Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

When the third wife saw Qingqing rushing back in such a frenzy, she thought she had offended someone and was being sent back, angrily saying, “Why aren’t you staying in the study? Why come back at this time?” Out of breath, Qingqing said, “Father wants me to tell you that he’s taking us and Mr. Liu out to see the world.” It took the third wife a moment to process: “You’re going too? Your father specifically asked you to tell me?” Qingqing, catching her breath, said, “Yes. Father also said to hurry back, have dinner together, and then set off.” The third wife was so moved she almost cried: “Good, good, your father finally remembers you… Actually, your father was very fond of you when you were born, but…” Qingqing had never seen her mother so tender and emotional, and she said, “Mother, don’t worry, I will study hard and perform well, so father will look at both you and me differently.” The third wife, who had always scolded or ignored Qingqing, now felt fortunate that her daughter was sensible, thinking she wasn’t so unlucky after all. Qingqing said, “Mother, I should go now.” The third wife nodded, and for the first time, advised, “Be careful on the road.” Qingqing hurried back to the study, feeling incredibly happy; her father had noticed her, and her mother was being gentle. She felt like a child in a dream, hoping it would never end. Surprise (3) When Qingqing returned to the study, the efficient Housekeeper Lin had already instructed the servants to set up the meal and prepare everything. Seeing everyone waiting for her, Qingqing was overwhelmed, “I’m late, sorry to keep everyone waiting.” Master Lin said, “Quick, take your seat and eat.” Qingqing hesitated as she sat down. Master Lin said, “Qingqing, from now on, don’t address yourself as ‘you’ or ‘I’; just call me like Hong and Yafu do. You are all the same.” “You are all the same,” a simple phrase, but to Qingqing, it sounded like music. Although Master Lin had agreed to her studying, she didn’t dare call him “father” or refer to herself as his “daughter” in front of him. Now, Master Lin’s words had placed her on the same level as the pampered Lin Hong and Yafu, which was a tremendous honor for her. She choked back tears, “Yes, father.” However, everyone else didn’t notice her feelings and simply started eating. After the meal, Master Lin asked Housekeeper Lin, “Old Lin, have you sent word to the palace?” Housekeeper Lin replied, “Yes, I’ve informed His Majesty, and also mentioned that Master Lin will not attend the morning court tomorrow.” Master Lin asked, “Are the clothes prepared?” Housekeeper Lin said, “They are all ready, except for the eldest miss; she has no clothes.” Master Lin then realized that he had only provided her with fabric the day before; where would she get clothes? Feeling somewhat guilty, he said, “Tell someone to buy two sets of ready-made clothes and send them to the outskirts.” Qingqing quickly said, “I’ve only worn this outfit for two years; there’s no need.” Master Lin signaled for Housekeeper Lin to go quickly, then told Qingqing, “From now on, you won’t have to wear clothes for two years. You’ll have many new outfits.” As they departed, Qingqing and Yafu shared a carriage, while Master Lin, Lin Hong, and Mr. Liu shared another. The wheels of the horse-drawn carriage clattered rhythmically over the bluestone road, and Qingqing, experiencing her first carriage ride, was beside herself with excitement. The carriage was luxurious and spacious, with thick, fluffy sheepskin cushions. Qingqing couldn’t help but stroke the snowy white fur, marveling at it. After what seemed like an eternity, Yafu finally couldn’t resist asking, “Haven’t you ever ridden in one before?” Qingqing’s ears turned hot: “This is my first time in a carriage.” Yafu replied, “I could tell.” Her disdainful look and the air of innate superiority made Qingqing feel utterly insignificant. Qingqing immediately lowered her head, sitting quietly and no longer daring to sigh or touch anything. A gentle breeze lifted the curtain of the carriage window, revealing bustling street vendors on both sides, each hawking their wares. Passersby haggled over prices, creating a lively and novel scene that Qingqing couldn’t help but peek at surreptitiously. Yafu, however, found her “elder sister” intolerable, feeling inexplicably threatened by her despite her plain looks. She said to Qingqing, “Hasn’t your mother taught you the etiquette for young women?” Qingqing, momentarily confused, let out a bewildered “Ah?” Yafu continued, “Looking around like that is hardly the demeanor of a lady from a good family. My mother said a woman should never step beyond the inner gate, should not show her teeth when laughing, and should walk as if floating on water. Although my father isn’t overly conservative, allowing us to read and even bringing us out to observe, peeking from behind the curtain is strictly forbidden.” She spoke with such confidence, clearly proud. Qingqing replied, “You’re right, sister was rude.” From then on, Qingqing truly quieted down, not because she wanted to heed her sister’s reprimand, but because the growing sense of inferiority made her uncomfortable.