Yuanjiu watched her without expression until she felt a surge of restless energy pouring into her palm.
Realization dawned on her, and her expression shifted.
Her mother also possessed supernatural powers, and at the brink of death, she was transferring all her energy to her.
Although she couldn't yet determine the nature of this energy, she felt the warmth roiling in her chest and abdomen as it merged with her own.
When the flow stopped, her mother's lips curled into a faint smile before her eyes closed forever.
Yuanjiu knew she was gone.
Aside from the heaviness in her chest, Yuanjiu didn't feel the sadness she thought she should.
Aunt Yue and Xue'er sobbed uncontrollably. "Your Highness, Your Highness…"
Although her earlier attempt to summon energy had failed, it had still consumed much of Yuanjiu's strength, and she drifted back into sleep.
When she awoke, she found herself cradled in Xue'er's arms.
Aunt Yue sat nearby, talking incessantly.
From their conversation, Yuanjiu learned she had slept for three days, and during that time, her mother had already been laid to rest.
Seeing her open her eyes, Xue'er's face lit up. "Aunt Yue, the princess is awake!"
Xue'er adjusted her clothing and began nursing her.
Yuanjiu remained still, quietly observing the faint warmth that seemed to awaken within her body.
It was as though the dormant energy deep inside her was beginning to stir.
Noticing the unmoving canopy at the head of the bed, she squinted slightly and discreetly activated her wind manipulation ability.
The canopy fluttered ever so slightly.
Yuanjiu breathed a small sigh of relief.
Now she could be certain that her powers hadn't disappeared.
Her mind settled.
From now on, all she needed to do was grow up slowly and gradually train to recover her former abilities.
Thinking about this, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"The princess is smiling!"
Xue'er laughed softly as she lifted Yuanjiu into her arms.
Aunt Yue leaned in to take a look, her gaze filled with tenderness. "Poor child… the little one probably doesn't even realize she's lost her mother yet."
Xue'er patted Yuanjiu's back gently without responding.
Consort Li had once shown her great kindness, and she was still engulfed in grief.
Xue'er, was previously a laundress with a guard husband and a half-year-old child.
She had suffered a devastating loss two months earlier when her child died of illness.
Her husband who is enraged and blaming her for the loss, had beaten her nearly to death in a drunken fit.
Consort Li had overheard the commotion and sent Aunt Yue to bring Xue'er to the Cold Palace.
Not only did the consort use premium salves, a gift from the Emperor, to heal Xue'er, but she also spent money to transfer her out of the laundry service and taught her some magic.
For this, Xue'er deeply appreciated the second chance at life that Consort Li had given her.
Aunt Yue gently pinched Yuanjiu's small cheeks. "Don't worry, princess. Aunt Yue will take good care of you."