Besides, he didn't think he was any less than Adrian Yarrow!
Morgan Shangguan understood well that Adrian Yarrow’s arrival in Silvermoon Kingdom must be tied to the ongoing struggle for the throne. It wasn’t hard to guess his intentions in suddenly bringing her up. Yet she didn’t much care; if it was a matter of mutual benefit, she didn’t mind being used. But if she refused, Adrian’s plans would surely come to nothing.
Morgan cast a sidelong glance at Damien Gray and said, "Next time, don’t throw my gourd!"
Damien Gray frowned, a hint of displeasure in his voice. "Does my princess consort want him to come in?" The Spirit Gourd lay on the bed—there was no way he’d let another man see her like this, bare and vulnerable. To him, a male ghost was no different from a living man. That ghost couldn’t come in, so of course he had tossed the gourd out!
Morgan furrowed her brows. She used to sleep fully clothed, so it never mattered before. But now, with Damien Gray beside her, she was often stripped bare. She hadn’t yet grown used to it and hadn’t considered the issue—clearly, she shouldn’t leave the gourd on the bed next time.
Damien looked at her and suddenly asked, "Morgan, if you really had to choose, who would it be?"
Morgan arched an eyebrow at him. "What do you think?"
Damien replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "Of course you’d choose me!"
Morgan rolled her eyes. If he was so sure, why bother asking? Damien pressed a hard kiss to her lips, then snorted, "If my princess consort dares not to choose me, I’ll..."
Morgan laughed and asked, "You’ll what?"
Damien Gray looked at her for a moment and said in a low voice, "Then I’ll go on a hunger strike!"
Morgan Shangguan was stunned for a second, then couldn’t help bursting into laughter. Damien Gray didn’t mind her laughter; instead, his hands roamed and kneaded her, taking full advantage.
Her laughter lasted a while before it faded. Morgan Shangguan reached out, lifting his chin, her eyes still full of mirth. "Is the only trick you know the wounded act?" she teased.
Damien Gray’s eyes softened suddenly, and he smiled, “But my princess consort will feel sorry for me, won’t she?”
Morgan Shangguan was speechless. So she was destined to be completely wrapped around his finger—who told her to always care for him so much?
Knock, knock... Someone rapped on the door.
Damien Gray, with a beauty in his arms and in such a good mood, called out, “Come in!”
Ethan Gu pushed the door open, consciously avoiding looking at the bed—though with the curtains drawn, nothing could be seen anyway. "Your Highness, Adrian Yarrow and Mona Shangguan have already moved into the Crown Prince’s residence. Tonight, there will be a welcoming banquet at the palace."
Upon hearing this, Damien Gray’s lips curved. Emperor Alexander had allowed Crown Prince Adrian to let Adrian Yarrow stay in the residence. Clearly, he was giving Crown Prince Adrian a chance to cooperate with Adrian Yarrow—he’d already made up his mind to get rid of Crown Prince Adrian. Was this arrangement meant to break ties with Azure Kingdom? But would Adrian Yarrow obediently leave a handle behind? And with Quentin Hua present, who would win or lose this round was still anyone’s guess!
The Imperial Garden was ablaze with lights, laughter, and music—a lively, bustling scene.
The ministers had already taken their seats with their families. Some chatted quietly with neighbors, others drank alone, and some observed their colleagues. Several consorts from the Inner Palace were present as well, each adorned in striking attire and radiant beauty, secretly sizing up one another. Their competition was in dress, appearance, and bearing, all hoping to catch the emperor’s eye—perhaps tonight, they might be favored. Even the daughters brought by ministers were compared, for these young women could very well enter the palace one day.
The reason ministers were asked to bring their families was not only because the Azure Crown Prince had arrived, but also because he brought his future consort. Naturally, more ladies were needed to help the future Crown Princess feel at ease.
Moreover, this future Crown Princess was Morgan Shangguan’s twin sister. After all, it was rare for her to visit Silvermoon Kingdom, so the sisters should formally meet—regardless of their relationship, Silvermoon’s proper etiquette must be observed.
Though the scene appeared casual, a closer look revealed the ministers had quietly split into three factions.
Prince Ethan had arrived early with the Princess Consort. One faction belonged to him, another to Crown Prince Adrian, and the last was a neutral group, uninvolved in the struggle. Such people would gain little no matter who won, but at least they’d never risk ruin by choosing the wrong side.
Prince Ethan wore a refined smile as he sipped his wine, secretly observing the ministers—calculating who might be useful and who not.
At that moment, a eunuch’s sharp voice rang out at the entrance of the Imperial Garden: "The Ghost King and Demon Consort have arrived!"
Morgan Shangguan lowered her head slightly, a fleeting smile in her eyes, and walked into the Imperial Garden with Damien Gray. When they were a few steps from the eunuch, she whispered, "Your Highness, we really are kindred spirits!" She glanced at the crowd, raising her brows—thankfully, no one burst out laughing. That title, paired with the eunuch’s unique voice, was truly amusing!
Prince Ethan’s raised wine glass paused as his eyes narrowed, his gaze settling on Morgan Shangguan.
Her skin was like snow, her features exquisite, brows arched delicately, eyes sparkling with laughter. The curve of her lips was both serene and distant. On her left earlobe, a crescent-shaped blue crystal shimmered, like moonlight rippling on water—matching her tranquil, ethereal aura and calming the soul.
As the breeze stirred, her gauzy white dress fluttered, as if she were a fairy accidentally fallen into the mortal world, ready to drift away with the wind. No one dared blink, for fear she’d vanish if they did.
For a moment, everyone was entranced. It took a while before the lively atmosphere resumed, though glances still drifted her way. The consorts secretly rejoiced—thank goodness such a woman hadn’t entered the Inner Palace, or she’d be a formidable threat!
By comparison, Damien Gray seemed a bit lacking. Though he wore fine robes and had striking features, his pallor diminished his looks, and his frail appearance robbed him of any presence. Polite as he was, he didn’t quite match Morgan Shangguan’s radiance.
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