The life Lily Evans led was enviable, even to the Empress herself.
This woman, so tightly bound by the walls of the palace, the supreme Empress, looked at Princess Lily Hayes with a complicated expression.
But in just a moment, the envy and longing in the Empress's eyes vanished, her desires crushed by her status.
The Empress looked at Lily Evans and said, "Princess Lily Hayes, whether you refuse to answer or choose to evade, you disguised yourself as a man to establish the Academy. The Prince of Qin's Manor has committed the crime of deceiving the Emperor. Do you understand?"
"Mm, I understand," Lily replied with a bright smile, showing not a hint of fear.
But Lily's attitude only made the Empress, who had faked illness to lure her into the palace, feel even more flustered. The Empress glared at Lily fiercely. "Then do you know what fate awaits the Prince of Qin's Manor? And what will happen to you for entering the palace today?"
Lily blinked but didn't answer. Instead, she asked the Empress, "Since I've fallen into Your Majesty's hands, what can a pregnant woman like me, powerless and defenseless, possibly do? But I am quite curious—how did the Emperor and Empress discover my identity as Professor Jade Evans?"
The Empress sneered, "If you didn't want anyone to know, you shouldn't have done it. Princess Lily Hayes, since you are now in my hands, I'll be frank: your Prince of Qin's Manor is about to face disaster, and your husband can't save you. Listen carefully—it was Gregory Gu Jr., the Imperial Grand Tutor, who uncovered your secret and reported it to the Emperor."
"Oh? So it was him," Lily raised her brows, clearly surprised.
It was Principal Gregory Gu who first discovered Lily's mathematical talent and invited her again and again to teach, never caring that she was a woman. Later, for convenience at the Academy, she disguised herself as a man.
In the end, Lily Evans's identity as Professor Jade Evans was born thanks to Principal Gregory Gu.
Lily used to believe that no matter how cunning or devious Gregory Gu Jr. was, he would never expose the identity arranged by Principal Gregory Gu.
Lily lowered her gaze, her eyes turning cold. "Gregory Gu Jr., it seems you truly wish to drive the Prince of Qin's Manor to ruin!"
Seeing Lily Evans silent and downcast, the Empress stood up and said, "Princess Lily Hayes, you’re clever enough to realize that once you entered the palace today, you’re not leaving. Stay here quietly and don’t try anything foolish. Of course, even if you tried, you wouldn’t get far—there are five hundred guards outside, and this place is sealed tighter than a drum. A pregnant woman like you shouldn’t dream of escaping by force."
With those words, the Empress left the room. Lily watched her leave, unsure what she planned to do next.
Suddenly, Lily was left alone in the room. Outside, layers of palace maids, eunuchs, and guards stood watch. Lily glanced out the window, completely unafraid. Instead, she lay comfortably on the couch, turned on her side, rested her belly, and closed her eyes for a nap.
Someone slipped quietly into the room, stopping just outside the beaded curtain, watching the woman resting on the couch.
She looked serene, cradling her belly, her body curled up slightly as if lost in a dream.
Gregory Gu Jr. stared at Lily, not blinking. It was midsummer, the weather sweltering, and Lily wore light clothes that outlined her graceful curves.
Lily was naturally slender, with a tall, slim figure. Her seven-month belly stood out even more, seeming larger than most expectant mothers.
Gregory Gu Jr. gazed at Lily from head to toe, admiring her beautiful curves. Suddenly, his throat tightened and he felt a rush of heat throughout his body...