Qiqi was shaken to her core, her eyes filled with shock. My third imperial brother is still alive? And he has already been found? Why didn't the emperor tell me? Has he been keeping it from me so he can let Long Tingzhen take over my authority at any moment? And why would Hong Beimo reveal the truth to me? What exactly is he after?
As Hong Beimo spoke, he kept watching Qiqi's expression. A knowing smile appeared at the corner of his lips. "Your Highness, are you interested in having a heart-to-heart with me now?"
Qiqi quickly regained her composure and said softly, "Please have some tea, Mr. Hong!" Although she did not answer his question directly, those words made it clear that her attitude had begun to soften.
Hong Beimo pointed at the drawing. "Your Highness might care to take a closer look."
Qiqi heard the hidden meaning in his words. Could there be some secret within this drawing? She nodded and unfolded it in front of Hong Beimo. Once it was fully unfurled, her face changed in alarm. It depicted no Prince Consort's Residence at all, but an elegant beauty without equal, whose features bore a striking resemblance to her own. The painting must have been many years old, for it had already begun to yellow. A short poem had been inscribed beside the artist's signature, but exposure to water and damp had left most of the writing blurred beyond recognition.
Hong Beimo said, "This is a portrait of the former crown princess, Ling Jiazi."
Qiqi bit her cherry-red lip. The crown princess, Ling Jiazi, was none other than her mother. She wondered where Hong Beimo had obtained this portrait of her, and who had painted it.
Hong Beimo said, "Your Highness will soon be sixteen. If