It was all Baili Xi's fault. Why did he have to come now of all times? Didn't he have many informants around her? Why didn't he gather information beforehand? He had to show up right when Gu Beichen was here. And he had to spout such useless nonsense. Wasn't he deliberately causing her trouble? Couldn't he just let her have some peace?
"You are the princess of Xiliang, and he is a Xiliang official specifically assigned to protect you. It's not something to be unhappy about that he cares for you and protects you so diligently..."
"I just felt that Baili Xi's words were unpleasant to hear, and I couldn't help but argue with him a bit. I've caused you trouble, please don't be angry."
Just now, she had been so caught up in her own words that she had severely berated Baili Xi. While her mouth felt better, she immediately regretted it afterward. Wasn't this causing trouble for Murong Jinyun? Baili Xi was no easy character either, with his fierce appearance. He had left obediently for now, but what if he turned back to trouble Murong Jinyun as soon as he left?
"It's fine. This was Baili Xi's fault from the start. Scolding him a bit is enough. By the way... I've been cooped up in this courtyard for several days. The weather is nice today, shall we go for a walk together?"
She had indeed been confined to this courtyard for days and really wanted to go out for a stroll. Besides, it had been a long time since she had spent time alone with Gu Beichen.
Gu Beichen's expression suddenly changed, appearing troubled. After a moment's pause, he said apologetically, "I'm afraid I can't today. I still have some official duties to attend to. Tomorrow... tomorrow, after I finish my work, how about I take you for a walk outside the city?"
There were only a few places to have fun in the capital, and she had seen them all. There was nothing new to see. Only outside the city, a place Murong Jinyu had never visited. If she wanted to go, he could take her outside the city to have a good time after he finished his work.
"We have to wait until tomorrow?"
Murong Jinyun's tone was slightly disappointed, her cheerful mood gradually fading.
"I'm sorry... you brought it up so suddenly, and I haven't prepared anything..."
This was indeed not his fault. He had simply been overwhelmed with too much work these past few days, with piles of tasks still left unattended. Murong Jinyun suddenly wanting to go out caught him off guard, and he genuinely couldn't spare the time. He could only wait until tomorrow. He just didn't know if Murong Jinyun would be willing to wait.
"Then we'll have to go tomorrow..."
Although Murong Jinyun felt a little displeased, she couldn't control such matters. She had to let Gu Beichen finish his work before they could go out.
"I've wronged you this time. I'll definitely find an opportunity to make it up to you."
Gu Beichen held Murong Jinyu's hand apologetically and gently comforted her. He stayed for a while longer before hurrying back to attend to his official duties.
After Gu Beichen's figure disappeared, the maidservant stepped forward and whispered into Murong Jinyun's ear, "Princess, General Baili is waiting for you in the side chamber."
Murong Jinyun's eyes narrowed sharply, her slightly narrowed gaze suppressing her anger. Baili Xi, that inconsiderate fellow, dared to linger here. Was he deliberately trying to upset her?
"Princess, shall this servant go and invite General Baili here?"
This way, the princess wouldn't have to condescend to meet General Baili. No matter how hard-working General Baili was, the princess was the ruler and he the subject. It was unthinkable for the princess to personally go and meet General Baili.
"No need. I'll go see him!"
Murong Jinyun said unhappily. Baili Xi was becoming more and more arrogant and overbearing, showing her even less respect. It was as if he wanted her to obey his every command. Those who didn't know better would think Baili Xi was the master. He had informants everywhere in her courtyard, trying to control her every move. She had endured it for so long. If Baili Xi had been more peaceable, she could have continued to tolerate it. But if he continued to push his luck, she wasn't one to be trifled with.
"Princess, you're quite busy. You've finally arrived," Baili Xi said, his tone sour upon seeing Murong Jinyun. He knew she was aware of his presence, yet she continued to chat with Gu Beichen without regard for him, deliberately leaving him waiting for so long. Baili Xi's displeasure grew, evident on his face, which lost its pleasant expression.
"What is it? Am I late, General Baili, causing you displeasure? Or do you feel wronged by waiting for me?"
Murong Jinyun was also seething with anger at this moment. When two fireballs collide, things wouldn't be so calm. A battle of wits was inevitable.
"All of you, leave. No one is to enter without my command."
"Yes, your servant obeys!" The maids following Murong Jinyun bowed in unison and retreated, not daring to linger for a moment, leaving the space for the two of them.
"Princess, what do you mean by sending all the maids away?"
"It's simply to save you, General Baili, some face. Did you want your servants to witness your embarrassing state?"
Baili Xi took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He was merely a subject, and the princess was the ruler. No matter how indignant he felt, he could not show disrespect to the princess.
"I'll notify you one last time. Remove all the informants you've planted around me. Otherwise, don't blame me for taking matters into my own hands. If I act too ruthlessly, it might be difficult for you to maintain your dignity!" She had truly had enough of being monitored, feeling as if every move she made was under Baili Xi's watchful eye.
"Princess, these informants were not planted to monitor you, but solely to protect your safety. You are in Dongchu territory, and Dongchu deliberately separated you from Chen, ostensibly to prepare for the wedding, but in reality, with malicious intent!"
"I am under the Emperor's command to protect the princess, and not the slightest oversight is permissible. Should the princess suffer any harm, even death would not atone for my sins. Therefore, for your safety, these informants cannot be withdrawn. I implore the princess to understand my earnest intentions!"
Baili Xi's words were heartfelt, capable of bringing tears to the listeners' eyes and moving them deeply. He was truly loyal.
"You truly won't withdraw them?"