Qingqing shook her head, attributing it to her simple nature. The Emperor continued, “Among the princes and princesses, some fear me, others flatter me; few speak their true minds.”
Qingqing, moved by the Emperor’s sincerity, tearfully said, “If I could have a father like you, I’d willingly give up ten years of my life…”
The Emperor, touched, declared, “That’s not hard at all. Once you recover, I’ll issue an edict to appoint you as the first non-royal Duchess of our dynasty.”
The morning light slanted in, illuminating the Emperor’s dark brows, sharp cheekbones, and the light in his eyes. His demeanor was sincere, his tone earnest, as if conferring a title was as simple as drinking tea. Qingqing’s heart overflowed with happiness and gratitude, feelings so intense they seemed ready to burst from her chest. Ignoring the Emperor’s objections, she rose and bowed deeply: “I, your humble servant, thank His Majesty for his great kindness, but how can a royal household have such an unsightly county princess?” The Emperor was about to speak when Qingqing continued, “Please allow me to finish, it’s not that I belittle myself. Though I might behave improperly at times, I lack the grace and restraint one should have. How could such an easily offensive person like me dishonor the imperial family?” The Emperor suddenly stood up and, without a second thought, ordered the eunuch outside to listen to his decree: “Have the Imperial Household Department set a date; once Miss Lin has recovered, she is to be made a county princess.” The eunuch gave Qingqing a few puzzled glances but dared not act out of line, respectfully withdrawing.
“Your Majesty, you…” Qingqing, as soon as the eunuch left, spoke anxiously, “Your Majesty’s decision is too hasty; it might not be accepted by all… I myself do not wish for such an elevation…” The Emperor said, “With Qingqing’s candidness, you can already win people’s trust.” His implication was that although Qingqing lacked “grace and restraint,” she had “self-awareness.” He continued, “If Qingqing thinks the position of county princess is beneath her, then I will elevate you to a princess; the ancestral laws…”
“That’s not what I meant,” Qingqing interjected before the Emperor could finish. “I’m just afraid others might think I am unworthy and dishonor the royal family.” Upon hearing this, the Emperor burst into hearty laughter, the kindness in his eyes vanishing, replaced by the stern authority of an emperor. He said, “I am the Emperor; if I wish it, what can’t be done?”
Chapter 79: The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, No Mortal Can Defy Him
After these words, Qingqing’s tears fell, her gratitude beyond words: “With such favor from His Majesty, my heart is content.” She paused, her expression solemn: “But if I may be so bold, if His Majesty expects me to please the Crown Prince and make him ‘like’ me because of this favor, I would never agree.” The Emperor’s face grew cold, his displeasure evident: “Do you know whom you are speaking to?” Although Qingqing was inwardly fearful, she had her own stubbornness. She knelt down: “I know that offending His Majesty is a capital offense, but I too have my pride and do not wish to be manipulated. If His Majesty truly elevates me out of affection, then I am deeply grateful.”
The Emperor’s fiery gaze fixed on her, and as she finished speaking, his anger turned into a curious smile: “Very well, very well, Lin Qingqing, you’ve been given an inch and now you want a mile. Since you feel my favor brings you distress, you no longer need to come to the palace for lessons. Now that you’ve recovered, have someone pack your things, and return to the Lin family with your father.” With three ‘very well’s, his tone and demeanor lacked any of the usual warmth, and with that, he flicked his sleeve and left.
Qingqing was clever; she saw through the Emperor’s intentions. But she forgot that the Emperor was the Son of Heaven, and mere mortals could not defy him, much like one shouldn’t pluck the whiskers of a tiger.
The palace staff were most efficient. As soon as the Emperor left, half of the eunuchs and maids from the Eastern Palace had already withdrawn. Guards immediately came to help Qingqing with her medicine pots and the newly prescribed medicine. Master Lin instructed Xiaotang, who had been attending in the palace, to help Qingqing walk out slowly. He tried to control his rising emotions and calmly said, “You seem unaffected; we’ll deal with this when we get home.” Qingqing was stunned, murmured a “yes,” and lowered her head to walk forward.
Just as they reached the palace gate, they saw Yuzhen and the Crown Prince anxiously waiting. Qingqing felt a slight warmth in her heart. The two, upon seeing her approach, were momentarily at a loss for words. Yuzhen’s eyes were filled with tears, “I don’t know why His Majesty suddenly got angry, but it won’t be hard for us sisters to meet in the future.”
Chapter 80: Qingqing’s Feelings for Four
Qingqing smiled back, murmuring, “Yes, meeting won’t be hard, but to meet often…” Yuzhen’s tears grew more, “My father won’t stop me from visiting my good sister!” Qingqing nodded, pulling Yuzhen aside to ask quietly, “Why isn’t the Fourth Prince here?” Yuzhen sighed, her expression melancholic, and recounted how the Fourth Prince had saved her. Qingqing was both moved and surprised, feeling a strange emotion well up inside her. She suddenly looked into the distance, her eyes hot with unshed tears.
Everyone followed her gaze to see the Fourth Prince, supported by a young eunuch, walking with his usual dignified pace, neither too fast nor too slow, but with no less grace. As he approached, Qingqing pushed Xiaotang’s hand away, quickly stepped forward, and took his hand, her voice both concerned and sincere: “You came?” The Fourth Prince: “I came.” “I thought you wouldn’t.” Qingqing suddenly showed the shy demeanor of a young maiden and continued, “I want to thank you.” Seeing their intimate exchange, the others felt it inappropriate to approach. Yuzhen felt somewhat comforted, but the Crown Prince and Master Lin’s gazes were not so kind.
The Fourth Prince, after hearing her, softly said, “It wasn’t me who saved you; it was the Second Prince who pulled you out.” “I must thank the Crown Prince too,” Qingqing laughed. “Why were you so foolish? Risking your own life for me?” She lowered her head like a demure wife, implying, “Do you like me?” But after waiting for a while with no response, she boldly looked up to see the Fourth Prince’s face had turned cold, his voice icy: “‘Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.’ I didn’t want the Second Prince to lose his servants’ lives; you don’t need to thank me.” Qingqing felt rebuffed, yet she still smiled: “But you truly care for me, Yuzhen told me everything.”
The Fourth Prince’s expression suddenly became odd, his gaze on Qingqing seemed pained, then quickly turned to contempt and indifference: “I only pity you.”
Chapter 81: How Does Four Feel About Qingqing