Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

Xiao Ce's handsome brows furrowed even more, completely bewildered.

"Yes! Our relationship has only just begun to improve, so it's only fair that we reciprocate. I'll do my best to help you when I can, and if I ever run into trouble in the future..."

Ling Xi spoke softer and softer, feeling that she had been completely misunderstood. After all that fuss, none of them had appreciated her kindness. Not only had she wasted her efforts, but Mu Wanning probably thought that she really had some improper thoughts about Xiao Ce.

"Then... why don't you explain to Mu Wanning later, so that she won't be dissatisfied with me?"

Xiao Ce looked up at her, his eyes completely devoid of warmth.

"Wan Ning won't misunderstand."

After saying that, he turned and left the bedroom, leaving Ling Xi with a cold and hard back view.

No misunderstanding?

"Hey, wait a minute!"

She won't misunderstand Xiao Ce, but she might misunderstand her.

……

Regarding moving into Chuixing Courtyard, Ling Xi originally thought that Mu Wanning would come first, but unexpectedly, it was Princess Rui who came first.

She had just moved several precious purple orchids from Yuehua Courtyard to Chuixing Courtyard with her servants when a maidservant bowed and reported that the princess was waiting in the main hall.

Ling Xi was mentally prepared and was not particularly panicked. When she stepped into the main hall, she saw Princess Rui sitting at the head of the table, her brows and eyes solemn, and her whole being exuding a sense of majesty.

"Your daughter-in-law greets Mother Consort."

Ling Xi curtsied and performed a proper bow. Now that she had agreed to Xiao Ce's request, she would play the role of the mistress of Chuixing Courtyard well.

"You've moved into Chuixing Courtyard?"

Princess Rui gently picked up the teacup and slowly brought it to her lips, but her sharp gaze remained fixed on her face.

"My daughter-in-law caught a cold a few days ago. The doctor said that my Yuehua Courtyard was too cold and damp, so the young master allowed me to move to Chuixing Courtyard."

After answering seriously, Ling Xi moved to a seat to the side. She was quick to learn how to pretend.

"Ce'er is very busy with official duties. If you move in, it will inevitably disturb him."

Princess Rui put down her teacup, raised her eyes, and glared at her with an unyielding authority. The message was clear: she had disturbed her son and should move out immediately.

Ling Xi naturally understood her meaning, but her brother was coming to Jinling soon, so she was determined to stay at Chuixing Courtyard. Besides, she had already promised Xiao Ce.

"Mother, rest assured, your daughter-in-law will take good care of the young master's daily life and will not disturb him in the slightest. Besides... didn't you say that the young master is in the prime of his life and his room cannot be left unattended?"

"You! No wonder you went to such lengths to prevent Ce'er from taking a concubine; so this was your plan."

Princess Rui tapped lightly on the armrest, her eyes revealing obvious displeasure and reproach.

"Mother, you misunderstand your daughter-in-law. She is the Crown Prince's lawfully wedded wife. One or two concubines entering the household cannot possibly shake her position. However, I have heard that Consort Mu's health has deteriorated and she can no longer serve the Crown Prince. As a woman from Chu, she cannot influence the Crown Prince's mind in the slightest. But if another woman were to enter the household, things might be different..."

Princess Rui paused, her fingers gripping the armrest, and the anger on her face subsided slightly.

"It's good that you have self-awareness. I know that with your looks, there are few men in this world who could resist you. But you should know that Ce'er's elder brother died at the hands of the Chu people! He could never have even a shred of true affection for you."

Princess Rui stared straight at her unparalleled face, her tone carrying a complex sense of certainty mixed with undisguised coldness.

Ling Xi knew that she always spoke harshly, but she never expected that she could be even harsher each time.

What she meant was that even if Xiao Ce had an intimate relationship with her, it was just a man who couldn't resist the temptation of beauty, and she shouldn't be delusional about winning Xiao Ce's heart.

Ling Xi suppressed the urge to retort, swallowed her frustration, and managed a slight smile.

"Mother, please rest assured. The peace between Chu and Qi is my only mission in Daliang. Now that I have entered the Prince's residence, I will naturally abide by my duties and do my best to fulfill the duties of the Crown Princess. I will not ask for anything else, whether it be honor or disgrace, favor or special treatment."

Princess Rui scrutinized her for a moment, her eyes filled with deep thought. Her previously tense expression relaxed slightly, and a thoughtful look appeared between her brows.

"Since you are self-aware, I hope you will always remember these words and never forget your original intention."

"Daughter-in-law, please remember this."

Ling Xi didn't care about any of these things. If she really had something on her mind with Xiao Ce, then it would be a different story.

"Granny Sun."

Ling Xi thought that she had already adopted such a humble posture, and that today's conversation should have ended there. Why was she calling for Granny Sun again? Her expression became even more serious than before.

Granny Sun always had a faint smile on her lips, but the smile contained a seriousness that brooked no disrespect.

She stepped forward, carrying a pile of items carefully wrapped in oil paper in both hands, her steps light and steady, her face still bearing that kind expression.

"This is a contraceptive medicine. From now on, Granny Sun will deliver ten doses every two weeks."

It was a contraceptive? Ling Xi finally understood just how deep the hatred that Princess Rui harbored for the people of Chu was.

He had been insisting on arranging for Xiao Ce to take a concubine, saying that continuing the family line was his inescapable responsibility. But now he was so wary of her, as if he was afraid that she, a woman from Chu, would give birth to their Prince Rui's child.

But why would she and Xiao Ce need a contraceptive potion, let alone ten doses every half month? Is Xiao Ce really that healthy?

Although Ling Xi had never intended to have children for the Xiao family, being targeted so explicitly still made her feel somewhat displeased.

"What? You don't want to?"

Perhaps seeing that she was stunned and didn't react for a long time, Princess Rui's face turned cold again.

Ling Xi quietly pouted. Who would be happy to take medicine?

"Your daughter-in-law has no objections, please rest assured, Mother."

Seeing that she had become obedient again, Princess Rui left Chuixing Courtyard with a long face.

It has always been difficult for mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to get along, but this particular mother-in-law showed no mercy whatsoever.

When Xiao Ce returned to the courtyard today, he could clearly sense that Ling Xi was no longer as enthusiastic as she had been in the past few days when introducing the meals she had prepared.

She was distracted, fiddling with the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks, only occasionally putting a grain or two into her mouth. Her unresponsive manner was a far cry from what she had shown a few days ago.

Ling Xi wasn't angry about her mother sending her contraceptive medicine during the day. She just suddenly remembered that the servants in Xiao Ce's Chuixing Courtyard shouldn't dare to gossip, and the fact that her mother knew about it so quickly meant that she had spies in Chuixing Courtyard.

Now that the medicine has been delivered to her, she'll have to pretend to brew it even if she doesn't actually drink it. The thought of having to be on guard and act like this every time makes her think it would be better to move back to her Moonflower Courtyard.

"But Mother, did I make things difficult for you today?"

As soon as Xiao Ce entered the house today, he heard a servant report that his mother had come to Chuixing Courtyard that day. As for what she said and did, he had no idea.