Xiao Ju took the prescribed medicine and carefully applied it to Qiu’er’s arm, which was covered in wounds and broken skin. She couldn’t understand how Qiu’er had gotten these injuries.
Lady Xu rushed out of the hall and saw Xu Qing’er crying in front of Chancellor Xu. Furious, Lady Xu stepped forward and slapped Xu Qing’er, who looked confused. In the back garden, a man glared at Lady Xu with anger. “My lady, Qing’er was wrong,” Xu Qing’er knelt down. Chancellor Xu ordered, “Qing’er, go back.” She tried to respond but retreated helplessly.
After Qing’er left, the man grabbed Lady Xu’s hand forcefully: “I’ve heard about the virtuous Lady Xu, and now I see…” He spoke maliciously, “Hearing about someone is not as good as meeting them.” Lady Xu stepped back, intimidated by his fierce gaze.
Chancellor Xu coughed, prompting Long Hanjie to lower his hand. “Today, I have come to propose marriage,” he announced. Chancellor Xu sighed, “This marriage is not something our Chancellery can decide.” Long Hanjie then stated, “Even if Qing’er is pregnant with my child?” Chancellor Xu’s expression changed dramatically.
Long Hanjie looked at the bruised face before him, his heart filled with satisfaction.
Chancellor Xu risked everything to request the Emperor cancel the marriage. The Emperor, furious, punished the Prince and the Empress, but the decision was final. Chancellor Xu exited the Empress’s chambers with a dark expression.
The Empress threw a teacup, striking Long Hanjie’s face. Shocked, he stared at her—this was the first time she had hit him. Unable to speak, he listened as she, supported by her maids, sat down, still heaving. “Bastard, do you know what you’re saying?” Long Hanjie, with reddened eyes, retorted, “Is it wrong that I love Qing’er?”
The Empress seethed, slapping the table: “What status does Xu Qing’er have?” She couldn’t understand why her son failed to see that Qiu’er was the real gem. A prince needs support to ascend the throne, and Xu Qiu’er was the right choice.
Long Hanjie stood up resolutely, “Qing’er is pregnant. I will marry her.”
The Empress swayed, rejecting his hand and cursing hatefully: “For a woman, you’ve gone this far. Fine, go.” Enraged, Long Hanjie stormed out.
