Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

Upon entering, Li Qin saw that the bed where Qingqing lay had the green tasseled curtains drawn, and there were strange sounds coming from inside. Several maids were standing with their backs to the door, holding hot water and cloths, and there was a faint smell of white wine in the air. In the center stood a slender, elegantly dressed young woman, actually, Yuzhen. “Yuzhen?” Li Qin was surprised as Yuzhen turned around; he had thought he was seeing things. “Why are you here?” Yuzhen and the maids had been so focused that they didn’t notice Li Qin and Yafu’s entry until he called out her name, startling her into a quick curtsey. The strange sounds from the curtain resumed, barely audible unless one listened closely. Yuzhen, her face pale, forced a smile, “Your Highness… weren’t you… having a meal?” Li Qin, noticing her panic, which was identical to the physician’s earlier expression, suspected something was being kept from him regarding Qingqing. He devised a plan, smiling, “I’m asking why you are here, why are you asking about me instead?” “This… this…” As Yuzhen stuttered, Li Qin silently moved to the bedside, and without waiting for anyone to react, he threw open the curtains—