Chapter 55
The air in the palace felt heavier than usual. Ping sat by her window, watching the fading evening light, her hands resting against her lap. She had been feeling strange lately—exhausted, feverish, and unsteady on her feet. At first, she thought it was stress from everything happening around her, but when the dizziness worsened, she knew something was wrong.
"Mei," she called softly.
The maid entered quickly, worry evident on her face. "Yes, my lady?"
"Call the doctor," Ping whispered.
Mei hesitated but obeyed.
Minutes later, the palace physician arrived, bowing deeply before beginning his examination. He asked a few questions, checked her pulse, and after what felt like an eternity, he finally looked at her with a small, knowing smile.
"My lady… you are with child."
Ping's eyes widened. She sat frozen, the words echoing in her mind.
Pregnant?
She was pregnant with Ling's child.
She wasn't expecting this—not now, not when her world was already crumbling around her. Her heart pounded as a mixture of emotions flooded her—happiness, fear, sorrow. What was she supposed to do? How could she raise a child knowing Ling was going to marry another woman?
"My lady?" Mei called gently, noticing how pale Ping had become.
Ping swallowed hard and turned to her maid. "Don't tell the king."
Mei's eyes widened. "But—"
"Please, Mei. No one must know."
Mei wanted to argue, but the pain in Ping's voice made her nod reluctantly.
That night, as the palace slept, Ping made her decision. She couldn't stay here.
Before the first light of dawn, she packed a small bundle of clothes, wrapped herself in a heavy cloak, and slipped through the palace halls unnoticed. Even Mei, her most trusted companion, had no idea she was leaving.
By the time morning arrived, the queen was gone.
—
The entire palace erupted in chaos.
Ling had woken up to the news that Ping was missing. His heart dropped. At first, he thought she had simply gone somewhere within the palace, but as hours passed with no sign of her, panic set in.
His voice was sharp as he commanded his guards, "Find her. Search the entire kingdom. Bring my queen back to me!"
Days passed, and still, there was no sign of Ping. Ling was restless, furious, and devastated. He needed to tell her the marriage had been canceled. He needed to hold her, to see her again.
Then, Mei came to him.
The maid stood before the king, her hands trembling as she bowed. "Your Majesty… I have a confession."
Ling's sharp gaze locked onto her. "What is it?"
Mei hesitated before finally speaking, her voice soft but clear. "The queen… she is with child."
The words struck him like lightning.
Ling's breath caught. "What did you just say?"
"She found out before she left," Mei whispered. "She didn't want you to know."
His heart pounded in his chest. His Ping—his love—was out there, alone and pregnant with his child.
Ling stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. His jaw tightened as raw determination filled his eyes.
"Saddle my horse," he commanded. "I'm going to find my queen and my child."