After Adopting the Little Princess

The Regent was young and handsome, held power over the court, and controlled half the realm.

To protect his throne, the young emperor led his little sister before him and spoke with careful restraint. "I cannot care for my young sister. I hope the Regent will take her in."

The Regent glanced at Qin Yin, calm and unreadable. "Very well."

It was only one more person to raise. The young emperor was offering him a hostage, so why refuse?

Looking at the adorable Qin Yin, the young emperor said through gritted teeth, "A Yin, the Regent will look after you from now on."

Several years passed in a flash. The little princess grew up in the Regent's mansion, blossoming into a graceful young woman.

She was bold, often finding ways to provoke the Regent. Sometimes she moved his chair just before he sat down; other times she sneaked into his bedroom and stole his blanket.

One day, the Regent caught her and held her fast, his voice cold. "Have you got nothing better to do?"

The man looked furious.

Qin Yin pouted in grievance. "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

She stopped acting up and began going out to play, often disappearing for hours.

Qin Yin took a liking to a handsome young scholar at the academy and brought him before the Regent, smiling. "You told me to find someone I like. I found him, and I want to marry him."

The Regent watched her fingers interlaced with the reserved young man's. Where no one could see, the cup in his hand gave a faint crack.

"I don't agree."

After the young man left, Qin Yin ran up to him and demanded, "Why?"

He replied, "Everything A Yin has is because of me, and now you want to marry someone else?"

"Little Princess, one mustn't be ungrateful. Do you remember saying you liked the white porcelain plum blossom in my room?"

"Come to my room tonight to admire the blossoms."

Blurb written on January 18, 2023. Archived.

Theme: One should always be open and honest.