Xu Qiu’er’s body fell into Liu Nanny’s arms, who wept, “Your Highness, you are still young, little prince…” The accompanying eunuchs and palace maids knelt on the ground, sobbing.
Xu Qiu’er lay down, holding the child tightly, with tears falling. Suddenly, it started to rain, soaking everything. Liu Nanny covered the little prince’s head and ordered, “What are you all doing? Carry Her Highness inside.”
The little eunuchs quickly lifted Xu Qiu’er, with Liu Nanny following behind. Bing’er thought how unfortunate it was for it to be a boy; she would tell the young lady, who would surely be happy.
Bing’er stepped forward, saying, “Your Highness, the young lady has given birth to a princess for you.” Long Hanjie felt an indescribable melancholia, a suffocating pressure filling the air, causing Bing’er to avoid his gaze. His deep, cold eyes focused on the distance as raindrops disturbed his calmness, and he heard his own heartbeat, slow and heavy.
It was truly painful, as if a needle was piercing the soft, beating thing, inserting and withdrawing repeatedly, spreading unbearable pain that made it hard to breathe. The entire world seemed to have fallen silent.
Bing’er, believing the young lady was waiting for her response, mustered the courage to speak again:
“Your Highness…”
But Long Hanjie had already walked away.
The rain grew heavier. Moments ago, it had been bright sunshine; now the sun was hidden.
Upon waking, the Old Buddha tearfully lamented, “What sins have we committed…”
The nanny consoled her, “Old Buddha, the Crown Princess is still young and can give birth again.”
The Old Buddha closed her eyes, saying, “How heartbroken Qiu’er must be.”
In the Imperial Study Room, the Empress anxiously watched the Emperor, unsure if his previous words were true.
The Empress carefully said, “This concubine will arrange a proper burial for the little prince…” but was silenced by the Emperor’s sharp gaze.
At the Xu Residence, Lady Xu fainted upon receiving the news. Lord Xu embraced her, tears streaming down his face.
When Lady Xu awoke, she learned that the Third Young Lady had given birth to a princess, while the Second Madam was happily preparing to visit her in the palace.
Lady Xu spat out blood, murmuring, “I should have left you back then. My child has suffered for me…” before fainting.
