The Importance of Choosing a Wife (Part III)
Just as Qing Qing was about to blame herself, the Emperor added, “Let’s end this matter here. I have something else to discuss with you all.” The younger generation all leaned in to listen intently. The Emperor said, “From now on, the Second Prince, Fourth Prince, Xuan’er, Qing Qing, Yu Zhen, and Ya Fu will be instructed by the Grand Tutor and Grand Preceptor. The other princes and princesses are still too young, so they will study separately to avoid distracting each other from their lessons.” They all responded in agreement. The Emperor then sent a young eunuch to inform the Fourth Prince. Finally, feeling weary, the Emperor stood up and instructed everyone to leave. He then turned to Qing Qing, who had remained silent, and said, “Qing Qing, would you accompany me for a walk in the Imperial Garden?” Since the Emperor had only summoned Qingqing, everyone naturally withdrew immediately. Qingqing hurriedly complied, but not before casting a glance at Mr. Li Lin’s expression. In the Imperial Garden, the snow had not yet melted, and the sky gradually began to release willow-like snowflakes, which fell sporadically like pear blossom petals. At this time, the Imperial Garden seemed somewhat desolate, with only the plum blossoms in full bloom, red like fire, white like snow, and pink, bashful. On snowy days, the red ones appeared even more vibrant, while the white ones were somewhat obscured.
Qingqing and the Emperor walked slowly through the snow, followed at a distance by the eunuchs, not approaching closely. Suddenly, Qingqing saw several trees of white plum blossoms ahead, resembling snowflakes, and she couldn’t help but softly recite, “I know from afar it’s not snow, for the fragrance comes…” The Emperor’s demeanor was serene, and upon hearing Qingqing’s recitation, he sighed. Qingqing, unsure of the reason, thought she had disturbed the Emperor.
The Emperor’s voice seemed to come from afar, he sighed, “Fragrant… fragrant…” Qingqing asked, “Your Majesty, are you calling for ‘Fragrant’?” “No,” the Emperor replied gently, looking at her, “I was thinking, you are like a white plum blossom hidden in the snow, just that, the Crown Prince has yet to notice you…”
