Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

Xiao Xiao's questioning gaze was still fixed on Ling Xi's face when she heard a muffled "thud".

Ling Xi suddenly looked up and saw that Ce had slammed the teacup down on the table, but not a single drop of tea had spilled. When he looked up, his eyes were as deep and cold as a still pool.

Ling Xi was still slightly flustered, frightened by the fierce aura suppressed in his eyes.

Xiao Xiao immediately sensed the atmosphere between the two. Her beautiful sister-in-law, instead of using the proper gates of the Prince's mansion, insisted on climbing over the wall to leave, which spoke volumes about her situation in the Prince Rui's residence. Since such a beauty was being treated this way by her brother, Xiao Xiao naturally had to lend a helping hand.

"Brother Ce, now that the Crown Princess is here, why don't we go to Hongyue Tower together later? I heard that they recently hired a chef from Chu, who makes authentic Chu cuisine. It would be perfect for relieving your homesickness."

Xiao Xiao's eyes lit up, sparkling with anticipation, completely different from the somber atmosphere between the two people at the table.

"No need."

Xiao Ce spoke calmly, his tone revealing little emotion. As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair. Although the fierce look in his eyes had faded, a hint of displeasure still lingered deep within them.

No need, no need. Ling Xi never intended to dine with Xiao Ce in the first place.

He was clearly suppressing his anger because Xiao Xiao was there; she was only thinking about how to find a reasonable explanation when she got back.

"Have you forgotten that you can only leave Yuehua Courtyard after Wan Ning gives birth? Do you have anything to explain now?"

He turned to the side, resting his forehead on one hand, his index finger lightly tapping his temple. His gaze was fixed on Ling Xi, quietly waiting for her explanation, or perhaps, for her excuse.

Xiao Xiao's smile had long since frozen, and her once bright eyes were now filled with astonishment and disbelief.

She originally thought that even if her brother Ce didn't like this princess of Chu, he would at most be indifferent to her. Who would have thought that they would actually confine her to the mansion, and not just prevent her from leaving the mansion, but from leaving the courtyard...

Ling Xi gripped her dress tightly, her eyes darting around as she pondered what excuse to use.

She had been behaving herself before, but was unwell and listless. Now that she was fine, she naturally did not want to be trapped in that small courtyard any longer.

Besides, she is a princess of the Chu Kingdom. She had been cooped up for two months and only sneaked out to stroll around Jinling City. She didn't get close to that Consort Mu. Why are they digging so deep and holding onto her?

"You're just afraid I'll harm Consort Mu, but I was merely out of the manor for a stroll; I didn't even get close to her..."

Ling Xi, who was initially confident, gradually lowered her voice as she spoke.

She knew perfectly well that Xiao Ce wouldn't care what she said; she simply ignored his mother's words.

Xiao Xiao's curious eyes widened even more. So they were worried that the Crown Princess might harm Sister Mu's unborn child. Or... had she already done it?

Once the seed of doubt was planted, Xiao Xiao's gaze toward Ling Xi began to change slightly.

Her actions were so obvious that Ling Xi couldn't ignore them. She could naturally guess what Xiao Xiao was thinking about her, but she didn't care.

She didn't care what Xiao Ce thought, but the problem was that she was somewhat afraid of him.

Ling Xi steadied herself and swallowed the tension in her throat.

"Xiao Ce... Now that Princess Yongle is here today, and has witnessed it, let's get everything straight once and for all."

Ling Xi raised her eyes to meet his scrutinizing gaze, her voice calm and even, yet each word clear and forceful.

"Our marriage was arranged for the peace between Liang and Chu. From beginning to end, it was nothing more than an alliance where each side got what it wanted, and there was no affection between us whatsoever. In that case, why would I care about Consort Mu's child? You really don't need to be so wary of me."

She straightened her back slightly, exuding the dignity and pride of a princess.

"I am a princess of Chu, I have seen prosperity and I also know responsibility. I have never needed to depend on anyone, nor do I need to rely on anyone to live, in the past, now, and in the future. My only mission in becoming the Crown Prince's wife in Liang is to maintain the peace between the two countries and protect their people from the suffering of war."

Let alone a mere concubine, I wouldn't care how many concubines you take in the future, nor would I interfere in the slightest.

But... the position of Crown Princess is the only one I cannot relinquish. It is the face and dignity of the Chu Kingdom, and I will not back down.

As she finished speaking, her eyes became stern, and her tone grew increasingly firm.

Since they don't like her anyway, she might as well speak frankly to avoid them thinking she has some kind of possessiveness towards Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce still propped his forehead up with his hand, his gaze fixed on her face. His eyes were unfathomable, and the displeasure from before had not dissipated, but instead added a touch of gloom that was hard to fathom.

Xiao Xiao, standing to the side, was already stunned. She opened her mouth, her surprise stuck in her throat, and just stared blankly at the two of them, not knowing whether she should say anything.

She never expected that this seemingly frail and beautiful sister-in-law from Chu would have such integrity and courage, daring to utter such resounding and harsh words to the usually aloof Brother Ce.

At the same time, she began to compare herself to others. If she were to marry into a foreign country for political reasons and be treated like this, she would probably spend her days in tears.

She turned to look at Brother Ce again. His face was completely expressionless, only a deep coldness remained, and a layer of gloom hung between his brows.

Xiao Ce remained in the same position, his gaze fixed on Ling Xi, clearly dissatisfied with her words.

The room fell silent; no one spoke again. Ling Xi lowered her head, carefully recalling her words.

Although she was being a bit blunt, it was better to speak her mind than to passively endure unfair treatment. After all, her father and uncle were not going to take her back anyway.

An awkward silence lasted for an unknown amount of time before Lu Ming suddenly strode into the hall, his expression grave. As he approached, he glanced at Ling Xi with a puzzled look.

"Your Highness, Consort Mu... has been poisoned."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for them all to hear, and all three of them were taken aback after hearing it.

"Sister Mu?!"

Xiao Xiao called out first, and Ling Xi's heart tightened suddenly, a strange panic welling up inside her.

She instinctively looked up and met Xiao Ce's deep gaze. His eyes, which had originally held only displeasure and coldness, now flashed with a sharp, knife-like suspicion, undisguised and fixed directly on her.

That one glance made it clear that she was certain this matter was related to her.

"Don't look at me like that! It wasn't me!"

Ling Xi was furious. What did Mu Wanning's poisoning have to do with her? And why were these two, master and servant, staring at her like that?