Three days later, the Fourth Prince returned. He brought a cartload of charcoal and tonics, which Lihua joyfully received and went to organize. Qingqing had completely changed in those three days. Though still gaunt, she now wore a captivating, confident smile. The Fourth Prince no longer showed the pity and helplessness he had before. With a spring-like smile, he asked, “Have you come to your senses?”
In Chapter 142: The Secret of the Heavenly Duke, Qingqing smiled even sweeter, her voice calm, “If I hadn’t, wouldn’t I be letting down the ‘Heavenly Duke’s’ good intentions?” The Fourth Prince paused, then burst into laughter. Jewelry? That wasn’t what she wanted.
She remembered how Mr. Liu had once been rendered speechless by her discourse on how women should understand the art of governance. Why should she rely on a man to survive? She wanted to free herself from anyone who pitied her, especially men. She no longer needed the so-called “confidant” emperor to give her anything; she wanted to work with those who truly appreciated her and could collaborate with her. She even wanted to possess the entire world!
The two of them slowly descended the mountain, and the Fourth Prince escorted Qingqing back to the Cold Palace without anyone noticing along the way. Once they sat down, they began discussing their future plans. On the way, Qingqing asked the Fourth Prince if her secret had been betrayed by one of his subordinates, if there was a mole among his “followers.” The Fourth Prince did not show any displeasure at the term “mole” and solemnly stated, “My subordinates, except for Yan Shu, are all officials who understand the intricacies of the palace. If anyone were foolish enough to inform, they would gain nothing but death.” Qingqing found this amusing and asked why. He explained, “My power has not been built in a day or two; the second brother would not remove me over such a ‘small matter.’ Because I haven’t opposed him yet, if he were to remove me, it would be like cutting off his own hands.” Qingqing did not ask further and quietly returned to the palace.
