No Choice but to Compromise

Gregory Gu Jr., the Imperial Grand Tutor, always proud and untouchable, was actually threatened by a courtesan. Gregory Gu Jr. was so furious his face turned green.

Born into the influential Gu Family, Gregory Gu Jr. was adored from a young age, his life smooth and unchallenged. His career in court was meteoric, and he had never known defeat.

As a result, Gregory Gu Jr. had always been exceedingly proud and arrogant.

Yet this same Grand Tutor Gregory Gu Jr., who wielded power in court, now had to admit that Su Li had him firmly by the throat. No matter how hard he racked his brains for a way out, nothing worked.

Gregory Gu Jr.'s face contorted with a mix of fury and humiliation. The look he gave Xenia was no longer the gentle, refined scholar he usually presented, but one of ruthless intensity.

Gregory Gu Jr. had to admit to himself—Su Li truly knew all his weaknesses. Her counterattack was swift, precise, and ruthless, so masterful that even Gregory Gu Jr. had to admire her.

Especially since Su Li had sent a courtesan to negotiate with him, which was a particular humiliation for the Grand Tutor, who always looked down on women of the night. Now, he—the dignified Imperial Grand Tutor—was forced to bargain with a courtesan. It was a severe blow to his pride.

Though Xenia was a woman of the Moonlight Pavilion, she was its madam and no stranger to high-stakes situations. She remained calm, smiling at the Grand Tutor, and said, "Grand Tutor, time is running out. Please make your decision quickly. If you delay and our Princess Consort reveals something, you’ll regret it when it’s too late."

Xenia's demeanor was one of utter confidence. The Grand Tutor knew perfectly well these words came straight from Su Li—she was backing Xenia up.

At that moment, Gregory Gu Jr. felt both stifled and, inexplicably, a strange thrill.

For the first time in his life, Gregory Gu Jr. had been bested by a woman—by the very woman he cherished. This only made him admire Su Li all the more, falling deeper under her spell.

After weighing his options, Gregory Gu Jr. realized he had no choice but to compromise.

"Fine, I’ll have someone bring the girl here right away." Gregory Gu Jr. sat down heavily, exhaling, and commanded his men to fetch the child.

Xenia remained seated. "I’ll wait right here," she said, her tone resolute. "I was ordered to make sure the girl is safe and unharmed."

Seeing Xenia waiting, clearly intent on inspecting the goods, Gregory Gu Jr. did not rush her.

Soon enough, a Gu Family servant brought in White Lily, the twelve-year-old daughter of White Pete. The girl looked terrified as she was led inside.

Xenia, well-versed in the ways of the brothel, knew all too well the hidden torments these places could inflict—leaving no visible mark, but draining a person nonetheless.

"I need to check the girl’s condition," Xenia declared.

Gregory Gu Jr. waved his hand, ordering a room to be cleared. Xenia took White Lily inside and examined her thoroughly. Satisfied that the Gu Family hadn’t inflicted any hidden injuries, Xenia brought her out and said to Gregory Gu Jr., "Sir, I’ll be taking her back now."

Gregory Gu Jr. gestured for her to leave, his expression shifting uncertainly. Xenia didn’t bother with further pleasantries and left with White Lily.

White Lily could neither speak nor see or hear. She looked utterly pitiful. Xenia sighed and handed her over to Belle.

Belle, kind-hearted and sold to the brothel as a child, felt deep sympathy for girls like White Lily who had suffered so much. She looked at her with aching concern.