Like Facing a Formidable Enemy
Alexander Hayes looked at Lily Evans with a mixture of helplessness and fondness. He said, "My dear, I know that if you don’t see Principal Gregory Gu one last time, you’ll carry regret in your heart for the rest of your life. This isn’t like other things—if you miss out on something else, there’s still a chance to make it right. But Principal Gregory Gu only has a day or two left… Fine, I’ll go to the Gu Family. At worst, they’ll make things difficult for me and say a few harsh words, but what can they really do to me? Compared to a lifetime of regret for you, I’m a grown man—why should I be afraid of some idle gossip?"
Hearing Alexander’s words, Lily cried even harder. "You’re such a proud person—the Prince of Qin who never yields an inch to the Gu Family in court. And now, for me, you’d go to the Gu Family and let them make things difficult for you. I…"
"Silly girl, we’re husband and wife. There’s nothing I wouldn’t endure for you. It’s just a little trouble." Alexander gently wiped away Lily’s tears and said, "Come, let’s go change our clothes and head to the Gu Family."
"Okay…" Lily nodded obediently and went back inside with Alexander. The two changed into simple, plain outfits.
The Gu Family was preparing for the funeral, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear anything too bright.
The two of them got on the carriage and headed straight for the Gu Family residence.
When they arrived at the Gu Family’s gate, Lily saw that the servants were indeed hanging up white silk, and everyone was dressed in somber colors.
There were several carriages parked in front of the Gu Family’s gate—probably visitors, but the Gu Family members were keeping them outside.
A crowd of officials from various ranks had already gathered at the entrance, all having heard that Principal Gregory Gu was gravely ill and had come to pay their respects.
As soon as Alexander and Lily appeared at the gate, all the officials’ eyes turned toward them.
Everyone knew that Alexander Hayes and Gregory Gu Jr. were now sworn enemies in court, and that Alexander had no connection to the Gu Family except for their rivalry.
So why would Alexander suddenly show up at the Gu Family now, just as Principal Gregory Gu’s health was failing?
And he brought his Princess Consort with him?
The officials’ first reaction was that Alexander had come to gloat over the Gu Family’s misfortune, deliberately rubbing salt in Gregory Gu Jr.’s wounds.
The officials whispered among themselves, all wondering what kind of sparks would fly if Alexander and Gregory Gu Jr. faced off again.
The Gu Family’s gatekeeper spotted Alexander and instantly became alert, blocking his way as if afraid he’d come to stir up trouble.
Other servants immediately rushed inside to report to the family’s masters: the Gu Family’s arch-nemesis, Alexander Hayes, had arrived!
Gregory Gu Jr. was at Principal Gregory Gu’s bedside, tending to him. The principal drifted in and out of consciousness, barely clinging to life.
Gregory Gu Jr. was anxious and heartbroken over his grandfather’s condition. Hearing that Alexander had come, he blurted out angrily, “That Alexander is going too far! He’s always making trouble for me in court, and now he’s come to kick us while we’re down! This is infuriating! Go chase that Alexander out—don’t let him set foot in the Gu Family!”
“Yes, Grand Tutor!”
The servant hurried back to the gate to deliver the message. Faced with the legendary war god, the servant was visibly nervous and stammered, “Prince Alexander, our old master isn’t feeling well and can’t receive guests. Please, Prince Alexander, you should leave.”
Alexander looked at the Gu Family servant, clearly displeased, and was about to speak when Lily stepped forward and politely said, “Excuse me, could you please go in and announce that Princess Consort Lily Evans has come to visit Principal Gregory Gu?”