drink more, it’ll help relieve your fatigue.”

She smiled gently, showing a certain charm, and personally brewed a pot of tea, carefully pouring a cup for Peter Bennett.

Holding the teacup, Peter Bennett felt a bit dazed. Today’s Mrs. Bennett was very different—her concern was so obvious that he didn’t know how to respond, and he hurriedly drank the tea.

Mrs. Bennett then asked, “When did you return, Master?”

Peter Bennett blushed. He had actually returned early in the morning, but now it was noon—he had spent the whole morning in Ling’er’s room.

Seeing his hesitation, Mrs. Bennett was even more understanding and said, “I suppose you were in Ling’er’s room again. Actually, it doesn’t matter—we’re all family.”

Peter Bennett said with shame, “I have neglected you, Madam. It’s my fault.”

But Mrs. Bennett shook her head and said with a smile, “You’ve done nothing wrong, Master, and neither has Ling’er. I’m getting old and can no longer serve you. I should be grateful that Ling’er is willing to take my place.”

This…

Peter Bennett felt like he was going crazy. His wife’s attitude had changed so quickly—how could it be so sudden…