Murong Jinyun's tone carried a hint of worry as her gaze fixed on Gu Beichen, eagerly anticipating his next words.
Before the man had even moved his lips to speak, her heart was already clutched tight.
Murong Jinyun's breathing deepened, she swallowed hard, and waited with utmost tension for what Gu Beichen would say next.
"Since I've decided to marry you, I will absolutely not regret it, unless you yourself are unwilling to marry me. I cannot force you onto the bridal sedan chair."
His serious and somewhat stern words couldn't help but make Murong Jinyun laugh, and the stone that had been hanging in her heart was slightly eased.
"Are you happy now? No more worries?"
Gu Beichen asked in a lighthearted tone. Seeing the smile that bloomed on Murong Jinyun's lips, his mood also improved considerably.
"Worries? Don't tease me anymore. You must be feeling quite full after eating so many snacks. Quickly have some tea to help cut through the richness."
His question made Murong Jinyun's delicate face flush. She quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it to Gu Beichen, hoping to shut his mouth. She had truly experienced how glib and daring his words could be, and she was genuinely afraid.
The atmosphere between them had just begun to ease when, unfortunately, someone with no consideration for the situation barged in, looking for trouble.
"General Baili, you cannot enter. The Princess ordered that no one else should go in... General Baili!"
"Get out of the way! Do you dare to stop this general?"
"General Baili... General Baili..."
Murong Jinyun also heard the commotion outside and guessed what was happening. Her heart suddenly tightened. Why did Baili Xi have to barge in at this moment? The recently eased atmosphere was now utterly doomed to fall to the bottom, completely ruined.
Gu Beichen's gaze also deepened. Among the group from Xiliang, Baili Xi was the one he disliked the most. This man was ambitious and full of schemes. Who knew what bad intentions he harbored by coming here.
The maids guarding the door couldn't stop Baili Xi at all. Baili Xi stormed in unhindered. As soon as he entered the room, he walked directly towards Murong Jinyun, his eyes full of concern. "Princess, how are you? Has anything happened these past few days?"
A string of concerned words completely ignored Gu Beichen standing to the side, as if Gu Beichen didn't exist at all.
"Princess, please forgive me. Your servant truly couldn't stop General Baili."
The maid who rushed in afterwards knelt before Murong Jinyun, trembling and begging for mercy.
"It's alright. You may go." Knowing Baili Xi's personality, if he wanted to enter, even a thousand troops couldn't stop him, let alone a few maids outside. She didn't intend to blame them and waved them away.
Only after all the maids had retreated did Murong Jinyun turn her gaze back to Baili Xi.
"This princess is naturally fine. What business does General Baili have here?"
Murong Jinyun took a step back, creating distance between herself and Baili Xi. Baili Xi naturally noticed Murong Jinyun's unusual behavior. His eyes narrowed slightly, emitting a dangerous glint. His gaze then shifted and he noticed Gu Beichen standing there beside her.
"Princess, why is he here?"
Upon hearing Baili Xi's question, Gu Beichen let out a cold snort, thinking Baili Xi must have water in his brain to ask such a thing.
"General Baili, have you perhaps forgotten that the Princess and I are betrothed? Our wedding date is approaching, so naturally, there are many matters to discuss. On the other hand, General Baili, as an outsider, barging so presumptuously into the Princess's inner chambers is likely improper. In the future, I hope General Baili will pay more attention!" Having already found Baili Xi displeasing, Gu Beichen would not let him off so easily when he had the chance.
"This general is under imperial orders to protect the Princess's safety and therefore has the right to stay by the Princess's side at all times, ensuring she suffers no danger!"
"Even so, there is a distinction between men and women. General Baili should also be mindful. Even with imperial orders, the Princess is the sovereign and you are the subject. The distinction between sovereign and subject means General Baili should not be so presumptuous in front of the Princess!"
Gu Beichen's words were sharp, showing no intention of yielding, but rather pressing forward step by step.
"You..."
"Enough!"
Before Baili Xi could say more, Murong Jinyun interrupted. "General Baili, there is a distinction between men and women, and your unauthorized entry into this Princess's boudoir is indeed inappropriate. However, this Princess, considering you are concerned for my safety, will not hold you accountable. Should there be a next time, you will be punished without mercy!"
"Your subordinate obeys. This time, this subject was worried about the Princess's safety and momentarily lost composure, nearly overstepping. I ask for the Princess's forgiveness."
Baili Xi, in consideration of Murong Jinyun's dignity and to maintain the overall situation, ultimately chose to admit his fault.
"It is good that you know your mistake. This matter is now settled."
Murong Jinyun breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Baili Xi followed her lead this time. If he had been stubborn and gone against her, she truly wouldn't have known how to resolve the situation.
Considering he was an outsider, Gu Beichen didn't say anything more. At least his dignity hadn't been completely lost.
"Now that you have seen that this Princess is safe and sound, without the slightest mishap, you may return."
"Yes, this subject takes his leave." Knowing that he had come at the wrong time, Baili Xi wisely followed Murong Jinyun's lead and left without further delay. He had rushed over without properly ascertaining the situation after hearing that the Black Armored Guards stationed outside the Princess's courtyard had all withdrawn. He hadn't expected to be so unlucky as to run into Gu Beichen and cause such a scene. If he stayed any longer, it would only cause trouble for the Princess, so it was best to leave.
Only after confirming that Baili Xi had completely left did Murong Jinyun's hanging heart finally settle. Her gaze fell upon Gu Beichen, who had a cold expression. Murong Jinyun hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking his hand, tentatively asking, "What's wrong? Are you angry?"
Gu Beichen snapped back to attention, forcing a faint smile to his lips. "No..."
"You're lying. Your expression clearly shows you're angry. Baili Xi is just a brute, always acting recklessly. His abrupt entry was because he hadn't seen me for a few days, and in his concern, he lost his composure. His words were a bit harsh. Please be magnanimous and don't dwell on it with him."