Caught in a Dilemma
"Save the Gu Family?" The young attendant was stunned. He thought to himself, though the Gu Family had lost their old patriarch, Imperial Grand Tutor Gu was at the peak of his power in court. The Gu Family was as steady as a mountain—why would they need saving?
Before the attendant could figure it out, he saw Gregory Gu Jr., Imperial Grand Tutor, unusually leading his horse over, mounting swiftly, and galloping away in a hurry.
The attendant was left utterly confused, frozen in place.
The Imperial Grand Tutor of their household was a scholarly official, always mindful of his appearance and demeanor, and almost never rode a horse—he preferred traveling by carriage. Just how urgent was today’s matter, that Imperial Grand Tutor Gu would abandon the ailing old patriarch and be in such a rush as to ride off on horseback?
Meanwhile, Alexander Hayes escorted Lily Evans away from the Gu Family residence and back to the Prince of Qin’s Manor.
Ever since their return, Lily Evans looked somber, as if weighed down by heavy thoughts. After a long silence, she bit her lip and said, "Your Highness, Principal Gregory Gu has entrusted Phoenix Academy to me..."
"Mm, I know." Alexander Hayes looked at Lily Evans, fully aware that her worries weren’t simply about taking over the academy.
Lily Evans hesitated for a moment, then finally voiced her concern. "Principal Gregory Gu made me promise—if Gregory Gu Jr. ever falls into your hands, I must spare his life."
Alexander Hayes raised his eyebrows, a trace of amusement flickering in his eyes. "He’s really playing every card he’s got."
Lily Evans gave a wry smile, her tone both helpless and amused. "Principal Gregory Gu said, ‘The Gu Family is finished. The only thing left is my grandson—if you can, please spare him.’"
Lily Evans gritted her teeth and nodded. "I promised. Principal Gregory Gu entrusted this to me on his deathbed, and gave me Phoenix Academy. If I refused, I couldn't bear to see him pass away with regrets."
Alexander Hayes sighed deeply and pulled Lily Evans into his arms. "I knew you would agree. Sometimes you're so tough, but other times, you're incredibly soft-hearted. Principal Gregory Gu recognized your talent, gave you the priceless Phoenix Academy, and on his deathbed, all he asked was for you to spare his grandson. Naturally, you couldn't refuse."
"Will this cause trouble for you?" Lily Evans looked at Alexander Hayes anxiously. "When I agreed, it wasn't just because I couldn't bear to see Principal Gregory Gu die with regrets. I have my own reasons. If the day comes when even Gregory Gu Jr., Imperial Grand Tutor, is at your mercy, it means the Gu Family has completely collapsed. In that case, sparing his life won't pose any threat to us."
"Yes, yes, my dear, you're absolutely right." Alexander Hayes pinched Lily Evans's cheek. "Don't frown so much—look, your face is all wrinkled. Come on, give your husband a smile."
Lily Evans couldn't bring herself to smile. She was a bit regretful about agreeing to Principal Gregory Gu's request, fearing that sparing Gregory Gu Jr. might be like raising a tiger that could one day harm them. Yet, she felt she couldn't refuse, leaving her heart conflicted.
Seeing Lily Evans so troubled, Alexander Hayes cupped her face and said, "If you don't want to smile, then let me smile for you."
With that, Alexander Hayes made an exaggerated funny face, which finally coaxed a smile from Lily Evans. She scolded him playfully, "I'm being serious here!"
Alexander Hayes hugged Lily Evans and said, "Seriously, it doesn't matter if you promised Principal Gregory Gu. Gregory Gu Jr., Imperial Grand Tutor, is just a scholar. If the Gu Family falls, it can only be because the Emperor wants to destroy them. In that case, whether Gregory Gu Jr. lives or dies won't affect us. Your husband commands the empire's armies and has your support for the Firestorm Battalion. If I can't handle a defeated Gregory Gu Jr., how could I ever be worthy of you, my dear?"