Such Ambition and Magnanimity

Alexander Hayes looked delighted as he pointed to the pile of odd little trinkets stacked in the room. "Darling, these are all gifts from the old veterans. They brought them just for you."

"For me?" Lily Evans blinked in surprise. "Why would they give me anything?"

"I told them all those farmlands belong to the Princess Consort, and that you went out of your way to find work for them so they wouldn’t be left out in the cold. These veterans thought they’d spend their twilight years scraping by, but now they don’t have to fight anymore—instead, you gave them lands to farm, a place to live, and wages too. How could they not be thrilled?" Alexander Hayes gently brushed Lily’s cheek. "Most of these men grew up in the countryside, so farming is second nature to them. You’ve given them a chance to shine."

Curious, Lily Evans went over to inspect the mountain of gifts. She discovered that while none of them were expensive, each one was something practical and heartfelt.

Some veterans had carved wooden figurines by hand, some brought home-cured meats and pickled vegetables, and others even gifted their own paintings...

One by one, Lily ran her fingers over these simple but deeply grateful offerings, feeling a wave of warmth in her heart.

It’s true what they say—give someone roses, and the fragrance lingers on your own hands. Lily’s heart felt so light and happy that she looked up at Alexander with a grin. "Tomorrow, I’ll send some wine to the Hayes Regiment. Everyone can have a drink—this doesn’t break any military rules, does it?"

Alexander Hayes burst out laughing. "If the General’s wife sends wine, those rascals would love nothing more than to drown in the barrel! I’ll thank you on behalf of all my men for your generosity."

Lily Evans laughed, looping her arm through Alexander’s. "Now I’m even more determined to grow my business!"

Alexander Hayes raised an eyebrow. "What’s got you thinking about expansion all of a sudden?"

Lily Evans propped up her chin and said, "Just think about it—my fields employ so many farmhands, giving countless families a way to make a living. My restaurant hires dozens of workers, and my spice guild spans the whole country, always needing more hands... The bigger my business grows, the more jobs I create. As long as people are hardworking and honest, they won’t go hungry or be left helpless in old age. Just today, I helped Uncle’s family find suitable work. I believe that as my ventures expand, I’ll create even more opportunities and help more people live better lives."

Alexander Hayes gazed at Lily Evans, admiration shining in his eyes. "Lily, I never imagined a woman could have such ambition and generosity. Compared to you, I’m completely outmatched!"

Lily Evans burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around Alexander Hayes’s neck. "If you hadn’t sheltered me from the storms, this rootless farm girl would’ve been trampled by corrupt officials long ago. I wouldn’t have any of this today!"

"Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right, my dear. So, shouldn’t you properly thank your devoted husband… by giving me a few little buns?" Alexander Hayes grinned mischievously and swept Lily Evans into his arms.

Lily Evans knew exactly what he was up to. She laughed and playfully punched him. "You rascal! I haven’t even eaten yet!"

"You can eat me first, then have dinner!"

===

Chu Kingdom Envoy Palace

Princess Mira sat in her room while Lila struggled to read through the account books beside her, looking thoroughly overwhelmed.

Princess Mira shot Lila a glare. "Lila, are you done yet? Why are you so slow!"

Lila shivered and quickly replied, "Reporting to Princess, I’ve finished checking the income from Su Xin Pavilion. At this rate, we’ll have enough silver to redeem the items pawned to the spice shop before Your Highness’s wedding."

Princess Mira smiled triumphantly. "Heh, soon I’ll be the richest and most influential woman in the capital. What does Lily Evans have to compete with me? When the time comes, let Lord Alexander see that I’m the real money-maker!"