Suddenly, her chest churned, and she vomited the medicine, which mixed with stomach acid, turning bitter and sour. Lying on the bed, she kept vomiting. Gradually, the black liquid turned dark red, the taste shifting to a bloody flavor. She felt sharp pain in her chest and covered her mouth. After several mouthfuls of blood, she felt somewhat better, her head light and floating. Struggling to get out of bed, she moved to the qin table and sat cross-legged.
The green qin on the table was a gift from the man she loved most. What did this represent? Charity or favor? Xu Qiu’er laughed coldly, her fingers brushing the strings, producing a clear and pleasant sound. It was indeed a fine qin.
Xu Qiu’er picked up a string and plucked it hard. With a “twang,” the string broke, cutting her finger and causing a drop of blood to land on the white qin string, resembling a blood tear.
Physical pain faded, but the anguish in her heart persisted, and tears slowly dripped onto the qin platform. Amid the blood and tears, the sound of the strings breaking continued until all seven were snapped.
She didn’t hear the sound of the strings breaking, but felt what seemed like ice crystals shattering inside her.
Ning’er noticed Xu Qiu’er’s deep, dim eyes gazing at the qin strings, like a quiet autumn pool in moonlight.
“My lady…” Ning’er called out as Xu Qiu’er remained silent. Turning her head, Xu Qiu’er stood up and commanded, “Have someone throw away the qin.”
“Throw it away?” Ning’er was increasingly confused by Xu Qiu’er’s thoughts.
In Fuqiu Hall, illuminated by palace lanterns and warmed by a blazing fireplace, Xu Qiu’er and Ning’er sat playing chess. Ning’er placed a black piece and asked, “Your Highness, why did you want to…?” She was genuinely puzzled, as logically, after returning to the palace, Xu Liangyi should have reported to the Prince, but he hadn’t.
The Empress was strange; the Prince clearly cared for her, but what was her intention tonight? It made Ning’er’s head spin.
