Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

Wushuang knew that the prince's swordsmanship was powerful, but it should not be as good as hers, because she only used 70% of her strength every time she practiced swordsmanship with the prince.

"Practicing swordsmanship?"

Ling Xi suddenly had a flash of inspiration and remembered that Xiao Xiao had said that Xiao Ce also often practiced swordsmanship.

"Wushuang, do you martial artists have any interest in divine weapons or legendary swords?"

Wushuang hesitated for a moment, then nodded; at least she liked it.

"That's right! I'll give you a sword!"

Ling Xi not only needs to send gifts to her brother, but also to Xiao Ce, so she needs to find two good swords.

With her mind clearing up, Ling Xi felt much more at ease, and her steps became lighter as well.

"Princess, over there, it seems to be Consort Mu."

Mu Wanning? Ling Xi looked up and saw Mu Wanning standing beside the wet nurse in the pavilion ahead, looking down at the baby in the wet nurse's arms. A gentle smile played on her lips, and her eyes were full of tenderness. It was clear at a glance that she was the mother who loved her child very much.

The child's name was Xiao Chen'an, a name personally chosen by Mu Wanning. Ling Xi couldn't understand why Xiao Ce, who cared so much about the child, hadn't personally named him.

She gazed at him quietly for a moment, sensing a faint sadness hidden beneath Mu Wanning's gentle smile that no one else could see.

"Princess, shall we go around and walk through the long corridor?"

"No need."

Ling Xi walked directly towards the pavilion opposite, getting closer and closer until she could see the child's round and rosy face. She was surprised that the baby, who was only two or three months old, had grown so plump and healthy.

When she looked up again, she saw that Mu Wanning's expression had changed.

Since everyone agreed not to interfere with each other, she didn't need to provoke her, but she also didn't need to be afraid of her.

Ling Xi withdrew her gaze and left, but then seemed to remember something and gradually slowed her pace.

Xiao Ce's favorite family was Mu Wanning and her son, so... it seemed like starting with them would be faster. However, Ling Xi quickly dismissed this idea; judging from Mu Wanning's appearance, it wouldn't be easy to make a move against her.

That very night, Wushuang disguised herself and appeared in the black market of Jinling City.

Ling Xi assigned her the task of spending money to inquire about famous swords if she couldn't find a suitable one.

After 9 PM, Wushuang returned empty-handed, but it wasn't entirely without gain.

The most prestigious auction house in Jinling City, Jubaoge, will be holding an auction in five days, which will include a famous sword from a previous dynasty named "Lingxiao".

Ling Xi isn't afraid of something being expensive; she's only afraid of not being able to buy it anywhere.

Three days later, in the study of Chuixing Academy.

Lu Ming looked at the young master who was engrossed in his book, hesitated to speak, and repeated himself several times until Xiao Ce finally lost his patience.

"Speak your mind."

Xiao Ce didn't look up, but he had already noticed his unusual behavior. Lu Ming pursed his lips, then seemed to have finally made up his mind.

"Yes...the Crown Princess."

Lu Ming raised his eyes to carefully observe his master's reaction. After all, the Crown Prince had previously instructed him to only intercept the letters she sent back to Chu, but he hadn't said anything about interfering with the Crown Princess's other affairs.

Xiao Ce paused for a moment, then continued working.

"What's wrong with her?"

Lu Ming looked up. This time, the Crown Prince didn't say he didn't want to listen? The previous two times, whenever he mentioned the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince showed no intention of continuing the conversation.

"The people from Yuehua Courtyard have been carrying out quite a few boxes out of the manor these past two days. I heard that those are all dowry items that the Crown Princess brought from the Chu Kingdom."

Xiao Ce finally stopped writing, slowly placed the pen on the pen holder, and cast a questioning look at Lu Ming.

"They moved all those things to the Golden Lock Pavilion on Changting Street..."

"Golden Lock Pavilion?"

"That's... the largest pawnshop in Jinling City."

A pawnshop? She needs money?

Xiao Ce's doubts deepened. Although he didn't know how much dowry Ling Xi brought to Daliang, he roughly knew it shouldn't be small.

Although the Prince Rui's mansion did not give her a separate allowance, her food, clothing, and daily necessities were all of the highest quality. She was never short of silk clothes, delicacies, and fruits. Why would she need to use her dowry? And why would she need to pawn her things?

Could it be that she was spoiled and pampered in the State of Chu since childhood, and has no self-control, squandering all the silver she brought with her in just a few months? Or has she encountered some trouble that requires a large amount of silver?

"Find someone... to redeem her things."

"Yes."

Lu Ming naturally dared not say much, but in his opinion, the Crown Princess had fallen so low as to have to pawn her dowry for money, and he couldn't help but feel a little more sympathy for her.

"By the way... there's no need to send the things back to Yuehua Courtyard, just leave them at Chuixing Courtyard."

Xiao Ce tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his eyes seemingly deep in thought.

"Yes."

Although Lu Ming had doubts, he did not ask any further questions.

Ling Xi, who was leisurely lying in Yuehua Courtyard enjoying the warm autumn sun, sneezed several times in a row.

Little did Xiao Ce and Lu Ming know that Ling Xi had merely disposed of all the bulky dowry items, while the gold and silver in her room remained largely untouched.

Since she wanted to plan for the future, there was no need to keep those gold and silver utensils, treasures and antiques in Yuehua Courtyard that were not easy to move. Keeping them would only take up space, so she pawned them all.

She made two trips over two days, basically getting rid of all the things she didn't need, and in total, she pawned them for nearly a thousand taels of gold.

The day of the auction arrived quickly. Fearing that she would draw too much attention, Ling Xi deliberately changed into a simple outfit, with no decorations on her head, and added a veil.

As soon as she stepped into the Treasure Pavilion, she was drawn to the magnificent light emanating from the hall. Candles hung high in the hall, and glass lamps illuminated the four walls. Guests in brocade robes came and went, and although the hall was crowded with people, everyone was quiet and composed, without the slightest noise or commotion.

She found a quiet spot, and as soon as she sat down, the commander slowly walked out from the high platform.

"Distinguished guests, today is the Jubaoge Semi-Annual Auction. We are deeply honored by your support and your presence here today."

The host, dressed in a brocade robe, exuded composure and gestured for silence from the audience.

"The twenty exquisite items presented today are all carefully selected from thousands of pieces. Now, the auction rules will be read out. Please listen carefully."

First, bidding must be in whole numbers, with each bid indicated by a raised paddle. Once a bid is submitted, it cannot be changed. Second, the highest bidder wins. In case of a tie, the first bidder to raise their paddle will have priority. Third, once the hammer falls, the bid is final and cannot be retracted. All bids will be settled after the auction concludes. Fourth, once an item leaves the display case, it cannot be returned or exchanged. The items offered today, once the hammer falls, are yours to decide; please think carefully before bidding.

After reading the aloud, he slightly cupped his hands and revealed a composed smile.

"Are you all ready? The first item is coming soon!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant carried out a brocade box, and the entire room held their breath, anticipating the first brocade box to be opened.