..."Feng Lingxi was shocked by what he said to her."This king doesn't believe that the Prime Minister would be willing to marry his granddaughter off to the prince's residence to keep her a widow.""Wh..."These days, your favor toward the Empress Dowager surpasses all the other concubines in the palace. You say, why does the Empress Dowager want you to stay by Dugu Yan's side"

Du Gu Cheng's voice was laced with bitterness. He knew she was acting, but seeing the Empress Dowager trying to pair him up with Du Gu Yan made his heart ache. When he heard the news, he really wanted to bring her back and keep her hidden at home, away from everyone else.

Feng Lingxi furrowed her brow, "Do you think I'm happy to be nice to her If it weren't for my own goals, why would I even bother"

She could barely recognize herself anymore. In this palace, everyone around her was fixated on the purple star on her body, yearning to steal it and even take her life. Behind that smile of hers, how much bitterness was hidden

Dugu City reached out and embraced her, looking at her suppressed anger and soothingly said, "This King knows these days Xi'er has suffered. If you don't want to stay in the palace, just move to the Prince's Mansion. Anyway, you are this King's woman now, only a wedding ceremony is left."

Feng Lingxi pushed him away, saying with a slight anger, "Don't forget, I am now Princess Yaohua. You are the one who is unwilling to marry me."

Dugu City hurriedly raised his hands in surrender, "Xi'er, this king was wrong. Wasn't it all just to cooperate with you in acting"

How could he possibly let go of Xi'er He desperately wanted to keep her by his side, sheltering her in his arms.

"But thinking about it, it won't be long now. After we get married and clear our names, everything will be alright."

The forbearance in Dugu City's dark eyes made Feng Lingxi clutch his hand tightly, "We must also find the culprit who poisoned our father."

She bore the charge of poisoning her father, she washed it clean. The real culprit shouldn't even think about washing their hands. No matter who it is, they should be responsible for their own actions.

Dugu Cheng responded with a smile, looking at Xi'er's resolute eyes. He was truly glad that he had married Xi'er instead of Dugu Yan. If not, his life would be utterly devoid of any joy.

"Dugu City, I'm hungry."

Wind Lingxi touched her flat stomach and looked at Dugu City with a coquettish tone. Meeting the smile in his eyes, Wind Lingxi pouted, "Don't you feel hungry"

"I'm hungry too, how about we eat first"

Feng Lingxi had just nodded when she was pressed down by Dugu City. Looking at the mischievous smile in his eyes, Feng Lingxi's face flushed red, and she hurriedly pushed him away. "Stop messing around, I'm really hungry."

"What I said is true."

"My stomach is rumbling," Dugucheng said, her voice soft as she lay beside him. "You wore me out last night, I'm completely drained."

"Not serious."

Feng Ling rushed to her feet, dressing hastily. "That was an accident yesterday," she said. "If it wasn't for the Empress Dowager's soup being problematic, do you think I would have been willing to be bothered by you"

Dugu City looked at her blushing face and stopped teasing her.

"Wash up and I'll take you to eat."

Dugu Cheng was dressed impeccably, radiating confidence. In contrast, Feng Lingxi wasn't nearly as composed. Her stomach growled with hunger, her body ached, and most importantly, the kiss mark on her neck was impossible to conceal. She turned, glaring at Dugu Cheng.

"Look what you've done."

This is clearly intentional, afraid that others don't know they were together last night

Dugu Cheng shrugged, unbuckled his belt, revealing his muscular back. He looked at the scratches on it, and Feng Lingxi was dumbfounded.

"Are you hurt"

"Last night, it was caught by a wild cat."

Feng Lingxi opened her eyes wide and hurried to find some clothes to change into. She dared not speak another word.

Xiao Li saw the Princess come out and hurried forward, "Princess, are you returning to the palace"

Feng Lingxi felt a little guilty, looking at Xiaoli's eyes fixed on her neck. She coughed twice in a hurry to calm herself down. "No need," she said, "The King and the Empress Dowager said that I won't be going back for now."

"Xiao Li, have someone bring hot water. After the meal, attend to the Princess' bath and change of clothes. She was exhausted last night, so she won't be returning to the palace today."

Tired

Windling could clearly feel Xiaoli's questioning gaze. She glared at Dugu Cheng irritably, watching him smile so happily, she really wanted to cover his mouth and stop him from speaking. Wasn't this just showing off his strength

Xiao Li covered her mouth and giggled, "This servant will go right away."

"Xiao Li, it's not what you think, I..."

Feng Lingxi wanted to explain, but looking at Xiaoli's smiling eyes, she twitched her lips and gave up. What use was there in explaining It was the truth anyway.

"Dugu City, it's all your doing."

Wind Lingxi watched Xiaoli's departing figure, "Now it's over, Xiaoli must have misunderstood."

"This is a fact, there's no mistake."

Du Gu Cheng took her hand, "This king will have you dine with me. It's rare for us to have a meal together tonight. This king hasn't been this happy in a long time."

He led her by the hand through the palace. Everywhere they went, reminders of their wedding day were present. She hadn't expected that in just half a year, so much would change. And now, when she returned here, it wasn't as the Fourth Princess Consort, but as Princess Yaohua.

"My lord, the palace just sent word that the empress dowager has fainted. The imperial physicians have examined her and said she was poisoned."

Ye Xi unconsciously looked at the princess. The princess did a good job, and she didn't expect it to take effect so quickly.

"Did you get poisoned"

Feng Lingxi raised an eyebrow, "Calculating the time, it should be another two days. It seems that your heart is burning with anxiety, and the onset of the poison has been accelerated."

"Xi'er, isn't this the time when the poison should be taking effect"

Dugu Cheng smiled, "It seems Xi'er's poison skills are truly remarkable." Fortunately, it wasn't used on him. Thinking back to when he had tried to get into bed with her, Xi'er had tormented him quite a bit. Now that he thought about it, he was lucky.

"I'm afraid it might affect my plans."

Feng Lingxi's expression grew serious. "Don't forget, the Empress Dowager's poisoning will definitely be investigated. We should be wary of delaying the wedding. It would also delay our chance to clear your name."

She was more worried that the Empress Dowager would suspect her. Everyone knew Princess Yao Hua was venomous, and if this poison were said to be hers, she wouldn't have any evidence to explain it. What's more, no one in the palace would speak up for her.

"If the wedding date is truly postponed, that would be a problem."

Dugu Cheng fell into deep thought for a while before saying, "Xier, have you ever considered that if you really postpone the wedding, it would be better to confront Tai Hou She wants the Yao Clan's treasures and naturally wants to live. As long as your poison is undefeatable by anyone, it becomes a bargaining chip."

"I thought of this plan, but the risk is too high. Are you sure you want to expose your identity and confront her directly"

At that time, if he was unable to wash away the charges against him and instead ended up being accused of murdering the Empress Dowager, things would surely become very complicated.

She can't act like this; she still needs to clear her name before anything else.

"Ye Xi, how is the Empress Dowager doing now"

"In the palace, they only said she fainted. They didn't say anything else."

Feng Lingxi looked at Dugu City, "I'll go back to the palace first and see what's going on. Anyway, this matter can't be traced back to you. I'll let you know when I have news and make arrangements."

"Xier, be careful."

Feng Lingxi responded and quickly entered the room to change her appearance. She put on new clothes and, taking Xiao Li with her, hurried back to the palace.

"My lord, should we inform Prince Huangfu about this and make preparations on two fronts"g back to the capital. Who knows when we'll reach it."May Heaven bless her, may my mother have a safe and smooth journey, and avoid any accidents."Don't worry, Your Majesty has sent people to protect...