chapter 6

Before returning to the Princess’s Mansion, I wanted to ask Seventh Imperial Brother for a few more bottles of Golden Wound Medicine.

The medicine he gave was indeed excellent.

When I arrived at his chambers, however, there was no guard at the door.

I assumed he wasn’t there and was about to leave when I heard his voice from inside the room: “You are still the one who serves me best.

“Once you give birth to this child, I will make you my Concubine.”

By chance, I glimpsed through the crack in the door. He had changed into clean clothes, was sitting in a chair with his back to the door, and was leaning his head back in enjoyment.

At the edge of his long boots, there was a glimpse of a lake-blue dress-the color Pei Shuning wore today.

Pei Shuning was kneeling between his legs, sobbing softly.

I immediately and silently retreated.

I think I’ve been overthinking things.

If Pei Qingxuan is a spy, then Pei Shuning surely is as well.

Seventh Imperial Brother is extremely intelligent. If Pei Shuning were a spy, he would never let her so close to him without any precautions.

When we were leaving, Pei Shuning came to see us off.

She looked as usual, but her swollen, reddened lips made one wonder what she had just experienced.

Instinctively, I glanced at Pei Qingxuan.

There seemed to be anger and resentment in his eyes, but only for a fleeting moment.

Pei Shuning said she had made clothes for both me and Pei Qingxuan, and would have someone deliver them to the Princess’s Mansion the day after tomorrow.

I said, “You’re about to give birth. You shouldn’t trouble yourself.”

She replied indifferently, “The days are too long. Having something to do is good.”

For some reason, my heart ached, and I pulled her aside: “If there are things you don’t like, you can refuse.

“If Brother makes things difficult for you, just tell me and I’ll stand up for you.”

She paused for a moment, realizing I had witnessed what happened earlier.

She shook her head. “Your Highness did not make things difficult for me. Everything was of my own free will.”

“Is it really of your own will?”

“Mm, His Highness is a dragon among men. I… I truly like him and am willing to serve him.”

I looked at her suspiciously.

She said she liked him, yet why was there such sadness in her eyes?