“She opened her mouth but swallowed her anger, resting an elbow outside the bed and turning her face away, a slight smile forming. She thought Xu Qiu Er had truly become invincible but was still vulnerable when weak.
”Qing Ya, don’t act spoiled now. If you want to know the reason, ask the empress dowager. We are both principal wives, so don’t treat me like I’m dead.”
Qing Ya was stunned, carefully studying Xu Qiu Er, stammering, “You…”
Xu Qiu Er sat up with Cang Yue’s support, her gaze fixed directly on Qing Ya. “You know what you’ve done, and I know. For your brother’s sake, I won’t hold it against you. But if you interfere with me again, don’t blame me.” Her murderous intent was evident.
Qing Ya involuntarily stepped back, frightened into silence.
”Escort Concubine Qing back to the palace to rest.” After Qing Ya left, Xu Qiu Er took out the handkerchief pressed against her chest. She wanted to express that she was thinking of him every day, but a sour feeling overwhelmed her. Hao Li, Xu Qiu Er was reborn for you.
Xu Qiu Er looked at the physician. “When can I move freely?”
The physician trembled, “The injuries Your Highness suffered are severe. It’s best for you to rest more.” A drop of sweat rolled down his forehead.
”Severe injuries?”
It seems the physician is not only old but also nearly blind. Xu Qiu Er looked disgusted.
The physician hurriedly kowtowed, “Your Highness, this old servant was mistaken. Your Highness merely caught a cold and will recover soon.”
Xu Qiu Er approached the physician, wiping his forehead and only daring to look at her shoes. This palace was a place where a single word could cost one’s life. The princess had suffered severe injuries, taking almost a month to recover. His heart trembled, fearing a single wrong word might cost him his life.
Xu Qiu’er playfully said, “Raise your head.” She signaled to Guan Yue, who stepped forward. “The imperial physician has two sons and three daughters. His youngest son is imprisoned for killing a servant of the Prince of Huai’s residence.” The imperial physician trembled slightly.
Xu Qiu’er said, “If you help me, I can save your son. Or you can choose not to agree.”
Sweating profusely, the imperial physician kowtowed heavily, “This servant is willing to follow Your Highness’s lead.”
“Good, very good. You may leave now.” The imperial physician lowered his head, not daring to look at Xu Qiu’er.
Cang Yue realized she had misspoken and corrected herself, “Master, you know the person who died was from the Prince of Huai’s residence.”
Xu Qiu’er waved her hand, “I have my own measure in this matter. Pass on my words to Jinyu; I want this person to be useful. When will the Prince return to the palace?”
Cang Yue replied, “Just in these two days.”
Xu Qiu’er nodded and continued, “Why does the Prince of Huai want to curry favor with Your Highness? There must be something behind this.”
Cang Yue raised her eyes and responded, “This servant feels that Your Highness has changed.”
“Cang Yue…” Guan Yue called out.
Xu Qiu’er affirmed, “You are the people I trust most, and you should understand my heart. Cang Yue is right. I have changed. If I hadn’t changed, how could I survive or avenge Hao Li?”
“Master, are you going to deal with the Old Buddha…” Ning’er covered her mouth, shocked.
Xu Qiu’er smiled at Ning’er, “I have never said anything. If I were you, I would act like a mute. Don’t listen to what you shouldn’t hear or say what you shouldn’t say.”
Ning’er shuddered, recalling how Ling’er was executed alongside her entire family. She secretly glanced at Xu Qiu’er, who had become ruthless after the young prince’s death, no longer resembling the former mistress.
The night was deep and cool, with the cold moonlight dissolving into a hazy mist. The Fu Qiu Hall was brightly lit, with Xu Qiu’er kneeling quietly before the altar. The hall was silent, save for the crackling of candles. Nearby guards secretly glanced at her, admiring the beautiful princess consort, who appeared cold like an unreachable star. It was said she was burning incense for the late Xu Censor and Xu Madam.
Footsteps approached, and Xu Qiu’er recognized the presence behind her.
“It’s so late, why haven’t you gone to rest?” a deep male voice reproached.
The maids knelt and paid their respects, “Greetings, Lord Gongson!”
“Isn’t Jinyu also not resting?” Xu Qiu’er stood and turned to face Gongson Jinyu.
Gongson Jinyu waved his hand, signaling the maids to retreat. He approached Xu Qiu’er, his handsome eyebrows slightly furrowed. “The imperial physician said your health can’t withstand staying up late. Why do you always make me…”
“Always make you worry, right?” Qiu’er smiled softly, leaning towards Long Hanjie. “Tonight, I came to mourn Hao Li.”
Gongson Jinyu embraced Xu Qiu’er’s shoulders, “But…”
Xu Qiu’er tilted her head, interrupting him, “Alright, no need to say more. I’ll go to sleep now, okay?”
Their proximity allowed Gongson Jinyu to feel Xu Qiu’er’s breath on his cheeks, causing his heart to flutter. He subconsciously wanted to push her away, but…
Noticing his hesitation, Xu Qiu’er gently distanced herself. “Good night, Jinyu. Don’t come to see me so late in the future. I still need you for my plans.”
Gongson Jinyu watched her walk towards the inner hall, wanting to call her back but ultimately said nothing.
The candle burned brightly, and the apricot-yellow gauze curtain flowed softly in the lamplight. Fragrant mist overflowed from the golden incense burner, swirling around the pearl-inlaid screen, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. A tall man blocking Xu Qiuer’s line of sight completed the scene.
He lowered his eyes, looking at his own toes. “Your Majesty, calling this subject to the palace so late, aren’t you afraid…?” Gong Sun Jin Yu’s words were interrupted by Xu Qiu’er.
“Afraid? I’ve always wanted to know the taste of fear, but unfortunately…” Xu Qiu’er paused. “Did Cang Yue inform you about tomorrow’s arrangements?”
Gong Sun Jin Yu replied, “This subject thinks this method is too dangerous. Your Majesty need not actually take the poison. If something were to happen…”
Xu Qiu’er closed her eyes. “I must take this personally. Jin Yu, you know what to do, right?”
“Yes.”
“You may go.”
Xu Qiu’er turned her head coldly, icy tears soaking the pillow. Looking at the candlestick, teardrops fell silently, forming blood-red beads. One pearl of blood tears, one lonely lamp – the cold night stretching endlessly. The dense, black night silently covered everything, leaving only despair.
“Mm… ah… don’t… don’t go…” As soon as Xu Qiu’er cried out, Cang Yue appeared by the bed, drawing back the window curtains. “My lady… my lady…”
Xu Qiu’er returned to reality, her head covered in sweat. In the candlelight, Cang Yue saw her wet eyelashes, her reddened pupils, and the sorrowful tear tracks on her face.
Cang Yue stepped forward to embrace Xu Qiu’er, comforting her: “My lady, please be at ease. The young prince valued your life more than his own.”
Xu Qiu’er desperately grasped at any offered hand, looking blankly at Cang Yue. Cang Yue, feeling her pain, held her gently and patted her. Xu Qiu’er asked, “Cang Yue, will Hao Li hate me for wanting to live alone?”
Cang Yue replied, “My lady, the young prince would not. He understands your intentions.”
Xu Qiu’er suddenly burst into tears, saying, “If I hadn’t gone to find him that night, this wouldn’t have happened. He had already decided to give up, and I ruined everything.”
Cang Yue consoled her, and it was almost dawn before Xu Qiu’er calmed down. After tucking her in and drawing the curtains, Cang Yue left the palace hall. At the door, Guan Yue asked, “Is my lady asleep?” Cang Yue nodded. Guan Yue said, “You go rest. I’ll keep watch.”
