Lily Evans’s righteous words left Louis Lee speechless. His face flushed red as he stammered repeatedly, “You’re a woman—how can you show your face in public? This goes against propriety! It defies the teachings of the sages!”
“Hmph. The sages taught respect for teachers and the Way. Since I’ve taught you knowledge, I am your teacher. Is this your idea of respect? Tell me, did the sages ever say a woman cannot be a teacher to men?” Lily Evans snorted coldly, fixing her gaze on Louis Lee.
Louis Lee was at a loss for words, his neck turning crimson with embarrassment. Then his eyes darted about, and he turned to the crowd: “You all heard it—she really is a woman! How can we, as proud men, accept a woman as our teacher? If word gets out, what face will we have left?”
“What’s so shameful about having a woman as your teacher? Don’t forget, your mother is a woman too—and when you go home, you still bow and serve her tea!” Lily Evans’s sharp eyes swept over Louis Lee’s face. “If you say my knowledge or virtue is lacking and I’m unfit to teach, then we can debate. But if you say I’m unfit just because I’m a woman, then you’re narrow-minded and petty. After all those years of study, you still don’t understand reason—you’re just a fool!”
Louis Lee was about to speak when Henry Thompson interjected, “Once you’ve accepted a teacher, it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female—they’re still your teacher. Professor Lily Evans’s knowledge is second to none. I believe her being Dean and teacher at Phoenix Academy is perfectly appropriate.”
“But she’s a woman! She has no right to be Dean of Phoenix Academy—we should expel her from the academy!” Louis Lee protested, relentless.
Lily Evans’s expression remained calm as she looked at Louis Lee. “Then tell me—who do you think is qualified to be Dean of Phoenix Academy?”
Louis Lee replied, “Phoenix Academy has seven senior staff members—there are six others. We can choose the one with the best character and learning to be Dean.”
Louis Lee’s suggestion made quite a few people start to consider it.
A woman as Dean—it was simply earth-shattering. If word got out that a bunch of men were being led by a woman, how embarrassing would that be?
Lily Evans looked at Louis Lee, let out a long breath, then suddenly arched her brow and smiled: “So, Gregory Gu Jr.’s cronies still haven’t been rooted out—there are still Gu loyalists hiding in Phoenix Academy, scheming to seize the position of Dean. Who knows what else you’re plotting against the court? Louis Lee, Gregory Gu Jr. went to Chu to be Prime Minister, but sent you here to Jin as a spy. Today you exposed yourself through your own stupidity.”
The entire court knew of Gregory Gu Jr.’s treasonous schemes. Louis Lee’s face turned pale. “Nonsense! I have nothing to do with that traitor Gregory Gu Jr.! You’re just trying to distract everyone!”
“Take the traitor and spy away—hand him over to His Majesty for judgment,” Lily Evans ordered decisively.
Madam Flora called for the imperial guards, who gagged Louis Lee and dragged him away. The onlookers wore complicated expressions; it was clear some questioned whether Lily Evans was too hasty in accusing Louis Lee of being a traitor’s accomplice.
“Dean Evans, don’t you think it’s rash to brand your critic as a traitor? Are you feeling guilty, or do you also believe women shouldn’t teach or serve as Dean?” someone in the crowd challenged.
Lily Evans looked at the varied faces around her and smiled gently: “Everyone, I disguised myself and changed my voice to appear as a man. Now that I’ve admitted I am a woman, I might as well be completely honest and let you all know my true identity.”
“Your true identity?” Henry Thompson looked up, bewildered at Dean Evans—he found her voice oddly familiar!
Lily Evans covered her face with her wide sleeve. Everyone craned their necks, eyes wide, holding their breath as they stared at the face hidden beneath that sleeve…