She gently took Xiaolian's hand and said tenderly, "Don't worry, the baby will be alright. I will always be by your side."
Xiao Lian suddenly woke up, looked at Xu Yuehuai, and a look of gratitude flashed in her eyes.
She forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. I heard everything you just said."
Xu Yuehuai smiled and shook her head, saying, "It's what I should do. You should rest now and not think too much."
Qi Hanlin added from the side, "Your health is the most important thing right now. Get some sleep first!"
Xiaolian nodded and closed her eyes. Her breathing gradually calmed down, as if she had fallen into a deep sleep.
Looking at her peaceful face, Qi Hanlin couldn't help but sigh at the fragility and preciousness of life. He secretly vowed to protect Xiaolian and the child, ensuring they could safely overcome this difficult time.
As time went on, the security measures in the palace became increasingly stringent, like an impregnable fortress, but Qi Hanlin's heart remained undecided.
Every night, he would stand alone by the window, his gaze piercing through the darkness, as if he could reach the woman chosen by fate—Xiao Lian.
Under Xu Yuehuai's meticulous care, Xiaolian's body gradually regained its former rosy glow, and the fetus in her womb took root steadily in her body like a sapling.
Whenever Xu Yuehuai gently took her pulse, a faint smile would appear on her face, a smile of longing and anticipation for the future.
Whenever Qi Hanlin heard good news about Xiaolian, his worries would lessen somewhat.
However, he knew that the birth of this child was no ordinary event; it affected the fate of the entire palace and even the whole country. The safety of Xiaolian and the child was the heaviest burden in his heart.
Therefore, Qi Hanlin began to secretly plan to build a solid protective barrier for Xiaolian and the child.
He mobilized all his forces, from the imperial guards to chivalrous figures in the martial arts world, all becoming his eyes and ears and allies. He closely monitored every move inside and outside the palace, ensuring that no slightest disturbance escaped his notice.
Meanwhile, deep within the imperial palace, Xiao Lian's life was quietly changing. She was surrounded by many maids and servants, each one a loyal person carefully selected by Qi Hanlin.
They took meticulous care of Xiaolian's daily life and diet, ensuring that her body received the best possible care.
However, Xiaolian always felt uneasy. She knew her identity was special, and she knew her fate was already sealed. She often stood by the window, gazing at the vast sky outside, her heart filled with fear and confusion about the future.
Qi Hanlin noticed Xiaolian's worry. He walked to her side and gently took her hand. His gaze was firm yet tender, as if it could penetrate the depths of her soul.
“Xiao Lian, you don’t need to be afraid.” Qi Hanlin’s voice was deep and strong. “I will always be by your side to protect you and the child. No matter what happens in the future, I will face it with you.”
Xiaolian raised her head and looked into Qi Hanlin's deep eyes, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated. She knew that she was no longer fighting alone; she had Qi Hanlin as her solid support.
As time went by, Xiaolian's health improved, and the fetus in her womb grew stronger. Meanwhile, Qi Hanlin was secretly busy preparing for the coming storm.
The night in the palace was deep and quiet, with stars dotting the dome and moonlight shining on the golden brick and jade palace, reflecting a faint glow.
However, this tranquility did not last long. A series of hurried footsteps shattered the silence of the palace, and an assassin dressed in black silently appeared deep within the palace grounds. His eyes were cold, and the short knife in his hand gleamed with a chilling light, his target aimed directly at Xiao Lian's bedroom.
Qi Hanlin happened to be nearby when he heard the strange noise. He immediately stopped and rushed in the direction of the sound.
When he arrived at Xiaolian's palace, he saw the assassin approaching Xiaolian, who was hiding in the corner of the bed in fear, trembling all over.
Qi Hanlin was startled. He immediately drew his long sword and charged at the assassin.
The assassin saw Qi Hanlin, sneered, and swung his short sword even faster. The two clashed instantly, swords flashing and blades swirling.
Although Qi Hanlin was highly skilled in martial arts, the assassin's swordsmanship was even more ruthless, each strike aimed directly at his vital points. However, Qi Hanlin did not back down; he wielded his longsword and engaged the assassin in a life-or-death struggle.
The assassin was incredibly agile, each attack as swift as a ghost, but Qi Hanlin remained unfazed. He kept a close eye on the assassin's movements, searching for an opening. Finally, in one exchange, he seized the opportunity and plunged his sword into the assassin's chest.
The assassin screamed and collapsed to the ground, while Qi Hanlin was also panting heavily.
He walked to Xiaolian's side, and seeing the fear in her eyes, he felt a pang of pain in his heart. He reached out and gently hugged Xiaolian, softly comforting her.
"it's all over!"
"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty!"
Xiao Lian looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. She knew she had chosen someone she could trust. In this perilous palace, with Qi Hanlin by her side, she no longer felt alone and helpless.
Looking into Xiaolian's eyes, Qi Hanlin felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that for her sake, he would face any danger without flinching. He held Xiaolian tightly, as if trying to meld her into his own body.
In the dead of night in the palace, Qi Hanlin and Xiaolian embraced tightly, their heartbeats and breaths intertwined, as if they had become an indispensable part of each other's lives.
At this moment, they rely on and trust each other, and no matter what the future holds, they will work together to face it.
Qi Hanlin gently released Xiaolian, and looking at her still-shaken face, he said softly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
"Okay! I'm not afraid!"
Xiao Lian nodded, her eyes shining with determination.
The palace returned to tranquility once more, but this tranquility was imbued with a sense of steadfastness and warmth.
Qi Hanlin carefully helped Xiaolian to the bed, his movements gentle and meticulous.
"Continue to rest."
His eyes revealed deep care and doting affection, a tenderness unique to him towards Xiaolian.
"Okay," Xiaolian said, then closed her eyes, placed her hand on her abdomen, and felt the baby's heartbeat.
After confirming that Xiaolian had fallen asleep peacefully, Qi Hanlin quietly got up, dragging the assassin's corpse with one hand, and prepared to leave the blood-soaked room.
Qi Hanlin whistled at the door, a secret signal between him and his bodyguards.
The guard emerged from the shadows like a ghost, a hint of guilt on his face: "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I am late and have startled Your Majesty."
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