“Yuzhen, would you be happier if you became the empress?” Yuzhen quickly turned her head, looking at the composed Qingqing in panic. Qingqing immediately smiled lightly, saying casually, “I was just asking out of curiosity.” Yuzhen didn’t think much of it and changed the subject, “Qingqing, shouldn’t you consider your own feelings? We’re not children anymore.” We must face what we must face, no longer able to avoid it. The next day, Qingqing began her life as a study companion. Now, Li Qin no longer needed the Grand Tutor’s guidance; he was in the imperial study, beginning to learn how to review memorials, taking charge of matters that weren’t overly critical. When Qingqing entered, she saw him frowning. “It seems the emperor said you could handle matters that aren’t critical, but you look very busy?” Li Qin put down the memorial he was holding, not showing any constraint in front of Qingqing, “Is there any matter of the state that isn’t critical?” Qingqing suddenly bowed respectfully, moved, “With such diligence from the crown prince, the people are blessed.” Li Qin lightly supported her, his words earnest, “Qingqing, thank you!” Seeing her confusion, he continued, “It was you who enlightened me and reminded the emperor.” Qingqing then recalled the distant past when she was only twelve. She had criticized Li Qin’s “imperial meal” and, after falling into the water, told the emperor that “the softest can ride the hardest,” which led the emperor to change from strictness to compassion, paving the way for Li Qin’s current mindset. That was so long ago that Qingqing had almost forgotten, but this shows her true nature from back then. Why then does Li Qin treat her only as a confidante? If what the emperor said was true, if they were to unite, then the world… Of course, Qingqing is not like Yuzhen; she wouldn’t sacrifice her happiness for the sake of the world. Sometimes, one doesn’t have to be the emperor’s woman to serve the nation; being his study companion can suffice. So, Qingqing asked Li Qin, “The emperor asked me to be your study companion, but we both know in our hearts that we only see each other as good friends, so I hope you won’t misunderstand my presence in the imperial study.” She was afraid Li Qin might think she shared the emperor’s intentions, aiming to cultivate feelings. Did this not also indicate that she had feelings for Li Qin?
Chapter 97: Meeting the Fourth Prince Again
Li Qin naturally understood Qingqing’s intent; the emperor’s intentions were not entirely about fostering feelings between them, as the imperial study was not a place for romantic pursuits. Li Qin seemed to feel a subtle disappointment he himself hadn’t noticed. He smiled, patted Qingqing’s shoulder, and said casually, “We’ve been friends for so many years, I understand you. Let’s get to work, companion!” He seemed to emphasize the word “companion” as if to prove a point. Qingqing found it amusing, performed a curtsy, “So, Your Highness, should this servant grind the ink or organize the memorials?” Li Qin looked thoughtful, seemingly considering what to assign her. Then they both burst into laughter, dispelling any awkwardness. “Your Highness, the Fourth Prince seeks an audience.” Little Dengzi looked at the laughing pair, feeling his timing was off. “Grant him entry!” Li Qin seemed oblivious to Qingqing’s unease. The Fourth Prince, unaware of Qingqing’s presence, was momentarily taken aback when he saw her, but he quickly recovered, not wanting to know what the laughter was about. He said, “The emperor sent me to see if there’s anything I can help with.” Li Qin nodded understandingly, “It’ll be livelier with the three of us together.” Li Qin didn’t understand the emperor’s intention in calling the Fourth Prince to the imperial study, but Qingqing did, recalling the emperor’s words: Qingqing, now I realize a woman like you wouldn’t follow my arrangements. You won’t marry the second prince, but you must marry one of my sons! I was wrong before. The emperor’s intention was clear; aside from Li Qin, the only prince around Qingqing’s age was the Fourth Prince. If she wouldn’t marry Li Qin, she would have to marry the Fourth Prince. At that time, Qingqing agreed; she had no choice but to agree. She was no longer the Qingqing who spoke her mind freely; she knew the emperor’s will couldn’t be disobeyed repeatedly. Even if she didn’t care about herself, she had to care about the Lin family, and even if not for the Lin family, for her mother. Her mother was no longer the timid, self-interested Third Lady seeking favor from Lord Lin but a true mother. Moreover, she wasn’t sure if the emperor had seen through her affection for the Fourth Prince. If Qingqing could marry Li Qin and become the empress, the emperor would be delighted, but if not, marrying the Fourth Prince seemed the better option.
Chapter 98: Do You Know Swans Are Transformed from Ugly Ducklings?
Given Qingqing’s character, she would surely persuade the Fourth Prince to fully support Li Qin and mediate their relationship. But what did the emperor mean by saying, “I was wrong before?” The Fourth Prince coldly remarked, “With one less person, one can handle matters more calmly.” His voice was neither loud nor soft, speaking clearly, but it was unclear whether he meant himself or Qingqing was the extra person. Qingqing stood by, too shy to speak, only stealing glances at him. The last time she saw him in the Emperor’s chambers, she only noticed that he was about as tall as Li Qin. Now, she could clearly see his features. He seemed more refined than before, though the cold air between his brows was still palpable even without close inspection. His attire was simpler than in his youth, yet tailored to fit him perfectly. The only decoration was the fan in his hand. Standing there casually, he exuded an air of aloofness and grace. Li Qin paid no mind to his words, and soon the conversation turned to state affairs. At noon, Li Qin invited them to dine at his Eastern Palace, but Qingqing smiled and dismissed the offer, “Prince, though I see you daily, it’s been years since I’ve seen the Fourth Prince. Could we have a chance to catch up?” Li Qin gave a knowing, teasing look and chuckled, “I understand.” Qingqing expected the Fourth Prince to reject her invitation for a walk, but to her surprise, he agreed nonchalantly. They wandered through the breathtaking imperial garden, neither speaking, until they reached the lotus pond where she had once fallen. Suddenly, she asked, “Fourth Prince, have you heard that swans come from the ugliest of ducks? Do you like swans?” She stopped, her eyes filled with eager anticipation. Even a blind man could feel the urgency of her heartbeat. However, the Fourth Prince, capable of sensing even what a blind man could, showed no reaction, just shrugged and smiled ambiguously. Qingqing’s mind shifted, “Fourth Prince, let me give you a riddle to solve!” The Fourth Prince nodded, indicating she should continue. Qingqing sat at the pavilion where she used to talk with Li Qin in her childhood, unabashedly meeting the Fourth Prince’s cold gaze, and began, “Swans fly away, birds don’t return, longing for the past in vain, clouds part, moon below, shadows of daggers, streams meet again, sun sets, moon rises, people lean on the moon, noble bachelors follow you.” The Fourth Prince thought for a long time, perhaps unwilling to answer or truly unable to guess. He simply said, “Actually, I only like beautiful swans; as for what they were before, I’m not interested.”