Trouble Strikes the Gu Family

Lily Evans happily opened the letter from Yuan Ling, read it, and smiled, "Yuan Ling is truly remarkable. Uncle Arthur, you don't need to worry. I believe Ling'er will surely pass the autumn exam and become a Xiucai."

"Wonderful, that's fantastic!" Arthur Evans was overjoyed, insisting it's all thanks to Lily Evans's excellent teaching.

As the two were chatting, they heard Alexander Hayes's footsteps approaching.

Lily Evans turned around and saw Alexander Hayes stride in with his long legs, his expression stern, as if something serious had happened.

Arthur Evans, quick-witted as ever, realized Alexander Hayes must have something to discuss with Lily Evans, so he promptly put down the booklet and took his leave.

After Arthur Evans left, Alexander Hayes took Lily Evans's wrist, looked into her eyes, and spoke in a heavy tone: "My dear, I've just received a secret report. Please, don't get too upset when you hear this..."

Seeing Alexander Hayes's serious expression, Lily Evans felt a pang of anxiety. She asked, "What secret report? Did something serious happen?"

Alexander Hayes pulled Lily Evans to sit down, then whispered in her ear, "The Hayes Regiment's shadow guards just delivered a secret report. It's about the Gu Family. Principal Gregory Gu is gravely ill... it seems... he won't make it..."

"What! Principal Gregory Gu... how could it be so sudden!?" Lily Evans was anxious and worried, frowning. "Just recently, Principal Gregory Gu visited the academy and saw me. He seemed in decent health then—how could things deteriorate so quickly?"

Alexander Hayes shook his head, "Since the New Year, Principal Gregory Gu's health has worsened day by day. The Gu Family originally wanted to invite the Lin Family of Healers to treat him, but due to the tense relationship between Prince of Qin's Manor and the Lin Family, they hired another famous doctor instead. Now Principal Gregory Gu is critically ill, drifting in and out of consciousness. The Gu Family is already preparing the coffin and mourning hall."

Lily Evans lowered her head, recalling the scene at the Royal Academy of Mathematics when Principal Gregory Gu entrusted her with Phoenix Academy.

That wise and kind old man—turns out, when he visited that day, he was already gravely ill, but he hid it from everyone.

Lily Evans felt a wave of sadness, her eyes reddening. She murmured, "I should have visited Principal Gregory Gu sooner. I regret waiting until now..."

Alexander Hayes gently held Lily Evans's hand, comforting her, "You can't blame yourself. The Gu Family and Prince of Qin's Manor have been at odds lately. Even if you wanted to visit, it wouldn't have been easy."

Lily Evans nodded, but her heart still ached. She asked softly, "Is Principal Gregory Gu really beyond saving?"

Alexander Hayes replied, "The Lin Family of Healers has already tried everything, but Principal Gregory Gu is very old. Even the best medicine can't work miracles."

Lily Evans wiped her tears and said, "No matter what, I must go see Principal Gregory Gu one last time."

Alexander Hayes nodded, "I'll accompany you. Let's go together."