Hot tears could no longer be held back and rolled down her cheeks, yet Qingqing tried to stay composed. After pondering for a while, she reluctantly bowed and said word by word, “The Fourth Prince is a noble prince of our great dynasty, how could he compare himself to a lowly subject like me using the word ‘pitiful’?” Seeing the Fourth Prince’s expression change, Qingqing continued, “Today we part ways, and I wish the Fourth Prince all the best in the future.” She looked at him carefully one last time before turning away decisively, forcing herself to swallow the tears. Perhaps she was still young and didn’t understand if this was love between a man and a woman, but what was this pain in her heart? What was this suppressed sobbing? She forced herself to smile, not minding if she could manage it. Li Qin and the others, observing their expressions, understood a bit of what was going on. Li Qin didn’t speak, just glared fiercely at the Fourth Prince.
Chapter 82: Qingqing Leaves the Palace
Then, addressing Minister Lin, he said, “Minister Lin, for my sake, do not punish Qingqing when you get back.” A flicker of displeasure flashed across Minister Lin’s face, thinking, how can an outsider interfere in the affairs of my household? He was about to speak when he saw a eunuch running towards them, shouting, “Minister Lin, wait a moment!” The eunuch, without catching his breath, whispered something into Minister Lin’s ear, causing him to look surprised. After the eunuch left, Minister Lin said to Li Qin, “I thank the Crown Prince for his concern for Qingqing; I will not make things difficult for her.”
While Li Qin was talking to Minister Lin, Yuzhen quietly pulled the dazed Qingqing aside and asked what had happened. Qingqing just shook her head, not saying much. Yuzhen gently said, “Is there some misunderstanding with the Fourth Prince? Once you both calm down, I’ll help you make peace.” Qingqing suddenly gave a cold smile, seemingly noncommittal.
