The physician from Bai Cao Tang arrived first. After checking Madam Su Qingyue's pulse, he informed Madam Qi Zhenzhen, "Madam Gu, this lady is not seriously ill, merely overly fatigued. She is with child, and must not exert herself so much in the future. I will prescribe a few doses of fetal-calming medicine, and with good rest, she will be fine."
Qi Zhenzhen suppressed her shock. "Then I shall trouble you to write the prescription."
After sending off the physician, Qi Zhenzhen returned to find Su Qingyue had already woken up.
"This humble subject pays her respects to the Second Prince Consort," Qi Zhenzhen curtsied to Su Qingyue.
"Madam Gu, please dispense with the formalities. It is I who should be thanking you. If not for your kindness, I don't know where I would be right now," Su Qingyue said gratefully.
If no one had discovered her, who knew what might have happened while she was unconscious? If she were lucky, no one would have paid her any mind. If she were unlucky, she might have been discovered by the Empress's people, and then...
Su Qingyue subconsciously touched her belly.
Qi Zhenzhen noticed the gesture, realizing that Su Qingyue knew she was pregnant.
Knowing she was pregnant, yet still running out dressed as a maidservant – Qi Zhenzhen could not believe there wasn't a complicated story behind it.
"Shall I escort you back?" Qi Zhenzhen suggested calmly. "Or perhaps, I could send someone to inform the Second Prince to pick you up? You are with child, and the physician I called from the clinic outside may not be as reliable as an imperial physician."
To Qi Zhenzhen's surprise, Su Qingyue's expression changed drastically. "No, don't. Don't let him know where I am. I, I will leave immediately. Madam Gu, please rest assured, I will not speak of this to anyone."
The Second Prince and his consort were known to have a very good relationship. Pregnancy should be a joyous occasion, so why was it treated like a formidable enemy by Su Qingyue?
Having said that, Su Qingyue was eager to get out of bed.
However, as soon as her feet touched the ground, her body swayed to the side.
If Fei Xu hadn't been quick enough to support her, she would have fallen.
"Your Highness, your body is rather weak now. The physician also said you need to rest well," Qi Zhenzhen said. "Wherever you wish to go, I will have someone escort you."
Where to go?
Su Qingyue sat blankly on the bed. Where could she go? Her maiden home? The journey was long, and even if she returned, she was certain her family would send her back immediately.
She didn't know why the Empress couldn't tolerate her and her child, nor did she know the Second Prince's attitude.
Moreover, even if the Second Prince cared for her, he couldn't protect her from the Empress.
When she fled, she didn't even have any money on her. She had nowhere to go.
"Madam Gu, could you possibly take me in? Just give me a place to stay and a meal," Su Qingyue asked with hopeful eyes.
"No," Gu Sinian's voice rang out. "This humble subject pays his respects to the Second Prince Consort. Your Highness is with child, carrying a royal heir, and cannot afford any mishap. My family dares not take such a risk."
"Madam Gu, you are also with child. I believe you can understand a mother's desire to protect her child," Su Qingyue gritted out. "Setting aside our statuses, I am merely a pitiable mother who wishes to protect her child. If Duke Gu and Madam Gu insist on sending me back, then you would be executioners, the ones who kill my child and me. Therefore, Madam Gu, consider it as accumulating merit for your unborn child, and help me and my child, won't you?"