Xu Qing’er laughed, “Such a flawed plan could only be yours. If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it your maid who spilled Ye Fei’s teacup that day, splashing water and releasing a musk fragrance? If I can figure it out, wouldn’t she?”
Qing Ya suddenly laughed. Xu Qing’er looked puzzled as she leaned close and whispered, “Everyone says you’re stupid, but I don’t think you are. Even if Xu Qiu’er knows I did something, she still has to call me younger sister today. As long as the empress is here, Xu Qiu’er must kneel at our family’s feet.”
Xu Qing’er smirked, “I really don’t know if you’re foolish or stupid. Do you think Xu Qiu’er hasn’t taken action against you? Her informants are everywhere in the palace. The empress hasn’t dealt with her yet—ask your aunt if she dares to.”
Qing Ya’s expression changed. “What do you mean?”
Xu Qing’er laughed, “Little sister, you have a good brother who died in Fu Qiu Hall for you, right?”
A fire blazed in Qing Ya’s mind. She knew Xu Qing’er was trying to provoke her, but her confidant confirmed her brother’s death at Fu Qiu Hall. Qing Ya gritted her teeth. “What do you want?”
“How about we cooperate?”
Fu Qiu Hall –
“Your Highness…”
Long Han Jie wondered why Xu Qiu’er hadn’t come out to greet him. Even the emperor’s and empress’s confidants were waiting outside, but she was missing. He had learned from the emperor that Xu Qiu’er had been ill for over a month. Filled with anxiety, he wanted to see her. The emperor seemed to sense his feelings and had let him return early.
Xu Qiu’er was still asleep on the bed. Long Han Jie signaled to Cang Yue to be quiet and tiptoed to the bedside. Xu Qiu’er’s breathing was steady, bringing him relief. For days, he had been preoccupied with thoughts of her.
He sat down carefully, looking at her face, afraid she might disappear. He held her hand. Xu Qiu’er moaned softly and opened her eyes, her gaze slightly confused. Long Han Jie couldn’t help but kiss the lips he had been thinking about.
“Did you miss me, Qiu’er?”
