"Even though the Empress is so kind-hearted, she never forces us to follow her when she does a good deed," said Li Zhaohui's mother, Mrs. Li. "Previously, when she took us to the charitable hall, it was entirely voluntary, and we brought our own donations. The Empress has never imposed any demands on us."
"Exactly."
Everyone echoed.
Once someone spoke up, others quickly followed, each expressing their dissatisfaction with Lin Qingqing.
"This humble daughter... this humble daughter did not intend it that way..." Lin Qingqing's tears were about to fall in grievance. "You, ladies, have misunderstood."
"Miss Lin," Fu Shinian spoke, "during the New Year, it's inauspicious to cry. If you start the year off with tears, it will bring misfortune all year long."
Lin Qingqing: "..."
She hurriedly held back her tears, her face turning red from the effort.
Someone whispered, "Crying in front of His Majesty and the Empress during the New Year, aren't you afraid of bad luck?"
