Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

Seeing Li Qin’s distress, the physician, feeling sympathetic, whispered, “I’ve heard of a folk remedy, but…” Li Qin, recalling the “mouth-to-mouth” method from the previous day, blushed and thought if this “folk remedy” involved mutual heat transfer, like him soaking in snow and then holding Qingqing. The palace physicians, somewhat scholarly, had been reluctant to suggest such methods again. He said, “You can use a cloth or silk towel soaked in a special wine to wipe her neck, armpits, inner thighs, behind the knees, and palms and soles to reduce the fever. But this wine must not touch the heart area.” Li Qin urgently said, “Then have a maid cover her chest, and act quickly.” The physician explained, “Your Highness, you do not know. This wine is worth a thousand gold per ounce; if applied repeatedly to someone with a high fever, it can reduce the fever, but if applied to a normal person, it would dissolve their blood.” Li Qin said, “There are plenty of servants in the palace; whoever volunteers, I will reward them with ten thousand taels of gold.” Suddenly, laughter came from behind, as if someone had heard the most ridiculous joke: “Brother, you’re truly generous. Even ants cling to life, let alone humans. What use is ten thousand taels of gold if someone dies?” Li Qin angrily retorted, “What do you want then?” “Why do you always oppose me?” The Fourth Prince fearlessly met his gaze, articulating each word, “It’s not that I want to oppose you, but you want to kill Qingqing?” The imperial physician, seeing their intense confrontation, trembled and dared not even breathe. Li Qin, however, suddenly laughed, gritting his teeth, “Do you like her?” The Fourth Prince retorted angrily, “I pity her!” After speaking, without regard for Li Qin’s surprise and anger, he stormed out.