After that, Qingqing got up earliest and left latest every day, cleaning the study alone. She completed all assignments first and spent two extra hours studying after class. Master Lin always looked satisfied, while Mr. Liu seemed to want to say something but hesitated. As seasons changed, winter arrived, and on the day of the winter solstice, heavy snow fell. After class, Qingqing stayed back, reciting and writing. Mr. Liu sent Lin Hong and Yafu away and finally spoke to Qingqing, “Are you working so hard just to impress your father?” Qingqing smiled, “I want to impress everyone.” Mr. Liu asked, “Is it useful to work like a cow chewing grass?” Qingqing replied, “Do you think it’s useful, sir? My grades are evident.” Mr. Liu sighed, “Reading should be about savoring the meaning, not rushing through. You might read ten thousand books but not grasp their true essence.” Qingqing was stunned, feeling a bit panicked, “Sir…” “You’re only performing, not truly understanding the books’ meanings. What you’ve read is just superficial. I once thought you were an extraordinary woman, but now…” Mr. Liu shook his head and left, stepping into the snow. The sky had already turned a murky gray. With each step Mr. Liu took, his feet made a rhythmic crunching sound on the snow. Large flakes of snow, like goose feathers, fell onto the ground, melting together instantly, indistinguishable from one another… Qingqing was somewhat at a loss, and after a long while, she dropped the book she was holding, forgetting to close the door, and ran out following Mr. Liu’s footprints. “Sir, Sir… Mr. Liu…” Mr. Liu had left quite some time ago, and it took Qingqing a while to catch up to his silhouette, shouting desperately. But Mr. Liu didn’t hear her, so she continued to chase and call out, “Sir… Wait for me… Qingqing knows she was wrong…” Her breath in the cold winter air was filled with white, steaming vapor. Suddenly, she stepped on something, lost her balance, and with a “thud”…
It turned out he was the Crown Prince (Part One)
