Where is the early stage of the marriage alliance?

"Has the Princess Consort of Prince Rui arrived today?"

As the music in the hall paused, the Empress Dowager looked at the guests with a smile, her voice gentle yet clear.

As soon as he said that, all eyes in the hall turned to Ling Xi.

She suppressed her weakness, immediately stood up, lowered her eyes and curtsied, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Xiao Ce, who was beside her, stood up at the same time. Before she could react, he stepped forward and took her hand.

Ling Xi frowned slightly, feeling the warmth of his hand on her fingertips. It felt so unfamiliar. The man who had been cold and indifferent to her just a few days ago was really putting on an act today!

Ling Xi wouldn't refuse, though. She was the face of Chu, and she couldn't afford to lose face. Since there was a mutual need, she was willing to play along, so she immediately put on a smiling face.

He used a moderate amount of force in his hand, subtly leading her away from her seat and forward, step by step, into the hall, where they bowed together in respect.

"Grandson greets His Majesty the Empress."

"Ling Xi greets Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager looked at the two standing side by side, her eyes softened, and she gently raised her hand.

"Rise, there's no need for such formalities."

"Princess Consort, there's no need to be nervous. You should address me as Your Majesty, just like Ce'er."

"Yes, Grandmother."

"When you first came to the palace, I did not have the chance to see you. Today, I have specially summoned you here so that I may meet my granddaughter-in-law who has come all the way from the Kingdom of Chu. Raise your head and let your imperial grandmother see you."

Ling Xi was stunned for a moment, then slowly raised her eyes. Their eyes met, and a hint of amazement instantly rose in the Empress Dowager's phoenix eyes.

Her Highness's makeup was exquisite, her appearance stunning, and her demeanor graceful. She possessed both the nobility of a princess of Chu and the dignity of a crown princess.

The Empress Dowager was pleased with her granddaughter-in-law, and a smile graced her face.

"Indeed, she is stunningly beautiful and has a gentle temperament. I was captivated by her at first sight."

"Thank you for your praise, Grandmother."

Prince Rui and Princess Rui sat upright to the side. Ling Xi had already caught a glimpse of them out of the corner of her eye, but their expressions remained indifferent. Ling Xi felt that their resentment towards her would probably be difficult to eliminate.

The Empress Dowager's gaze fell on Xiao Ce again, her expression gradually softening and becoming more serious and solemn.

"Ce'er, you are the youngest of these men, but you are more mature than them. Although your marriage with Ling Xi was for the sake of peace between the two countries, now that you are married, you are truly husband and wife. From now on, the two of you must get along well."

"Grandson will remember the teachings of His Majesty."

Xiao Ce lowered his head, his attitude respectful, completely unlike his usual cold demeanor. This surprised Ling Xi; this man really had many faces.

"I know that you have always been stubborn and that you are unwilling to let go of things easily once you have something on your mind. But life must go on, and people should always look forward."

The Empress Dowager sighed softly, her tone carrying a hint of knowing understanding.

Xiao Ce remained respectful and obedient on the surface, but a faint, dark glint flashed in the depths of his eyes, so fleeting as to be almost imperceptible. Of course, Ling Xi, being so close to him, caught it instantly.

"Grandson understands."

"What a pretentious act!" Ling Xi shook her head inwardly.

Seeing his appearance, the Empress Dowager said nothing more and simply waved her hand gently.

"Alright, go back and sit down."

"Yes, Grandmother."

Back at her seat, Ling Xi once again began to receive the enthusiastic gazes of those around her.

If she could eat something to distract herself, that would be good, but the delicacies on the plate in front of her couldn't whet her appetite at all.

She glanced up casually and noticed that Xiao Qi, the Crown Prince of Liang, was staring at her seemingly unintentionally across from her. In his phoenix eyes, which resembled those of Xiao Ce, there was a hint of something unfathomable.

Ling Xi hurriedly withdrew her gaze, startled, and quickly tried to recall when she had had any contact with this crown prince.

She glanced sideways at Xiao Ce, who was casually holding a wine glass and bringing it to his lips, showing no intention of paying any attention to her.

The palace banquet was monotonous and boring, and Ling Xi couldn't leave early. She endured it for several hours, completely exhausting the little energy she had managed to recover over the past few days.

By the time they left the palace gates, it was already completely dark.

She forced herself to remain dignified and composed until she stepped into the carriage. At that moment, all her strength seemed to be drained away, and she leaned limply against the carriage wall, too weak to even lift her hand.

Xiao Ce remained silent, sitting down on the other side and closing his eyes to rest. From beginning to end, he didn't even spare a glance.

In his indifferent coldness, she clearly read an almost blunt emotion: as if even glancing at her was superfluous.

However, Ling Xi wouldn't be secretly sad. Let them dislike it if they want; it's mutual anyway.

Just as she was thinking this, the carriage suddenly lurched violently. She was already leaning against the carriage wall, completely exhausted, and caught off guard, she instantly lost her balance and fell straight towards Xiao Ce.

She instinctively tried to steady herself, and in her panic, she reached out and braced herself, her palm landing firmly on his chest.

The hard chest was clearly felt through her clothes, and the heat instantly shot to her fingertips, throwing her into a moment of disarray.

She looked up abruptly and saw his eyes snap open, coldly fixed on her.

The next second, unexpectedly, a force pushed her away mercilessly. She cried out in surprise, her whole body crashing heavily against the hard car wall, a dull pain instantly spreading from her back.

Ling Xi frowned slightly and looked up at the ruthless man opposite her.

The dim light inside the carriage made his profile appear even colder and harder, and there was no trace of apology on his face; his eyes were as indifferent as if he were looking at a stranger.

The moment they stood side by side in the main hall, putting on a show of decorum before the Emperor and Empress Dowager, has now completely vanished.

With no outsiders around, he was too lazy to pretend anymore.

Ling Xi gritted her teeth, forcing her aching body to sit up slowly. She didn't look at him again, nor did she utter a single question. She simply leaned quietly against the other side of the car wall, her eyes lowered.

He treated her like a stranger, avoiding her at all costs, but wasn't she the same way? Whom did they look down on?

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Ling Xi rushed out, lifting the curtain. Since Xiao Ce had given her the cold shoulder the whole way, she didn't need to maintain any more of that false politeness.

His body, already extremely weak, felt weak as soon as he landed, and his legs suddenly gave way.

Lu Ming, who was waiting by the carriage, subconsciously reached out to help her and steady her.

Ling Xi was surprised for a moment, then whispered a thank you, not caring whether he was his personal guard or not, and not turning around to look at Xiao Ce's cold face in the carriage.

Pei Lan hurriedly stepped forward to help her princess steady herself, but Ling Xi stubbornly moved into the palace gate without stopping for a moment.

As Lu Ming gazed at the Crown Princess's slender back, a surge of panic welled up within him. He quietly clenched his fist, the soft touch still lingering on his fingertips. After all, with a beauty like the Crown Princess, it would be strange if he weren't nervous.

Although the prince disliked her, her dazzling radiance was undeniable.

"What are you looking at?"