The Eastern Palace was quiet, with cicadas calling incessantly in the heat. Wei Lindong returned to her hall and sat down. Perhaps her unease was sensed by the child in her womb; her stomach had been uncomfortable throughout the journey. A palace maid cautiously asked if she wanted a royal physician, but Wei Lindong just wanted to be alone and waved her away.
She felt regret for not leaving Yaya with Wei Fenzheng; at least they would have been safer. How could they handle this situation now?
Before she could dwell further, a maid announced that Old Madam Wu wanted to see her. Initially reluctant to meet, Wei Lindong remembered the old lady hadn’t been well recently and thought she might be homesick. When they met, the old lady seemed fine and asked about Xi Yaya.
Wei Lindong forced a smile, stating she was in the palace keeping Her Majesty company.
The old lady took out a small carved gourd tied with a dark red sleeve and smiled while saying something. The two maids translated for Wei Lindong that it was a lucky charm from the old lady’s hometown, meant to bless and ensure many children and grandchildren—a gift for the Crown Princess.
Weilin felt embarrassed as the old lady had previously given Xi Yaya a hatchet-shaped pendant for peace and good fortune. Both items seemed to be cherished mementos of the old lady, and now she was offering them again. Weilin politely tried to decline, but the old lady firmly grasped her hands and pushed the items in front of her with a resolute and kind gaze.
Xi Linxuan returned to the Eastern Palace with furrowed brows and embraced her. “Yaya will be fine. After all, she is his own granddaughter.”
“I know, but I’m just afraid Yaya might feel upset,” Weilin replied softly.
“Shenbi, I promise you, nothing will happen. We won’t have any problems.” Xi Linxuan tightened his embrace, making Weilin nervous, as his words seemed to imply a sense of finality.
She was worried but couldn’t voice her concerns. Who would take such drastic steps if not pushed to the brink?
Vaguely, Weilin sensed something was about to happen.
