Why torture herself? This is her life, her precious child. She walked into the sunlight, spread her arms to absorb its warmth, and said:
“Mother, go home. I will take care of myself.”
Seeing Xu Qiu’er suddenly seem like a different person, Lady Xu felt relieved and gave some prenatal medicines to Mama Liu with repeated instructions before leaving.
Xu Qiu’er began to focus all her passion on the life in her belly, imagining what her child would look like after birth. She laughed at herself, thinking she must be sick.
The Prince has brought Xu Qing’er into the palace. Even if Xu Qiu’er doesn’t want to know, someone will inform her. The palace is full of gossip. Today, the consort supposedly wants to talk, but she just wants to see someone more miserable than herself. Xu Qiu’er understands this principle well. After sending away a concubine, she supports her waist and sits down with the help of her maid, feeling much more cumbersome lately.
“Your Highness, the young prince requests an audience.”
Xu Qiu’er doesn’t initially understand which young prince this is. The maid quickly clarifies, “Your Highness, it’s Hao Li, the young prince most beloved by the Emperor and Empress Dowager.” Xu Qiu’er remembers him, though she has never met this young prince.
Feeling tired, she says, “Please send him away. I’m exhausted.”
“Oh, imperial sister-in-law, why are you so unwelcoming?”
Before the maid can relay the message, Hao Li walks in himself. Pulling aside the pearl curtain, he appears before Xu Qiu’er. Xu Qiu’er frowns; this young prince has successfully provoked her anger.
Hao Li casually comments, “Prince brother has been frequenting Xu Qing’er’s quarters lately. I heard her status has been confirmed as Noble Consort.” He watches Xu Qiu’er’s reaction.
Annoyed, Xu Qiu’er turns her gaze away silently.
Unperturbed, Hao Li moves closer and tells the servants, “You may leave. I have some words for Her Highness.”
Xu Qiu’er looks up and asks, “What do you want?”
Hao Li smiles, “What could I do? Imperial sister-in-law, please be at ease. I won’t eat you.”
Suppressing her anger, Xu Qiu’er tells the maids to leave. Once they’re gone, she coldly snorts, “Young Prince, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?”
