Xiaoju nodded but was worried. Although the Prince was apologetic to the young lady, Xu Qinger’s favorable position over the past year made things complicated, especially with a beautiful new concubine entering the palace.
Xu Qiuer believed Long Hanjie felt guilt over both violating her and the child’s death. To defeat a favored woman, she felt she must endure her dislike for Long Hanjie, convincing herself to fall in love with him to destroy Xu Qinger.
After a meal, Xu Qiuer suggested a walk in the royal garden, accompanied by Xiaoju. The blooming flowers brought cheer, and bees busily collected nectar. This happiness was rare for Xu Qiuer.
Suddenly, she spotted a child crouching in the corner. Sighing, she noticed Xiaoju’s concern, who urged her to leave. Understanding Xiaoju’s worry about painful memories, Xu Qiuer smiled and approached the child. It struck her as odd that the little princess was alone, without nursemaids or palace maids, especially so near the pond. This thought angered her.
Xu Qiuer crouched beside the child, feeling a bond of blood. The little princess, sensing someone nearby, warily looked up and relaxed upon finding no threat. She continued drawing with a tree branch. Xiaoju, frowning at Xu Qiuer’s undignified posture, said, “Young lady, let’s go back.”
Xu Qiuer found the child’s crooked writing intriguing and sternly said, “Don’t make noise.”
Xiaoju felt aggrieved, thinking the little princess had been exchanged for the fourth young master’s life. If their young master were alive, he might have been able to read and write by now. The little princess had cried only once after birth and never made a sound again. Imperial doctors found no reason for her silence, leading to gossip in the palace. Some palace maids believed she had stolen her brother’s life and was now cursed, thus unable to speak. This small child was often cold with a fierce look in her eyes, leading many to describe her as “ferocious.” Rumors spread that she was possessed by her young brother, which explained her distance from her mother. Some palace maids even claimed that the Clear Concubine referred to the little princess as a fool.
Xu Qiuer had heard palace rumors and scoffed, believing the young master would protect his sister from heaven.
Observing the little princess’s actions, Xu Qiuer suddenly said, “Wrong.”
