"Is that so?" Upon hearing this, Gao Xiuwen's expression softened slightly.
As the mistress and servant were talking, a commotion came from outside. Cui Ning listened carefully and happily reported, "Princess, it sounds like Fourth Master has arrived!"
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Gao Xiuwen's dim eyes finally lit up, but she didn't show it, only leaning against the pillow and sobbing softly.
As soon as Hongli entered, he saw that the beauty's face was streaked with tears, and Gao Xiuwen's complexion was as pale as paper, devoid of any color. This made him feel even more guilty, and he stepped forward to comfort her:
"Xiuwen, things have come to this, please accept my condolences and take good care of yourself, don't hurt yourself."
Touching her suddenly flat stomach, Gao Xiuwen felt that something was missing.
"If I had only been pregnant for a month or two and then lost the pregnancy, maybe I wouldn't be so upset. But now I'm five months along! I've gotten used to his presence, felt his movements, and been looking forward to his arrival. But he's suddenly gone. How can I stay calm?"
“I understand how you feel. It’s only natural to be reluctant to part with something, but you’re still young and there will be other opportunities in the future. The most important thing right now is to take good care of your health. The doctor has advised that you need to relieve your worries during this period. If you get depressed, it will damage your liver and spleen, and it will be very difficult to recover later.”
Hongli gently persuaded her, and a glimmer of emotion finally appeared in Gao Xiuwen's sorrowful eyes. She gripped his hand tightly and sobbed, "Fourth Master, will we really have another child?"
At that moment, Hongli couldn't help but think of Su Yushan. His greatest wish was for a child with Su Yushan; he had no expectations for anyone else. But Gao Xiuwen was currently heartbroken, and he couldn't possibly discourage her at this time. After much hesitation, Hongli finally forced a smile and replied...
"It will happen."
With his agreement, Gao Xiuwen felt a little relieved, but when she thought about what had happened today, she was still indignant. "What about Xilan? Is she only punished by copying scriptures? She killed my child. This punishment is too lenient."
Hongli also knew that such punishment was not enough to quell Gao Xiuwen's grief and indignation, so he added two more items behind Su Yushan's back: "I fined Xilan half a year's salary, halved her allowance, and for the next three months, she must go to the Buddhist hall every day to pray for blessings, chant sutras, and repent for her sins."
Xi Lan was, after all, Hongli's maid, and this incident was not considered murder but rather an accident. No matter how much Gao Xiuwen hated Xi Lan, she couldn't do anything to her.
Hongli had already punished her, so Gao Xiuwen stopped there and didn't pursue the matter any further. She wept, saying, "Thank you, Fourth Master, for standing up for me. I hope our child can forgive me for not being able to protect him."
"It was all an accident, don't blame yourself. It's getting late, go and get some rest! I'll stay here with you." Hongli spoke gently, patting her softly and coaxing her. Gao Xiuwen's chaotic heart finally found some comfort and she was able to fall asleep.
Lying beside Gao Xiuwen, Hongli was thinking of someone else. Gazing at the flickering candlelight outside the tent, he couldn't help but wonder how Su Yushan would be without his company tonight. Would she toss and turn, unable to sleep, or would she be secretly delighted and fast asleep?
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