Chapter 126: The Pitiful Often Deserve Hate
Qingqing, of course, felt no sympathy. The pitiful often deserve hate; one shouldn’t harm others’ happiness out of personal greed, nor should one mercilessly destroy it. For example, the beautiful abbess in the temple. Since Qingqing had promised her, she would follow through. The abbess had said, “If you want to live peacefully and happily in the palace, you must not harbor any emotions, including love.” And sympathy was a luxury, even more luxurious than Li Qin’s imperial meals once were.
Afterward, Qingqing served in the Empress Dowager’s palace with utmost care, not daring to overstep, playing the role of the obedient “Anu” for about a month. Finally, the Empress Dowager relented. On that day, with gentle breezes and a bright sun, it was the day Qingqing was promoted to “Noble Consort.” Li Qin bestowed upon her the title “Xiu,” perhaps hinting that her beauty was her only asset. Regardless, it was a step forward. One day, Qingqing would make them realize what kind of heart lay beneath her beautiful face. It had been a long time since there was such joy in the palace, and even Qingqing herself couldn’t help but feel elated. She thought of the vivid, restrained expression on Yafu’s face, which was even more delightful than when she heard about her own promotion. “Congratulations,” Qingqing waited in Cangju Palace for the eunuch to deliver the imperial edict, but instead, the Fourth Prince arrived. Qingqing was already accustomed to this title; he should now be referred to as the Fourth King. “Thank you!” Qingqing looked at him, pondering what kind of feelings she had for him. Was the affection she once felt for him still there?
