The Final Request
"Greg has become especially keen these past few years on cultivating his own faction and influence in the court. He's determined to have people from Phoenix Academy enter government service, to be used by him. He wants his followers and disciples to fill every ministry, every province, to spread across the land. But he forgets—the Emperor's greatest taboo is officials forming cliques. Greg is weaving a net so wide, how could the Emperor ever tolerate it?" Principal Gregory Gu's face was full of worry. "Right now, Prince of Qin and Greg are balancing each other in the court. The Emperor, seeking balance, won't move against either side. But I know, Prince of Qin—and you—are people of foresight. You won't be trapped forever in factional strife. One day, Prince of Qin will find a way to extricate himself, and when that happens, Greg will think he's won, defeated Prince of Qin, and become even more reckless, perhaps even deluded: with such power, the Emperor wouldn't dare touch him."
"But since ancient times, how many officials have ever bested an emperor? The current Emperor's cunning runs deep—Greg is not his match. If I die and Greg grows even more obsessive and stubborn, I'm afraid he'll bring disaster upon our entire family."
Lily, I'm entrusting Phoenix Academy to you. Whatever you do, don't let those students get swept up in factional struggles the moment they enter government service! When Phoenix Academy was in Professor Jade Evans's hands, the Emperor never worried about any side, because Professor Jade Evans is a pure scholar, without rank or ambition, just a teacher. The Emperor trusts people like that the most." Principal Gregory Gu looked at Lily, pleading, "Lily, I've laid out all the pros and cons for you. Can you still promise me you'll manage Phoenix Academy well?
Lily choked up as she looked at Principal Gregory Gu. In truth, she understood everything he said—she was clever enough to see right through it all.
But now, seeing Principal Gregory Gu lay out the risks so plainly, cutting straight to the heart of the matter, and speaking so honestly—
Lily nodded and said, "Principal Gregory Gu, don't worry. Professor Jade Evans has always been a senior figure at Phoenix Academy, and the academy carries his life's work. So I'll take over Phoenix Academy—you can rest easy."
"Good... that's good..." Principal Gregory Gu let out a long breath, but his body only grew more tense instead of relaxing. He gripped Lily's sleeve tightly, using all his strength, and said, "Lily, can you promise me one last thing?"
"Principal Gregory Gu, just say it. If I can, I will do my best," Lily replied quickly.
Principal Gregory Gu's eyes flickered as he glanced outside, then back at Lily, pleading, "Lily, if—if one day Greg falls into Prince Alexander's hands, could you—could you spare his life? Just his life, that's all I ask. Greg is my closest kin. I raised him myself, taught him myself. If his character has become so stubborn and sharp, it's my fault as his grandfather—my failure. When I'm gone, what worries me most is Greg. Lily, can you promise me, no matter what, to keep Greg alive?"
Lily's lips trembled. She never expected Principal Gregory Gu to hold on just to tell her this last wish.
She nodded solemnly. "Principal Gregory Gu, I promise. As long as it's within my power, I'll keep Greg safe."