Adventure Outside the City (III) The Emperor personally helped Mr. Lin up and asked Qingqing, “How does your father teach you?” Qingqing replied, “Father is usually busy with state affairs and has little time to teach me personally. But one thing, the concubines in our mansion live harmoniously, and the servants are diligent. As the saying goes, ‘A harmonious family leads to prosperity.’ I believe it’s because the court has a good emperor, which brings harmony to our family. With a harmonious family, I have the leisure to think about these matters.” Her words were simple and somewhat unconventional, yet no one could find a reason to refute them. Mr. Lin, sweating profusely, had his inner garments soaked, but seeing the Emperor smile and nod appreciatively, he finally relaxed.
The Emperor then asked, “So, your father is a good official?” Qingqing smiled and said, “How does Your Majesty find the fabric of my clothes?” Her response was completely off-topic, even counter-questioning the Emperor, which not only made Mr. Lin tense again but also caused Mr. Liu to break out in a cold sweat. Accustomed to flattery in the palace, the Emperor was intrigued and amused by someone questioning his opinion. After a while, he said, “I can’t tell what the fabric is, but I can say it’s not something luxurious.” Qingqing said, “This is just the most common fabric worn by common girls. If even the eldest daughter of the Lin family wears such clothes, then I think my father surely isn’t corrupt. An official who isn’t corrupt is a good official.” As she mentioned “the eldest daughter of the Lin family,” Mr. Lin felt somewhat embarrassed, but by the end, when she said “is a good official,” he couldn’t help but smile. This clever daughter, she’s both criticizing and praising me.
The Emperor laughed, “Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right.” Qingqing seemed not at all afraid of the Emperor and beamed with pride at his praise. Mr. Lin said, “Qingqing doesn’t understand etiquette, please excuse her, Your Majesty.” “No, what this young lady says is very sincere, and I enjoy hearing the truth,” the Emperor responded warmly, even forgetting to use the royal ‘we’.
