Waking up, my waist made a crackling sound. The nearby palace maid covered her mouth and laughed: “Xiaohua, you must have been a delicate lady before entering the palace.”
After washing up, I rubbed my waist and went to Qin Fei’s room to serve her morning routine.
Qin Fei stood like an immobile jade person, letting me dress and tie her clothes. Though her clothes were plain, she was as elegant as jade, looking better than other women in elaborate garments.
“Xiaohua,” Qin Fei suddenly spoke, her voice sweet as a bell, “Do you think there’s reincarnation in this world? After death, will one cross the Bridge of Helplessness?”
I quietly helped her tie her waistband and said, “Perhaps.” I glanced at her quickly, wondering if she was determined to end her life.
I wouldn’t let her die so easily, as that would violate the rules of rebirth. “But I don’t believe drinking Meng Po’s soup can make one forget everything from their previous life.”
Qing Fei’s expression darkened: “Wouldn’t that be painful?”
I smiled: “Why is Your Highness talking about this?”
Qing Fei said calmly: “Curiosity.”
I laughed inwardly. No matter how much you want to commit suicide, you won’t succeed. How could the spell be broken so easily? You’ll obediently wait six days and let this divine lord send you off.
As the seven-day limit drew closer, I visited the royal study more often and understood Feng Qing’s plan better. He sent confidants to persuade the princes and generals with military power to agree on a time to enter the imperial city and capture the rebels. The plan sounded simple, but most of the palace guards belonged to the imperial uncle. I feared that as soon as the reinforcements reached the city gates, the imperial uncle would kill Feng Qing.
As an observer, I naturally couldn’t interfere.
“How is Qier lately?”
I stopped when I heard the emperor mention a name.
The man said: “I’ve been in contact with various generals. I’ll ask about the consort’s matter tomorrow.” He added with slight confusion, “If Your Majesty still cares for her, why… not bring her back to the palace? The Cold Palace is too desolate.”
