Hao Li looked at her with disdain and pushed her away. “Since you’re pregnant, take good care of yourself.” He turned and left.
Xu Qing’er glared at his retreating back, her eyes flashing with a vicious light.
My sister has prepared a great gift for you. I hope you appreciate it.
Xu Qiu’er forced herself to pay respects to the Old Buddha, feeling increasingly unwell and drowsy.
“The Crown Prince’s wife has come to pay her respects,” she announced.
The Old Buddha’s cheerful voice sounded energetic: “Quick, quick, have Qiu’er come in.”
Qiu’er knelt down, her head dizzy. She closed her eyes and swayed before feeling slightly better. “Qiu’er pays respects to the Old Buddha.”
Noticing Qiu’er’s pale face, the Old Buddha said, “Qiu’er, come here to your grandmother.”
Qiu’er obediently walked over, allowing the Old Buddha to hold her hand. The Old Buddha sighed, wondering why the Crown Prince and Qiu’er were not getting along. She thought Qiu’er was such a good girl and hoped she could be happy with the Crown Prince. If not, a woman didn’t necessarily need a man’s love to live. The Old Buddha remembered her own past and how similar she had been to Qiu’er.
Qiu’er felt waves of headaches, suppressing her dizziness and palpitations, trying to listen to the Old Buddha’s words, but gradually losing concentration. Her vision went black, and she fell, feeling no pain.
Hao Li entered, saw Xu Qiu’er’s swaying body, and caught her before laying her on the bed.
Then he smiled at the Old Buddha, “Old Ancestor, did I startle you?”
The Old Buddha glared helplessly, “You scared me to death, you little brat.”
Hao Li looked at Xu Qiu’er and asked, “Who is she?”
The Old Buddha sighed, “This is Qiu’er.” She believed Qiu’er’s fainting must be related to the Crown Prince. The Old Buddha had learned about their relationship from the Empress and knew she shouldn’t interfere too much, as the Crown Prince was also her grandson. Their discord was known throughout the palace, and if reconciliation was impossible, Xu Qing’er’s entry into the palace was inevitable. Looking at Xu Qiu’er’s frail body, the Old Buddha hoped she could see things clearly.
