But hearing a scream inside, he turned back. Entering the room, he was stunned.
The Empress had struck her head on a pillar, blood covering her forehead. Long Hanjie knelt before the Empress, pulling back his sleeve and shouting, “Summon the Imperial Doctor…”
The empress wanted to push him away, but she lacked strength and could only gasp. Tears flowed from Long Hanjie’s eyes. “Mother, I promise to marry Xu Qiu’er.” The empress slightly closed her eyes.
Returning to the inner palace, Long Hanjie found no one and even returned Qing’er’s visiting card. Qing’er learned about the empress’s threat and was furious, almost dying from rage. The fish that was about to be caught had escaped. She vented her frustration by beating a pillow but then thought it might be a blessing in disguise, considering thanking the empress.
“Miss…” Xiaoju rushed in. Xu Qiu’er sighed, stopping the swing and stating, “Xiaoju, if Mother saw you like this, she would scold you.” Xiaoju stuck out her tongue, remembering something important.
Xu Qiu’er was startled. Xiaoju giggled, “Miss is getting married…”
Xu Qiu’er laughed, thinking it a joke. Xiaoju sighed, “It’s true. The imperial decree has arrived, and Master and Madam are upset.” Xu Qiu’er quickly ran toward the main house.
“Mother…”
Seeing her daughter, Madam Xu began to cry again. Master Xu coughed to remind her. Madam Xu pulled Qiu’er’s hand into her own, “Why did you come without a jacket? Be careful not to catch a cold.” Her heart was heavy with sorrow.
The emperor had clearly called Qiu’er to enter the palace. She was naive and pure, believing everyone was good. How would she cope in such an environment? If only the crown prince loved Qiu’er instead of Qing’er…
“Mother, what’s wrong?” Xu Qiu’er wiped her mother’s tears. Master Xu sighed, recognizing the emperor’s intentions. The crown prince’s position was unstable, and the emperor was aging. If something happened, the crown prince was not ready to support the empire. Winning over their family seemed the best option.
“Qiu’er, the emperor has decreed that you will enter the palace on the first day of next month.”
Xu Qiu’er was stunned but soon remembered the purpose of her visit. “Father, I’m only 16,” she bit her lower lip.
