Chapter 10 The Snow Banquet
When the first snow fell, the Empress held a snow-viewing banquet.
After Xu Liuyi ate a bite of fish, she vomited in front of everyone.
The imperial physician examined her and announced she was already two months with child.
Xu Liuyi's pregnancy was now confirmed before everyone.
The Empress praised her for adding branches to the imperial family, and at once, according to our agreement, sent a palace matron from her own palace and two medical maids to attend her closely until Xu Liuyi gave birth.
The noblewomen all spoke words of congratulations. Xu Liuyi smiled very happily, and I smiled very happily too.
I truly wished her well in her pregnancy.
Only Li Yuancheng seemed somewhat distracted.
Suddenly a faint pain rose in my lower abdomen. I hurried to a side hall and swallowed a pill, and only then did the pain slowly fade.
The Abortion Tonic had begun to take effect, but Xu Liuyi's pregnancy was not yet stable. I could not miscarry now.
Otherwise, once she knew the fetus in my belly was gone, she would surely find every way to abort her own child.
I would make it so that in the end, even if she wanted to abort the child, she could not.
"Why are you covered in sweat?" A voice rose from behind the screen.
It was Li Yuankuo.
I did not know when he had come here to steal a quiet moment. He had not made a sound.
I asked in return, "What did Prince Huan, Your Highness, just see?"
He walked out from behind the screen. "I saw you clutch your belly and swallow a pill. Why did you not summon an imperial physician?"
I answered calmly, "It was only the child moving. Nothing serious."
I was about to leave when he spoke again. "You have not been as happy as before."
I smiled. "Your Highness is joking. I am quite well."
"I am not joking. I recently heard of a secret matter. You..."
He had not finished when Li Yuancheng came in. "What secret matter did you hear? Tell Imperial Elder Brother as well."
Li Yuankuo thought for a moment. "It is about Xie Ziyan. I heard he is about to have a marriage in Jinling."
The moment I heard it, I knew he was lying. Fourth Elder Brother had gone to Jinling to offer sacrifices to our ancestors. There was no marriage.
What he had truly meant to tell me was probably the matter of The Son Is Honored, the Mother Dies.
Li Yuancheng gave a cold laugh. "You certainly take Xie Ziyan to heart."
Li Yuankuo said, "This younger brother and he are friends through life and death. Of course I care a little."
Li Yuancheng said nothing more. He took my hand and led me out.
The Empress watched the three of us from afar, her expression heavy.
At night Li Yuancheng came to my room.
I combed my hair before the mirror. "Your Highness, Lady Xu Liuyi has only just become pregnant. You should go keep her company."
He took the wooden comb and helped me with my hair. "Xie Yuying, I know you are angry, but you must believe me. No matter who is pregnant, it will not shake your place."
He actually thought I was angry.
That was just as well. It proved he did not suspect any of what I had done.
I leaned into his arms and said softly, "I am not angry. I am only a little tired today."
He said he would stay with me tonight.
I said I did not need him to stay.
We had just lain down on the bed when Xu Liuyi's maid came, saying Xu Liuyi felt unwell and asking him to go over.
He said he would take a look and come back.
But he did not return all night.
I was also glad he was not there, because I suddenly started to bleed.
Suyue used needles on me before it stabilized.
She said to me with a pained look, "It would not have started this fast, but Lady of Excellence, you have worried too much."
Yes. I had worried too much.
But how could I not worry? How could I not hate?
I told Suyue, "No matter what, you must help me hold on until the day the court officials offer New Year congratulations."
She was very worried. "That will harm your foundation. In the future you may not be able to bear children again."
I did not care.
It no longer mattered.