Liu Nainai glanced at Xiao Ju and cautioned, “Xiao Ju, don’t let anyone hear you say such things. The Prince’s Consort is the legitimate wife of the Prince and will be the future Empress. Stop calling her ‘mistress’ and be careful not to cause trouble.” She sighed, adding, “Without a Compassionate Consort ceremony, they’ve already been considerate to the Prince’s Consort.”
Xiao Ju responded resentfully, “What consideration? Our young master was sent away by the Prince himself. He took the young master’s life.” She couldn’t believe he was gone, feeling that the Prince was cruel for disposing of him. The Prince’s Consort might never be able to bear children again.
Liu Nainai sighed deeply, recognizing her position as a servant, which prevented her from criticizing her masters.
Meanwhile, Xu Qiuer was asleep, dreaming of a child affectionately calling her “mother.” Each time she reached for him, he would disappear, fueling her anxiety as she shouted, “Where are you?” The little boy looked back at her sadly, saying they no longer wanted him before he vanished.
Startled, Xu Qiuer sat up, her face covered in tears.
“Mistress, please lie down,” Xiao Ju urged, helping her back.
Xu Qiuer placed her hand on her abdomen, realizing he was truly gone, even though they had eaten bird’s nest together at noon. She cried out, “Mother doesn’t want you, Mother doesn’t…”
Xiao Ju suppressed her tears and pulled the blanket over Xu Qiuer, who soon drifted off to sleep.
Liu Nainai asked, “Is she asleep?”
Xiao Ju nodded. “She keeps talking in her sleep and wakes up with tears on her face.”
Liu Nainai sighed. A child is a piece of flesh from the mother’s body.
