chapter 42

When Fengguang returned to the prime minister’s estate, her days were no different from before. The only difference was that Wang Ci pampered her even more to the point that even Xia Chao had to listen to her every word. Although their relationship as a couple was not good, when it came to their daughter, they would pamper her wherever she could be pampered. Even though Fengguang was not necessarily affectionate with Xia Chao, this didn’t get in the way for him to pamper her.

Fengguang was the main wife’s daughter while Xia Qimeng was a concubine’s daughter. In other words, from birth, their statuses had been set. Perhaps ten years ago, Xia Chao had truly liked Xia Qimeng’s mother but men’s interest was only temporary. Before Xia Qimeng was even born, he no longer favored that concubine. In the years after, Xia Chao never took in another concubine but he still didn’t return to Wang Ci’s residence. They seemed to be mutually angry at one another.

This anger lasted sixteen years.

In reality, even though Wang Ci found Xia Qimeng to be an eyesore, she had always given Xia Qimeng what was rightfully hers as a concubine’s daughter. Of course, the treatment towards her was incomparable to Fengguang. In the past decade, Xia Qimeng had always remained in her residence and never caused trouble. If she had remained that way where she abided by the rules and kept to herself, Wang Ci would also have found a reliable family for her to marry into. However, ever since Xia Qimeng fell into the water, she had changed.

No one knew that at the palace banquet, when Wang Ci had seen the so-called Silver Mask Strategist, she thought that she had recognized the wrong person. Even though the person was wearing a mask, those eyes, that mouth, and that voice were really too similar to their mother.

“Fengguang, in the future, don’t get involved with Xia Qimeng too much.”

Fengguang was sitting in the garden pavilion, admiring the flowers. She did not expect Wang Ci to give such a warning so she asked in response, “Why?”

“Something is unusual, there must be a demon lurking around somewhere.” Wang Ci’s usual gentle eyes currently had a harshness to them.

Fengguang felt an urgency to tell her mother not to do anything towards Xia Qimeng. If they did anything to her, that would equate to wronging Xiao Ruo. Even if it meant rebellion, Xiao Ruo would not hesitate if it was for the sake of Xia Qimeng. The most important thing to note was that she had the female lead halo, meaning that she wouldn’t die no matter what.

“Mother, don’t even think about it. If Xia Qimeng doesn’t come to provoke us, then we should just pretend she doesn’t exist.” She shook on Wang Ci’s arm and acted like a little girl. She decided to change the topic. “When I was in danger, the Ghost King saved me. Mother, shouldn’t you help your daughter thank the Ghost King?”

“Of course, I’ve already told your father to send gifts, but…”

“But what?”

Wang Ci petted her daughter on the head and smiled. “With your personality, if you are to marry the Ghost King, I’m afraid I’m going to be worried.”

“Mother, why do you think that?”

“It’s nothing. Maybe I’m thinking too much.” Wang Ci was still smiling but there was a bitterness in her smile. At the night of the banquet, she had witnessed the way Xiao Ruo looked at Xia Qimeng. She was afraid that Xia Qimeng held a special place in his heart… But even if she wanted Fengguang to dissolve their engagement, it was one that the emperor himself had bestowed to them. How could it be so easily dissolved? Once men’s hearts have gone astray, even if Fengguang were to voice her concerns aloud, she would be the only one to be troubled.

Once Wang Ci’s worries came to mind, she became lost in her thoughts. Fengguang could guess what she was worrying about but she couldn’t bring herself to admit that she liked someone else. Not to mention, they were someone from Guangliu. However, her engagement was indeed an issue.

“Miss,” Little Ze curtsied. She originally planned to head through the garden but didn’t expect to run into her lady here.

Fengguang’s mind went back to reality and indicated for Little Ze to end her curtsy when she noticed a person standing at the back. “Who is this young lady?”

“Replying to the miss, this is the new gardener. Because she still doesn’t know the way, the steward instructed me to show her around.”

The young lady in plain clothing bowed and lifted her head to reply, “Ah Lu greets the miss.”

Fengguang was mildly surprised, her eyes widening.