On the day the Empress Dowager recovered, she looked at Qingqing with an indescribable warmth, thanks to Yuzhen’s embellished tale of how Qingqing had begged on her knees to bring the Ghost Doctor to the palace. The Ghost Doctor was deservedly appointed as the Imperial Physician, and the Empress Dowager even wanted Qingqing to stay by her side, saying she needed someone to comfort her heart. Li Qin smiled without comment. Qingqing, unsure of the Empress Dowager’s intentions, could only smile in agreement and thank her for the favor. “After all this effort, I’ve ended up as a ‘maid.’ How laughable,” Yafu remarked coldly as they left the Empress Dowager’s Cihui Palace, just loud enough for Qingqing to hear. Qingqing ignored the sarcasm, laughing lightly, “The best is yet to come.”
Back at the palace, Qingqing immediately packed her belongings to move into the Empress Dowager’s quarters, ready to play the role of an obedient, pitiful songstress. The Empress Dowager arranged for her to stay in a room closest to her own. She watched Qingqing pack with a smile, looking much better than when she was ill, wearing a bright red robe, her face carrying a serene smile like a kind mother. Suddenly, she asked a question that shattered this peaceful scene, “Who are you?” Qingqing was truly annoyed; why did everyone in this palace ask her, “Who are you?” Yet, she dared not show any disrespect, quickly lowering her head in a display of feigned shock and pitifulness, whispering, “I am the songstress, Anu.”
P.S.: Thanks to those who care about me. I’ve had IV drips for three days now, and my fever has gone down. I’ll continue to update diligently, thank you!
