Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

Given Qingqing’s character, she would surely persuade the Fourth Prince to fully support Li Qin and mediate their relationship. But what did the emperor mean by saying, “I was wrong before?” The Fourth Prince coldly remarked, “With one less person, one can handle matters more calmly.” His voice was neither loud nor soft, speaking clearly, but it was unclear whether he meant himself or Qingqing was the extra person. Qingqing stood by, too shy to speak, only stealing glances at him. The last time she saw him in the Emperor’s chambers, she only noticed that he was about as tall as Li Qin. Now, she could clearly see his features. He seemed more refined than before, though the cold air between his brows was still palpable even without close inspection. His attire was simpler than in his youth, yet tailored to fit him perfectly. The only decoration was the fan in his hand. Standing there casually, he exuded an air of aloofness and grace. Li Qin paid no mind to his words, and soon the conversation turned to state affairs. At noon, Li Qin invited them to dine at his Eastern Palace, but Qingqing smiled and dismissed the offer, “Prince, though I see you daily, it’s been years since I’ve seen the Fourth Prince. Could we have a chance to catch up?” Li Qin gave a knowing, teasing look and chuckled, “I understand.” Qingqing expected the Fourth Prince to reject her invitation for a walk, but to her surprise, he agreed nonchalantly. They wandered through the breathtaking imperial garden, neither speaking, until they reached the lotus pond where she had once fallen. Suddenly, she asked, “Fourth Prince, have you heard that swans come from the ugliest of ducks? Do you like swans?” She stopped, her eyes filled with eager anticipation. Even a blind man could feel the urgency of her heartbeat. However, the Fourth Prince, capable of sensing even what a blind man could, showed no reaction, just shrugged and smiled ambiguously. Qingqing’s mind shifted, “Fourth Prince, let me give you a riddle to solve!” The Fourth Prince nodded, indicating she should continue. Qingqing sat at the pavilion where she used to talk with Li Qin in her childhood, unabashedly meeting the Fourth Prince’s cold gaze, and began, “Swans fly away, birds don’t return, longing for the past in vain, clouds part, moon below, shadows of daggers, streams meet again, sun sets, moon rises, people lean on the moon, noble bachelors follow you.” The Fourth Prince thought for a long time, perhaps unwilling to answer or truly unable to guess. He simply said, “Actually, I only like beautiful swans; as for what they were before, I’m not interested.”