Qingqing felt sympathy for this lonely old man but held back her words until the Emperor urged her to speak freely. She then suggested, “Perhaps Your Majesty’s attention feels like a towering mountain to the Crown Prince, too grand to approach, and his playful nature might just be a way to catch your attention.”
The Emperor’s expression shifted from confusion to deep thought. After a long silence, he leaned back, sighed, and murmured, “I have been negligent… What should I do?”
Qingqing, quick-witted, asked, “Does Your Majesty believe the Crown Prince has the talent to shoulder great responsibilities?”
The Emperor confirmed, “Of course, despite the Fourth Prince’s misunderstanding, I trust him. I’ve always known he’s a good child…”
Qingqing then quoted, “Have you heard of the saying, ‘The softest things in the world overcome the hardest’?”
The Emperor, after a moment of reflection, laughed heartily, “I understand now, ‘Why the iron, once forged, bends at the touch of a finger.’ I truly appreciate your insight, Qingqing. Do you know why I favor you among the younger generation?”
Qingqing shook her head, attributing it to her simple nature. The Emperor continued, “Among the princes and princesses, some fear me, others flatter me; few speak their true minds.”
Qingqing, moved by the Emperor’s sincerity, tearfully said, “If I could have a father like you, I’d willingly give up ten years of my life…”
The Emperor, touched, declared, “That’s not hard at all. Once you recover, I’ll issue an edict to appoint you as the first non-royal Duchess of our dynasty.”
