"You never told me what you were doing with a spade," Prince Zheng said conversationally. I arranged the books on his shelves above his head. We were in his study hall. It was small, but packed with books. Great philosophers' works were piled up on his desk.
I had joined his official retinue two days after his birthday, a consequent I didn't realise could happen when I was trying to get into his good books. Necessary, though, if I was to try and find a way to sneak myself into the Crown Princess' birthday celebrations. I might as well get to know him better. There was still more than two weeks left to the celebration, but it was already being prepared for by the whole Palace.
Prince Zheng rolled up to me as I got lost in thought, still dusting the books. "Qingqing?"
I froze, surprised as he called me that. "What did you call me?" I said, taking a step away from him. Prince Zheng frowned.
