At the entrance of the Lin mansion, the Second, Third, and Seventh Ladies, along with a group of servants, were waiting to welcome Minister Lin home from court. The astute Lin steward had already prepared the meal and was waiting in the flower hall. The usual excitement of waiting had turned into surprise today because Minister Lin and Miss Lin had returned together in the same carriage, and there was not a hint of reluctance or dissatisfaction on Minister Lin’s face. No one knew why, and no one dared to ask.
After Qingqing returned, Minister Lin indeed did not make things difficult for her, as the Crown Prince had suggested, and even her and her mother’s meals seemed to improve, with two additional guards suddenly appearing at the gate. Mama Hong was always clicking her tongue in wonder, marveling at the change.
Since then, the Third Lady’s demeanor seemed to change significantly, reverting to the gentle, kind woman she once was. Why? Because of Qingqing. That day, as soon as Qingqing sat down in the eastern wing, the Third Lady saw servants coming and going, bringing gifts and medicines, but she held back her temper in front of others. Once they were alone, she confronted Qingqing with a stern face, asking what was going on. Qingqing didn’t dare tell the whole story, only saying she had inadvertently offended the Emperor. The Third Lady’s face grew increasingly stern, trying to sound fierce: “Then why did you fall into the pond that day? Was it because you offended the Crown Prince and got punished by the Emperor?” Qingqing just kept shaking her head, not speaking.
“If you won’t talk, go back to the palace,” the Third Lady said, annoyed, interrupting her meaningless sobs. Qingqing looked at her timidly and hesitantly said, “I went to pick up the jade bracelet you gave me, and I accidentally fell in.” The Third Lady was momentarily surprised but quickly moved on. She was about to ask something when Mr. Liu arrived.
Chapter 84: The Bracelet Picked Up at All Costs
