Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

Only after leaving the teahouse did Ling Xi struggle to shake off Xiao Ce's hand, but her strength was negligible to Xiao Ce.

"Xiao Ce, what are you doing? Let go of me."

This low growl drew the attention of passersby on the street, and Ling Xi lowered her voice even further upon seeing it:

"Didn't we agree to keep to ourselves? Why are you dragging me along, Your Highness?"

She was met with silence in response. He continued walking forward on his own. Since they were on the street, Ling Xi didn't want to make a scene. After all, she didn't like being treated like a spectator.

Only after he had stuffed her into his carriage did Xiao Ce finally let go of her and throw her onto the seat.

"What are you doing? You're hurting me."

Ling Xi rubbed her little hand, which was sore from his grip, and when she looked down, she noticed a red mark on the back of her hand.

Xiao Ce also saw it at the same time. He squinted and felt that the person in front of him was too delicate.

He certainly wouldn't believe that he threw her forcefully onto the seat; he just used normal force.

He glanced up and saw her beautiful eyes, already filled with anger. Her anger was at its peak, but it still held no power over him.

At the entrance of the teahouse, Lu Baixu and Qin Qi stood side by side, watching the carriage disappear into the distance, showing no intention of moving immediately.

"I never imagined that Yi Zhi's Crown Princess would be as stunningly beautiful as the rumors say, even more beautiful than I had anticipated. Tell me, what exactly are Yi Zhi's feelings for this princess of Chu?"

"No one can fathom Yi Zhi's thoughts."

Lu Baixu spoke indifferently, his expression even more indifferent.

"Even you and I have heard how he used to neglect that Princess of Chu, so why is he so kind as to give her all the respect she deserves in front of everyone today?"

"I think I overheard what she said in the private room just now."

Qin Qi thought about it carefully and immediately nodded in agreement. They had overheard most of the conversation between the master and servants next door, and when they thought of the princess's gloating earlier, Qin Qi's eyebrows immediately curved into a smile.

"I never expected that this princess would not only be stunningly beautiful, but also have such a lively and interesting personality. She is truly a remarkable person."

He praised sincerely, but the next second he couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.

"I think Yizhi and she look like a match made in heaven, but unfortunately... Yizhi hates the people of Chu to the core."

……

"When you leave the mansion in the future, wear a veiled hat."

It wasn't until the carriage had traveled several meters away that Xiao Ce suddenly uttered these words, staring at her with an indifferent expression.

"Why should I listen to you? We agreed that we wouldn't interfere with each other."

Ling Xi rubbed her still red hand. Although she was originally going to wear a veil, she just didn't want to go along with him.

So, you're putting on airs like a prince? She's still a princess! Anyone can give orders; she's been doing it since she was little.

"Suit yourself, but if anything happens to you outside, don't expect Prince Rui's mansion to save you."

When he said this, Xiao Ce was clearly scrutinizing her face, from her eyebrows to her chin.

Why are you cursing people? Ling Xi glanced at the person opposite her, looking displeased.

A moment later, the wrinkles at the corners of her lips returned to normal.

Xiao Ce was right. In the past, when she went out in Ji City, her brother would send ten or eight guards to accompany her.

Now in Jinling, no one takes such good care of her anymore. If something really happens, given how much the Prince Rui's mansion dislikes her, it would be strange if they could help her.

Seeing that she had nothing to say and obediently shut her mouth, Xiao Ce withdrew his gaze and began to close his eyes to rest.

The journey from Sifang Teahouse to Prince Rui's Mansion took a full quarter of an hour, during which the two did not exchange another word.

Xiao Ce closed his eyes and never opened them again, while Ling Xi looked at him three times, and his expression remained unchanged.

One last time, she was so bored that her gaze lingered on his face for a few more moments.

With sharp, striking eyebrows, a high, straight nose, and long, drooping eyelashes that concealed her usual piercing gaze, her thin lips were pursed, conveying a sense of aloofness. From her angle, the curve of her profile was perfectly proportioned.

Even though he was just quietly resting with his eyes closed, he exuded an air of nobility.

Ling Xi pouted, thinking to herself: What good is being born good-looking? Her personality is far too arrogant, completely unlike her brother's gentle and approachable nature.

"Have you seen enough?"

Before the thought could even finish, his deep, clear voice suddenly rang in my ears.

Ling Xi froze abruptly, staring at him with wide eyes, completely forgetting her guilty conscience.

He had opened his eyes at some point, his gaze as deep as a cold pool. Just moments before he had been resting with his eyes closed, but now he had taken in all of her little movements.

"So what if I haven't seen enough?"

Ling Xi lowered her head, then added softly:

"Anyway, he's not as good-looking as my brother!"

Although her voice was soft, it reached Xiao Ce's ears with perfect clarity. He glanced at her briefly before closing his eyes again.

The next moment, the carriage lurched violently, and Ling Xi lost her balance, tilting uncontrollably towards him. She instinctively reached out her hands, and ended up sitting on his lap.

Her hands rested squarely on his chest; the thin fabric of early autumn clothing made the hard contours of his chest and the burning heat of his body clearly palpable beneath her palms.

Startled, she looked up abruptly. The face she had just scrutinized was now right in front of her, her breath almost audible. Ling Xi's already shaken heart instantly filled with panic.

Ling Xi instantly recalled how he had pushed her away without any mercy the last time.

Fearing he might attack her again, Ling Xi's heart tightened. She quickly withdrew her hand and stood up, her movements hurried and chaotic. She staggered backward, as if lingering even a moment longer would cause her to be tainted by something she desperately wanted to avoid.

Thank goodness! She dodged quickly enough. Ling Xi's heart pounded with relief. Where her fingertips had touched, she could still faintly feel the firmness of his muscles.

The moment Xiao Ce opened his eyes again, he saw her panicked expression so close to him.

Seeing her hurriedly trying to get away from him, as if she wanted to be eight feet away from him, he remained expressionless, only his lips were slightly pursed. He quietly watched her stagger away from him and crash heavily into the carriage wall.

This time, Ling Xi didn't feel any pain from the impact at all; she was just glad that she had run fast enough and hadn't been pushed away.

When she looked up again, she found him staring at her intently, his face devoid of any pleasantness.

Could it be that she bumped into him again? Ling Xi pursed her lips helplessly.

"This time it's really not my fault, is it? It's the problem with your carriage."

"Your Highness, we've arrived!"

Xiao Ce did not answer, got up and got off the carriage, leaving Ling Xi in her seat with a helpless expression.

What a terrible temper!