Zhao Rou's voice choked even more, "I have no mother anymore, Le Kui."
Her tears slid down her cheeks and dripped onto the sheets, leaving wet patches.
"Third Miss, please accept my condolences." Le Kui didn't know how to comfort Zhao Rou. "Second Miss, you should cheer up. There are only a few months left until the Mid-Autumn Festival, and then you can marry into the Duke's mansion. Although you will be entering the mansion as a concubine, you will still be known as the Third Miss of the Cabinet Minister. No one will dare to look down on you."
After Le Kui finished speaking, she went outside, closed the door, and took Zhao Rou's hand to analyze the situation for her.
“Zhao Yun has always been arrogant and has little affection for Prince Li Huai’an. Even if the two become husband and wife, they will probably only be sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams. Therefore, she is not your biggest rival,” Le Kui said softly.
Zhao Rou said worriedly, "But Prince Li also has two concubines."
Le Kui said, "As for the eldest young lady, the third young lady should just go along with her and not go against her. But you must be careful of the two concubines of the young master Li. They have lived in the Duke's mansion for a long time, know all kinds of relationships very well, and have their own network of connections. They are also familiar with the young master's temperament and preferences. We can't compete with them."
Hearing what Le Kui said, Zhao Rou became dejected. "Then what should we do, Le Kui?"
Seeing Zhao Rou's dejected state, Le Kui felt a pang of pity, but she knew that she had to help Zhao Rou face reality so that she could better face the challenges of the future.
She gently took Zhao Rou's hand and looked at her with a firm gaze.
"Third Miss, don't be afraid. Although these two concubines understand the young master, they don't have your background and education. Besides, the young master is a discerning person, and he will naturally see your good qualities. You just need to be yourself, treat the young master sincerely, and believe that he will understand you and cherish you."
Le Kui said these words, but in her heart she sighed, hoping that Prince Li would not lose interest in the Third Miss because of her premarital infidelity and miscarriage.
Upon hearing this, the dejection in Zhao Rou's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a determined expression.
She knew that from then on, no one could help her anymore.
"Thank you, Le Kui." Zhao Rou took a deep breath and looked at Le Kui with tears in her eyes. "I'm so glad I have you with me."
"I will always be with you, Miss."
Le Kui never imagined that the Third Miss, whom she served wholeheartedly, would one day scheme against her. Of course, that's a story for another time.
In the middle of the second month after the Empress Dowager's death, there was a severe drought.
Empress Qin Sheng, accompanied by a large entourage of concubines who had given birth, traveled to Qinglian Temple to pray for rain and protection for the people of Dasheng.
The prayer ceremony lasted for seven days. On the third day, the Empress suddenly suffered from unbearable abdominal pain, almost to the point of fainting. Her attendants rushed her back to Lingyang that very night, and the Emperor sent a royal physician to treat her.
The palace lanterns shimmered, and Zhao Yi sat on the edge of Qin Sheng's bed, gently pulling her into his arms, and said with heartache, "Sheng'er, you've had a hard time this time."
Qin Sheng looked ashamed. "It was my dereliction of duty that such a disgraceful incident occurred. I am already extremely grateful that Your Majesty has not punished me. As for the matter at Qinglian Temple, I have made proper arrangements. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
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