In the posthouse
Huge beads of sweat trickled down from Su Xi-er’s forehead as she lied in bed. Unable to make any sound, she felt as if her body was being pulled apart.
Pei Qianhao could only stand at her side, gently calling her name as he watched her agony.
In her fuzzy state, Su Xi-er could vaguely hear his voice. However, a sharp pain sent her spiraling into the darkness before she could respond.
“You have occupied my body; return it to me.” A hazy voice streamed into her mind.
Su Xi-er remained indifferent. “You’re no longer around.”
“Yes, and it is because of you occupying my body that I died.” The female voice was shrill and forlorn as it continued to yell
Su Xi-er understood that what she was experiencing wasn’t real, and must have been induced by someone else. Someone must have done something to this body.
She mustered all her strength to stage a resistance, forcing her eyes open.
Pei Qianhao and the imperial physician had been by her side all this time.
“Xi-er, you’re awake. Do you feel unwell anywhere?” His gaze was gentle, but his eyes were overflowing with worry as he came forward to wipe her sweat away with a handkerchief.
“Prince Hao, there is no need to worry. Princess Consort Hao is simply troubled by her many worries. This humble physician will prescribe some nerve-calming soup to help bring an end to her frequent nightmares.” The imperial physician explained respectfully.
Su Xi-er smiled faintly. “A-Jing, even the imperial physician has said that I’m fine. You don’t have to be so worried.”
That said, Pei Qianhao was aware that the state of her body wasn’t as simple as she thought.
“Wu Ling, follow the imperial physician to get the medicine.” Wu Ling quickly nodded and executed Pei Qianhao’s orders.
“Xi-er.” Pei Qianhao grasped both her hands with a gentle expression.
Su Xi-er caressed his face softly. “A-Jing, don’t worry, both our child and I are alright.”
Pei Qianhao revealed a smile in response. “Xi-er, I will definitely get to the bottom of this.”
“Mmm, I believe A-Jing.” Su Xi-er kissed him gently.
While the two of them were being intimate with one another, Du Ling walked in.
“I heard that Xi-er is sick. What’s going on?”
“Elder Brother, I’m fine. I was just unsettled in my sleep.” Although Su Xi-er tried to avoid the truth to avoid worrying him, such a half-hearted lie wasn’t enough to fool the astute Du Ling.
“Good, but you ought to take better care of yourself. Just leave everything else to your husband and I.” Du Ling teased her in an attempt to relieve some of her stress.
“Hua Zirong sent an invitation to the Disaster Relief Banquet tomorrow; its intent is to pray for blessings for the country.” Du Ling shared with them the news.
A contemplative look flashed across Pei Qianhao’s eyes. “Seems like he’s beginning to act.”
Su Xi-er’s gaze was gentle. “A-Jing, I’m afraid that Prime Minister Wen is going to cough up much blood this time.”
Du Ling smiled coldly. “He would’ve been sliced into pieces if this were the Western Region, and even that wouldn’t have been enough.”
“Elder Brother, with the turmoil in Xiliu’s court, he can’t act recklessly.” Su Xi-er gave a brief analysis.
Du Ling mocked. “There is no escape from one’s own sins.” He then turned to Pei Qianhao
“Prince Hao, how’s the bait you have thrown out for Yun Ruofeng?”
Pei Qianhao smirked. “Just waiting for the fish to bite.”
“Do you really think he will take the risk?” Du Ling asked.
