Lin's mother lowered her voice again and asked, "Is the Emperor good to you?"

Lin Yun blushed and said softly, "His Majesty treats me very well and thinks of me in everything."

Only then did Lin's mother feel completely relieved. She held her daughter's hand and said, "That's good, that's good... Mother only hopes that you are safe and happy."

Lin Yun nodded and said softly, "Mother, don't worry. I have palace servants to take care of me every day, and the imperial physician comes to check my pulse every day. His Majesty has also specially ordered people to find fresh fruits from the south." As she spoke, she ordered someone to bring over a bowl of bird's nest soup. "Mother, please try some. This is a gift from His Majesty."

Lin's mother accepted the gift, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She had been worried that her daughter would face many difficulties in the palace, but now that she saw how much she was loved, she was finally relieved.

The two chatted about everyday things for a while, and then Lin's mother suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Yan'er is here too. The Emperor summoned him to the Emperor's court, and the boy was so nervous that he didn't sleep all night."

Lin Yun smiled and said, "Yan'er is intelligent and will surely be able to handle it properly."

...

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, fifteen-year-old Lin Yan's palms were sweating with nervousness.

He took a deep breath and silently encouraged himself: "It's not easy for my sister to gain a foothold in the harem, I must not let her down!"

Su Peisheng came out and said kindly, "Young Master Lin, His Majesty summons you in."

Lin Yan straightened his clothes, stood up straight, and stepped into the hall, performing a proper salute: "This humble subject, Lin Yan, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Yongzheng put down the memorial in his hand, raised his eyes to look at the handsome young man, and saw that although he was nervous, he was still polite, and he already had a good impression of him: "Rise."

Lin Yan stood up, bowed his head, and stood respectfully.

Yongzheng looked him over and suddenly asked, "What is the meaning of the saying 'Govern with virtue' in the Analects?"

Lin Yan was taken aback, then straightened his back and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this means that governing a country should be based on virtue, just as the North Star remains in its place while all the other stars revolve around it." His voice was clear and bright, and his eyes were firm, showing no fear whatsoever.

A hint of approval flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, and he asked again, "If you were to be appointed as an official, what would be your priority?"

Lin Yan pondered for a moment, then solemnly replied, "The people should be the priority. My father often said that an official should bring benefits to the people in his jurisdiction to live up to the Emperor's grace."

Upon hearing this, Yongzheng smiled slightly: "Not bad, it's rare to have such insight at such a young age." He paused, his tone softening, "Your sister is doing well in the palace, so you should focus on your studies and serve the court in the future."

Lin Yan was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I will certainly work hard and live up to your expectations!"

Yongzheng waved his hand, signaling him to leave. After Lin Yan left, he said to Su Peisheng, "This child is a promising talent. Have someone keep an eye on him. If he is truly capable, he can be of great use in the future."

Su Peisheng bowed in agreement, secretly sighing: The Emperor's favor towards Consort Shu is truly a case of loving the house because of the crow.

As night deepened, Emperor Yongzheng finished his official duties and strolled to Yanxi Palace.

Lin Yun was saying goodbye to her mother when she saw him arrive, and she quickly got up to greet him.

Yongzheng helped her up and said gently, "No need for formalities." He then nodded to Lin's mother, "Madam, you have come from afar; you must be tired."

Lin's mother was flattered and quickly bowed, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongzheng waved his hand and said, "We are all family, there is no need for formalities. I have already ordered a room to be prepared. Madam can stay in the palace for a few days and spend more time with Yun'er."

Lin's mother was moved to tears: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

After Lin's mother left, Yongzheng gently stroked Lin Yun's belly and asked softly, "How are you feeling today?"

Lin Yun leaned against him and whispered, "The baby is very well-behaved, it's just that it's hot, and it's a bit hard to bear."

Yongzheng kissed the top of her head: "Bear with it a little longer, it will be better when autumn comes." He paused, then added, "I met your younger brother today, he is a smart child."

A smile appeared in Lin Yun's eyes: "Yan'er has been sensible since childhood. If he can be nurtured by the Emperor, he will surely become a talent."

Yongzheng nodded: "I have already given the order, someone will take care of him. You just focus on your pregnancy and don't worry about anything else."

Lin Yun hugged Yongzheng with emotion, saying, "I must have accumulated great virtue in my past life to be able to meet Your Majesty."

"You always know how to make me happy." Emperor Yongzheng felt the same way; otherwise, how could he have met Yun'er in this life?

The next morning, Lin's mother got up early and, after Yongzheng went to court, went to the main hall to chat with Lin Yun. She took her daughter's hand and whispered, "Yun'er, we're looking for a husband for your elder brother. The matchmaker has introduced several families. Do you have any advice for him?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yun pondered for a moment and then said softly, "Mother, my elder brother is kind and honest. It would be best if he found a kind and honest girl who could manage the household well. As for those who are ambitious and cunning, it would be best to avoid them to prevent future troubles."

Lin's mother nodded repeatedly: "That's what I think too. Now that you're in the palace, we need to be even more careful at home so as not to cause you any trouble."

Lin Yun smiled slightly: "Mother is right. As long as the young lady is of good character and comes from a respectable family, she will be a good match."

Lin's mother kept her daughter's words in mind and asked her about pregnancy precautions in detail. The mother and daughter talked intimately for a long time.