Veil of Darkness: The Enchantress's Revenge

Chapter 15: Family Banquet (1)

Shangguan Mo nodded and fell silent. Their agreement was clear: she would not reveal Gong Jue Shang's pretense of illness, and in return, he would ensure she wouldn't face repercussions for not kneeling before Gong Mingxuan.

Although the Shangguan family had many traditional customs, including kneeling, she was the eldest; even if kneeling were required, it would be others kneeling to her. She simply did not have the habit of kneeling to anyone!

Glancing at Gong Jue Shang, who was resting with his eyes closed, Shangguan Mo's gaze flickered. She knew he was aligned with Gong Mingxuan, yet he seemed so confident that she wouldn't betray him. Did he trust her that much? Or did he simply not regard Gong Mingxuan seriously, fearing no backlash?

However, it was quite unexpected that someone as timid as her would become a pawn of Gong Mingxuan, infiltrating the Ghost King's residence as a spy. Was she not afraid of going in upright and coming out sideways? It was strange that Gong Mingxuan would choose her!

The family banquet was held in Concubine Lan's palace. After the Empress's death, Gong Mingxuan had not appointed a new Empress, and Concubine Lan was currently the most favored concubine.

By the time Gong Jue Shang and Shangguan Mo arrived, everyone else was already there, including Gong Mingxuan, Concubine Lan, Crown Prince Gong Jue Ying and his princess, King Jin Gong Jue Yi and his princess, as well as several other concubines.

"Son pays respects to Father."

"Daughter-in-law pays respects to Father."

Both stood straight, showing no intention of kneeling. There was a moment of silence in the hall. It wouldn't be strange for Gong Jue Shang not to kneel, but Shangguan Mo's rudeness was shocking!

In both the Silver Moon Kingdom and the Cang Kingdom, women in the harem did not hold a status as noble as that of the princes. Apart from the Empress and the biological mothers of the princes, other concubines were not required to kneel before the princes, but they still needed to pay their respects. Clearly, these concubines had forgotten this.

Gong Mingxuan frowned. Shangguan Mo still had her uses, but how could he overlook such rudeness? His probing gaze fell on Shangguan Mo's face. Why did he always feel that this woman was somewhat different? Initially, when facing him, she tried hard to conceal her anxiety, but now she appeared as calm as a still lake, with not a ripple in sight. Had he misjudged her back then?

Before Gong Mingxuan could voice his displeasure, Gong Jue Shang coughed twice and then wrapped an arm around Shangguan Mo, guiding her to a seat. With a gentle expression, he said, "Princess, please sit down. Don't tire yourself. We still have to..." It seemed he suddenly realized he shouldn't say that, and he abruptly stopped, covering up with a couple of coughs, his face flushing slightly.

Seeing the ambiguous glances from the concubines who had regained their composure, Shangguan Mo looked at Gong Jue Shang, her eyes revealing an undetected danger. Gong Jue Shang returned her gaze with a gentle smile and affectionate eyes.

Shangguan Mo understood his intention; he wanted Gong Mingxuan to believe he had been completely enchanted by her. The fact that she had managed to stay unharmed in the Ghost King's residence for over three months was proof enough. Coupled with his perfect acting, even the astute Gong Mingxuan would likely be deceived. But did he truly believe that aside from her, no other spies had infiltrated his residence?

It seemed that without a formal agreement, he wouldn't force her to kneel, allowing her to fully display how much he favored her, showcasing his foolishness. The subsequent events confirmed her suspicions.

As for their agreement, she didn't feel she was at a disadvantage; she had never intended to expose Gong Jue Shang.

Seeing that Gong Mingxuan had no intention of pursuing the matter, Concubine Lan quickly ordered the dishes to be served, and everyone took their seats.

Delicious dishes were placed on the table, the aroma wafting through the air, yet no one moved their chopsticks. The atmosphere was too quiet.

Gong Jue Yi looked at Shangguan Mo with a meaningful gaze, though he maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, while Gong Jue Ying looked at Gong Jue Shang with a hint of malice, accompanied by a faint smile that felt eerie.

Gong Mingxuan raised his voice, "It's just a family banquet; everyone need not be too formal. Please feel free!" While saying this, he glanced at Shangguan Mo, having concluded that she was indeed on his side.

He had already investigated Shangguan Mo thoroughly, believing that even if she had some secrets, they wouldn't be significant. If she were truly that capable, she wouldn't have remained in such a lowly position in the Prime Minister's residence for over a decade. He trusted that she wouldn't dare betray him!

Before Gong Mingxuan's words had fully settled, Gong Jue Shang suddenly stood up and brought over a plate of tofu from a distance, placing it in front of Shangguan Mo with a gentle smile. "Princess, your favorite tofu." He completely disregarded etiquette.

Usually, Gong Jue Shang, despite his frail health, always maintained an elegant demeanor and would never act so recklessly.

Shangguan Mo's eyelids twitched. She remembered that the investigation had mentioned that Shangguan Mo's favorite food was tofu, while her least favorite was pastries. Since she could find this out, Gong Jue Shang must have investigated thoroughly as well.

However, even though the original Shangguan Mo was her past life, the differences between them seemed quite large. They were almost opposites; she loved pastries and despised tofu.

With everyone at the table watching her, Shangguan Mo lowered her head, appearing shy, while inwardly she cursed Gong Jue Shang. Did he really want her to pretend to love tofu and eat it?

Gong Jue Ying laughed heartily. "The relationship between the Third Prince and the Princess is truly good!"

"Ha ha..." Gong Jue Yi also smiled elegantly and said, "With a beauty like Princess Mo, how could the Third Prince not be moved?"

Gong Mingxuan smiled reassuringly. "It seems I can finally rest easy!" His gaze met Shangguan Mo's, filled with deeper meaning, as if asking if he could truly relax.

Shangguan Mo merely smiled faintly. How he interpreted that smile was up to him, but it was clear that Gong Mingxuan took it as a sign that he could indeed relax, and he smiled even more broadly.

The concubines sitting next to Gong Mingxuan eagerly served him food, their smiles either charming or gentle.

Shangguan Mo curled her lips slightly. With so many women surrounding one man, he must feel quite superior; no wonder emperors always had thousands of beauties in their harem.