Prepared for Trouble
"What did you say? Princess Lily Hayes isn't planning to see me, but went straight to see Grand Secretary Gregory Gu instead!?" Gregory Gu Jr.'s face turned pale with shock after hearing the servant's report.
Gregory Gu Jr. had never forgotten that Lily Evans held a major piece of leverage over him.
It was about the last Math Challenge Tournament between the Kingdom of Chu and Jin, where Gregory Gu Jr. colluded with the Chu delegation and leaked the test questions.
This matter had always been a thorn in Gregory Gu Jr.'s heart. His greatest fear was that his grandfather would find out, fly into a rage, be unable to bear it, and lose all hope in him—maybe even suffer some terrible accident in a fit of anger.
Originally, since Lily Evans hadn't visited Grand Secretary Gregory Gu for so long, Gregory Gu Jr. had almost forgotten about this whole mess.
Just when he thought he could force Lily Evans to come see him by putting on airs, she suddenly switched tactics—completely ignoring him and heading straight to see Grand Secretary Gregory Gu. The memory of that old scandal hit Gregory Gu Jr. like a cold wave, making him break out in a cold sweat. If Lily Evans really told his grandfather, with the old man's current health, it would probably be a fatal blow—he might never recover, or even die from the shock.
Gregory Gu Jr. was deeply attached to his grandfather. The thought that his own foolish actions could drive the old man to his death made him feel as though he were plunged into an icy pit, chills surging through his body.
"Will she... will she tell Grand Secretary Gregory Gu?" Gregory Gu Jr. had no idea what Lily Evans was thinking. Sitting there, he felt like he was on pins and needles.
"What are Princess Lily Hayes and Grand Secretary Gregory Gu talking about?" Gregory Gu Jr. pressed urgently.
The servant replied, "I don't know either, sir. Grand Secretary Gregory Gu won't allow anyone else inside, and Princess Lily Hayes's people are guarding the door so no one can get close. I honestly have no idea what they're discussing in there."
Gregory Gu Jr. grew even more flustered at this—Lily Evans was clearly prepared for battle!
He regretted his earlier scheme: he’d planned to use White Pete’s daughter to force Lily Evans to come begging, then spread rumors that would make people suspect an illicit connection between Princess Lily Hayes and Gregory Gu Jr. If that happened, not even a dip in the Yellow River could wash Lily’s reputation clean, and Alexander Hayes might start doubting her loyalty.
But who could have predicted that Lily Evans would show up in full regalia, with the Princess Consort’s entourage, openly visiting the Gu Family and Grand Secretary Gregory Gu—without even acknowledging Gregory Gu Jr.!
Grand Secretary Gregory Gu was an elderly man, gravely ill and in need of rest. Gregory Gu Jr. couldn’t spread wild rumors now, nor did he want his grandfather’s good name ruined in his twilight years.
Gregory Gu Jr.’s carefully crafted plan had collapsed just like that!
Just as Gregory Gu Jr. was burning with anxiety—as if he were being roasted alive—a servant arrived to report: "Her Highness Princess Lily Hayes’s people are here to see you."
Gregory Gu Jr., desperate for answers, quickly called them in. He saw a strikingly beautiful woman with an air of worldliness about her.
Gregory Gu Jr. couldn’t help but frown. How could Lily Evans be associating with such a woman of questionable reputation? Wasn’t she being far too indiscreet?
Xenia entered, greeted the legendary Grand Tutor Gregory Gu Jr. with elegant courtesy, then took a seat before him, perfectly composed. "Grand Tutor Gu, my lady Princess Consort Lily Hayes sent me to request a person from you."
Gregory Gu Jr. replied irritably, "I have no idea what you’re talking about."
Xenia smiled. "Grand Tutor Gu, you do have a way with jokes. My lady wants the little girl you’re holding. I advise you to hand her over safely and without trouble."
Gregory Gu Jr. was furious—a woman of the streets daring to threaten him! "Do you have any idea who I am? How dare you threaten me!"
Xenia’s smile was gentle. "Of course I know who you are, Grand Tutor Gu. You’d best think carefully. My lady says, if White Pete’s daughter doesn’t show up safe and sound at Prince of Qin’s Manor within half an hour, she can’t guarantee what will be said to Grand Secretary Gregory Gu—everything that should and shouldn’t be said might come out. So, Grand Tutor Gu, you’d better weigh your options carefully."