Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

Mr. Lin said, “Let’s hear your thoughts.” Yafu spoke first, “These refugees work hard, but the seeds they use are of poor quality, unlikely to yield good crops. I think we should first provide them with better seeds.” Lin Hong added, “Waiting for them to plant after giving them seeds, they might starve before the crops are ready. We should first distribute food, then seeds, and teach them farming techniques.” Everyone nodded in agreement, except Qingqing, who seemed deep in thought. Mr. Liu noticed, “It seems the eldest miss does not agree with this plan.” Qingqing, when faced with such matters, shed her usual timidity and said, “These are not long-term solutions.” Everyone paused, and Mr. Lin asked, “What would be a long-term strategy?” Qingqing explained, “With the Yellow River breached, why not employ these refugees as laborers? They have nowhere to go; if the court provides food and some extra money, they’ll work hard. This way, we save on conscripting labor and solve their immediate needs.” Mr. Lin, increasingly impressed, praised, “A brilliant plan, indeed.” Mr. Liu smiled, “This is exactly what I had in mind.” Before Mr. Lin could respond, an elderly voice said, “This is what I was thinking as well.” Turning around, they saw an old man, around seventy, yet not showing his age, dressed in fine, noble attire, accompanied by robust attendants. His voice was not loud, but it carried authority and an air of grace. Mr. Lin led the group in kneeling, “Your servant Lin Pu pays respects to the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live, long live.” The old man was the Emperor himself. Everyone followed suit, kneeling and chanting “Long live.” The Emperor quickly said, “Lord Lin, rise quickly. We must not reveal our identity.” Mr. Lin stood up, as did the others. The Emperor, examining Qingqing for a moment, though not fond of her appearance, admired her insight, and asked, “Such foresight from such a young lady, what is her name?” Mr. Lin quickly answered, “She is my daughter, Lin Qingqing.” The Emperor, understanding, asked, “The ‘Qing’ as in ‘Qing Tian’?” Mr. Lin coughed awkwardly, “Yes, that’s right.” In truth, he had named her after the green grass, not the blue sky. The Emperor remarked, “Like father, like daughter, Lord Lin’s daughter is indeed formidable.” “This daughter of mine has been frail since childhood, but her mind is not affected by her illnesses,” said Mr. Lin, quickly covering up for his daughter’s faults. Qingqing, standing beside, hurried forward and said, “It’s because of father’s good teaching.” Everyone was startled by her actions; usually timid and shy, how come she was bold at the most inappropriate moments? Mr. Lin hurriedly knelt down, saying, “Qingqing is unaware of propriety, please forgive her, Your Majesty.” As he knelt, everyone followed suit.