Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

When Xiao Ce stepped into Chuixing Courtyard, dusk had already enveloped the courtyard.

As before, Pei Lan was squatting at the bedroom door. Upon seeing her, Xiao Ce's brows furrowed instinctively. He didn't ask, but he already had a general idea. Without pausing, his dark brocade robe swept across the steps as he strode into the room.

"Oh, Your Highness..."

When he noticed someone hurrying past him, Perrin stood up and called out to them, but when he turned around, he only saw a corner of their clothes.

Ling Xi did not tell Pei Lan what had happened, only saying that she had lost her appetite due to the heat these past two days.

When Xiao Ce entered the room, it was as quiet as yesterday. When he stepped into the inner room, he saw her lying motionless on the bed, just like yesterday.

At this moment, long-suppressed doubts suddenly surged into his mind. He stood silently, gazing at the person on the bed, his eyes becoming deep and dark. From yesterday until now, a full twelve hours had passed, and they had not uttered a single word.

Ling Xi pretended to be asleep as usual, keeping her eyes tightly closed and breathing slowly.

But Xiao Ce was different from yesterday. After approaching, he stood quietly by the bed for a moment, then stepped closer, squatted down, and gently placed his hand on her forehead.

The touch was cool and steady, with no signs of heat. His brows relaxed slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, he sat on the edge of the bed, leaned over and pulled her up, letting her lean on his shoulder.

The air was filled with the refreshing scent of agarwood, a familiar fragrance that now felt like fine needles pricking Ling Xi's heart.

She slowly opened her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling as she suppressed the surging bitterness in her eyes, but the mist in her eyes grew thicker and thicker, vaguely reflecting his features so close to hers.

Seeing that she remained silent for a long time, with only her reddened eyes fixed on him, Xiao Ce felt a sudden tightness in his heart and tightened his grip on her arm.

"Are you feeling unwell? Where does it hurt? Tell me."

His voice was incredibly gentle, and his fingertips unconsciously brushed against her slightly cool cheek, the movement natural and tender.

The genuine worry and tenderness in his eyes made Ling Xi's throat tighten. Now, she could no longer tell whether his heart was sincere or not.

"I...I'm fine."

After a long while, she gently moved her lips, her weak voice slightly hoarse.

Her gaze remained fixed on his face, scrutinizing it again and again, yet she could find no trace of pretense.

"Xiao Ce".

"Um?"

"When did you fall in love with me?"

She spoke quietly, her voice as soft as a gentle breeze, her eyes slowly lowering.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ce lowered his eyes in confusion, a hint of bewilderment in his gaze. He looked at her intently, trying to discern her expression, but she kept her eyes downcast, her long eyelashes concealing all her emotions.

"It was probably... the first time I saw you."

He paused for a moment, then gave a serious answer.

"You're lying... You were clearly so cold to me back then."

Xiao Ce's throat tightened, and a deep sense of guilt welled up in his heart.

"I'm sorry, I..."

"It's okay."

She abruptly interrupted, her tone calm. She no longer cared what happened back then; it didn't matter anymore anyway. She simply couldn't tell whether Xiao Ce was skilled at feigning affection, portraying it flawlessly, or whether he genuinely felt some love for her, but that affection couldn't outweigh the hatred in his heart.

But no matter which one it was, she didn't want to investigate any further.

Xiao Ce's deep eyes flickered slightly, churning with an unspeakable sorrow. He gently placed his fingertips on the top of her hair, stroking it lightly. At that moment, he was deeply grieving the sudden death of his elder brother, and the national and familial hatred reminded him day and night that she was his enemy.

Even though he deliberately distanced himself from her and kept his guard up, he still couldn't help but fall for her deep down. This feeling tore at him for a long time, causing him to struggle and suffer repeatedly, until she was about to leave Jinling. Only then did he finally understand that his whole heart had already been completely swayed by her.

"Xi'er, what has been causing you this distress these past two days?"

"It's nothing... it's just that the summer heat in Jinling is too intense, making people feel uncomfortable all over."

She kept her eyes downcast and responded faintly.

"Anything else?"

"I miss the hibiscus cakes that my mother used to make."

Xiao Ce paused slightly, his eyes darkening.

"Have you had dinner yet? I'll carry you out to get something to eat."

She slowly sat up and gently pushed his hand away.

"You go ahead and eat, I don't have much of an appetite."

"Xi'er..."

"I want to take a shower."

She interrupted him abruptly, never once looking up at him.

"I'll carry you over."

"No."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, so quiet that they could hear each other breathing. After a while, she heard a soft sigh, tinged with a hint of melancholy, in her ear.

"I was just thinking that you must be hungry after a long day, so why don't you go and have some food first?"

She looked up guiltily and saw the worry in his eyes, but now she couldn't say how much of that worry was real.

"it is good."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ling Xi got out of bed and slowly walked towards the bathroom.

Xiao Ce sat upright on the couch, his gaze following her slender back. His brows furrowed slightly, and deep doubts rose in his heart.

When Ling Xi finished bathing and returned to the inner room, still damp with moisture, she found him still sitting in the same spot.

Ling Xi paused, a genuine look of surprise flashing across her eyes.

"You...didn't have dinner?"

Xiao Ce did not respond, but slowly walked towards her, took one of her outer garments from the clothes rack, and carefully tucked it into her clothes.

"you……"

Ling Xi was slightly stunned. Before she could finish speaking, her waist was suddenly tightened as he swept her up in his arms without warning. She panicked and instinctively raised her hands to struggle and resist against his chest.

What are you doing?

Xiao Ce did not answer, but carried her out of the inner room.

"Greetings, Your Highness and Your Highness's Wife."

Ling Xi turned her head and saw the Du family physician waiting in the outer room.

"The physician from the Du family?"

She suddenly opened her eyes wide, her heart leaping into her throat.

Xiao Ce gently placed her on the soft couch, his movements light yet carrying an inexplicable force.

"Please trouble Physician Du to examine the Princess Consort's pulse. She hasn't been eating or drinking for the past two days and seems to be in poor spirits."

Ling Xi's heart tightened suddenly, and her whole body tensed up instantly. She subconsciously pulled her hands back and quickly hid them behind her back, a trace of panic flashing in her eyes.

She absolutely must not let the Du family physician examine her pulse. If Xiao Ce finds out about her pregnancy, how will she be able to leave?

"No need, I'm just feeling hot and irritable, nothing serious. Doctor Du, please leave."

She lowered her eyes slightly, forcibly suppressing the panic in her heart, and tried her best to make her tone sound calm and even.

"Xi'er, please be obedient. It's just a pulse check; I may not prescribe any medicine."

Xiao Ce persisted, and as he spoke, he bent down to take her hand, which was hidden behind her back.

Ling Xi was startled, hurriedly looked up, and hastily grabbed his arm.