Prince Ethan was somewhat surprised by the man's loss of composure and reminded him with a gentle call, "Liam!" Yet in his heart, he was calculating—how could Liam Duanmu know Morgan Shangguan?
Liam? Morgan Shangguan studied the man again, noting his unique presence...
"Liam Duanmu." Morgan Shangguan couldn't help but frown. Liam had met her before; he was supposed to be praying at Qingyin Temple, yet here he was in Blue Lake City. Clearly, she could no longer avoid suspicion!
What surprised her even more was that Liam Duanmu was walking with Prince Ethan. It seemed the martial world was preparing to intervene in the struggle for the throne. In other words, someone was about to make a move!
Although the martial world appeared unrelated to the court, if the ruler of a kingdom was cruel and incompetent, those in the martial world would hardly fare well. Thus, when the candidates for the throne sought support, some would naturally choose to help the one they favored—though always in secret. If their chosen candidate failed, they would not be implicated; if he succeeded, they could reap some benefits.
Prince Ethan and Prince Adrian had surely cultivated their own forces within the martial world, but if they could gain the support of the Martial Alliance leader, that would be ideal.
It was no surprise that Liam Duanmu would choose to support Prince Ethan. After all, the Crown Prince lacked Ethan's depth. To put it kindly, he lacked strategy. As the ruler of a nation, one must possess a certain degree of cunning—how else could he govern?
Yet Prince Ethan concealed his ambitions so well. Was Liam not worried that, after Ethan ascended the throne, he might set his sights on the martial world?
In truth, Liam Duanmu's support for Prince Ethan was Quentin Drake's idea. The Crown Prince was cruel; servants and concubines in his household often suffered injuries or even death. Though he tried to hide it, Quentin Drake—being the master of the Grandmaster's Estate and always attentive to the succession—had noticed the Crown Prince's hidden side. If he ascended the throne, unrestrained, he would bring disaster to all. By comparison, Prince Ethan was the best choice.
A trace of joy flickered in Liam Duanmu's heart. She remembered him—and even recognized him despite his disguise!
Seeing the excitement in Liam Duanmu’s eyes, Morgan Shangguan frowned slightly. She didn’t dwell on it, instead turning to Prince Ethan, her voice calm: “I wonder what urgent business brings Your Highness here?” Suddenly, she had no mood for political maneuvering, nor did she bother to disguise her true feelings.
Though she hated to admit it, she was genuinely worried about Quentin Drake. Still, she knew she had to do what needed to be done.
Prince Ethan’s eyes flickered. He smiled and asked, “Why is Princess Morgan in such a hurry?”
Morgan Shangguan replied with a faint smile, “Your Highness should be well aware of my situation. If I stay out too long, Quentin Drake will become suspicious.”
Liam Duanmu’s eyes dimmed. Yes, she was already married. He had never expected that the woman he’d meet outside Blue Lake City would be the Ghost King’s consort. But thinking of her current predicament, he realized she hadn’t chosen this fate—she simply couldn’t resist it. His heart ached for her, and his gaze grew gentle with pity, though Morgan seemed not to notice.
Prince Ethan observed her calm composure and sighed inwardly. He hadn’t expected to misjudge her so thoroughly. Smiling, he said with a hint of meaning, “I almost regret not stopping Father back then!” Only a woman like her could rule the world at his side. What a pity...
Prince Ethan had known about the plot to capture the rebels. In fact, Emperor Alexander’s ideal successor was him. But the emperor feared for his own throne—even his own son couldn’t be fully trusted. That’s why Crown Prince Adrian, not Prince Ethan, was chosen as heir. Alexander maintained a delicate balance, and even Quentin Drake’s situation was likely affected by this.
Still, Alexander was quite satisfied with Prince Ethan. Some things he allowed Ethan to know, and he never hid them. So Ethan had been involved in that incident, though he hadn’t understood why Alexander chose the seemingly weak Morgan Shangguan.
Morgan’s eyes flickered with understanding, though she showed nothing outwardly. She replied softly, “Your Highness need not pity me. The prince treats me very well.”
“Oh?” Prince Ethan looked at her deeply. “It seems my third brother is truly captivated by Princess Morgan.”
Morgan smiled faintly, her tone still cool. “It’s simply my duty.” Wasn’t this her task all along?
Prince Ethan chuckled softly, a trace of regret in his eyes as he looked at Morgan. He truly wished he’d stopped Alexander. This woman was indeed extraordinary—no matter what, she never lost her composure or broke that calm facade.
In truth, he’d never seen Morgan Shangguan so furious with Quentin Drake that she’d stomp her feet in anger.
After a moment of silence, Prince Ethan spoke again: “Princess Morgan agreed to Father’s request only to gain his protection and survive. But the emperor is old—he can’t shield you forever.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow. “So?”
Prince Ethan smiled at her, his voice gentle. “Princess Morgan is clever—surely you understand what I mean.”
Morgan remained silent, as if in thought. Prince Ethan didn’t rush her. After a long pause, Morgan finally looked up at him, her eyes narrowed. “And if I want the Empress’s seat?”
Prince Ethan was momentarily stunned, then smiled with a curl of his lips. “Princess Morgan, your ambitions are impressive.”
Morgan laughed lightly, unconcerned. “Since no one can protect me forever, I have to make plans for myself.”
Hearing this, Liam Duanmu looked at her with even more pity. Morgan wasn’t unaware of his gaze, but she never met his eyes. To her, their relationship was merely acquaintance; even if Liam felt differently, it wouldn’t change how she saw him.
Morgan didn’t interrupt Prince Ethan. This matter truly required careful thought. After all, she was the Ghost King’s consort—a fact known to all. If she became Prince Ethan’s empress, imagine the gossip and scandal. It might even disgrace the nation.
Prince Ethan pondered for a while before speaking softly, “The Empress’s seat can be yours, but Princess Morgan will have to give up her current identity.” He admired her, and the seat itself meant little to him—just a tool to balance court factions and win over ministers. If Morgan relinquished her status, no entanglements would remain. Perhaps giving the Empress’s seat to someone with a blank slate would be best.