Long Hanjie ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Qiu’er, you know I can’t go against my mother’s wishes regarding the position of the principal wife…”
Xu Qiu’er, truly angry, flung Long Hanjie’s hand away. “Yes, I’m lowly. Who can I blame?”
Long Hanjie hugged Xu Qiu’er, repeatedly assuring her, “Qiu’er, believe me. I will definitely bring you into the palace.”
This eased Xu Qiu’er’s heart, but she then expressed her concern, “I can wait, but how can the belly wait?” She glanced at Long Hanjie, noticing his clenched fists.
Long Hanjie replied, “I will resolve this matter quickly.”
Xiao Ju, unable to watch any longer, was about to leave when she caught sight of Long Hanjie again, her eyes widening in disbelief at the realization of his identity as the Crown Prince. Understanding a deeper conspiracy, she quickly departed to inform the young lady.
Back at Linlang Pavilion, Xiao Ju rushed in, calling, “Young Lady…”
Xu Qiu’er looked up with a smile and approached her, “What’s wrong? Why are you running so urgently?” As she wiped the sweat from Xiao Ju’s forehead, the latter struggled internally, torn between speaking and holding back. Xu Qiu’er gently stroked her hair, prompting, “What’s wrong?”
Despite the reassurance, Xu Qiu’er fell ill, her condition worsening rapidly over just a few days. Madam Xu wept by her side, but there was no improvement.
On the day before the wedding, the Crown Prince visited the Xu residence.
Madam Xu had hoped that the Crown Prince would discuss postponing the wedding due to Qiu’er’s illness. However, he coldly informed her that even if Xu Qiu’er died, she must die in the bridal sedan.
Madam Xu wished she could tear Long Hanjie to pieces.
Long Hanjie dismissed the maids in Xu Qiu’er’s room, ignoring Madam Xu’s obstruction and closing the door tightly.
He approached Xu Qiu’er’s bed, noting her pale appearance, clearly ill.
He smiled evilly, picked up a teacup, and after taking a sip, threw the remaining tea, resulting in a painful cry echoing in the room.
