Gongson Jinyu’s expression was troubled. After a long pause, he said, “The Crown Prince wants to know whether one should do something to gain others’ trust. He mentioned there have been few joyous events in the harem recently and suggested that perhaps Your Ladyship could have a child…”
Before he could finish, Xu Qiu’er’s porcelain cup shattered in her hand. Cang Yue stepped forward, spreading out her hand. Xu Qiu’er smiled coldly, “Since when did Jinyu become the Crown Prince’s messenger?”
Gongson Jinyu lowered his head, “My heart is as clear as the sun and moon.”
Xu Qiu’er frowned as Cang Yue carefully removed the fragments from her palm.
“Then go tell the Crown Prince that since my poisoning, the imperial physicians have said I cannot bear children.”
Gongson Jinyu looked up.
“Why aren’t you going?”
“This subject wants to ask Your Ladyship one thing,” he said softly. “If the young prince appears before you again, how would you react?”
Long Hanxie knew that Hao Li was not dead and had returned to the capital. Perhaps only Xu Qiu’er remained unaware. If the Pure Consort’s temper flares up, who knows what might happen?
Xu Qiu’er’s face turned pale. She replied, “I will pretend not to recognize him,” in hopes of holding onto Hao Li.
Gongson Jinyu smiled, “I hope Your Ladyship remembers what she said today. As for the message the Crown Prince wants me to relay, I will refuse on your behalf.”
“Who are you? Where is this? What do you want?”
The guard looked at the person shouting, stepped outside, and closed the door. After some time, a voice from outside said, “Greetings to the Crown Prince.”
“Where is the person?”
“Inside.”
The door creaked open. Chen, the imperial physician, blocked the way, slightly opening his eyes and kneeling. “This subject pays respects to the Crown Prince, long live the Crown Prince…”
“Enough,” Long Hanxie coldly interrupted. “I called you here today to ask some questions. Answer truthfully, and you can leave safely. Any discrepancies, and you’ll lose your head.”
Chen wiped his sweat with his sleeve, “I will certainly speak without holding anything back.”
“What poison did Consort Qiu actually suffer from?”
“Responding to the Crown Prince, it was white arsenic.”
“Are there no other possibilities?”
