Murong Jin Yun's tone held a hint of worry, her gaze fixed on Gu Bei Chen, eagerly awaiting his next words.
As the man's lips moved slightly, before he could utter a sound, Murong Jin Yu's heart clenched tightly.
Murong Jin Yun's breathing grew heavy, she swallowed and waited with bated breath for what Gu Bei Chen would say next.
"Since I've decided to marry you, I will absolutely not regret it, unless you yourself no longer wish to marry me. I cannot force you onto the bridal sedan chair."
His serious and somewhat stern words couldn't help but make Murong Jin Yun laugh, and the stone weighing on her heart lifted slightly.
"Are you happy now? No longer worried?"
Gu Bei Chen asked in a lighthearted tone. Seeing the smile bloom on Murong Jin Yu's lips, his mood also improved considerably.
"Worried? Don't tease me anymore. You ate so many pastries just now, you must be feeling greasy. Quickly drink some tea, it will help."
His question made Murong Jin Yun's small face flush. She quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it to Gu Bei Chen, wanting to shut him up.
His glib tongue dared to say anything, she had truly experienced it. She was truly afraid.
Just as the atmosphere between them had slightly eased, someone with no sense of self-preservation barged in, seeking trouble.
"General Baili, you cannot go in! The Princess ordered that no one else should enter… General Baili!"
"Get out of the way! Do you dare to stop this general?"
"General Baili… General Baili…"
Murong Jin Yun 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 atmosphere that had just begun to ease would now completely plummet to the bottom, utterly ruined.
Gu Bei Chen's eyes darkened. Among the entourage from Xi Liang, Baili Xi was the one he disliked the most. This man was ambitious and full of schemes. Who knew what ill intentions he had brought with him.
The maids guarding the door were utterly incapable of stopping Baili Xi, who barged in grandly.
Upon entering the room, he strode directly towards Murong Jin Yun, his eyes filled with concern. "Princess, how are you? Has anything else happened these past few days?"
A string of solicitous words, completely ignoring Gu Bei Chen standing to the side, as if Gu Bei Chen didn't exist at all.
"Princess, forgive me. This servant truly couldn't stop General Baili."
The maid who hurried in behind him knelt before Murong Jin Yun, trembling and begging for mercy.
"It's alright. You may go now." Knowing Baili Xi's personality, if he wanted to enter, even an army couldn't stop him, let alone a few maids. Murong Jin Yun waved her hand, dismissing them.
Only after the maids had all retreated did Murong Jin Yun turn her gaze back to Baili Xi.
"This princess is naturally fine. General Baili, what brings you here?"
Murong Jin Yun took a step back, creating distance between herself and Baili Xi.
Baili Xi naturally noticed Murong Jin Yun's peculiar action. His eyes narrowed slightly, emitting a dangerous gleam. His gaze then shifted and he noticed Gu Bei Chen standing beside her.
"Princess, why is he here?"
Gu Bei Chen, upon hearing Baili Xi's question, couldn't help but snort, thinking Baili Xi had water in his brain to ask such a thing.
"General Baili, have you forgotten? The Princess and I are betrothed. Our wedding is approaching, and naturally, there are many matters to discuss. On the other hand, General Baili, as an outsider, barging so arrogantly into the Princess's inner chambers is likely uncivilized. You should pay more attention to this in the future!"
He had long disliked Baili Xi, and now that he had the chance, Gu Bei Chen wouldn't let him off so easily.
"This general is under imperial command to protect the Princess's safety. Naturally, I have the right to be 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 an imperial decree, the Princess is the sovereign and you are a subject. The distinction between sovereign and subject, General Baili, should not be so presumptuous before the Princess!"
Gu Bei Chen's words were sharp, showing no intention of backing down, rather, he pressed further.
"You..."
"Enough!"
Baili Xi was about to say more when Murong Jin Yun interrupted him. "General Baili, there is a distinction between men and women. Your unauthorized entry into this Princess's boudoir is indeed inappropriate. However, this Princess, considering you are concerned for my safety, will not hold it against you. If there is a next time, punishment will be swift and severe!"
"This subordinate obeys your command. This time, it was because your subordinate was worried about the Princess's safety and momentarily lost composure, nearly overstepping boundaries. I beg the Princess's forgiveness."
Baili Xi, mindful of Murong Jin Yun's dignity and the overall situation, ultimately chose to admit his mistake.
"It's good that you know your mistake. Let it be for now."
Murong Jin Yun breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Baili Xi followed her lead this time. If he had been stubborn and defiant, she would truly not have known how to resolve the situation.
After all, he was an outsider. Gu Bei Chen did not say anything further. At least he had not lost face just now.
"You have now seen that this Princess is safe and sound, without the slightest mishap. You may leave now."
"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave."
Knowing he had arrived at an inopportune moment, Baili Xi wisely accepted Murong Jin Yun's offer and left without further delay.
He had also heard that the Black Armored Army guarding the Princess's courtyard had all withdrawn, and without inquiring thoroughly, he had rushed over.
He didn't expect such bad luck, running into Gu Bei Chen and causing such a scene. If he stayed any longer, he would only cause trouble for the Princess. It was better to leave.
Only after confirming Baili Xi had completely departed did Murong Jin Yun's hanging heart finally relax.
Her gaze fell on Gu Bei Chen, who stood there with a cold expression. Murong Jin Yun hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took his hand, cautiously asking, "What's wrong? Are you angry?"
Gu Bei Chen 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 simply a brute, always acting rashly. His sudden intrusion was because he hadn't seen me for a few days, and his concern made him reckless. His words were also a bit blunt. Be magnanimous, and don't hold it against him."