Veil of Darkness: The Enchantress's Revenge

Chapter 22: In Deep Trouble

Gong Jue Shang wore a look of grievance, but his eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly ready to enjoy the unfolding drama.

Shangguan Mo whispered this and then, with a faint smile, reached out to pat Gong Jue Shang's face, saying, "You're so obedient!" Since she was already entangled in this situation, she would play along to the end!

Gu Yihan stood frozen at the door, bewildered. What was happening? He awkwardly shifted his gaze between them, ultimately still unable to comprehend the situation.

Shangguan Mo elegantly seated herself at the main table and glanced at Gong Jue Shang, saying, "My lord, I would like some tea." After a moment, she added with a smile, "I want you to brew it yourself!"

Gong Jue Shang smiled warmly, "Alright."

As Gong Jue Shang diligently prepared flower tea for Shangguan Mo, Yi Qing'er finally couldn't hold back and said, "Senior Brother, I'm feeling a bit tired. I'd like to return to my room to rest."

Gong Jue Shang glanced at her and nodded, "Alright, then take care and rest well."

With only Shangguan Mo and Gong Jue Shang left in the hall, Shangguan Mo smiled and said, "My lord, I will remember this debt!"

"Princess, I brewed tea for you myself; shouldn't that clear the debt?"

Shangguan Mo lifted the teacup and took a sip, wrinkling her nose in distaste, "It still needs to be noted!" With that, she ignored him and walked out of the hall, deciding to go back and ask Yun Su to help her brew tea!

Gong Jue Shang picked up the cup she had set down and took a sip, frowning, "It's not that bad, really!"

"My lord..." Gu Yihan couldn't help but call out.

Gong Jue Shang turned to him, "What is it?"

"Nothing... nothing..." Gu Yihan thought he should consult Jing Mo Han. The prince had become quite strange; could it be that someone had poisoned him?

"Miss..." The maid looked at the crying Yi Qing'er, feeling helpless.

Yi Qing'er sobbed, asking, "Little maid, why doesn't Senior Brother like me? Is it because I'm not as beautiful as that woman?"

"Of course not! How could you think that? You are the most beautiful, and there's no one who treats the young master better than you!"

"Then why doesn't Senior Brother like me?"

"This..." The little maid didn't know how to answer.

After crying for a while, Yi Qing'er wiped her tears and said, "Little maid, go find out more about that woman!"

Another restless night. Shangguan Mo looked at the man occupying her bed and said with a forced smile, "Gong Jue Shang, are you trying to force my hand?"

Gong Jue Shang shifted over slightly and smiled, "Princess, you're overthinking it. The bed is so big; you can't occupy it all by yourself. Sharing half with me won't crowd you."

Shangguan Mo couldn't be bothered to argue and slapped her hand down. Gong Jue Shang dodged and stood at the foot of the bed in an instant. Shangguan Mo coldly said, "If you want to share a bed, go find your little junior sister. I'm not interested in playing with you!" Even her good temper had worn thin with him.

Gong Jue Shang blinked and smiled, "Is the princess feeling jealous?"

Shangguan Mo replied coldly, "I have no interest in that!"

Gong Jue Shang wanted to say more, but Gu Yihan's voice interrupted from outside, "My lord, the maid beside Miss Yi says she is ill and wants you to check on her."

Gong Jue Shang frowned, reluctantly turning to walk outside while muttering, "Women are really troublesome!"

Upon seeing Gu Yihan outside, Gong Jue Shang frowned and asked, "Have you called for a doctor?"

"It seems not yet."

"Why not call a doctor if she's sick? What do you want me for? I'm not a doctor!"

Gu Yihan wanted to say, "You're more useful than ten doctors!" but he didn't dare to voice it.

Shangguan Mo shook her head, "A man who doesn't understand romance!" Then she leisurely climbed onto the bed, hugging the blanket and snuggling in, finally reclaiming her space. She even had to thank her little junior sister!

The little maid saw Gong Jue Shang and quickly said, "Young master, you should check on the young lady; she seems very upset." Her eyes flickered slightly; inviting Gong Jue Shang was entirely her own decision. She just wanted to help her young lady, not wanting her to be sad anymore.

Gong Jue Shang seemed oblivious to her unusual behavior and merely glanced at the sweaty Yi Qing'er on the bed, frowning, "She's just having a nightmare; waking her up will suffice."

After saying this, Gong Jue Shang was about to walk out, showing no intention of staying. Although Yi Qing'er had done him a favor, he knew she liked him, but he had no particular affection for her and didn't want to get involved. Besides, nightmares wouldn't kill anyone!

"Senior Brother..." The pained murmurs came again.

The little maid glanced at the distressed Yi Qing'er and couldn't help but yell at Gong Jue Shang, "Do you even have a conscience? If it weren't for the young lady, you would have died long ago! And now you're ignoring her!"

Gong Jue Shang paused, turning to look at her. The coldness in his eyes made the little maid take two steps back, steadying herself with difficulty. Her face turned pale as she remembered: this seemingly gentle person occasionally revealed a chilling side that not everyone could withstand. He hated threats the most, and her words had already implied a threat against him, using the young lady's favor to coerce him into caring for her!

The little maid found herself unable to move, trembling slightly under his icy gaze, yet she was inexplicably drawn to it. Her fear expanded, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't look away.

After a moment, Gong Jue Shang finally averted his gaze and walked back to the bedside.

With a crisp sound, he slapped her.

The little maid was stunned. What was he doing? He... he actually hit the young lady!

Yi Qing'er covered her aching cheek, tears filling her eyes, "Senior Brother..."

Seeing Gong Jue Shang still expressionless, Yi Qing'er slowly lowered her hand, letting her tears fall. The bright red imprint of five fingers on her face indicated that Gong Jue Shang hadn't held back.

Gu Yihan kept his head down, remaining silent. It seemed the prince was truly angry. The prince despised entangled women the most; if it weren't for Yi Qing'er saving him, he wouldn't have tolerated her this much.