Xu Qiu’er didn’t sleep all night, waiting for news at dawn. As expected, the Emperor informed her that Xiao Ju had become his woman and would no longer return to Fu Qiu Hall. Xu Qiu’er received the news she wanted but was left uncertain, fearing the palace would erupt as soon as day broke.
As anticipated, the palace was in an uproar. Everyone knew the Emperor had favored the palace maid beside the Crown Prince’s wife.
With the Emperor’s recent recovery, opinions about Xu Qiu’er were divided.
Long Hanjie was suspicious about his father’s actions. After recovering, the Emperor quickly bestowed the title of Jieyu on Xiao Ju, which made him uncomfortable. He visited the Empress, who was in tears, recalling her care for the Emperor during his illness. Now, with the Emperor favoring another woman, it felt like a slap in the face for her. Additionally, the Emperor had demoted Xu Fei to Xu Liang Yi, a move that stripped her of any semblance of equality, clearly marking her as just a concubine.
Long Hanjie suspected Xu Qiu’s involvement. Xu Qing’er fainted upon hearing the edict, and when Long Hanjie returned, the imperial physicians were in consultation.
The physicians soon emerged joyfully announcing, “Congratulations, Your Highness. Xu Liang Yi is pregnant.”
Long Hanjie embraced Xu Qing’er, saying, “Qing’er, I know you’ve been wronged. After the child is born, I will compensate you.”
Xu Qing’er was happy about the child but felt anger toward the imperial edict. She knew her situation – Xiao Ju had aligned with the Emperor, giving Qiu’er backing, while the Qing Concubine had the Empress’s support. She needed a plan.
Long Hanjie believed that if Xu Qiu’er truly loved the little princess, adopting her might be beneficial. He and Qing’er felt guilty about the child, and Xu Qiu’er’s feelings seemed genuine.
“Qing’er, you’re pregnant. For now, let Qiu’er take care of the little princess.”
Xu Qing’er’s face changed. She grabbed Long Hanjie’s sleeve, “Why do you want to give the little princess to Qiu’er?”
Long Hanjie explained, and Xu Qing’er, seeing he had made his decision, couldn’t object, though she was unhappy.
The Qing Concubine, upon hearing the news, summoned Prince Hao Li to the palace.
