Cang Yue was briefly stunned but quickly sent someone to fetch them without asking questions. Soon, scissors were passed through the curtain seam. Cutting one’s hair, a gift from one’s parents, was unthinkable. Moreover, passing a sharp object near the prince while he slept felt disrespectful.
Xu Qiu’er quickly snipped at her hair, fine strands falling. Another wave of nausea hit her, and she ran barefoot out of the palace, squatting on the steps to vomit. Cang Yue followed, patting her back. Whenever Xu Qiu’er thought about sleeping in Long Han Jie’s arms, she felt sick. After emptying her stomach, she wearily leaned on Cang Yue’s shoulder. “Cang Yue, do you know? I miss him.”
Arriving at the Qi Yuan Palace, a waiting eunuch hurried inside to report. After a long while, no one came out.
She was left standing for what seemed like an eternity, with passing palace staff seemingly prolonging her wait.
After a long time, Li Gong Gong finally emerged, sweeping his feather duster and bowing, ushering her in while blocking Cang Yue.
Li Gong Gong led Xu Qiu’er past the main hall of Qi Yuan and towards the side study. Before entering, they heard playful banter.
Long Han Jie lounged on the rosewood couch, with Xu Qing’er beside him, massaging his shoulders. Upon seeing Xu Qiu’er, his gentle demeanor turned cold. He snorted, “What are you doing here?”
“This concubine pays respects to Your Highness,” Xu Qiu’er said, wearing a goose-yellow robe with a simple cloud bun and flower hairpins. Compared to Xu Qing’er in her vibrant water-red shirt, she appeared somewhat inferior.
“This palace does not need your greetings,” his cold words made Xu Qiu’er stiffen. Since he did not call her to rise, she remained kneeling, sparing Xu Qing’er from performing courtesies, though Xu Qing’er’s lips curved in a subtle smile.
Xu Qiu’er smiled faintly, quickly hiding it. “This concubine takes her leave.”
She left without waiting for Li Gong Gong, thinking: Is this all you can do, Long Han Jie, summoning me just to show me your intimacy with Xu Qing’er? Do you think I care?
