Mistress of Prince of Qin's Manor

"The merchant ship is back so soon?" Alexander Hayes lifted the curtain and entered, bringing in a chill with him.

Lily Evans immediately stood up, smiling as she helped him remove his cloak and brushed the snowflakes from his hair. She said, "Yes, the first time going overseas, they weren't familiar with the route, so it took longer. Now, with experience, Edward is already an old sailor and naturally saves time."

Alexander Hayes's eyes lit up. That means his armaments are coming back!

The couple sat down, and Belle and April, the sisters, quickly served them tea before discreetly leaving to avoid being a third wheel.

"Is everything arranged at the military camp?" Lily Evans asked with a smile.

Alexander Hayes nodded, lightly tapped Lily's nose, and said, "This year was the easiest to arrange, all thanks to my wife's generous support. The New Year's goods are well bought, and the soldiers can have a good celebration!"

Alexander Hayes thought of past years—every New Year, he always had to find ways to gather military funds to reward the brothers who risked their lives for him.

But this year, things were much easier—because he had married a wealthy wife!

Alexander Hayes smacked his lips and thought, he really had become someone living off his wife without even realizing it. Feeling delighted, he gave Lily a kiss.

Lily pretended to be angry and glared at him, teasing, "It's broad daylight, behave yourself."

As she spoke, Lily picked up her teacup and took a sip, but as the cup neared her lips, the scent of the tea suddenly made her feel nauseous.

"Why does this tea taste strange?" Lily murmured.

Hearing this, Alexander Hayes quickly took the cup and sniffed it, saying, "The taste seems fine to me."

Then Alexander Hayes took a sip himself: "It tastes the same to me."

Lily took the cup back and sipped, but found the taste very odd, making her stomach churn as if she was about to vomit.

Before she could react, a maid hurried in and reported, "Madam Lou is here!"

Lily Evans was slightly startled. Madam Lou was Alexander Hayes's mother, and she rarely visited the Prince's Manor.

Lily Evans glanced at Alexander Hayes, asking silently if he wanted to go out and greet her together.

Alexander Hayes nodded, so Lily Evans stood up and straightened her clothes.

She was the lady of the Prince's Manor now; she must greet guests with Alexander Hayes.

Alexander Hayes glanced deeply at Lily Evans, wanting to say something, but ultimately kept silent.

The couple walked out together and saw Madam Lou in the main hall.

Madam Lou stood alone, carrying a food box. When she turned and saw Lily Evans, a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly put on a friendly, flattering smile and said to Alexander Hayes and Lily Evans, "Hayes, Lily, I made some snacks for you. I came to see you both."

Lily Evans looked at Madam Lou with a calm and distant expression, politely saying, "Someone, serve tea to Lady Hou."

A young maid brought tea, and the three sat down. Madam Lou looked somewhat uneasy, her eyes constantly drifting toward Alexander Hayes.

Alexander Hayes frowned deeply, saying nothing.

After a while, Madam Lou sighed, "Hayes, seeing you well now, I can rest easy."

Alexander Hayes replied coolly, "Lily will naturally take good care of me."

Madam Lou bit her lip, took out the snacks from the food box and arranged them on the table. "Hayes, look, I made your favorite pastries and brought them for you. Try some..."