"He is your father." Baishe reminded her firmly.
"He is this body's father. He is certainly not mine." Bai Xifeng reminded Baishe right back, her tone sharp with logic.
"Well, since you have inhabited her body and taken over her life, he is functionally your father now." Baishe retorted, refusing to back down.
Seeing that this argument was likely to go on forever without a clear winner, Bai Xifeng decided to keep her mouth shut. She turned her attention back to the weathered pages of her book, focusing on the herbal diagrams. Baishe watched her for a long moment, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts.
'This girl... she acts so lazy and complains constantly, but seeing her work like this...' Baishe allowed a small, private smile to touch his lips as he observed her quiet dedication.
"Young Miss, your lunch is ready." Xiao Li announced cheerfully as she arrived with a steaming bowl of noodles.
She carefully placed the bowl on the stone table, the aroma filling the air.
Bai Xifeng looked over, immediately pushing the heavy book aside. She picked up her chopsticks and began to eat. The authentic, rich taste of the noodles was incredible. She truly appreciated the flavor, a pure, clean taste that was completely free of the artificial chemicals and preservatives she was used to in her previous world.
Xiao Li beamed with joy as she watched her Young Miss appreciate the food so heartily. In the past, Bai Xifeng would stare at her meals like a soulless doll before picking at the food with no appetite. She used to eat only a tiny, meager amount. Xiao Li whispered a silent prayer to the goddess, thankful that her mistress finally seemed full of life again.
"Ahhh... I am so full!" Bai Xifeng sighed in satisfaction, leaning back and patting her stomach contentedly.
"Young Miss, you really should not behave like that! It is quite unladylike." Xiao Li scolded gently, trying to stop Bai Xifeng's unrefined actions.
"Okay, okay... I understand. I'll behave." Bai Xifeng said with a playful roll of her eyes.
Meanwhile, within the grand, gold-leafed halls of the Imperial Palace,
"Your son pays his respects to Your Majesty." Crown Prince Liu Jun said, bowing deeply and respectfully toward his father.
Emperor Liu Man looked down at his son from his position upon the dragon throne. He stroked his chin, wondering what urgent matter had brought the Crown Prince to the throne room at this hour.
"You may rise." Emperor Liu Man commanded.
Upon hearing the permission, Liu Jun straightened his posture, though he continued to stand humbly and with great discipline in front of his father.
"What is it that you wish to discuss?" Emperor Liu Man asked, his voice echoing through the silent hall.
"Imperial Father, I have a grave matter to report. It concerns my fiancée," Liu Jun said, going straight to the heart of the topic.
"Oh, her... Hmmm... What about her?" Emperor Liu Man asked, the image of the girl appearing in his mind.
He remembered her primarily as the only daughter of the late, legendary Great General Bai.
"I have received word that she has been possessed by something evil." Liu Jun revealed, finally speaking the words he wanted the Emperor to hear.
"What?" Liu Man gasped, his eyes widening in genuine surprise.
This was an incredibly serious accusation. In their empire, anyone suspected of being tainted or possessed by something "unclean" was strictly forbidden from entering the imperial family or holding a position of power.
"Where did you hear of such a thing? From whose mouth did this rumor originate?" Emperor Liu Man demanded.
"The information came directly from the Great General's residence itself." Liu Jun replied solemnly.
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. It breaks my heart when someone steals my hard work. Can you consider reading it on the original website for those who read my novel on another website besides w e b n o v e l .c o m, as your support to me? Thank you, from, your shameless author, ZerahNeko***