A Bright Future After Hardship
Lily Evans spoke as she trembled with excitement, amazed by her own bold idea!
The imperial court forbids them from learning advanced industrial technology, but what if they claimed a piece of land and did it themselves? Then everything would be up to Lily Evans and Alexander Hayes. With new technology driving rapid progress, science and productivity would soon leave the local feudal economy in the dust.
At that time, Alexander Hayes would have a powerful army and strong industrial capabilities, with advanced technology and guns in hand. Who would care about the royal families of Chu or Jin? Anyone who dared to make a fuss would be shot—wouldn't that be far more satisfying than being a general constantly restrained by the emperor?
Lily’s words gave Alexander Hayes a sense that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
Alexander Hayes had originally been worried about his escape route and how to protect the lives of his soldiers, but now, after hearing Lily’s plan, everything seemed clear.
He already held command over all the armies in the land. If he had firearms and unmatched strength, would the emperor dare to threaten him? He could rebel at any moment!
The emperor’s guards with their broadswords and spears against the Hayes Regiment’s muskets? That’s just asking for trouble!
Imperial power and military authority have always kept each other in check—sometimes the east wind prevails, sometimes it’s the west.
Right now, Alexander Hayes doesn’t have enough leverage, so he has to be cautious. But if his strength skyrockets in the future, it’ll be the emperor who has to watch Alexander’s mood.
"Darling, you’re so insightful and smart!" Alexander Hayes exclaimed, lifting Lily Evans up and spinning her around before planting a big kiss on her.
Lily Evans giggled, her cheeks flushed. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We still have to solve the problem with the children."
She suggested teaching the orphans foreign languages and sending them abroad to study. That way, they could have a future and hope, instead of being trapped in poverty.
Alexander Hayes immediately agreed. "That’s a great idea! If we can give them a chance, they’ll be able to stand on their own two feet and live with dignity."
The couple decided to visit the slum where the children lived, determined to see the situation for themselves.
When they arrived, the sight before them was shocking: the slum was run-down and filthy, with starving children huddled in corners.
Lily Evans felt her heart ache. She couldn’t believe how dire the conditions were.
Some children were so thin their bones showed, and their eyes were filled with fear and hopelessness.
Alexander Hayes clenched his fists, his face darkening with anger. "How could anyone let things get this bad?"
Lily Evans took Alexander’s hand and whispered, "Let’s do everything we can to help them. We can’t just stand by."
He nodded firmly. "You’re right. From now on, we’ll do whatever it takes to give them a better life."