Chapter 9: One Willing to Strike, One Willing to Suffer

The glimmer of interest deep in his eyes condensed rapidly. He cast a leisurely glance at Shangguan Ruoyu, waiting quietly for her next words.

"Hmph, for the sake of my precious daughter's unwavering devotion to you, I will reluctantly agree to let her follow you," Shangguan Ruoyu's attitude underwent a complete one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn. "However, I must guard her side for twelve hours a day, never leaving her for a single step."

In truth, he really didn't mind her bringing the little girl home. He really didn't!

Feng Jinmo was just about to open her mouth, but Shangguan Ruoyu refused to give her the chance. Grabbing her son with one hand and pulling her daughter with the other, she nimbly leaped onto the deck and ducked into the carriage curtains with such speed that it left no room for anyone to react.

"Get in the carriage! What are you doing standing there like an idiot? Posing for a photo?" While Feng Jinmo was still dazed, the woman poked her head out from the curtains again, scolding her with a grimace.

Hey! Who exactly is the owner of this carriage?

The coachman found it hard to watch, but he was deterred in his tracks by a majestic, commanding gaze from Feng Jinmo, and he pouted sheepishly.

"Oh, right," Shangguan Ruoyu slapped her forehead as if remembering something important. "My luggage is still in the back. Remember to bring it along."

"..." Feng Jinmo asked the heavens in speechless frustration. Wasn't she here to get her daughter back? Wasn't she supposed to be taking her daughter home? Why had things developed like this?

"Master." The coachman's face was dark, his eyes thick with killing intent.

"Do as she says." Let him see just what kind of amusement this family would bring him. In any case, the journey to the capital was quite dull; adding a bit of seasoning wouldn't hurt.

Just as he leaped into the carriage, a fleshy little atomic bomb lunged into his arms. Feng Jinmo immediately reached out to catch Shangguan Ling. "Careful."

A sharp glint flashed in Shangguan Ruoyu's eyes. It seemed this man liked her daughter even more than she had imagined. Hmph, in that case, as her future mother-in-law, she would have to observe him closely to vet him properly for her daughter.

"Little Feng~" A rhythmic, sing-song voice drifted from inside the carriage. The coachman, who had just tied the wooden cart to the back, was so startled he nearly fell off the deck.

Holy crap, has this woman swallowed a leopard's gall? How dare she address the Master like that?

"Ahem," Feng Jinmo's face showed a hint of embarrassment. "Miss may call me Young Master Feng."

Shangguan Ruoyu wore an expression that said 'you are so stupid.' She reached out to take a grape her son had just peeled, tossed it into her mouth, and acted every bit like a pampered lord. "Since you and my precious one have privately pledged your lives to each other, is it too much for me, as your mother-in-law, to call you Little Feng?"

"You misunderstand..."

The woman, who had been so kind and gentle just a moment ago, suddenly underwent a drastic change in expression, her eyes flashing with ferocity. "You aren't planning to eat your fill and then wipe your mouth and run, are you? Planning to avoid responsibility?"

"I think, even if I had such intentions, I probably wouldn't be able to succeed." Feng Jinmo lowered her head gloomily, glancing at Shangguan Ling's overly fragile frame, her heart filled with helplessness.

Three days later, the towering city walls were within reach. On the wide official road, the carriage approached slowly. Having received word long ago, the Commander of the Nine Gates led a group of soldiers, standing in formation on both sides of the city gate.

"Wow! So many people!" Shangguan Ling pulled aside the curtain and leaned against the window, shouting in curiosity.

"Sit properly, be careful not to fall out." As an arm reached out, Shangguan Ling's soft body fell into Feng Jinmo's embrace.

"Shameless!" Shangguan Bai watched, secretly grinding his teeth. He was clearly taking advantage of his sister!

The carriage stopped before the city gate. The armored Commander stepped forward and called out respectfully, "Your humble servant, Li Kui, by the command of His Majesty, welcomes the Crown Prince of the North Sea."