After these words, Qingqing’s tears fell, her gratitude beyond words: “With such favor from His Majesty, my heart is content.” She paused, her expression solemn: “But if I may be so bold, if His Majesty expects me to please the Crown Prince and make him ‘like’ me because of this favor, I would never agree.” The Emperor’s face grew cold, his displeasure evident: “Do you know whom you are speaking to?” Although Qingqing was inwardly fearful, she had her own stubbornness. She knelt down: “I know that offending His Majesty is a capital offense, but I too have my pride and do not wish to be manipulated. If His Majesty truly elevates me out of affection, then I am deeply grateful.”
The Emperor’s fiery gaze fixed on her, and as she finished speaking, his anger turned into a curious smile: “Very well, very well, Lin Qingqing, you’ve been given an inch and now you want a mile. Since you feel my favor brings you distress, you no longer need to come to the palace for lessons. Now that you’ve recovered, have someone pack your things, and return to the Lin family with your father.” With three ‘very well’s, his tone and demeanor lacked any of the usual warmth, and with that, he flicked his sleeve and left.
Qingqing was clever; she saw through the Emperor’s intentions. But she forgot that the Emperor was the Son of Heaven, and mere mortals could not defy him, much like one shouldn’t pluck the whiskers of a tiger.
The palace staff were most efficient. As soon as the Emperor left, half of the eunuchs and maids from the Eastern Palace had already withdrawn. Guards immediately came to help Qingqing with her medicine pots and the newly prescribed medicine. Master Lin instructed Xiaotang, who had been attending in the palace, to help Qingqing walk out slowly. He tried to control his rising emotions and calmly said, “You seem unaffected; we’ll deal with this when we get home.” Qingqing was stunned, murmured a “yes,” and lowered her head to walk forward.
