Veil of Darkness: The Enchantress's Revenge

Chapter 21: Subtle Feelings

Shangguan Mo wasn't sure if she was intentionally misinterpreting his words, but she smiled lightly and said, "Although Tianji Valley doesn't concern itself with worldly affairs, the reputation of Tianjizi, the leader of Tianji Valley, is quite prominent in the martial arts world. It's not surprising that I know of it."

Yi Ziyuan gave her a deep look before turning to leave, thinking to himself that he was glad he had sent Qing'er to the capital. Otherwise, he would have been worried that this woman might charm Shang'er.

"Master, that terrifying person who looks like you just came by." A ghost floated in from outside, opening the gourd lid while shrinking its body inside.

That was close! She almost got discovered; indeed, that person was as terrifying as the master!

Shangguan Mo frowned. Gong Jue Shang had come by? She hadn't even noticed; that man was indeed the most dangerous character!

As dawn broke, Gu Yihan steeled himself and knocked on Gong Jue Shang's door.

"What is it?" A sensual, slightly hoarse voice came from inside, prompting Gu Yihan to quickly report, "My lord, Miss Yi has arrived. The old man said he wouldn't interrupt your time to cultivate feelings and left."

There was a moment of silence inside, then the door opened. Gong Jue Shang frowned, clearly having a headache, and said, "You go arrange it."

"Understood!" Gu Yihan sighed inwardly. Anyone could see that Miss Yi liked the prince, but although the prince treated her differently, he had no romantic intentions. Yet the old man insisted on trying to match them.

In the hall, a young woman in a light blue dress sat gracefully, her delicate face exuding charm, with tender skin and sparkling eyes, a smile gracing her lips that radiated warmth.

Upon seeing the handsome man enter, her eyes brightened, and she called out sweetly, "Senior Brother..."

Yi Qing'er's cheeks flushed lightly. She had always admired this gentle senior brother since childhood, but although he was kind, he remained somewhat distant, making her feel helpless even after that incident.

"Qing'er..." Gong Jue Shang looked at the young woman with a gentle smile but suddenly turned to Gu Yihan and said, "Go invite the princess."

Upon hearing this, Yi Qing'er's face paled. But then she remembered what her master had said. Although the emperor had given many women to her senior brother, he had never touched any of them. This woman was also gifted by the emperor; her senior brother surely wouldn't like her.

Gu Yihan turned and headed toward the Underworld Academy, feeling puzzled. The prince's attitude toward Shangguan Mo was too strange. Usually, spies would be dealt with in a day or two, but it had been so long, and Shangguan Mo was still alive and well. What did he need her for at this time?

In the hall, the two sat in silence, neither speaking. Yi Qing'er wanted to ask but didn't know how, fearing that the answer might break her heart. Meanwhile, the maid behind her wore an angry expression, feeling indignant for her young lady. How could the young master hurt her mistress's feelings like this? She cared for him so much that she almost lost her life!

As soon as Shangguan Mo entered, she wore a bright smile and said, "My lord, I'm not used to waking up early. If you have matters to discuss, could you please wait until after the hour of Chen?" Although she was smiling, Gong Jue Shang could tell she was quite displeased.

Shangguan Mo was indeed very displeased. Being disturbed in the middle of the night was one thing, but now waking up early again was too much. Did she seem too easy to bully?

Yi Qing'er observed the woman at the door, her expression shifting constantly. This woman was so impolite to her senior brother, making her feel as if their relationship was closer than hers. Moreover, this woman was beautiful. What if her senior brother really fell for her?

Yi Qing'er felt anxious, her hands clenched into fists, not daring to look at Gong Jue Shang's expression.

Gong Jue Shang suddenly stood up and walked over to Shangguan Mo, wrapping his arm around her waist with a gentle smile. "It's my fault, knowing that the princess didn't sleep well last night, yet I had someone wake you so early." Although this statement was true, it sounded quite ambiguous!

Shangguan Mo glanced at Yi Qing'er. Although she tried hard to hide it, the jealousy in her eyes was impossible to conceal; her lips were almost bitten to the point of bleeding.

With a smile, Shangguan Mo beckoned Gong Jue Shang closer. He obediently leaned in, and she whispered fiercely in his ear, "Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

If he didn't like the girl, he should just say so directly. Why drag her into this? Wasn't that just inviting that woman's resentment to be directed at her? Although this woman seemed gentle and kind, the fleeting resentment in her eyes hadn't escaped Shangguan Mo's notice. A woman's jealousy could be quite terrifying!

Gong Jue Shang whispered back in her ear, "She saved my life; I can't be too direct. Didn't the princess also say that a couple should share both joys and hardships? Naturally, we should face difficulties together!" His tone was as innocent as could be.

Seeing their intimate exchange, Yi Qing'er felt a hint of blood in her mouth. She lowered her head, hiding her expression from everyone. The maid behind her shot a fierce glare at Shangguan Mo, looking as if she wanted to tear her apart to avenge her young lady.

Shangguan Mo scoffed lightly, "Then what benefits will the prince give me?" It was unreasonable to play along without any reward, only to invite resentment—such a thankless endeavor!

"Didn't I say we should face difficulties together? What else does the princess want?"

No benefits? Shangguan Mo pushed him away and smiled at Yi Qing'er, saying, "I have nothing to do with this man!" She turned to leave this place of trouble.

Gong Jue Shang suddenly pulled her back and said pitifully, "Princess, don't be angry. I know I was wrong. I'll make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight."

Shangguan Mo felt the burning gazes on her, as if they were about to burn a hole through her. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Gong Jue Shang, her eyes filled with danger. She fully suspected that this man wasn't trying to reject that woman but was actually trying to get her into trouble. She now understood the feeling of being unable to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River!

Gong Jue Shang shook her gently and called out in a pitiful tone, "Princess..." His expression was as wronged as could be.

Shangguan Mo gritted her teeth and whispered, "Closing your eyes would make it more convincing."