Startled, Xu Qing’er says nothing, knowing he can guess her thoughts. The more silent she is, the guiltier he feels.
Long Hanjie pulls her closer and touches his forehead to hers, asking, “Are you blaming me?”
Xu Qing’er remains silent, tears welling in her eyes as she buries her head in his embrace. He comforts her, saying, “Just be patient, Qing’er. Once you give birth, you can enter the palace, and he will become my future heir.”
She looks up joyfully but is soon consumed by anxiety at the thought that even Long Hanjie assumes it’s a boy. Suddenly, an idea lights up her eyes, and a smile forms at the corner of her mouth.
“What are you scheming, you little clever one?” Long Hanjie asked, relieved by her smile.
Xu Qing’er hugged Long Hanxie’s warm waist and said, “Prince, you forgot that my sister is also pregnant with your child. If you have time, please visit Qiu’er.” Though her words lacked sincerity, she tried to appear magnanimous.
Long Hanxie’s admiration for Xu Qing’er increased somewhat.
After leaving Xu Qing’er, Long Hanxie reflected on her words. He realized he hadn’t visited Xu Qiu’er since her pregnancy. Sighing, he decided to go see her.
At mealtime, Xu Qiu’er was enjoying pig’s trotters, appreciating the miraculous changes in her tastes. A surprised voice interrupted, “Your Highness, the Prince has arrived…”
Instantly, Xu Qiu’er’s appetite vanished. She angrily put down her food and glared at the newcomer.
Upon entering, Long Hanxie saw Xu Qiu’er angrily tossing her pig’s trotters. He recalled the harsh words the harem had for her but noted that she looked quite well, her face rosy and her belly notably large. Disdainfully, he thought, “What can’t you do, Xu Qiu’er?”
Exploiting Qing’er’s kindness with this unnecessary trip, Long Hanxie said nothing while Xu Qiu’er thought, “Why aren’t you dead yet?” She asked, “Prince, do you have something?”
Long Hanxie was furious. He surveyed the messy table and said disdainfully, “Qiu’er has quite an appetite.” He wondered why Xu Qiu’er wasn’t suffering like Qing’er during her pregnancy and wished the sisters could switch places.
