Consort of a Thousand Faces

In front of the posthouse.

As Su Xi-er dismounted her horse, a bout of dizziness seized her, causing her to fall backwards. Fortunately, Pei Qianhao was in time to catch her in his arms.

She shook her head. "A-Jing, I'm feeling very dizzy."

Pei Qianhao picked her up and practically flew inside before setting her on the bed gently. 

Su Xi-er was dazed, feeling as if dozens of people were speaking into her ears. She recognized some voices and not others, but they all resounded within her head.

Seeing how much pain she was in, Pei Qianhao’s gaze grew increasingly frigid. "Why is the imperial physician not here yet?"

As if waiting for a cue, an imperial physician hurriedly arrived while carrying a medical box.

Pei Qianhao turned his glare to the newly arrived physician. "Why are you still standing there in a daze?"

Coming back to his senses, the imperial physician quickly placed a strip of gauze over Su Xi-er’s wrist before taking her pulse. However, the furrow between his brow only deepened the more time passed.

"Prince Hao, there's nothing abnormal with the Princess Consort's body." The imperial physician’s voice shook as he cautiously reported his findings.

The corners of Pei Qianhao's mouth were pulled into a sneer. "If there's nothing abnormal, why is Xi-er suffering so much?"

The imperial physician immediately went to feel her pulse again, but the bewilderment in his eyes only grew. Not only is her pulse stable, it’s even stronger than most other pregnant women. How can such a pulse belong to an ill person? 

"Prince Hao, this humble subject's medical skills are limited, and I am truly unable to discern the Princess Consort's condition." The imperial physician was terrified as he admitted.

Why am I so unlucky? I'm afraid it'll be hard to keep my life now. 

Pei Qianhao's expression was icy cold. "Wu Ling, lock him up."

The imperial physician's knees buckled, and he kept kowtowing. "Prince Hao, please spare my life!"

A woman's melodious voice sounded. "Please wait, Prince Hao."

The owner of the voice then emerged in a light purple gauze dress that was embroidered with blooming datura flowers and small bells. She appeared beautiful, though her age couldn't be deduced.

"Who are you?" Pei Qianhao asked while shooting her a cold gaze. 

The person wore a faint smile. "My name is Zi Sha, and I'm someone who doesn't exist in the world."

An understanding look flashed past Pei Qianhao's eyes. "Why did you come?"

Zi Sha paid no attention to Pei Qianhao's cold aura, maintaining a smile on her countenance. "I came for Princess Consort Hao."

A ferocious storm brewed in Pei Qianhao's eyes as he visibly grew more vigilant.

Zi Sha remained composed. I've long heard of how much Prince Hao treasures Princess Consort Hao, but it seems that the rumours really are true.

"You don't have to be on guard, Prince Hao. I'm only here to treat Princess Consort Hao. If you delay treatment further, I'm afraid that not only will it be dangerous for her, but also the child in her stomach." 

Pei Qianhao's expression remained unchanged, but his heart grew colder.

"Why should this Prince trust you?"

Zi Sha continued to wear a smile as she took out an item from within her robes."Because of this."