Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

Yafu glanced at Qingqing intentionally or not, “Daughter understands. Next time, I’ll remind the Empress of the time to return home.” The youngest madam feigned surprise, “How can you remind the Empress? If she wishes to keep you for conversation, it’s because she favors you. What does it matter if your parents wait occasionally? We even have the Crown Prince’s friend here often, and we must see him off.” It turned out she was blaming Qingqing for seeing off the Crown Prince earlier. Yafu smiled obediently, opening her red lips, “Mother’s words, daughter will remember.” The third madam’s face showed displeasure; Qingqing signaled her mother not to mind, giving her a reassuring smile, though she knew it wasn’t very convincing. The third madam hesitated, then carefully started eating. Master Lin coughed lightly, “No talking while eating, no chatting while sleeping. Let’s eat.” Just then, the hurried footsteps of a servant echoed, and he knelt respectfully before Master Lin, “Master, a eunuch from the palace has come, seeking an audience.” At this time, a visitor from the palace must mean urgent business from the Emperor. Master Lin quickly put down his chopsticks and went out to greet him. The eunuch was the Emperor’s chief steward, and upon seeing Master Lin, he spoke directly, “Master Lin, the Emperor has suddenly fallen ill, and he urgently summons you and both young ladies to the palace.” He mentioned both young ladies, not just Yafu. Considering Qingqing had offended the Emperor with her words in the past, the decree stated she was not to be seen unless summoned. Why would the Emperor suddenly summon her now? Without time for further thought, Master Lin changed into his court attire, and they all set off together. In the carriage, everyone harbored their own thoughts, not speaking a word. After a while, Master Lin asked the eunuch, “Do you know what illness the Emperor has?” The eunuch only sat upright, uttering two words, “A stroke.” He naturally didn’t want to say much. If something were to happen to the Emperor, the exhaustion and hardship would be secondary; if blame were to befall him, he might not even keep his life. The main hall was surrounded by imperial physicians and servants, and with the sky darkening, it seemed even more oppressive, the air filled with a sense of extreme tension. Upon entering the hall, Qingqing did not dare to enter the inner chamber casually, fearing to stir up past awkwardness with the Emperor, so she informed Master Lin that she would wait outside and would only enter upon the Emperor’s summons.