Xu Qiuer quickly became emaciated, her chin sharp enough to thread a needle. She remained bedridden, struggling between dreams and reality, not uttering a single word. Months passed, and even when the Virtuous Consort took the little princess to admire flowers, Xu Qiuer still hadn’t spoken. The Old Buddha and the Empress had visited, but seeing no improvement, they gradually lost interest. Only Xu Furen continued to shuttle between the palace and the Xu residence. Xu Qiuer seemed to recognize no one, eating whatever was placed before her, yet growing increasingly haggard. Rumors spread throughout the palace that the Prince’s Consort would not live much longer.
In contrast, Xu Qing’er recovered well, her figure becoming slimmer, and her face gaining fullness. People looked at her and thought she was blessed. The palace gradually believed the Virtuous Consort would be elevated soon.
Xu Qing’er held the little princess, playing with flower petals.
The little princess glanced briefly and looked away. Xu Qing’er, annoyed, handed the little princess to Bing’er. “You hold her and walk around. I’m tired,” she said, then turned and walked away.
Bing’er carefully held the little princess, trying to comfort her. The mistress was understandably angry; the little princess, almost a year old, still couldn’t speak. The imperial physicians attributed it to her premature birth, suggesting it would take more time. Some palace maids whispered that she couldn’t speak because her life was exchanged for the young master’s, and since the Prince’s Consort was also mute, they speculated the princess might follow her if the Consort died.
Bing’er thought it was all superstition.
Hao Li sighed, asking Xu Qiu’er, “Do you want to die like this? Don’t you want to avenge your son?”
Xu Qiu’er clenched her hand, and a hint of a smile appeared on Hao Li’s mouth. Seeing Xu Qiu’er begin to respond, he pressed on, “You want to avenge your son, right?”
Xu Qiu’er’s eyes focused on Hao Li, as if digesting his words. “Why do you want to help me?” she asked softly, the first sentence she had spoken in months.
Hao Li looked at her, contemplating his motivation to help.
He didn’t even know himself. Perhaps he disliked Xu Qing’er, the Crown Prince, or perhaps…
