Shang Shuqing turned back at the sound of "Hm?" and met her smiling eyes. She turned away again, lowered her head slightly, and silently walked toward the main gate.
Guan Fangyi followed her. After accompanying her through the passageway between the separate courtyard and the prince's residence for a while, she suddenly asked in a low voice, "Do you still take him for Daoist Master?"
Shang Shuqing bit her lip and shook her head.
Guan Fangyi said, "He is from Cloud-Crossing Mountain. Does the County Princess know what kind of people those from Cloud-Crossing Mountain are? Demon Cultivators. In worldly terms, they are monsters. If he revealed his true form, he might give you quite a fright."
Shang Shuqing glanced at her, then lowered her head and continued onward.
Guan Fangyi said, "County Princess, there's something I've long wanted to ask you, but I never knew how to begin."
"Hm?" Shang Shuqing looked up at her again. "Sister Matchmaker, just say it."
Guan Fangyi hesitated and stopped herself several times before finally asking, "County Princess, even if Daoist Master were still alive, do you think he would have liked you?"
Shang Shuqing forced a smile. "How could Daoist Master possibly think highly of an ordinary mortal like me? Besides, I am so unattractive."
Guan Fangyi said, "Then I find it strange. Since the County Princess knows it is impossible, why can't you let it go?"
Shang Shuqing concealed her feelings. "It is not as Sister Matchmaker thinks. I merely dragged him down and feel guilty toward him."
Guan Fangyi gave a meaningful "Oh," then shook her head with a smile, realizing that some things should never have been asked.
After a moment of silence, Shang Shuqing suddenly said, "Sister Matchmaker, I have something I want to ask you too."
Guan