Before we knew it, the year was drawing to a close. The Forbidden City was covered in a blanket of white snow, and red lanterns hung under the eaves of Yanxi Palace, creating a festive atmosphere against the backdrop of the snow.

The various palaces began busily preparing New Year's gifts.

In previous years, Consort Nian's New Year's gifts were extremely extravagant, including gold and silver jewelry, fine silks and satins, fur coats and fox cloaks, and fine wines and liquors, as if only extravagance could demonstrate her status.

Lin Yun felt it was unnecessary. These wealthy families had no worries about food and drink, so there was no need for such extravagance.

So she voluntarily reduced her allowance, choosing only practical and exquisite gifts that were both respectable and understated.

The other concubines, seeing this, followed suit.

Those from wealthy families automatically had their allowances reduced; for those from impoverished families, Lin Yun not only didn't make any changes, but also added an extra 30%.

Some concubines who had been forgotten for years were moved to tears when they received the New Year's gifts and went to Yanxi Palace to express their gratitude.

Granny Li rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department has sent the annual allowances for each palace, saying they are being distributed according to the new regulations. Please take a look."

Lin Yun took the ledger and carefully looked through it.

Since the reform of the harem system, the operation of various departments has become increasingly smooth. In particular, under the management of Consort Qi, the accounts of the Finance Department are clear and transparent, and no one dares to embezzle them anymore.

She nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, thank you for your hard work, Granny."

Li Mama smiled and said, "Her Majesty is kind, so her servants naturally do their best. I heard that the maids and eunuchs received their full pay and they are all overjoyed, saying they want to repay Her Majesty's kindness!"

Lin Yun smiled slightly, thinking of Chang Ming.

Since he ran into a brick wall in front of the Emperor last time, the Imperial Household Department has become much more well-behaved.

However, given his personality, he probably won't give up easily.

Just as she was pondering this, Xia He came in from outside, her face beaming with joy: "Your Majesty! The Emperor has sent word that he will be dining at Yanxi Palace later tonight, and he wants you to prepare!"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Yun's eyes, and she nodded, saying, "I understand. Go and prepare a pot of tea."

The Emperor hasn't dined here for a long time; she's busy with affairs of state and doesn't want to disturb him.

Inside the hall, the charcoal fire crackled. Lin Yun held and played with Hongyao, who was over four months old, while Zhaohua was held in her wet nurse's arms, waving her little hands and babbling.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived!" Chunlan came in to report. Before she could finish speaking, Yongzheng had already stepped in, still carrying a chilly aura.

He took off his cloak and handed it to Su Peisheng, then looked at Lin Yun and the child with gentle eyes.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you." Lin Yun was about to rise and curtsy when Yongzheng quickly stepped forward and gently pressed her shoulder: "No need for such formalities."

His gaze fell on Hongyao, the little guy staring at him curiously with his round eyes, then suddenly grinned, revealing his toothless gums.

Yongzheng's heart softened, and he reached out to take the child. Hongyao was not shy at all, and his little hands grabbed the front of his dragon robe, babbling in baby talk.

Seeing this, Zhaohua also struggled to be held by her father. Yongzheng smiled and handed Hongyao to Lin Yun, then took Zhaohua and gently pinched her pink cheek: "My little princess has gotten a little heavier."

Lin Yun looked at the happy scene of the father and his two sons, her eyes filled with tenderness.

She gently stroked Yongzheng's arm and said in a coquettish tone, "Your Majesty has been busy with state affairs lately and rarely has time to visit the children. They miss you so much."

Emperor Yongzheng teased Zhaohua, speaking gently: "The affairs of the previous dynasty were so numerous that it was inevitable that you were neglected. I made a special trip here today to have dinner with you."

Lin Yun nodded, signaling Chunlan to serve tea.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Yongzheng raised his eyes: "What is it?"

Lin Yun took out a booklet and respectfully presented it: "This is the expenditure account since I began managing the six palaces. Redundant expenses have been reduced, saving 50% of the budget."

However, I believe we should not be too harsh on everyone, so I would like to reward the concubines and stewards involved in the management with three months' salary as an encouragement.

This is the detailed list and amounts; please review it, Your Majesty.

Emperor Yongzheng took the booklet, carefully read through it, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "This method is excellent. High salaries to encourage integrity can both motivate people and prevent corruption. I approve it."

Lin Yun breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongzheng closed the booklet, lost in thought: "I might be able to learn from this method in the previous dynasty."

With the opening of the seas imminent, if officials in the court can be so diligent, how can the Qing Dynasty not prosper?

Lin Yun said softly, "Your Majesty is wise." As she spoke, she personally served the Emperor a teacup.

Emperor Yongzheng drank it all in one gulp and immediately felt refreshed.

After dinner, Yongzheng played with the children for a while until the two little ones were so sleepy they could barely keep their eyes open, at which point he reluctantly handed them over to their wet nurse.

He held Lin Yun's hand and said gently, "Yun'er, you've worked hard. The harem is well-organized, all thanks to you."

Lin Yun shook her head: "This is my duty. Your Majesty works hard for the country in the court, and I only wish to share your burdens."

A look of emotion flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, and he gently pulled her into his arms: "With you here, I feel at ease."

His Yun'er excels in everything she does; if she were a man, she would surely be a pillar of the state.

Oh, what a pity...

Realizing what he was thinking, Emperor Yongzheng couldn't help but chuckle.

——

The New Year's Eve banquet arrived as scheduled, with the Hall of Preserving Harmony brightly lit and red silk hanging high.

This year's banquet went exceptionally smoothly, with a clear process, everyone fulfilling their responsibilities, and no one shirking their duties or arguing.

Lin Yun sat at the table, looking at the orderly scene, feeling gratified.

Before the banquet began, Emperor Yongzheng issued a special decree to reward the officials in the court: each of them would be granted three months' salary.

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