The next day, Sean Hayes and Mrs. Penny were expelled from the Hayes Family Shadow Guard, and word quickly spread that they had been assigned to serve the Princess Consort.
Sean Hayes was punished with fifty military cane strikes, yet he remained cheerful, happily recuperating in bed without a trace of complaint on his face.
Lily Evans visited Sean Hayes and Mrs. Penny several times; both were now patients, each nursing their wounds, but in their hearts, they were simply glad to have survived.
After Lily Evans returned to her room, she found Alexander Hayes reading in the study. Lily walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling gently: "If this keeps up, most of the elite Shadow Guards of the Hayes Family will end up as mine. Your Highness is truly generous."
Alexander Hayes put down his book, reached around Lily Evans's waist, and pulled her into his arms: "I belong to you, let alone the Hayes Family Shadow Guard. Now, both Sean Hayes and Mrs. Penny will be grateful for your life-saving kindness and see you as a second parent. From now on, they'll be even more devoted to you. With the two of them protecting you, I can rest easier, can't I?"
"I plan to see things through to the end. Once their injuries heal, I'll make arrangements for their wedding as soon as possible. But it has to be low-key and simple, since they were originally Shadow Guards—getting married is already a special exception, so we can't make too much of a fuss," Lily Evans said.
"Alright, they're your people now, so I'll follow your lead," Alexander Hayes said, planting a kiss on Lily Evans's nose. "Have Father or Mother given you any trouble lately?"
Lily Evans covered her mouth and giggled, shaking her head, "Of course not."
There was a hint of mischief in Lily Evans's smile. Ever since Alexander Hayes confronted Marquis Weiyuan and Lily Evans had a falling out with him, the Marquis hadn't bothered her again—not even putting on airs as her father-in-law.
Thinking about it, Lily Evans had made things clear, openly stating that she knew about their past plot against Margaret Evans, and Alexander Hayes's stance was firmly on Lily Evans and Margaret Evans's side.
With the biggest backer of the Marquis Weiyuan's household having spoken, as long as the Marquis has any sense, he wouldn't dare trouble Lily Evans again.
As for Madam Lou, Lily Evans found it even more amusing.
Nowadays, Madam Lou has been completely cowed by Quentin Lin. At the mere sight of that little troublemaker, she trembles—never mind giving Lily Evans a hard time, she now instinctively fears anyone from the Lin family.
According to the servants, every time Quentin Lin comes to treat Madam Lou's injured foot, the screams from her room are enough to rival a pig being slaughtered—truly harrowing.
Madam Lou's days are now spent in fear and pain, and she doesn't dare make trouble for Lily Evans anymore.
With all these troubles resolved, Lily Evans's days have become peaceful and pleasant.
After the New Year, the Lin family received more orders for their Jade Beauty Powder, and Lily Evans was busier than ever.
Margaret Evans was delighted to see Lily Evans thriving, and whenever she had a free moment, she would come over to help.
Margaret Evans was deeply moved when she heard the news, and spent her days as cheerful as a spring blossom.
Even the Marquis Weiyuan, who had once been so hostile to Lily Evans, now greeted her with a smile whenever they met.
With the Lin family's Jade Beauty Powder, Margaret Evans looked ten years younger. Standing beside Lily Evans, the two could easily be mistaken for sisters just a few years apart.
With her spirits lifted and using the Lin family's magical Jade Beauty Powder, Margaret Evans looked ten years younger. Standing next to Lily Evans, they could easily pass for sisters just a few years apart.