Requesting the Birth Chart

Early the next morning, Lily Evans got out of bed groaning and rubbing her sore waist, shooting a fierce glare at the culprit.

Alexander Hayes looked thoroughly satisfied, his face glowing with contentment as he attentively helped Lily Evans get dressed and washed up.

They went together to the Lin Residence to have breakfast with Lily's father- and mother-in-law. Afterward, Lily disguised herself as Professor Jade Evans and, as usual, headed to the academy to teach.

Meanwhile, Alexander Hayes was supposed to go to court for official business, but Dr. Rowan Lin called him aside.

Seeing his father-in-law wanted to talk, Alexander Hayes respectfully followed Dr. Rowan Lin into the study.

Dr. Rowan Lin’s study was filled with books, most of them medical texts, and the air was laced with the scent of herbs.

Dr. Rowan Lin invited Alexander Hayes to sit. The two men, father- and son-in-law, drank tea and chatted about family matters.

"Prince, you’re twenty this year, aren’t you?" As they chatted, Dr. Rowan Lin suddenly changed the topic and asked Alexander Hayes.

Alexander Hayes was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, "That’s right, I’m twenty this year."

"Oh, twenty—very good, very good. Prince, which month were you born in?" Dr. Rowan Lin asked with a smile, looking at Alexander Hayes.

Alexander Hayes paused for a moment and replied, "I was born in March."

"Born in March, huh..." Dr. Rowan Lin stroked his chin, something flickering in his eyes before he smiled. "Spring is the season of renewal—an excellent time for a birthday. How did you usually celebrate in the past? Funny, I never heard of anyone from court coming to congratulate you on your birthday."

A trace of bitterness flickered at the corner of Alexander Hayes's mouth. If it hadn't been for his wedding, when his birth chart was needed for the compatibility ritual, he would've nearly forgotten his own birthday.

Dr. Rowan Lin noticed Alexander seemed troubled and pressed, "What's wrong?"

Alexander Hayes shook his head with a bitter smile. "It's just... I've never celebrated my birthday. When I lived at Weiyuan Manor as a child, my parents never marked the occasion. To be honest, if it weren't for marrying Lily and needing my birth chart for the compatibility ritual, I wouldn't even know which month I was born in—just the year."

"I see..." Dr. Rowan Lin sighed, imagining how little care Alexander must've received growing up in Weiyuan Manor. For the only legitimate son of the Marquis and Madam Lou, he was certainly neglected.

Madam Lou wasn't someone lacking maternal love. She doted on Lucy Lou, which showed her distance from Alexander wasn't because she disliked children.

Dr. Rowan Lin stroked his beard and looked at the melancholy Alexander Hayes. "No matter. From now on, our family will celebrate your birthday every year."

"Thank you, Father-in-law," Alexander said.

Alexander played a few more rounds of chess with his father-in-law before heading off to the barracks.

After Alexander left, Dr. Rowan Lin went to find Margaret Evans. Quentin Lin was pestering her to tell him a story.

"Daddy's here!" Quentin Lin, who had been clinging to his mother like a boneless little monkey, straightened up at once and stuck out his tongue playfully when he saw his father.

"Quentin, pestering your mother again! Have you finished your homework?" Dr. Rowan Lin put on his stern father face.

Quentin Lin grinned at Margaret Evans. "Mom, I'll go do my homework now. I’ll come back and keep you company this afternoon."

With that, Quentin Lin dashed off.

Dr. Rowan Lin gently wrapped his arm around Margaret Evans's waist. "Maggie, Quentin is always clinging to you. Don’t let him wear you out."

"How could I be tired? Quentin is thoughtful and caring, and I love having him around," Margaret Evans replied with a gentle smile.

"Oh, right, Maggie—when Lily and Alexander got married, do you have their Marriage Compatibility Document from the compatibility ritual? Let me take a look." Dr. Rowan Lin asked.