It turned out he was the Crown Prince (Part Two)
Qingqing chuckled, “Though this is a big deal, how could it be bad?” The servant awkwardly laughed, “The Emperor and the Crown Prince are here to enjoy the snow. Your father, brother, and sister are already in the garden accompanying them. Please, Mr. Liu and Miss Qingqing, join them.” Mr. Liu nodded in acknowledgment and instructed the servant to inform Master Lin they would be there shortly. However, Qingqing was not at ease; firstly, her physical condition might lead to improper conduct in front of the Emperor, and secondly, she was still haunted by the last incident, fearing she might say something inappropriate and be blamed. Mr. Liu, understanding her concerns, reassured her, “Just be cautious and courteous in your speech. The Emperor is not petty, and your father only gave you a warning last time.” Qingqing shook her head, shivering at the thought of the Emperor’s power over life and death. Mr. Liu said, “The snow viewing in the imperial garden is far more interesting than here at the Lin residence. The Emperor came especially with the Crown Prince, probably to see you.” Qingqing was taken aback, “How… how is that possible?” Mr. Liu explained, “Your father knows you’re not well, yet he specifically sent someone to fetch you. I guess my assumption isn’t far off.” Qingqing began to think, but Mr. Liu urged, “Don’t think about other things now. If we don’t go, we might really be blamed.” With no other choice, Qingqing got up, chose her best attire, and went with Mr. Liu to the garden.
Upon arrival, she saw a large crowd seated, sipping tea. Behind the Emperor stood a line of stern, beautiful palace maids, and not far away, a group of guards. Qingqing, not daring to lift her head, hurried over, knelt, and thrice shouted “Long live the Emperor.” The Emperor laughed heartily, “Stand up. Qingqing, it’s been a while.” Qingqing stood but didn’t dare to look directly at him, ready to respond when suddenly a young man stood up from his chair, his voice filled with surprise, “Lin Qingqing? How could it be you?” Qingqing looked up and saw it was Li Qin, and she blurted out, “Li Qin?” Everyone was surprised, and Master Lin was the first to react, “Qingqing, don’t be rude. How can you address the Crown Prince by his personal name?” Qingqing was even more shocked, “You are really the Crown Prince?” She quickly corrected herself, “This humble servant deserves death for offending the Crown Prince.”
It turned out he was the Crown Prince (Part Three)
