"I’m sleepy and I want to go to bed," Hua Manman said with a yawn. "Your Highness, Prince Wu Zhang, you should also head back and get some rest."
Qing Huan stepped forward and helped her stand up.
Li Ying’s gaze fell on her stomach. "You must be due soon, right?" he asked.
"Yes, in about a month," Hua Manman replied.
She stroked her belly. At the thought of her soon-to-be-born baby, a smile unconsciously graced her lips.
The smile was so sweet it filled Li Ying with jealousy.
’The woman he loves is about to have another man’s child.’
’He wanted nothing more than to kill the child in her womb.’
But he knew.
If he really did that, Hua Manman would hate him for the rest of her life.
Li Ying took a deep breath, suppressing the jealousy in his heart.
"Prince Zhao might not make it back in time," he said coldly.
"I know," Hua Manman said. "It’s a pity he can’t make it back, but it can’t be helped. Besides, everything has been prepared. This birth should go smoothly."
At this, she gave Li Ying a pointed look.
"You’re not planning to keep me locked up in the palace indefinitely, are you? There are no midwives or delivery rooms prepared for me here."
"The palace has experienced nannies who handle births, as well as Imperial Physicians. I’ll have them assist with your delivery," Li Ying replied.
Hua Manman frowned. "So you really plan to keep me confined in the palace?"
Li Ying gazed at her intently. "I gave you a chance to leave. You were the one who refused. You can’t blame me for this."
Hua Manman was at a loss for words.
’She really was in the wrong on this one.’
Li Ying stood up. "Since you’ve settled in, you might as well make yourself at home. Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll have it arranged for you."
"Can I walk around tomorrow?" Hua Manman asked.
"You can’t wander around by yourself," Li Ying said. "Wait for me. I’ll take you for a walk after I finish with court tomorrow."
Hua Manman decided to quit while she was ahead and nodded in agreement.
As Li Ying reached the doorway, he glanced around. The place was deserted; not a soul was in sight.
’He remembered what Hua Manman had said. There really are rumors about Chaoyang Palace being haunted. Right now, it’s just her and Qing Huan, two young women, living here. What if something strange really happens? Hua Manman is pregnant, too. It would be a disaster if a scare caused something to go wrong with her or the baby.’
Li Ying paused and turned back to Hua Manman.
"I’ll arrange for some servants to come wait on you. If you need anything done, just give them the order."
Hua Manman refused without a second thought. "Thank you, but there’s no need. I don’t like having too many people around. Qing Huan is enough."
Li Ying frowned. "Aren’t you afraid of the haunting?"
Hua Manman’s eyes shifted, her gaze landing on the sword at his waist.
"I am rather afraid of ghosts.
Why don’t you lend me your sword? They say weapons have an aura that wards off evil.
Especially the sword of someone in a high position like you—its aura would be even stronger.
If I hang it on the wall, it should scare off any evil spirits that might appear."
Li Ying glanced down at the sword at his waist. Without hesitation, he unfastened it.
"Here you go."
Hua Manman was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to agree so readily.
"Aren’t you afraid I’ll use your sword to do something... bad?"
"It doesn’t matter," Li Ying said. "Whatever you do, I’ll take care of it for you."
Hua Manman was speechless again.
She was the type who responded to kindness, not coercion, and Li Ying’s attitude made her feel a faint pang of guilt.
She walked over, took the sword from his hand, and said, half-joking,
"What if I use this to kill Wu Wang? Could you handle that for me, too?"
Li Ying stated calmly, "You can’t kill him."
Hua Manman raised an eyebrow. "Are you underestimating me?"
Li Ying replied steadily.
"It’s a fact. He’s cunning and highly skilled in martial arts. You’re no match for him.
If I were you, I wouldn’t provoke him until I had the means to protect myself."
"Is that your advice for me?" Hua Manman asked.
Li Ying’s reply was affirmative.
"It is."
Hua Manman smiled. "Thank you for the advice."
After Li Ying left, Hua Manman casually tossed the sword to Qing Huan.
Qing Huan drew the blade, examined it, and praised, "A fine sword."
"Here," Hua Manman said. "Use it for protection."
They had brought nothing with them when they entered the palace, not even a weapon for self-defense. The sword would provide a small sense of security.
Qing Huan sheathed the sword and asked in a low voice,
"When... do we make our move?"
Hua Manman glanced at the night sky. "Let’s wait a little longer. We’ll make our move after everyone in the palace is asleep."
"Yes."
Qing Huan put the sword away, rolled up her sleeves, and began to clear the table.
Hua Manman stood alone on the veranda as the night wind stirred her skirts, causing the tassels hanging from her waist to sway gently.
Before her stood the tightly shut main gates.
She took a lantern hanging by the door and said to Qing Huan over her shoulder,
"I’m going for a stroll in the courtyard."
Qing Huan called out her assent.
Carrying the lantern, Hua Manman descended the steps and walked slowly along the smooth flagstone path toward the main gates.
She set down the lantern and, with all her might, pulled one of the heavy doors open. The Yulin Guards on duty outside immediately turned in unison to look at her.
One of the Yulin Guards spoke up.
"Is the Princess Consort going out?"
Instead of answering, Hua Manman asked, "Am I allowed to go out?"
The guard answered truthfully, "You are not."
Hua Manman sighed, feigning great disappointment.
"Then never mind."
She pushed the heavy door shut again.
The Yulin Guards’ view was once again blocked by the doors.
Hua Manman picked up her lantern and headed back. ’So there are guards outside the gates after all,’ she thought.
Hearing the gates open and close, Qing Huan quickly dropped what she was doing and hurried out. "Princess Consort, did something... happen?" she asked, concerned.
"It’s nothing," Hua Manman said. "I just wanted to see if anyone was out there."
She washed up briefly and lay down on the bed to rest.
Around midnight, Qing Huan gently woke her.
"Princess Consort, it’s... about time."
Hua Manman grabbed a robe, draped it over her shoulders, and let out a huge yawn.
Her mind was still groggy. It wasn’t until she pushed open the door and the night wind hit her face that she was fully awake.
Qing Huan had already changed into dark, practical clothing, with the sword tucked at her waist. She looked ready to move at a moment’s notice.
"Should I... leave now?"
"Give me the sword," Hua Manman said instead.
Qing Huan obediently removed the sword and placed it gently in her hands.
"Wait here," Hua Manman said. "I’ll get something for you."
She took the sword inside and returned a moment later.
When she returned, the sword was gone. In its place was a cloth bundle.
Qing Huan looked at the bundle, puzzled.
Hua Manman pressed the bundle into her hands and whispered a series of instructions, finishing with a question.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes."
Hua Manman patted her shoulder. "Go on, now. Be careful."