Discarding the Loyal
Thinking of this, Lily Evans's tone grew serious, and she spoke faster: "When the hunt is over, the hound is slain; when the birds are gone, the fine bow is put away. How many emperors throughout history have discarded loyal servants once their work was done? Gregory Gu Jr., Imperial Grand Tutor, is well-versed in history and power plays. He must be wondering what the Emperor is thinking, whether after the war is over, His Majesty has the intention to get rid of the Hayes Regiment. The Hayes Regiment is renowned for its military achievements and elite combat strength, and with Prince Alexander Hayes as its commander, it's easy to see why the Emperor would be wary of them in peacetime. Gregory Gu Jr. is testing whether the Emperor is ready to move against the Hayes Regiment! Prince, did His Majesty approve Gregory Gu Jr.'s memorial!?"
Alexander Hayes's dark eyes fixed on Lily Evans, and he let out a long sigh. "His Majesty... has agreed..."
Lily Evans's posture slumped a little, stunned. "So His Majesty really does have such intentions..."
"Yes." Alexander Hayes sighed and sat beside Lily Evans, looking a bit forlorn. "I understand everything you've said. But when it happens to you personally, it's hard to accept—it’s difficult to believe. I've risked my life for His Majesty, and now, thinking about how the two countries have just formed an alliance, yet His Majesty is already plotting against the Hayes Regiment, how could I not feel bitter?"
Lily Evans grabbed Alexander Hayes's arm. "Prince, since you’re aware of it, you should make plans early."
Alexander Hayes patted Lily Evans's hand and gave her a reassuring smile. "I know what I’m doing, don’t worry."
"Alright. I don’t know much about court intrigue, but I trust you’ll handle it well," Lily Evans said.
Alexander Hayes tapped Lily Evans’s nose. "Even the cunning fox Gregory Gu Jr. can’t hide his schemes from you, and yet you’re still so modest. If the court saw this, they’d die of embarrassment."
With that, Alexander Hayes lifted Lily Evans and set her on his lap, smiling. "Enough of these unhappy topics. Tonight, let’s have dinner with your parents and enjoy ourselves."
"Mm!" Lily Evans perked up again. She trusted Alexander Hayes, after all. The struggle between emperor and ministers was never as simple as one side getting their way—it was always the result of many forces competing.
Lily Evans didn’t know much about these matters, but since Alexander Hayes was a battle-hardened general who had navigated the court for years, she trusted he would handle it well.
Dinner was held at the Lin Residence.
Every few days, Alexander Hayes and Lily Evans would visit the Lin Residence to have dinner with Margaret Evans.
“Lily, eat more. Prince, you too.” Margaret Evans beamed at her daughter and son-in-law, clearly content. Beside her, Quentin Lin pouted and whined, “Mom, you’re so biased! Why don’t you tell Quentin to eat more?”
Margaret Evans burst out laughing and pinched Quentin Lin’s cheek. “Quentin, I tell you to eat more every single meal. Today, we finally have dinner with your sister and brother-in-law. It’s their turn to be spoiled—don’t be jealous.”
Dr. Rowan Lin glared at Quentin Lin. “Quentin, you’re not a child anymore. Still need your mother to coax you to eat? Shameful!”
Quentin Lin stuck out his tongue playfully. Margaret Evans laughed and served him more food, and only then did Quentin happily dig into his bowl.
After dinner, they chatted with Margaret Evans for a while. The young couple was about to return to the neighboring Prince’s Residence when Quentin Lin tilted his head and grinned at Lily Evans, “Lily, stay a little longer and keep Quentin company!”
As Quentin Lin spoke, he winked mischievously at Lily Evans.
Seeing Quentin Lin’s antics, Lily Evans guessed the child had something to say to her. She asked Alexander Hayes to head home first, then let Quentin drag her out to the courtyard. “Quentin, you wanted me to stay behind—do you have something you need to tell me?”