Before long, they had arrived outside the city. Qingqing instructed Xiao Dengzi, who was beside Li Qin, to fly a kite, while they nibbled on snacks and recited poetry. The willow trees by the river were sprouting green, with a mix of red and green hues, and a few wildflowers were just beginning to bloom, like shy brides-to-be. The sky was a strange blue, as if freshly washed, with warm spring breezes occasionally brushing against their cheeks, creating an indescribable sense of leisure. Qingqing plucked a piece of grass to chew on, looking as natural as if it were second nature to her. She closed her eyes, greedily taking in the scent, and sang softly, “The pheasant pecks every ten steps, drinks every hundred, not desiring to be caged, though divine, it’s not good… One drink… one peck… all preordained…” Yuzhen sat down beside her, “The first few lines are from ‘Zhuangzi’s Chapter on Nourishing Life’, but ‘One drink, one peck, all preordained’ seems unfamiliar to me, please forgive my ignorance.” Qingqing looked into the distance where Li Qin was playing with the servants, not directly answering her but instead asking, “Sister, do you have someone in your heart?”
Yuzhen suddenly stopped laughing, not minding Qingqing’s directness. She followed Qingqing’s gaze towards Li Qin, her expression as if it could shatter at any moment, “The goddess has feelings, but King Xiang has none.” Qingqing smiled at her, “‘One drink, one peck’ originally means living freely, but when connected with ‘all preordained,’ it becomes a Buddhist term, speaking of the inevitability of cause and effect. What fate has in store, you can’t discard; what fate has not, you can’t seek.” Yuzhen’s black eyes deepened, seemingly unconcerned with Qingqing’s seemingly nonsensical words, just gazing at her with inscrutable depth, “I am well aware of what you say, but matters of the heart cannot be sought or not sought.” “Of course,” Qingqing continued to smile, pointing to Li Qin in the distance, “But can you bear to share your husband with another?”
Chapter 91: Qingqing’s Beloved
“Indeed, if I could bear it, I would have already asked my father to arrange it for me.” Yuzhen’s chest seemed to quiver slightly as Li Qin’s cheerful laughter spread across the sky, growing clearer… He shouted while running, “You two, hurry up, don’t dawdle there.” Yuzhen responded, turning to Qingqing, “Why don’t you marry, do you also have someone in mind?” Qingqing gave a self-deprecating smile, “If someone would want me, that would be enough; why wait for someone in my heart?” Yuzhen, understanding her thoughts, didn’t press further, stood up, dusted off her clothes, and extended a hand to Qingqing with a smile, “Let’s go play too, at least we will never lose each other.” Qingqing took her hand to stand up; today’s joy was enough, why think of those annoying matters?
They played until evening before returning home. When Qingqing reached the Lin residence’s gate, a maid was waiting, saying dinner was about to be served. Qingqing didn’t bother to freshen up, rushing to the flower hall. Although she and her mother had been dining with Master Lin for years, it didn’t mean she could make him wait. No one could make Master Lin wait during meals, not even Yafu. But today, she was late, and by the time the eighth dish was served, Yafu arrived gracefully. Master Lin was clearly displeased, snorting, “Where have you been? Did the Grand Preceptor at the palace teach you etiquette?” Yafu, however, was not afraid; she elegantly removed her rare and expensive silk shawl, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, “Father, I am truly sorry for making you and mother wait, but the Empress insisted I stay a bit longer, so I…” Her demeanor was gentle, her words seemed to boast, yet there was no trace of arrogance, her acting skills had improved over the years, reaching a level of transcendence. Master Lin immediately forgave her, even looking pleased, “If the Empress likes you, what can we do? Sit down quickly and have a drink with your father.” Yafu then bowed gracefully, “Yes!”
The youngest madam feigned reprimand, “Yafu, even if the Emperor and Empress favor you, don’t forget the time to come home.” Chapter 92: The Emperor Has a Stroke
Yafu glanced at Qingqing intentionally or not, “Daughter understands. Next time, I’ll remind the Empress of the time to return home.” The youngest madam feigned surprise, “How can you remind the Empress? If she wishes to keep you for conversation, it’s because she favors you. What does it matter if your parents wait occasionally? We even have the Crown Prince’s friend here often, and we must see him off.” It turned out she was blaming Qingqing for seeing off the Crown Prince earlier. Yafu smiled obediently, opening her red lips, “Mother’s words, daughter will remember.” The third madam’s face showed displeasure; Qingqing signaled her mother not to mind, giving her a reassuring smile, though she knew it wasn’t very convincing. The third madam hesitated, then carefully started eating. Master Lin coughed lightly, “No talking while eating, no chatting while sleeping. Let’s eat.” Just then, the hurried footsteps of a servant echoed, and he knelt respectfully before Master Lin, “Master, a eunuch from the palace has come, seeking an audience.” At this time, a visitor from the palace must mean urgent business from the Emperor. Master Lin quickly put down his chopsticks and went out to greet him. The eunuch was the Emperor’s chief steward, and upon seeing Master Lin, he spoke directly, “Master Lin, the Emperor has suddenly fallen ill, and he urgently summons you and both young ladies to the palace.” He mentioned both young ladies, not just Yafu. Considering Qingqing had offended the Emperor with her words in the past, the decree stated she was not to be seen unless summoned. Why would the Emperor suddenly summon her now? Without time for further thought, Master Lin changed into his court attire, and they all set off together. In the carriage, everyone harbored their own thoughts, not speaking a word. After a while, Master Lin asked the eunuch, “Do you know what illness the Emperor has?” The eunuch only sat upright, uttering two words, “A stroke.” He naturally didn’t want to say much. If something were to happen to the Emperor, the exhaustion and hardship would be secondary; if blame were to befall him, he might not even keep his life. The main hall was surrounded by imperial physicians and servants, and with the sky darkening, it seemed even more oppressive, the air filled with a sense of extreme tension. Upon entering the hall, Qingqing did not dare to enter the inner chamber casually, fearing to stir up past awkwardness with the Emperor, so she informed Master Lin that she would wait outside and would only enter upon the Emperor’s summons.
Chapter 93: The Prince’s Marriage
Master Lin and Yafu had only been inside for a short while when an eunuch summoned Qingqing. Qingqing entered with her eyes lowered, taking careful, small steps. She immediately knelt before the Emperor’s bed, her voice trembling slightly, “Your servant Lin Qingqing greets the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years!” The Emperor seemed to lift his hand, his voice weak yet authoritative, “Qingqing, rise.” Qingqing bowed again before standing to the side with her hands hanging down.