Afterwards, Damien Gray was granted his title in the palace, while Emperor Alexander, out of guilt, showed favoritism toward Damien. There were also details about the women who entered the Ghost King's Manor, their identities, and even descriptions of death symptoms—all vividly depicted.
This must have been written by that girl Murong Yan. She really managed to make it so lively, as if she saw it all with her own eyes.
Morgan Shangguan smiled as she pondered: Emperor Alexander must suspect Damien Gray! He had beheaded the Royal Advisor in a fit of rage, but thinking back, he must have realized something was wrong—after all, the Royal Advisor’s prophecies had never been wrong before.
However, he didn’t immediately get rid of Damien Gray, who might be the Demon Child, likely out of guilt towards Consort Wan. Without concrete evidence, he wasn’t planning to kill Damien, but from these records, it’s clear Emperor Alexander was always wary of him. These women all seem like spies, and even Morgan Shangguan had interacted with Emperor Alexander before.
Besides that, there’s information on Crown Prince Adrian and Prince Ethan. These two aren’t simple either, but overall, Damien Gray is the most complex. To swagger back into the palace like this, he must have calculated even Emperor Alexander’s mindset. And with three foxes waiting to catch him out, not one succeeded—doesn’t that say it all?
Morgan Shangguan burned those documents, thinking of Damien Gray’s teary eyes, defiant face, and trembling fingers, and couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Princess Consort, what’s making you so happy?” A gentle voice sounded from the doorway.
Morgan Shangguan turned and saw Damien Gray. Her exaggerated smile faded a bit, and she replied with a gentle smile, “What brings you to the Nether Courtyard, Your Highness?”
For over three months, Damien Gray hadn’t appeared at all, as if he’d forgotten there was such a person in his manor.
Damien Gray said gently, “I had some free time today, so I came to see you, Princess Consort.” He could say it with such a straight face, after more than three months?
He walked over to the table and sat down, poured himself a cup of tea. Damien Gray looked at the blue liquid, brought it to his nose and sniffed, then took a sip and smiled, “What kind of tea is this? It tastes wonderful!”
Morgan Shangguan replied softly, “Blue Mist Blossom.”
“Oh? Is that the flower grown in the courtyard?” He sniffed again, “It really is the same fragrance! The flowers are beautiful too. Since you moved in, Princess Consort, the courtyard has become much lovelier.”
Morgan Shangguan laughed, “I have nothing to do all day, so I just tend to the flowers.”
Damien Gray frowned slightly and said with guilt, “Are you upset that I haven’t come to see you for so long, Princess Consort?”
“I wouldn’t dare!”
Suddenly, Damien Gray turned to look at the doorway. Ryan Ouyang, who was about to walk in, froze—he couldn’t move forward or retreat, and stared blankly at Morgan Shangguan. Could this man see him?
Morgan Shangguan’s eyes signaled him not to worry. She had already made arrangements for this unusual man, so she was certain Damien Gray couldn’t see Ryan Ouyang. His reaction must be due to a frightening intuition—Damien’s senses were simply too sharp!
Ryan Ouyang stepped into the room, feeling awkward—he didn’t know whether to stand or sit. His scalp tingled, and even though Damien Gray had looked away, he still felt as if he were being stared at relentlessly.
Damien Gray glanced at Morgan Shangguan, who seemed oblivious, his eyes flickered, and he said with concern, “Princess Consort, be careful not to attract anything unclean.”
Hearing this, Morgan Shangguan looked worried. “Is there something unclean in the manor?” Suddenly, as if remembering something, she said, “Oh, the night I moved in, I heard ghostly cries. And Serena Yuan... she seemed to have died from fright.” A trace of fear appeared in her eyes at just the right moment.
Ryan Ouyang stared at her, completely stunned. Morgan Shangguan afraid of ghosts? Not a chance! She’d even chased away a ghost messenger herself!
Damien Gray gently took her hand and comforted her, “It’s alright. If you’re really afraid, you can come to my room at night.”
Morgan Shangguan cursed inwardly, but on the surface, she looked pleasantly surprised. “Really?”
“Of course. Have you forgotten we’re married now, Princess Consort?” His smile was as gentle as ever.
“Is there something you need in the Nether Courtyard, Your Highness?” Morgan Shangguan ignored his words and changed the subject. If this continued, she might end up inviting him to have tea with her grandfather.
She didn’t believe for a second that Damien Gray came just to see her. After over three months of absence, he must have an ulterior motive.
Damien Gray’s expression remained gentle. “Father has summoned us to the palace tonight for a family banquet. He insisted I bring the Princess Consort.”
Morgan Shangguan showed little reaction on her face, but inwardly she was pondering—Emperor Alexander waited over three months before summoning them; his patience was impressive!
Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing seemed to have been sent on errands by Damien Gray. Other than the coachman, he hadn’t brought anyone else.
Inside the carriage, Damien Gray leaned against the wall, coughing occasionally. His pale face was tinged with a flush from the coughing. Morgan Shangguan asked with concern, “Your Highness, are you alright? You seemed fine earlier today. To fall so ill right as we enter the palace—how coincidental!”
Damien Gray replied weakly, “I must have caught a chill last night, that’s all.”
A chill last night, and symptoms only appearing tonight—isn’t that a bit delayed?
Morgan Shangguan asked worriedly, “What if His Majesty blames me for not taking care of you, Your Highness?”
Damien Gray frowned, as if he too was worried Emperor Alexander might blame Morgan Shangguan. Then he said, “In that case, Princess Consort, don’t mention that I caught a chill last night. Just say I’ve always been this way.”
Morgan Shangguan hesitated, “That would be deceiving His Majesty!”
Damien Gray looked at her and asked, “Then what do you think we should do, Princess Consort?”
Morgan Shangguan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Your Highness, when I meet His Majesty, do I have to kneel?”
Damien Gray’s lips curled into a barely noticeable smile. “If you don’t want to kneel, then don’t.”