Crown Prince and Ghost King

Chapter 63

Typical of him to start a conversation that way.

Unsurprised, Xie Lian repressed the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose and exhaled slowly, taking care to nudge at Hua Cheng's leg with his feet to stop the ghost from doing or saying anything harmful. Then, he shook his head: «I wanted to come visit. Is that so unbelievable for you?».

Of course it was, and Qi Rong didn't hesitate before saying it! Especially because his cousin happened to visit in the exact same time frame that Lang QianQiu chose.

«It's too suspicious», he grumbled, crossing his arms. «Lang QianQiu comes back with GuZi, and you show up so conveniently? You want something from me, don't you? Or did you just want to make sure I wouldn't kill that annoying excuse of a god?».

Xie Lian had to take a deep breath again. He had no idea how Qi Rong managed to frustrate him so quickly and with much efficiency, but it was starting to get on his nerves.

However, he had to give that suspicion to him. He did show up at time that made it look like he planned to visit in order to check on the situation. Xie Lian didn't think about that, and it was is mistake. So, the Crown Prince simply decided to be honest with his cousin: «Listen, I came here now because I was informed that Lang QianQiu was here, but it's not for the reason you imagine», he said, trying to keep his words as calm and clear as possible. «I just wanted to see how's it going».

But he also became a bit more serious, and added: «Qi Rong, you have to understand that I do also worry about QianQiu. He used to be my disciple, and I want to try and mend our relationship if possible».

It was nice to see them get along, even in their own litigious way. It was good for the both of them, because they could overcome their seeping hatred, and for GuZi, because the kid could really benefit from having a good familial relationship.

Xie Lian frowned at his own thought. Were they...?

No-

«Qi Rong, are you and Lang QianQiu...».

«Fuck, no!?», the ghost interrupted him, smelling the question coming from miles away. «Ehw, cousin Crown Prince, have you smoked something bad?».

How could he even imply that he and that... that subpar god were in a relationship?! What a joke.

«Be serious with me. I can send San Lang away if you don't want him to hear».

Qi Rong stared at him, disbelieving, for a good while. Did they really look like-

«We're not together, and we're not getting together», he stated, emphasizing his words with gestures. «I don't know if we're... friends – the word rolled on his tongue like a particularly disgusting piece of rotting meat – but we just get along because of GuZi. That kid likes having a family».

And he deserved one.

Unfortunately for the ghost, Lang QianQiu was an incredible father figure when he wanted to, just stricter and less fun compared to him.

«Why do you even want to fix things between him and you?», Qi Rong then asked, curious. «It's not like he needs a teacher anymore, and his family wanted to slaughter our people».

«And whose fault was that?».

«San Lang, no», the god reprimanded his husband, raising a hand to politely silence him. «That king... he only needed an excuse to show his real colors».

While Qi Rong – and his allies – had been the main reason why the king went back on his word and ordered to kill anyone of XianLe origins, he wasn't really the one at fault in general. If Lang QianQiu's family was really the supportive and merciful rulers they claimed to be, not even the Gilded Banquet should have had caused the king to slaughter innocent people just for their origins.