"It's practically written all over his face." He paused for a moment, then continued, "If you don't have anything to do right now, why don't you go and take a break?"

Lin Ziwen shook his head: "I don't mind at all. Since the princess is here today, why don't we play a game of chess together?"

Su Lixia found a chair and sat down, saying, "I won't, I'm not in the mood today."

"Didn't the princess go to the garden party today? Did someone upset her?"

Su Lixia waved her hand and said, "Don't even mention it. A garden party turned into a son-in-law selection event. The only one who was happy was Madam Zhang."

Lin Ziwen raised an eyebrow: "That's quite normal. Many powerful families choose their sons-in-law in this way. I guess those attending the meeting are all newly rich people who have just gained some fame in the city?"

Su Lixia hummed in agreement and said, "Isn't that right? Lord Zhang only has this one precious daughter. Could it be that he's planning to choose a son-in-law who will live with him?"

"She won't marry into the family, but the most important thing is that she can use Lord Zhang's position in the court to make her the head of the household. That's the advantage of marrying down."

Su Lixia raised an eyebrow and exclaimed, "Oh, so that's how it's said. No wonder!"

"Besides this matter, there are probably other things that are really bothering the princess."

Su Lixia sighed softly and explained, "It was a done deal to begin with, but I just didn't want to admit it. Now that it's happened, I'll just need to process it all. It's not a big deal; everyone has to go through it."

"What is the princess referring to?" Lin Ziwen was actually a little unsure, but it seemed plausible, so he asked, "Could it be about a marriage alliance?"

Su Lixia hummed and said, "You didn't expect it to happen so quickly either. I really thought I could play by myself for a year or two, but after Mother had her second child, she actually married me off."

"Second pregnancy? The Empress is pregnant again?"

Yes, that's right.

Lin Ziwen smiled and said, "Then I really must congratulate the princess; it's double happiness."

"Thanks." After saying that, Su Lixia got up and added, "Alright, there's nothing else, so I won't disturb your rest any longer. I'm going back to take a nap too; I got up a bit too early today."

"Alright, then Princess, please go back and rest. How about we have dinner together tonight?"

Su Lixia nodded in agreement, "Of course that would be great. You can make a small batch here, and I'll have the chefs make a few more dishes to take over."

"good."

After saying that, the two parted ways.

Over there, Uncle Li swiftly dismissed the rest of Su Lixia's people, and the nanny led everyone in packing their luggage.

The dowry was also moved there, so that it would look nicer on the wedding day.

After Uncle Li finished dealing with the matter, he prepared a carriage, and it was time for the princess to move there.

Lian'er gave Su Lixia some snacks, and then asked, "By the way, Princess, what's the matter between the Prince and Princess today? Why are you making such a fuss?"

"It's about the marriage alliance."

"A marriage alliance? Why are you suddenly bringing this up again?"

"My mother is pregnant. My father told us to make preparations so that I can marry the Regent here."

Upon hearing this, Xiaolian was startled and exclaimed, "Why so soon? Does that mean we'll be back at the palace soon? Princess, you..." Xiaolian was afraid that Su Lixia would feel uncomfortable if she went back.

"I'm fine, I've come to terms with it. It's a wedding, so what? Mother is pregnant, so I'll have brothers and sisters from now on. Mother won't be lonely anymore. It's a good thing."

Xiao Lian sighed softly, "It is indeed a joyous occasion." Looking at her listless appearance, Xiao Lian knew that she had endured a lot of grievances here. Since the princess came here, things have changed so much.

Then Su Lixia was just tired from getting up too early and running around...

She ate only half a bite of a pastry, chewing it many times before swallowing it. She put it back on the plate, clapped her hands, and said, "I'm going upstairs to take a nap. Don't call me for lunch. Tell the kitchen not to make anything yet."

"Yes." Xiaolian had no choice but to agree, and then watched Su Lixia go upstairs.