Li Xi noticed her unusual behavior and asked in confusion, "Ze Lan, what's wrong? You look so pale?"

Meng Zhelan snapped out of her reverie and forced a smile. "It's nothing. I'm probably just a little tired from reading in the carriage for so long."

Li Xi didn't completely believe her, but she didn't ask any further questions.

She understood Meng Zhelan's personality and knew that if she didn't want to talk about it, asking again would be futile.

"Then hurry up and go to your room to rest." She led Meng Zhelan upstairs, past the people in front of her.

The interaction between the two was as natural as usual.

However, in Prince An's eyes, this intimacy seemed particularly jarring.

His expression shifted rapidly, then took a while to regain its composure.

The Empress Dowager took everything in, and she sighed softly.

He spoke earnestly to Prince An, "Yu'er, you personally agreed to this marriage. Don't do anything to embarrass or trouble your father. Xuanqing is a good girl; don't let her down. Lan'er is a very determined child..."

Prince An naturally understood what the Empress Dowager meant.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and replied, "Grandmother is right, I understand. You can rest assured."

His voice was calm as still water, without the slightest hint of emotion.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager smiled and patted Prince An on the shoulder, and with his help, she went upstairs to rest.

Qin Xiaolin led his men to patrol around the post station, arranging manpower to ensure the post station's safety.

As night deepened, the inn was brightly lit.

The postmaster stood to one side, his body trembling slightly, his face full of tension and unease.

He served the distinguished guests with utmost care, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

It should be noted that those living here are all people of extremely high status—the retired emperor, the empress dowager, and Prince An.

They were all powerful and influential members of the royal family, holding prominent and awe-inspiring positions.

The postmaster knew he bore a heavy responsibility and had to do his utmost to ensure the safety and comfort of these royal nobles.

To this end, he specially arranged a group of strong guards to watch over the area day and night, for fear of any unexpected situation.

At this moment, Li Xi sat at the table, frowning, and complained, "My lord, the chef's skills here really need improvement!" She would rather eat steamed buns than taste any more of the food here.

His tone carried a hint of helplessness and sarcasm, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with the food at the inn.

Upon hearing this, the postmaster felt a pang of fear and quickly bowed his head with a forced smile, saying, "I'm so sorry, I will definitely pass on the message to the cook and ask him to make improvements. I hope you will forgive me, young master."

After saying this, the postmaster hurriedly turned and left, secretly lamenting his misfortune.

Li Xi was a little embarrassed that a joke had made him so nervous.

She caught up with the postmaster, a little embarrassed, "Postmaster, don't be nervous, I just said it casually."

Upon hearing Li Xi's words, the postmaster paused slightly. He turned to look at her, the fear on his face lessening somewhat, but still tinged with caution.

He bowed slightly and said, "Young master, you are too kind. I will do my best to serve you. If there is anything you are not satisfied with, please speak frankly so that I can improve."

Seeing how cautious and careful the postmaster was, Li Xi felt even more guilty.

She smiled gently and said, "Lord Postmaster, you misunderstand. I meant no harm; I was just saying it casually. You don't need to take it to heart."

Upon hearing this, the postmaster was relieved and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

He bowed again and said, "Thank you for your understanding, young master. I will go and urge the cook to prepare a sumptuous breakfast for you tomorrow."

After saying this, the postmaster turned and left, his steps noticeably lighter.

Li Xi watched the postmaster's retreating figure and gently shook her head.

She had no intention of making things difficult for the postmaster; it was just a casual remark, but she didn't expect it to make him so nervous.

I can't help but feel a little sentimental; everyone in this world has their own difficulties and sorrows.

Sometimes, a thoughtless remark can cause unnecessary trouble for someone.

Late at night, Li Xi tossed and turned, unable to sleep, so she jumped onto the roof.

Tonight's starry sky is like a dazzling painting, with countless stars scattered like pearls, radiating a mesmerizing glow.

Li Xi sat quietly on the rooftop, gazing at the sea of ​​stars, a sense of peace and contentment welling up within her.

"It's late at night, why aren't you asleep yet? Is something bothering you?" Qin Xiaolin's voice suddenly broke her reverie.

Li Xi turned around and saw Qin Xiaolin dressed in white, like the first rays of moonlight, standing quietly behind her, his deep eyes seemingly filled with countless stars.

"It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered a lot of things." Li Xi shook her head gently.

With a hint of melancholy in her voice, she said, "Sometimes, I feel that life is like this starry sky. Although it is dazzling and beautiful, each star has its own trajectory and destiny, which cannot be changed."

Qin Xiaolin sat down beside her, gazing at the starry sky, and slowly said, "Indeed, life is like a star, each with its own destiny. But even so, we can still try our best to strive, to work hard, and to make our lives more wonderful."

Li Xi turned her head to look at him, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Strive for what? Try hard for what?"

Qin Xiaolin smiled slightly and pointed to a bright star in the sky: "Do you see that star? Although it is small, it is working hard to shine and add a touch of brightness to this starry sky. Each of us can become that star and use our light to illuminate the lives of others."

Upon hearing this, Li Xi felt a surge of emotion.

She never imagined that she could become a light in someone else's life.

Looking up at the starry sky, it was as if countless possibilities were beckoning to her.

"Thank you, Qin Xiaolin," Li Xi said softly.

The person next to him smiled slightly, revealing a bright smile: "What are you thanking me for?"

His eyes revealed a hint of curiosity and anticipation.

Li Xi winked playfully and said with a smile, "Of course, it's to thank you for watching the stars with me!"

She deliberately spoke in a light and cheerful tone, trying to conceal her true feelings.

"Isn't there anything else?" Qin Xiaolin continued to press.

They don't seem satisfied with this simple answer.

His deep, bright eyes were fixed on Li Xi, as if trying to see through her appearance to her innermost thoughts.

Li Xi's heart started racing involuntarily, and she tried her best to remain calm.

She took a deep breath, then gently shook her head, feigning composure, and said, "There's nothing else..."

Qin Xiaolin took out a crystal-clear stone from his pocket, which emitted a faint blue light and seemed to have a life of its own.

He handed the stone to Li Xi, saying, "I got this by chance. Take it with you; it might help you sleep more soundly at night."