When Gu Lingling woke up, the sun was already high, while Da Bao was still sound asleep beside her. When she returned from Luo Yunzhen yesterday, Da Bao was still lying on the bed, in the same position.
Worried that Da Bao might be uncomfortable in one position, Gu Lingling wanted to gently flip him over. However, when she touched Da Bao's small back, he flinched and furrowed his brows with a hint of pain, making Gu Lingling quickly let go, not knowing where she had touched him to cause such pain.
Da Bao also woke up and didn't feel it while asleep, but now he felt a bit stiff in his neck from lying down for too long.
Gradually, Da Bao first sat up, then dared to stand up. The wound on his back had begun to heal, but there was still some residual demon energy from the fox demon, causing not only physical pain upon contact but also a biting sensation.
But fortunately, Luo Yunzhen had high cultivation. It would only take a few days for him to completely dispel the demonic energy. Before that, Da Bao could only endure.
Today was a rare day when the prince didn't come to pester Gu Lingling. While Gu Lingling heaved a sigh of relief, she also felt that she had overlooked something and vaguely sensed that something was amiss.
Seeing Gu Lingling standing in the yard staring blankly outside, Liao Feixing walked over leisurely, teasing, "Is it disappointing that the prince didn't come? But I think the prince treats you quite well. I've heard of some customs in the mortal world. For example, the ornamental clothes bestowed by the emperor are not ordinary garments; only the future prince's consort can wear them. You left the prince yesterday, but he didn't blame you. Instead, he was eager to give you clothes. His intentions are quite obvious, right?"
Liao Feixing had no malicious intent. After several days of contact, his aversion to Gu Lingling had diminished.
Beside him, Rongrong glared at Liao Feixing. She had seen everything last night and refused to believe there was nothing between Gu Lingling and the Grandmaster. Although she didn't know how their relationship progressed, she could see that their bond was not shallow.
Recalling the Grandmaster's unusual behavior before, Rongrong realized that most of it was related to Gu Lingling.
Although she had a sense of understanding, Rongrong also felt strangely fearful. Although the Grandmaster was the head, most of the time, he only controlled the overall situation in the palace and rarely showed up in person to handle specific cases or even abandoned the Carefree Pavilion, spending most of his days in the prince's residence.
Rongrong's expression became complicated, as she shook her head, "Feixing, don't talk nonsense."
Liao Feixing knew Gu Lingling had been in the Grandmaster's room last night, but he didn't think further. So, when Rongrong stopped him, he was a bit puzzled. He thought Rongrong was conservative and laughed, "What's wrong? Just making a joke."
Rongrong subconsciously looked at the Grandmaster's room. Since last night, there had been no movement in the Grandmaster's room, but they couldn't inquire about the Grandmaster's matters, so there must be something important going on.
"Don't say what you shouldn't say in the future."
Rongrong, who had been cold-faced, now spoke even more seriously. Her soft appearance with a serious expression would have seemed out of place to those unfamiliar with her.
At this moment, a little maid walked in from the courtyard, greeted everyone respectfully, and informed them that the prince was selecting a consort today and had specifically asked her to invite the immortals from the Carefree Pavilion to join the festivities.
Though Luo Yunzhen had mentioned startling the snake in the grass yesterday, he hadn't mentioned how they should go about it. They had wanted to go to the attic, but for some reason, the guards informed them that the prince had sealed off the attic, claiming it was to mourn his deceased wife and not allowing anyone near it.
The group looked at each other, realizing the one preventing the search was the prince. Thus, they had no choice but to accept the situation and make alternative plans.
The prince's selection of a consort was a good opportunity. Perhaps they could see the prince and explain the situation to him, so they could resolve the issue as soon as possible without embarrassing the Carefree Pavilion.
Guided by the maid, they passed the heavily guarded attic on their way, with all the attic windows sealed from the outside, making it impossible to see inside.
They arrived at the splendid hall of the prince's residence.
Throughout the journey, Gu Lingling continued to hold Da Bao, who still seemed languid, resting against her shoulder as if he were asleep.
It was only when they entered the hall that Da Bao slowly opened his dark eyes and, propped up on Gu Lingling's shoulder, seemed lost in thought.
Many people had gathered in the hall, sitting in chairs on the left and right, dressed in official or luxurious attire, all exuding an air of nobility, presumably the prince's relatives and confidants.
At the center, a man sat upright with an imposing air, undoubtedly the prince. The prince was well-built and had a very rugged appearance, a stark contrast to the effeminate beauty of the prince.
When the prince saw Gu Lingling approaching, he immediately showed a hint of joy, though he had to restrain himself due to the prince's dignity, eager to run to Gu Lingling's side.
"You are the immortals from the Carefree Pavilion. We are relying on you for matters in the residence," the prince declared with grandeur, speaking loudly and treating them politely. He then directed his attendants to prepare chairs for them and sat beside them.
After hesitating for a while, Liao Feixing clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, "Your Highness, although I know it's not quite appropriate, in order to quickly resolve the situation in the residence, please open the attic and let us go and investigate."
The prince's pupils subtly contracted when he heard Liao Feixing's words. After a brief pause, he seemed displeased, "The attic has already been thoroughly searched by the immortals. The previous ancient immortal also caused quite a commotion in the attic. And the immortals who came before also found nothing. This prince has not blamed you; it's already a favor. Today is also the day of the prince's consort selection ceremony. I hope all the immortals will enjoy the occasion."
Liao Feixing wanted to say more but was stopped by Rongrong, who shook her head at him, and Gu Lingling also signaled him with her eyes.
As a scion of the Immortal Sect, Liao Feixing's etiquette was not as good as that of the royal family, but his status was much more noble than theirs, and it was already rare for him to restrain his temper.
Liao Feixing sat somewhat annoyed in his chair while the crown prince, with a pair of charming eyes, asked, "Why didn't Grandmaster Luo come? Is he feeling unwell?"
Gu Lingling, who had been teasing the sleepy Da Bao, raised her head at the prince's words and replied, "Last night, a beast ran into the Grandmaster's room. Right now, the Grandmaster is thinking of how to capture it, break its limbs, and skin it."
The prince's eyebrows furrowed, as if he had thought of a terrible scene, and his cheek suddenly twitched. He quickly covered it with his hand and turned to look at Gu Lingling, still wearing that innocent and candid expression.
Perhaps he was overthinking things...
However, while Gu Ling Ling was sitting on the leg, the drowsy Da Bao couldn't help but open his round, sleepy eyes and blinked a few times quickly when he heard Gu Ling Ling's casual words, instantly feeling better.
Tao Fanru had heard that Gu Ling Ling had picked up a child, but now she felt that this child was even cuter than the others at first sight, with a round little face that looked somehow mature, which didn't seem discordant but rather made people feel like they couldn't help but tease him and see his smile.
Tao Fanru liked everything beautiful, naturally including the well-crafted Da Bao, so she poked his chubby face with her fair fingers.
There was no response, but the soft feeling made Tao Fanru somewhat addicted, so she switched from poking to pinching. Da Bao in Gu Ling Ling's arms then twisted his body a bit, giving Tao Fanru some reaction.
At first, Da Bao thought it was Gu Ling Ling, but as a strange scent wafted over, Da Bao opened his eyes and saw Tao Fanru's beautiful enlarged face.
With a small wrinkled nose, he reached out and covered his mouth and nose directly with his small hand.
It wasn't that the fragrance was unpleasant; on the contrary, it was very pleasant, all high-quality incense aromas, but deliberately made people uncomfortable, far less pleasant than the light fragrance on Gu Ling Ling's body.
Tao Fanru was surprised that she was so blatantly rejected; Da Bao shrank back into Gu Ling Ling's arms, clearly not wanting too much contact with Tao Fanru.
Tao Fanru's face became tense, as if a stone had been thrown into the perfect calm lake.
The mischievous Da Bao in Gu Ling Ling's arms finally diverted her attention from the small talk and flattery of the prince and the guests.
"Da Bao, how can you be so rude to your sister?" Needing no explanation, looking at Da Bao's expression of aversion towards Tao Fanru, it was clear that Da Bao was once again ignoring people.
Gu Ling Ling's stern admonishing of Da Bao made Tao Fanru first stunned, then disdainful. In her understanding, only tenderness could melt everything, and someone like Gu Ling Ling, with her shrew-like appearance, was the most undesirable.
"However, it's just a child, no need to be so aggressive, little sister."
Gu Ling Ling felt embarrassed as someone called her name. Although confused, she found everyone in the hall looking at her, some envy, some jealousy, and some with a look of anticipation, making Gu Ling Ling feel like she might have missed something very important.
Da Bao in her arms seemed even more frosty.
"Master Gu, do you agree?" The prince was seeking Gu Ling Ling's opinion, but his demeanor indicated that he was determined, expecting Gu Ling Ling not to refuse.
The crown prince was smiling, his moon-white brocade attire accentuating his refined and handsome features.
Gu Ling Ling blushed, not because of the prince's good looks, but due to the embarrassment.
Rong Rong had a complex expression; she nudged Gu Ling Ling with her elbow and whispered, "Just now, the prince said... he wants to marry you as the crown princess..."