Qingqing’s tears lessened, and the Fourth Prince instructed a young eunuch to bring tea and snacks, leading her to a quiet pavilion to sit. He said, “Miss Lin, do not worry, even if you did offend, my brother would not blame you.” He thought she was worried about Li Qin’s blame, not knowing she was hurt by being called “ugly.”
Qingqing sighed deeply, “I, a person of such fate, do not care whether others blame me or not.” The Fourth Prince, seeing her despondent look, thought of his own plight due to his mother’s humble origins and early death, which led to disdain from palace servants and even a distant relationship with the Emperor. Seeing Qingqing’s sadness, which seemed even greater than his own, he felt both pity and a kinship.
After thinking for a while, the Fourth Prince finally found some comforting words, “You are so kind and sincere, you are bound to have endless blessings in the future. How could you be ill-fated?”
Qingqing felt even worse upon hearing this, “With my appearance, who would marry me? If no one marries me, what blessings are there to speak of? Look at me, even the maids from home wouldn’t follow me here.”
The Fourth Prince then looked serious, as if making a monumental decision, “When I grow a few years older, I will do everything to make you beautiful. Even if you’re not beautiful, I would still marry you. Will you marry me?”
Qingqing, seeing his earnest expression, initially laughed, but then her face turned red with embarrassment. She stammered, “Your Highness jests, how could someone like me match you?”
The Fourth Prince solemnly said, “I am serious. The Emperor has said, avoid marrying for beauty. You, with your talents, are exactly the kind of consort I envision. I am not just pitying you.”
Qingqing was deeply moved by his sincere and determined gaze, and her mood brightened. Every woman has her vanity, and when a man proposes, it’s only natural to feel happy.
“Miss Lin, Miss Lin…” Just as Qingqing was about to express her gratitude to the Fourth Prince, the sweet and gentle voice of Yuzhen came through. Qingqing was surprised; she had been out for so long, she thought Yafu would have come looking for her.
“Miss Chen, I’m here,” Qingqing responded, and a young eunuch quickly led Yuzhen over. Seeing her, Qingqing hurried to say, “I apologize for troubling Miss Chen to find me; I was just about to go to the study.” Yu Zhen burst into laughter, grabbed Qing Qing’s hand, and said, “Stop calling me Miss Chen. Your father and my father are the left and right chancellors, so we should be like the left hand and the right hand, the best of friends. Just call me Yu Zhen.” Her words were filled with emotion, and the sincerity in her eyes was genuine, unlike the superficial politeness she showed when with Ya Fu. Sometimes choosing friends is like choosing a lover; there’s no particular reason, just that at that moment, I find you very appealing. Qing Qing and Yu Zhen chose each other, thus, they already considered each other friends—good friends. “Then you can call me Qing Qing.” The two blushed, turned away, and in soft voices, they compared their ages. It turned out that Qing Qing was three months older than Yu Zhen, making her the elder sister. Qing Qing asked, “Why did you come to find me?” Yu Zhen then remembered her purpose for coming: “I wanted to go out for a walk, so I came to find you before Miss Ya Fu did.” Qing Qing knew Yu Zhen was just trying to comfort her; at this moment, Ya Fu must be feeling resentful about being dragged into this, probably wishing Yu Zhen would just disappear rather than come looking for her. Qing Qing said, “The Crown Prince, he… I…” Yu Zhen suddenly furrowed her brows and said seriously, “The Emperor, Empress, and Right Chancellor Lin are all at the Eastern Palace, waiting for you to return.” Only then did Qing Qing realize the severity of the situation, which had alarmed so many people. She feared that this might implicate her father and Ya Fu, leading to unknown repercussions.
The Importance of Choosing a Wife (Part I)
Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace, Qing Qing saw a crowd of people, some sitting, some standing, but the most eye-catching was the bright yellow figure at the head. Qing Qing did not dare to look closely, only bowing her head in obeisance and wishing for auspiciousness. “Qing Qing, rise,” the Emperor said clearly, then pointed to a woman in noble attire beside him, “This is the Empress, the Crown Prince’s mother. Pay your respects to her as well.” Qing Qing, unsure of the Emperor’s intention, quickly glanced at the Empress but did not dare to stare, bowing once more in greeting. “Rise!” The Empress’s voice was noble and steady, with a hint of warmth that made one feel both her dignity and a sense of familiarity. Qing Qing stepped back, only then daring to steal a glance at the Empress’s face. The Empress was not particularly beautiful, which explained why the Emperor often emphasized “The importance of choosing a wife.” However, the Empress had an aura that commanded respect, her makeup was exquisite and fitting, wearing a rose-colored robe with silver magpies, overlaid with a bright red diamond-patterned shawl. Her head was adorned with a pearl and ruby-set red plum blossom hairpin. She looked regal and dignified. She continued, “Second Son, you were wrong today.” She sipped her tea with an air of a gentle, caring mother scolding a child who had spilled his tea, while Li Qin was already sweating. He quickly knelt on one knee, his tone sincere and repentant: “Your son knows he was wrong, please punish me, Mother Empress!” “Oh?” The Empress maintained her calm demeanor: “What was your mistake?” Li Qin, without hesitation, replied, “Your son should not have been extravagant, wasting precious resources. Nor should I have blamed Miss Lin for criticizing me.” Only then did the Empress nod slightly, instructing the maid beside her to help Li Qin up, and slowly said, “Indeed, the banquet you arranged today was inappropriate. Miss Lin’s criticism was well-intentioned.” She paused, glancing at Qing Qing, and added, “However, Miss Lin’s lack of understanding of etiquette is forgivable, but remember, there must be respect for hierarchy. Before you correct the Crown Prince’s mistake, you must ensure your own safety.” Seeing Qing Qing’s half-understanding expression, she added, “Do you understand?”
The Importance of Choosing a Wife (Part II)