That night, Yongzheng slept very restlessly, his dreams filled with the scene of Lin Yun turning into a wisp of green smoke and disappearing.

He woke up several times with startled cries, only feeling slightly relieved after confirming that she was still beside him.

---

The next morning, Yongzheng got up early and instructed Su Peisheng: "Convey my decree, order the Ministry of Works to build a Buddhist hall in the palace and sculpt a golden statue of Buddha. Make sure it is done with the utmost care."

Although Su Peisheng was puzzled, he dared not ask any further questions and quickly agreed.

When Lin Yun woke up, Emperor Yongzheng had already gone to court.

She had just finished her breakfast when Xia He rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, the Emperor has ordered many scriptures and Buddhist artifacts to be sent to Yanxi Palace, saying that they are for your use in praying for blessings."

Lin Yun was taken aback, then understood, feeling both touched and amused.

She sighed softly and said to Xia He, "Go and prepare the incense table; I need to chant scriptures."

As night fell, Yongzheng once again came to Yanxi Palace.

He held a scroll of Buddhist scriptures in his hands and said to Lin Yun, "Today I discussed the Dharma with a high monk and learned that reciting the Diamond Sutra can accumulate merit. Yun'er, would you like to recite the sutra with me?"

Seeing his devout expression, Lin Yun couldn't bear to refuse and nodded in agreement.

The two knelt side by side before the Buddha, and Yongzheng's deep voice echoed in the hall: "Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove of Anathapindika's Park in Shravasti..."

In the candlelight, his profile appeared exceptionally resolute. Lin Yun glanced at him quietly, her heart filled with both emotion and sorrow.

This emperor, known throughout history for his iron-fisted rule, was now praying for her a vague and uncertain blessing.

After the chanting was finished, Yongzheng suddenly asked, "Yun'er, when you were in the celestial realm... did you ever hear my name?"

Lin Yun was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty's reputation is known throughout the Three Realms. I heard in the Immortal Realm that Emperor Yongzheng was a wise and benevolent ruler who created a prosperous era and whose name will be remembered in history."

A smile flashed in Yongzheng's eyes as he pulled her into his arms: "Then I can't let you down even more."

In the days that followed, Yongzheng became even more protective of Lin Yun, as if he were afraid that she would suddenly disappear.

He would come to Yanxi Palace every day after court, and sometimes he would even bring the memorials to be reviewed there.

Lin Yun tried to dissuade him from doing so, but he simply held her hand tightly and said, "I want to spend more time with you."

Preparations for the southern tour are also in full swing.

Lin Yun personally checked her and her children's clothes and supplies, and ordered people to prepare the medicines they might need for the journey.

Chunlan and Xiahe went with her, helping to take care of the children along the way, while Granny Li stayed in the palace to watch over the inner palace.

Emperor Yongzheng dispatched elite guards to accompany him to ensure that nothing went wrong.