Qingqing suddenly remembered something and exclaimed in wonder, “It’s really a coincidence. On such a cold day, a piece of remaining lotus leaf actually caught the bracelet. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have seen it if it had sunk earlier.” Mr. Liu laughed, “If it had sunk earlier, you wouldn’t have gone to retrieve it, and you wouldn’t have fallen into the pond.”
Chapter 85: Qingqing Has Grown Up
Qingqing thought for a long time before finally nodding, “That’s true.” The Third Lady remarked, “You usually seem quite clever, but sometimes you can be quite foolish.” Suddenly, a voice from outside said, “When was she ever clever? I can’t see any sign of it.” They turned around to see it was Mr. Lin. The Third Lady was both surprised and pleased. Since the year the Ghost Doctor left, Mr. Lin had not stepped into the east wing. Now that he had come today, was he here to reprimand Qingqing? But he wasn’t. He said, “Since the Crown Prince pleaded for you, I will not pursue the matter further. From now on, you will study well with Mr. Liu and Hong’er in the mansion.”
“What?” Qingqing seemed not to hear clearly, “Can I still study?” Mr. Lin snorted coldly, “Of course, my daughter Lin Pu must be educated.” With that, he flicked his sleeve and walked away.
Afterward, the Third Lady changed, becoming a truly good mother. Mr. Lin was pleased and often rewarded her, spending more nights with her. Qingqing gradually grew up. Her closest people were the Third Lady, Mr. Liu, Aunt Hong, and Lin Hong. Lin Hong, although a sibling to Ya Fu, had a completely different personality. Yu Zhen and Li Qin would visit her often, and her longing for the Fourth Prince finally cooled with repeated disappointments. Sometimes she thought, living in the Lin Mansion was much better than the palace. Although the rooms were not as grand, and the meals not as exquisite, there were no constant threats and cautious steps.
