Mama's Princess is Daddy's Beloved

In the dimness of the study room with the curtains closed, the cold sharpness of Shin Tinming's eyes came more severe than it would have come in any brightened one. He sat behind his desk as usual while stared at the distance with some seriousness. His gaze was unwavering, while his thoughts drowning deep in the words of what his wife has said earlier. 

Not like he was superstitious to believe anyone's instincts, but he kind of believed the motherly intuition always. If Chen Rui was feeling something wrong, then there was nothing wrong with being a little more careful than they already were. After all, he would not be able to bear seeing the girl getting hurt even after he has come to know about her existence in this world. 

"Mr. Cao, please do as Rui has asked you. Increase the attention on everything that is happening around her. In no way there should appear a situation in which her interest is harmed." He ordered the old butler at the side. 

Though Mr. Cao could not see the depths of darkness in the eyes of the king at the moment, he was sure that it would not be any less dark than the black hole. A single string of smile appeared over his expression as he nodded in affirmation. "Your Highness, I have already increased a few counts of men around Young Miss and will also alert them to be careful of the things. With them being careful, I am sure nothing would happen and even if there would be something we would be informed about it before time". The aged butler assured. 

Shin Tinming nodded. "Not just around Xiao Xue. Ask someone to keep an eye on Liu Hua as well. We cannot believe her or her actions. She has invited Xiao Xue to her so-called daughter's engagement, there must be some intentions. Don't lose the guard around her". 

He added more words to the command and the old butler just smiled at it and nodded in affirmation. Though the facts were still kept hidden, the changes that were coming in evidence were not in the depth but have also started to appear on the surface. "Our men are already keeping a track of them. If they are up to something, we will come to know it first".

The man was finally relieved. Though the care and safety of the kids are the responsibility of the parents, he has only come to understand now that– to a father, the safety of the daughter means differently. The care and concern that could never be compared to anyone. 

When realized, a smile got over the strict expressions of the man as he turned to look at the butler on the side, only to find her smiling as well. His brows raised slightly as in a fraction of a second, he saw him getting back to his polite poker expression. "Mr. Cao, you were smiling just now. May I know the reason?" 

The butler bowed while shaking his head, "Sorry for the offense, Your Highness. It was just a memory from the past that crossed my head. And I fear that if I say it aloud, you might not like remembering it". 

Instead of frowning or being confused at those words, the king just gave an empty smile. Like he need not ask the context to know what it was about. 

"Are you referring to my attitude towards Xiao Xue in the past?" He said, his eyes looking at the butler, seeing him nod. "Haha … Mr. Cao, time is really mysterious. You would not know when it changes the things inside you. I still remember the first night when you told me that when I see her I won't be able to control the father inside me. At that time, I might not have regarded it. But today, I could not bring myself to refute it. Just a sight of her was enough to change everything". 

He said as he paused with some hesitation. As if inside he was dwelling with some thoughts and words before bringing it out for revelation. After not too long, finally, he completed, "I think daughters have such effects on their father and I am no exception to it, Mr. Cao. You were right to guess that in the past". He said as his eyes showed the regrets hidden behind it. 

*** 

Back at Our Paradise, 

The family had just completed their breakfast and were ready to leave for the day as planned when suddenly a guard from outside came to inform them. 

"Master! Madam!" Bowing his head to Feng Shufen and Li Xue, he greeted before continuing, "Some people have come outside and are asking to meet the lady. They say they are from the Royal family and are here with New Year presents. What should we say to them?" 

Li Xue paused. She wasn't shocked to hear that but was kind of surprised. How could she forget it? She has not prepared any gift to send. Wouldn't it be kind of rude to accept the gift, without sending any in return?

She was thinking when suddenly she realized something else she was missing amid everything. Her eyes at once darted to look at the man, remembering he was not much in the favor of the royal family for some personal reasons that she was yet to know about. "Shufen, this … Her Highness likes me like her daughter. So she might have sent the gifts. I think it will be rude of me if I reject it". She said, measuring the depth of the water with slight cautiousness. 

"…" Feng Shufen did not reply for some time but then looking at the guard who had come, he said, "Bring those people inside and ask the maids to help them keep the gifts properly." 

The guard nodded before bowing and going out to invite the people in. While behind, Wu Jiaqi, who had heard everything, was left all stunned. Her eyes looked perplexedly at Li Xue and tried its best to understand the things. 

What identity does this woman hold that the royal family was sending gifts to her on New Year? As far as she knows, no gifts are sent out of the palace. They only accept gifts formally and that too are presented by known aristocratic families and other fragments of royal families from around the countries.