Qingqing felt a throbbing pain in her head as if it was splitting, making her wish she could cut it off. Her throat was parched, as if fire would erupt from it. “Mama Hong…” Qingqing struggled to speak, her voice hoarse and unpleasant, sounding like someone who had never drunk water in their life—though her voice was usually as melodious as a nightingale’s song. Mama Hong had been waiting nearby, perhaps exhausted, and had dozed off for a moment. She was in a light sleep, and upon hearing Qingqing’s voice, she jolted awake with a shiver, “Miss, you’re awake?” Qingqing looked around, confirming she was lying in her own room, “Mama Hong, why am I here? I need to find Mr. Liu.” Upon hearing this, Mama Hong burst into tears, “Miss, you fell while looking for Mr. Liu. It took me over three hours to find you… The doctor said you were overtired, lying in the snow for three hours, and you have a fever.” No wonder her body felt like it was falling apart. Mama Hong continued, “Miss, please don’t study so hard in the future.” Qingqing weakly nodded, “Go inform Mother, and ask Mr. Liu to come.”
Mama Hong wiped her tears and left. Not long after, the Third Lady hurried in, exchanging greetings. After a while, the sound of footsteps on the snow was heard outside. From afar, Mama Hong said, “Miss, Mr. Liu is here.” The Third Lady helped Qingqing sit up, leaning against the pillow. Mr. Liu entered, bowing to greet the Third Lady. Qingqing said to her mother, “Mother, I have something to discuss with Mr. Liu alone.” The Third Lady nodded and left with Mama Hong.
Qingqing awkwardly coughed twice, “Sir, Qingqing knows she was wrong. I shouldn’t have been so hasty, nor should I have used such a noble pursuit as reading… to please my father.” Mr. Liu just smiled and nodded without a word—this was enough. Suddenly, there was a rush of urgent footsteps outside, and someone exclaimed, “Mr. Liu, there’s an emergency…” A servant from the Lin household hurried in, nearly tripping at the door. Both Qingqing and Mr. Liu found it amusing and asked, “What’s the rush?” The servant replied, “The Emperor and the Crown Prince are at the Lin residence.”
