Mona Shangguan's face darkened, and she snorted coldly, "How dare a lowly maid talk back to me?" She strode over to Susie Yun and raised her hand, ready to slap her.
But Susie Yun was agile and easily dodged. Mona Shangguan gritted her teeth and glared at her, a fierce hatred suddenly flashing in her eyes. Because her back was to the others, only Susie Yun and Ryan Ouyang could see it. Susie Yun couldn't help but frown—she had only said a couple of words, was that really worth such hatred?
At that moment, a voice finally came from inside. "Susie Yun."
Susie Yun snorted, then carried the washing supplies into the room.
Morgan Shangguan rested against Damien Gray with her eyes closed, letting him fuss over her, looking exhausted. Damien Gray gently stroked her hair and said softly, "If you're tired, we don't have to go!"
They had only just rested, but unexpectedly, these people were so energetic, coming over so early in the morning.
Morgan Shangguan shook her head, opened her eyes to look at him, and smiled, "Has Prince Damien finally developed a guilty conscience?"
Damien Gray lifted her chin, kissed her lips, and smiled, "How could I? Pampering my Princess Consort is my duty and obligation!"
Susie Yun stood aside, stifling a laugh. Morgan Shangguan glanced at her coolly, and Susie Yun quickly covered her mouth.
The two moved slowly, not hurrying at all, and the people outside were patient as well. Even Crown Prince Adrian didn't leave in annoyance.
Once outside the room, Shangguan Mo returned to her usual calm and composed self, no longer the lazy cat she had been. Gong Jueshang looked gentle and warm, ignoring the crowd in the courtyard and directly ordering breakfast to be served there—clearly planning to eat before heading out!
After a while, Gong Jueshang seemed to remember something and politely asked, "Has everyone had breakfast yet?"
Hua Qianyu sat down without hesitation and smiled, "I haven't!"
The others couldn't just stand there watching them eat, so in the end, the whole table was filled. In truth, besides Gong Jueshang and Shangguan Mo, only Hua Qianyu—the one with no sense of courtesy—actually ate!
Gong Jueyi gazed at the camellias swaying gently in the courtyard, their delicate fragrance drifting in the air and soothing his mood. But when he saw Gong Jueshang and Shangguan Mo's affectionate display, his good mood vanished instantly. Lately, he had been acting strangely—he seemed to think about Shangguan Mo, that chess piece, far too much!
Cang Yu Yang narrowed his eyes and studied Shangguan Mo. His previous impression of her could be summed up in four words: weak and useless. But now, he realized he truly didn't know her. Had she simply hidden her true self too well and fooled everyone? But why would she do that? Even coming to Silvermoon for the marriage alliance hadn't revealed her true nature!
Gong Jueshang and Shangguan Mo finished breakfast and tea at a leisurely pace, and only then did the whole group finally set off!
The weather was pleasant, and there were many people out boating on the lake. Among the various decorated pleasure boats, one stood out as the most striking—exquisitely beautiful and luxurious!
On the pleasure boat, there was music and dancing, silk instruments playing unceasingly. Shangguan Mo and Gong Jueshang sat together, enjoying the performance, sometimes laughing and whispering, completely at ease.
Suddenly, Hua Qianyu stood up, stretched lazily, and walked out—the entertainment inside really didn't interest him.
No one asked about the identities of Duanmu Li and Hua Qianyu, but everyone knew in their hearts that they were people from the jianghu.
Gong Jueyi had been observing Gong Jueshang and Shangguan Mo for a long time, and realized that Gong Jueshang truly seemed to care for Shangguan Mo. Perhaps her explanation back then really was somewhat credible. But that thought was fleeting, and soon he wondered: What about Shangguan Mo? Gong Jueshang had feelings for her, but how did she feel about him?
Duanmu Li didn't look at the pair, instead just enjoying the music and dance, but unconsciously finished a whole pot of wine.
Suddenly, Shangguan Xuan spoke up, "It's a bit dull. Why don't I play a piece on the zither to liven things up?" She glanced at Qiu Susu, no longer showing the obvious emotions from last night's banquet—no glare, no trace of hostility. Smiling softly, she said, "Sister Qiu, your dancing is so enchanting, I imagine you're skilled at the zither as well. Please, don't hesitate to teach me!"
So courteous, Qiu Susu couldn't refuse and could only smile, "Miss Shangguan, you're too modest!"
Shangguan Xuan sat down behind the zither table, elegantly extending her hand. Her fair fingers plucked the strings, and the music was soft and melodious, drifting into everyone's ears. Her skill was indeed impressive—no wonder she dared to compete with Qiu Susu.
When the piece ended, Qiu Susu played one as well. The two were evenly matched; although Shangguan Xuan didn't surpass Qiu Susu, she wasn't anxious.
She then looked at Shangguan Mo and smiled, "Sister, we learned the zither together. It's been so long since we've seen each other—surely you wouldn't refuse to play for your little sister?"
Shangguan Mo looked up at her, about to reply, but Gong Jueshang stuffed a grape in her mouth. Shangguan Mo turned her eyes to him; Gong Jueshang met her gaze, then looked at Shangguan Xuan and said warmly, "Miss Shangguan, my princess consort hasn't played the zither for me yet!"
Shangguan Xuan frowned slightly and said, "Isn't that perfect? The Ghost King can listen too!"
Gong Jueshang chuckled softly, "Miss Shangguan, don't you understand? I don't want anyone else to hear my princess consort's zither music!"
Shangguan Xuan couldn't help but ask, "Why?" What kind of strange reason was that? She frowned, guessing—could it be Gong Jueshang knew Shangguan Mo couldn't play and was trying to save her from embarrassment?
It seemed Shangguan Mo really did have some skill! She'd actually managed to charm this sickly Ghost King!
Gong Jueshang glanced at Shangguan Mo, raised his brows, and said, "My princess consort is the one I cherish. Naturally, I hope all of her belongs to me. Doesn't His Highness the Crown Prince feel the same about Miss Shangguan?"
Shangguan Xuan's face darkened. What did he mean? Was he implying that her brother, the Crown Prince, didn't love her?
She glanced at Shangguan Mo, feeling a bit unwilling, but she didn't dare offend Gong Jueshang. No matter what, he was still a prince of Silvermoon, so she could only hold her tongue.
Cang Yu Yang smiled and said, "Ghost King, you jest. If she is your beloved, you should give her freedom, not confine her!"