Winter nights always seem exceptionally long, as if they stretch on forever.
Qin Sheng lay on the bed with her eyes wide open, staying awake until dawn, without feeling sleepy at all.
Today's breakfast was simple: a bowl of yam and millet porridge, some light side dishes, and a few red date steamed buns.
Qin Wen arrived at the palace early and saw Qin Sheng lying lazily on the bed. She took the yam and millet porridge from the maid and slowly sat down by Qin Sheng's bedside.
"Didn't you get enough rest yesterday, sister? Come on, have something to eat before you go to sleep."
Qin Wen spoke gently, scooping up a spoonful of porridge and carefully bringing it to Qin Sheng's lips.
However, Qin Sheng suddenly coughed violently, knocking the spoon out of her hand, spilling the porridge from the spoon and the bowl.
"I'm so sorry, sister, did you get burned? Someone come quickly and clean this up!"
Qin Wen suddenly stood up and said hurriedly, "Sister, I'm going to change my clothes first." After saying that, she hurriedly left the room.
Qin Sheng stared intently at Qin Wen's departing figure, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
She instructed the maid beside her, "Catch a cat and feed it the rest of the porridge."
The palace maids immediately sprang into action; some went to catch the cat, while others cleaned up the spilled porridge.
She frowned, staring at the porridge stains remaining on the sheets, a hint of coldness in her eyes.
The palace maids dared not say anything, but simply followed her instructions and quickly caught a kitten.
This cat is pure white with bright, lively eyes. When it sees strangers, it meows nervously.
Qin Sheng gently stroked the cat's head, her tone softening, "Little guy, you're lucky to have tasted this yam and millet porridge today, it's a blessing for you."
As she spoke, she poured the remaining porridge into the cat's food bowl.
The cat seemed a little hungry, and quickly began to lick its food, its tail wagging from time to time as if to express its satisfaction.
Qin Sheng watched the cat eat with relish, but her heart was filled with turbulent emotions.
The palace maid beside her stared intently at the cat, not daring to utter a sound.
They only breathed a sigh of relief after the cat had finished eating all the remaining porridge and showed no signs of anything amiss.
"Your Highness, what should we do with this cat?" the maid Dongling asked cautiously, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
"Let's keep it for now, it'll be very useful later!" A ruthless glint flashed in Qin Sheng's eyes.
She turned to Dongling and ordered, "Dongling, go and have the imperial kitchen make another one."
Qin Wen hadn't put the drug in the millet porridge; she was probably still hesitating. But Qin Sheng couldn't wait any longer.
She needs to add more bait to lure Qin Wen into the trap as soon as possible.
After a while, Qin Wen slowly walked into the room. She blamed herself for being clumsy, causing her sister to have no food and getting the sheets and clothes dirty.
Qin Sheng gently took her hand and said, "Wen'er, I know you meant well and I won't blame you." She comforted Qin Wen, her eyes full of understanding and care, appearing every bit the kind and gentle older sister.
With that, she waved her hand, signaling everyone else to leave, as she wanted to have some private words with Qin Wen. For a moment, only the two sisters remained in the large bedchamber, creating an somewhat awkward atmosphere.
"Wen'er, the Emperor mentioned sending you to Yunchao again yesterday. I've thought about it, and it's entirely beneficial for both you and the Qin family. I hope you'll consider it carefully." Qin Sheng's tone was gentle, and her gaze was sincere.
"Sister!" Qin Wen suddenly stood up, looking somewhat agitated.
Suddenly, she remembered something, slowly sat down, looked into Qin Sheng's eyes and asked, "Does sister want me to go?" Her voice trembled slightly as she awaited Qin Sheng's answer.
Qin Sheng's gaze fell on the red marks on her neck, and he slowly said, "Wen'er, being born a woman, there are many things that are not up to us to decide."
Qin Wen lowered her head, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes.
She stared at Qin Sheng's belly, then gently reached out and touched it, saying sadly, "If I go to Yunchao, I don't know when I'll be able to see my sister and the baby in her belly again. Wen'er, I'll miss my sister..."
Qin Sheng stared at her, nervously moved Qin Wen's hand away, smiled awkwardly, and gently comforted her, "Wen'er, the trip to Yunchao hasn't even started yet, why are you already feeling sad?"
As the two were talking, Dongling came in carrying a freshly cooked bowl of millet porridge.
Qin Sheng suddenly stood up and walked behind the screen. "Wen'er, sit down for a while. I'm going to change my clothes. This one is too tight."
“Okay, sister,” Qin Wen replied sweetly.
After Qin Sheng's figure disappeared behind the screen, she quickly looked around to make sure no one was there. Then, she swiftly took out a packet of powder from her sleeve, gently sprinkled it into the millet porridge, and stirred it quickly.
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