In the following days, as described in chapters 76 to 85, Li Qin felt a peculiar thought arise, as if Qingqing was truly the Emperor’s child. The Fourth Prince woke up, and the physician noted that his robust physique made his recovery much simpler since he wasn’t exposed to cold water like Qingqing, and his injuries were mostly superficial. It appeared Li Qin had held back, showing he still cared for his brother and wasn’t as impulsive as one might think.
Three days later, the physician confirmed Qingqing was out of danger but needed rest. That morning, as Qingqing awoke, the Emperor dismissed everyone except for Mr. Lin. The Emperor did this because he feared Qingqing might not tell the truth, knowing she was always intimidated by Mr. Lin. Helping Qingqing to sit up, the Emperor asked gently, “Qingqing, tell me, why were you and the Crown Prince at the lotus pond that day?”
Qingqing, still in pain, took a while to recall, “I was chasing the Crown Prince to the pond.”
“Did he push you into the water?” the Emperor asked.
Qingqing, shocked, turned even paler, “Why would Your Majesty think that? The Crown Prince was helping me retrieve something from the pond!”
Mr. Lin, with a stern face, chided, “You dare to make the Crown Prince fetch things for you?”
The Emperor signaled Mr. Lin to be silent and continued to ask Qingqing, who then explained the situation in detail, “Your Majesty, I heard the Crown Prince pulled me out of the water that day.”
The Emperor nodded, seeing Qingqing’s sincerity and knowing she wouldn’t lie in front of Mr. Lin. Yet, he felt a pang of sadness. After dismissing Mr. Lin, he spoke to Qingqing alone, “Qingqing, I know you are kind, but the Crown Prince… he’s somewhat playful.”
After Mr. Lin left, the Emperor, looking like an ordinary father concerned for his child, shared his worries with Qingqing. Qingqing suddenly envied Li Qin for having such an attentive father. She looked at the shadows on the floor, her eyes brimming with sadness, “With Your Majesty’s care, the Crown Prince will surely understand your intentions one day.”
The Emperor sighed heavily, “I am old; I don’t know when that day will come…”
