Jealousy Arises

The Empress's expression shifted ever so slightly upon hearing the young eunuch's report.

So, Gregory Gu Jr.'s secret report was true.

Princess Lily Hayes—Su Li—was actually Professor Jade Evans. No wonder Princess Lily entered the palace today, and Professor Jade Evans just happened to be absent from the academy.

The Empress immediately understood what needed to be done. She said to the young eunuch, "Go and inform His Majesty that I know what to do. Proceed as planned."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Su Li stood outside the beaded curtain, watching the young eunuch enter and exit, before the Empress's voice sounded from within.

"Is that Princess Lily Hayes? Come in, quickly," the Empress called.

Su Li, calm and unhurried, lifted the curtain and entered. She saw the Empress reclining on the bed, looking perfectly healthy—just as Princess May had said. The Empress wasn't sick at all; she was only pretending!

"Your servant greets Your Majesty," Su Li said serenely, as if she hadn't noticed the Empress's act. She then cradled her belly and sat on the chair opposite the Empress.

The Empress stared at Su Li's belly. "Princess Lily Hayes, how many months along are you?"

"Seven months," Su Li replied, gently stroking her belly.

"Ah, seven months already. No wonder your belly shows so much," remarked the Empress.

Su Li pursed her lips, hugging her belly, and asked, "Your Majesty, how are you feeling today?"

The Empress smiled lightly. "Thank you for your concern, Professor Jade Evans."

After speaking, the Empress studied Su Li's face closely, searching for any hint of panic.

But Su Li disappointed her. Her expression was perfectly calm—no surprise, no anxiety. She even looked up and said frankly, "Since Your Majesty knows my other identity, I suppose His Majesty is aware as well."

"Aren't you... afraid?" The Empress stared at Su Li in shock. She'd expected Su Li to deny everything, to fight tooth and nail against being exposed.

Who would have thought Su Li would admit it so openly—and with such poise?

Staring at this unconventional woman, the Empress suddenly grew angry. "Princess Lily Hayes, you are a woman! How could you do such outrageous, rule-breaking things? Tell me honestly, was it Prince Alexander Hayes who put you up to it? What are you two trying to achieve?"

Su Li blinked, unruffled, and looked calmly at the Empress. Smiling, she stroked her belly and said, "What counts as outrageous? What counts as breaking the rules? Who decided women must be confined to the Inner Quarters, forbidden to learn or understand the world? If men can do those things, why can't women?"

"You—how dare you! Insolent! How could you insult the teachings of the sages?" The Empress was furious at Su Li's serene confidence. Knowing she was actually the famed Professor Jade Evans made her feel even more bitter.

Why should Su Li be allowed to roam freely and accomplish things no other woman could?

Why should Su Li get away with breaking the rules—free from the Inner Quarters, not forced to tend to her husband, bear him children, or watch him take concubines, all while pretending to be the perfect, harmonious wife?

Why should her husband indulge her so much—even letting her dress as a man to open a school, just because she feels like it?

Looking at this poised and beautiful woman—so full of happiness and confidence—the Empress, the very model of virtue and grace, felt a deep, gnawing jealousy rise up from her heart.