Chapter 281: Chapter 96: Pickled Chicken Feet with Chili (Part 2)_2
This was certainly not Du Xixi’s honest words; she was just looking for an excuse to pull back Ke Lian’s serious demeanor. Unexpectedly, Ke Lian became even more unserious after hearing her words.
Ke Lian amusingly tapped the tip of Du Xixi’s nose, with just the right amount of force to leave a small red dot there.
Taking advantage of the moment when Du Xixi awkwardly wrinkled her little nose, Ke Lian directly embraced her, rubbing her gently: "Huh? Do you dislike my sweat smell? Well, sniff a bit more, and maybe you’ll get used to it and even find it pleasant!"
Du Xixi: ...
The couple wrestled playfully on the sofa for a while. In the end, Ke Lian went back to the room to take a shower because Du Xixi really complained that his sweat odor was strong.
Although Ke Lian could guarantee that the smell of sweat on him practically didn’t exist.
"Madam, Your Majesty has sent an invitation for you and the Marshal!" Just as Du Xixi was rubbing a wrinkled corner of her clothing, 2569 brought in a moderately sized envelope from outside.
Du Xixi raised an eyebrow, recalling that a few days ago during a video call with Chen Yin, he seemed to have mentioned wanting to hold a banquet. It was said to invite some close ministers and nobles, as well as those from other Empires who hoped to marry into Chen Yin’s family but were politely declined by him.
Du Xixi, being Chen Yin’s sister, could barely be considered an "unofficial" member of the Imperial Family, the noblest of the nobles, so her receiving an invitation was inevitable.
And Ke Lian, being the Imperial Marshal, was part of the close ministers and appeared in many grand occasions of the Blue Star Empire, so this time was naturally no exception.
Opening the envelope and looking inside, there it was, an invitation with a white base and gilded edges, indeed issued by Chen Yin for that banquet. To Du Xixi’s surprise, the invitation listed Du Xixi and Ke Lian’s identities as part of the Blue Star Empire’s Imperial Family!
For a moment, Du Xixi, who initially thought the banquet was meant to promote harmony, felt something was amiss.
Logically, regardless of Du Xixi’s identity, after marrying Ke Lian, her identity would follow his. For instance, when some aristocratic families sent one-month gifts for Yiyi and Er Er, the title given to Du Xixi on top was "Presented by the Marshal’s Wife."
Such labeling is merely out of politeness and decorum, without any intention to slight Du Xixi’s royal identity.
However, the invitation sent by Chen Yin actively labeled Du Xixi’s identity on the side of the Imperial Family, and even Ke Lian was included as well.
This means... Du Xixi pursed her lips; it seems that something concerning her and Ke Lian might happen at this banquet!
But after pondering for a moment, Du Xixi felt that maybe it was just her one-sided speculation. Seeing that the banquet was scheduled for half a month later, Du Xixi appeared relaxed, merely instructing 2569 to keep the invitation safe and take it out when needed.
No matter what, Du Xixi trusted that Chen Yin would not harm her. Even if the banquet really involved her and Ke Lian, Chen Yin would surely be on their side.
In that case, what is there to fear?
Du Xixi: Having a backing is what gives confidence!
Afterwards, when Du Xixi mentioned it to Ke Lian once he came downstairs, his reaction was quite similar to hers. When you’re already powerful enough, any potentially worrying matters seem insignificant.
The couple tacitly decided to put the banquet matters aside for now, since 2569 would remind them when the time comes, and they didn’t need to worry about forgetting this issue.
"Have you eaten?" While Ke Lian was holding Du Xixi, feeling all fresh, absent-mindedly playing with her slender fingers, he suddenly remembered that he didn’t know if Du Xixi had had lunch, so he asked this question.
Du Xixi was stumped for a moment before she realized she hadn’t eaten lunch. Upon waking up, she rushed into the kitchen with 2569 right away, without remembering to have lunch at all.
If Ke Lian knew, he would definitely be upset! Du Xixi thought so and figured she couldn’t let Ke Lian find out she hadn’t had lunch. But just as she was trying to put on a normal face, her stomach let out a loud, honest growl.
Yes, it was loud enough to be heard clearly in the spacious living room.
"Ke Lian, I just forgot, okay? Plus, if you hadn’t brought it up, I wouldn’t have realized I was hungry." Du Xixi covered her protesting stomach and quickly placated him upon seeing Ke Lian’s displeased expression, "I know I was wrong, I’ll definitely have proper meals next time!"