Feng Guang's return to the Prime Minister's residence was no different from before, except that Wang Ci doted on her even more, and even Xia Chao was completely obedient to her. Even though their relationship as husband and wife was not good, they spoiled their daughter as much as they could. Although Feng Guang was not close to Xia Chao, it did not stop Xia Chao from doting on her.

Feng Guang was the legitimate daughter, while Xia Qimeng was an illegitimate daughter. In other words, their status was determined from birth. Perhaps Xia Chao did like Xia Qimeng's mother more than ten years ago, but for men, a momentary liking is just a temporary interest. Before Xia Qimeng was born, he no longer favored this concubine. Xia Chao has not taken any concubines for many years, but he also would not stay overnight in Wang Ci's courtyard. It was as if they were sulking.

A grudge that had lasted for sixteen years.

In fact, although Wang Ci found Xia Qimeng an eyesore, she had given Xia Qimeng the treatment due to a concubine's daughter over the years. Of course, this treatment was not as glamorous as it could be. For more than ten years, Xia Qimeng had stayed in her own courtyard and never caused trouble. If she could continue to be so well-behaved, Wang Ci would have chosen an honest family for her to marry into. But since falling into the water, Xia Qimeng had changed.

No one knows what Wang Ci thought when she saw the so-called silver-masked strategist at the palace banquet. She wouldn't mistake her for someone else; although she was wearing a mask, her eyes, her mouth, her voice... were just like her mother's.

"Fengguang, don't have too much contact with Xia Qimeng in the future."

She was enjoying the scenery of flowers in the garden pavilion when Wang Ci arrived with such a warning, so she asked quite naturally, "Why?"

“Something is amiss.” A fierce look appeared in Wang Ci’s usually gentle eyes.

In a panic, Feng Guang thought to herself, "Wouldn't her mother be planning to harm Xia Qimeng? That won't do. If she touches Xia Qimeng, it's the same as offending Xiao Ruo. Xiao Ruo would not hesitate to rebel for Xia Qimeng. More importantly, she has the female lead's halo, so she won't die."

"Mother, don't overthink it. As long as Xia Qimeng doesn't bother us, let's just pretend she doesn't exist." She shook Wang Ci's arm, revealing the innocent charm of a young girl, and quickly changed the subject, "When I was in danger, I was saved by His Highness the Ghost King. Mother, have you helped me thank His Highness the Ghost King properly?"

“Of course, I asked your father to send gifts, but…”

"But what?"

Wang Ci stroked his daughter's head and smiled slightly, "Given your personality, if you were to marry the Ghost King, I'm afraid I'd have a lot to worry about."

Why did Mother say that?

"It's nothing, Mother is just overthinking things." Wang Ci was still smiling, but his smile was somewhat bitter. The way Xiao Ruo looked at Xia Qimeng during the palace banquet suggested that Xia Qimeng held a very special place in his heart... But even if she wanted to dissolve the engagement in a grand manner, it was bestowed by His Majesty, so how could it be dissolved so easily? Once a man's heart has left, it is hard for it to drift back. Speaking out would only add to Feng Guang's troubles.

Wang Ci came with a heavy heart, and left with a heavy heart. Feng Guang could guess what was troubling her, but she couldn't very well say that she loved someone else, especially someone from Guangliu Kingdom. Besides, the engagement was indeed a big problem.

"Miss." Xiao Zi curtsied. She was about to cross the garden when she unexpectedly ran into her mistress.

Feng Guang snapped out of his thoughts, declined Xiao Zi's formalities, glanced at the person behind her, and asked, "And who is this young lady?"

"Replying to Miss, this is a new gardener. Since she doesn't know the way, the steward asked me to show her around."

The girl in plain clothes curtsied and looked up, saying, "A-Lu greets Miss."

Feng Guang was slightly surprised, and his eyes widened a little.