Yingsu dug at her eyes vigorously, glaring at Tian Yi, when suddenly she remembered something and a sly smile curled up at the corner of her pretty lips.

"Tian guard," she said sweetly, "tell me, if I wanted to marry you as my husband, seeing as how our miss cherishes me so much, what would you think?" Her eyes sparkled with mirth as she looked down at Tian Yi beneath the tree.

"Pfft...cough cough cough." Di An, who had just come to take over the shift, heard the whole thing and couldn’t hold back, choking on his own saliva. He thumped his chest hard, his face turning red as he teared up from the effort.

"Sister Yingsu, that’s a brilliant idea. I believe the princess would definitely agree. At that time, I’ll act as a family member and will carry Tian Yi to the bridal sedan myself." He gave Yingsu a thumbs up, appreciating her boldness befitting someone from the princess’s side.

"Sure, no problem. When the time comes, just prepare a bit more for the dowry and such. You guys continue chatting, I’m off to the kitchen to see about lunch."

As he walked away, he gave Tian Yi a special smile, "Prepare your bridal outfit and wait for me to come fetch you. Being the first guard to get married in the Prince Residence is quite an honor, you know." He blew a kiss and turned, carrying the washing water toward the kitchen.

"Man, your luck is really something else." He patted his brother’s shoulder, gave a thumbs-up, and smirked mischievously.

Tian Yi was so furious he couldn’t find the words to speak. What concerned him more was the possibility that if Yingsu actually spoke to the princess, his fate would change—and Prince Dugu Chen wouldn’t help him.

Flicking his sleeves, he hurried toward the kitchen to find that woman and make peace.

Under the blazing sun, the door opened, and the irresistibly charming Prince stepped out of the house.

"Order them to serve some light dishes."

Unaware Feng Xuxu lay completely unconscious, not knowing anything that had happened to her, including her bath, dressing, and all other such matters.

By evening, she finally opened her drowsy eyes, fresh from sleep. She frowned and surveyed the ceiling. As soon as she moved, she felt as if she had been run over by a carriage, belatedly realizing she had gotten married and that someone had devoured her thoroughly, leaving nothing behind.

"Baby, you’re awake. I especially made you a pot of soup today to replenish your energy and blood. Come and taste my cooking skills," he said as he lifted Feng Xuxu from the bed. After washing up, he poured her a bowl of the tonic soup and offered it to her with a pleading expression.

"Try it," he said, with a fawning look.

"Hmph," she turned her head away, refusing to look.

"Try it," he said again, moving the bowl in another direction, in front of her.

"I don’t want it." Her voice was hoarse as she rolled her eyes and pushed the soup away.

"Try it," he insisted, lifting the bowl and scooping a spoonful towards her mouth.

"I’m not hungry." Gurgling noises betrayed her as her stomach grumbled.

Hehehe, Dugu Chen chuckled softly, "Baby, if you don’t drink, I’ll have to feed you myself, and then..."

Glancing at him with slanted eyes, she snorted, a clear threat, but took the bowl from his hands and drank a big gulp as if to exact revenge.

"Uh... Pfft." After one sip, the rest sprayed across Dugu Chen’s handsome face.

"Cough cough cough," she sputtered, her eyes tearing up as she looked at Dugu Chen.

"You... you trying to murder your own wife?" She grabbed his exaggeratedly long sleeve and wiped her mouth with it.

Soup-covered Dugu Chen snatched his sleeve from her hand and wiped his face, then picked up the leftover soup. As soon as he tasted it, he spat it out. Feng Xuxu had just wiped her mouth clean when she was sprayed full in the face.

"Bang—" She jumped to her feet.

"Dugu Chen..." Birds outside the window fluttered away in panic, dropping feathers as they flew.