The First Batch of Overseas Students
As parents, most hope their children will have bright futures. Arthur Evans and his wife are no exception. Though they come from a merchant background, they place great importance on Leonard Yuan's education, hoping he will earn a scholarly title and bring honor to the family.
When it comes to their daughter, Jill Evans, their wishes are much simpler: to find her a good husband in the future, so she can live a happy and stable life.
As for their youngest son, he's still nursing and much too young—his future can wait.
Friends and family gathered together again, chatting and laughing. The New Year’s atmosphere grew lively once more. The first day of the New Year passed in joyful celebration. The gloom brought by the Su Family’s third branch was quietly ignored by everyone, as if it had never happened. Nobody mentioned it.
Day by day, time passed. It was the New Year, and with another child on the way, Lily Evans finally had a chance to catch her breath. Looking back, she realized she’d been running around like a spinning top these past few days.
But though it was busy and tiring, it was worth it. Watching her businesses grow, earning more and more money—even expanding overseas—filled her heart with pure joy.
Originally, Lily planned to visit the other residence on the fourth day of the New Year to see the children.
Unfortunately, on the third day, a heavy snowfall blanketed the ground, making travel difficult. Lily worried about slipping and hurting the baby, so she had to stay home.
Lily didn’t get to visit the other residence, but to her surprise, the children from there came to see her instead.
Lily sat with a smile, watching the three children who had come to pay her a visit.
Leading the group was Cecilia. This little visit to the Prince Qin’s residence was her idea.
Upon hearing that the princess was expecting, the children were overjoyed. Cecilia suggested they send representatives to visit her.
The children didn’t have much money, but they all pitched in enthusiastically. The girls embroidered handkerchiefs and little pouches, while the boys brought wooden dolls and homemade slingshots. Cecilia carried a basket, packed to the brim with all their gifts.
Lily Evans squinted happily at the thoughtful gifts the children had prepared for her, feeling utterly delighted.
“Congratulations on the baby, Teacher!” Cecilia beamed, her eyes crinkling as she stared curiously at Lily’s belly.
“Good kids, did everyone have a nice New Year?” Lily asked with a smile.
Cecilia nodded eagerly. “It was wonderful! We all got warm new cotton clothes and meat to eat—the New Year’s Eve dinner was a feast! Back home, we never had such good food. Everyone’s so grateful to Princess Teacher!”
Lily patted Cecilia’s head and smiled. “If you all study hard, that’s the best way to thank me. Cecilia, in February you and nineteen other children will go abroad to study. Are you nervous?”
Based on their language scores, Lily had selected twenty children who would, in February, set sail with Edward’s fleet to study advanced knowledge and technology overseas.
Cecilia was the most studious and top-performing among them, and naturally became one of the very first overseas students.
Talking about studying abroad, Cecilia couldn’t hide her excitement. “Teacher, I’m not afraid! I grew up in the village, always hearing adults say girls aren’t much use—just a burden, destined to be married off for a bride price. Girls never left the mountains, spent their lives around the stove, couldn’t read or write. But now I get to leave the mountains, learn to read and write, and even go overseas—farther than any man! I’m not scared at all, I can’t wait to see the wide world outside!”