Enrollment Issues
When others heard Yuan Jie say that Lily Evans (Su Li) and Imperial Grand Tutor Gu were well acquainted at Wutong Academy, they all assumed it was because Lily had funded the construction of Haizi School, which led to her connection with the Imperial Grand Tutor.
But as a student at Wutong Academy, Leonard Yuan knew the teachers’ routines best. He couldn’t help but feel puzzled: Lily Evans went to Qingmiao City every day to visit the Vegetarian Hall, but Imperial Grand Tutor Gu rarely ate at the Qingya Vegetarian Hall. So why did Father say Lily and the Imperial Grand Tutor were close back then?
Leonard Yuan was still mulling over his doubts and hadn’t had a chance to ask, when Lily Evans cheerfully urged everyone to continue chatting. She excused herself to greet guests and sent someone to notify Alexander Hayes.
Leonard could only suppress his questions for now, sitting down with a cup of tea, his mind preoccupied with worries about his school admission.
He’d been in the capital for some time now, but still hadn’t found a suitable academy. Every day, he studied at home, but this couldn’t go on forever—he really needed to start attending school soon, or he’d fall too far behind in his studies.
Arthur Evans noticed his son's worries, smiled, and gently patted Leonard’s head. "Don’t worry. With your sister and brother-in-law around, the academy issue will be sorted out."
Leonard nodded. "Okay, Father. I’m just a bit anxious—I want to start school as soon as possible. After all, I plan to earn honors, bring pride to our family, and become a high official so I can support Sister Lily and our other sisters."
Meanwhile, Lily Evans went to the main hall to greet the guests.
Today, Gregory Gu Jr., the Imperial Grand Tutor, was dressed in a moon-white long robe, exuding his usual gentle and refined demeanor. When he heard footsteps, he turned around and, seeing Lily Evans enter, his eyes lit up with a flash of admiration.
After getting married, Lily Evans was even more beautiful than before. Besides her youthful charm, she now carried a hint of mature elegance—just one glance was enough to leave a lasting impression.
But soon, a shadow flickered across Gregory Gu Jr.'s eyes: he was still too late—Alexander Hayes had already won Lily Evans's heart. Now, Lily belonged to Alexander, and the thought made Gregory's chest ache with regret. Still, he quickly composed himself. Even if Lily and Alexander had already consummated their marriage, Gregory no longer cared about such things; as long as he could have Lily, nothing else mattered.
He didn’t care if she’d been married before, or even if she’d already had children.
Quickly regaining his composure, Gregory Gu Jr. smiled at Lily Evans with gentle elegance. "Lily, congratulations on your housewarming ceremony."
Lily Evans regarded Gregory Gu Jr. coolly, her expression calm. "Imperial Grand Tutor Gu, you are the Imperial Grand Tutor, and I am the Princess of Qin. We are not close acquaintances—it would be inappropriate for you to address me by my given name."
Gregory Gu Jr.'s eyes darkened, his lips trembled slightly, and he replied in a subdued voice, "Princess of Qin…"
Lily Evans nodded, her manner polite yet distant. "Thank you, Imperial Grand Tutor Gu. Today, my husband and I are celebrating our housewarming and only invited close friends and family. We weren't prepared to host outsiders—I hope you understand."
The word "outsider" stung Gregory Gu Jr. deeply. He recalled the days when he and Lily Evans worked together at Phoenix Academy—their relationship had once been close. Now, those times of teaching and discussing ideas felt like a lifetime ago.
They sat across from each other in a brief, awkward silence. Lily Evans looked at Gregory Gu Jr. and said, "Imperial Grand Tutor Gu, I have a question for you. My cousin Leonard Yuan was previously a student at Phoenix Academy, but now he wishes to transfer to Valor Academy. Despite having all the necessary paperwork, his enrollment hasn’t been processed. Are you aware of this situation?"
Gregory Gu Jr.'s gaze flickered. "Ah, yes, I know about this. I remember Leonard Yuan—he’s a bright and diligent student. But Valor Academy has strict standards; not just anyone can get in. Even though Leonard’s paperwork is in order, he hasn’t received final approval from the academy’s senior officials."