Upon seeing the Imperial Noble Consort, Lin Ruhai immediately released Daiyu and respectfully bowed to Lin Yun.

He lowered his head, not daring to look directly at the Imperial Concubine's face.

The face that bore a resemblance to his first wife stirred a pang of sorrow in his heart, as if time had turned back and he had seen his old friend again.

He suppressed his emotions, his voice trembling slightly: "Your subject Lin Ruhai pays respects to Your Highness the Imperial Concubine."

Lin Yun said gently, "Lord Lin, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."

Her gaze softened as she looked at Daiyu beside her. "You and your father haven't seen each other for many years, you must have a lot to talk about. His Majesty has ordered tea and refreshments to be prepared in the side hall, why don't you go there and have a chat?"

Daiyu's eyes were slightly red as she gently took her father's hand.

Lin Ruhai felt a surge of warmth in his heart upon sensing his daughter's affection. After bowing to the Imperial Concubine once more, he accompanied Daiyu to the side hall.

Inside the side hall, candlelight flickered and the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

The father and daughter sat facing each other, unsure of where to begin.

After a long pause, Lin Ruhai finally spoke, "Yu'er, you've suffered so much these past years."

Daiyu shook her head and said softly, "Father, you flatter me. I am well under the care of the Imperial Concubine in the palace."

She poured her father a cup of tea and continued, "How is Father's health?"

Lin Ruhai nodded: "Thanks to the secret medicine bestowed by the Emperor, my health is much better than before."

He paused, his tone tinged with guilt, "It's just that I haven't been able to be by your side all these years, and I feel truly guilty."

Tears welled in Daiyu's eyes as she softly said, "Father works so hard for the country, how could I not know? You don't need to blame yourself."

Lin Ruhai sighed and then asked about Daiyu's life in the palace.

Daiyu recounted her experiences teaching at the school and studying Western knowledge in detail, her words revealing confidence and composure.

Lin Ruhai nodded repeatedly, and said with satisfaction, "Yu'er has grown up and is even more outstanding than I imagined."

Lin Ruhai hesitated for a moment, but had to ask, "Yu'er, what do you think of Baoyu?"

Daiyu's face flushed instantly: "Father, Baoyu is my cousin, what can I possibly think?"

Lin Ruhai sighed and said, "I inquired about him before. He doesn't study properly at school. He just fools around with the family's nephews and nieces. How will he establish himself in the future?"

Your uncle wrote to me recently, inquiring about your marriage. I brushed him off by saying that the Imperial Noble Consort was in charge of the arrangements in the palace. Do you have any plans for that now?

Daiyu knew she couldn't avoid the question, so she simply spoke frankly:

“Father, I am not thinking about children right now. The Imperial Noble Consort is currently compiling a book, and I can see that she wants to find a way out for women. I am not talented, but I am willing to do my part. As for other matters, let fate decide.”

Seeing his daughter's resolute attitude, Lin Ruhai did not object. On the contrary, he felt that the Imperial Concubine had raised Daiyu very well, so he nodded in agreement.

The two chatted about everyday matters until a palace maid came to report that the Emperor had ordered a banquet and invited Lord Lin to join them.

Lin Ruhai then reluctantly got up.

Daiyu then returned to Yanxi Palace.

---

The banquet was held in a warm pavilion next to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Emperor Yongzheng sat in the main seat and nodded slightly when Lin Ruhai arrived: "Minister Lin, please sit." Lin Ruhai respectfully thanked him and then took his seat.

During the meeting, Emperor Yongzheng inquired about the progress of establishing schools in Jiangnan.

Lin Ruhai put down his chopsticks and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, the people of Jiangnan are open-minded, and the school is progressing smoothly. At present, priority is given to recruiting the children of officials, who will be admitted after passing an examination. In addition, students from the common people who have a clean background and outstanding talents can also apply after verification."

Emperor Yongzheng nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Western learning is the foundation of a strong nation, and we must start from the ground up."

He asked for some more details, and Lin Ruhai answered them one by one. The two, the emperor and his minister, had a very pleasant conversation.

After several rounds of drinks, Yongzheng changed the subject and asked, "Minister Lin, as Daiyu's father, what are your thoughts on her marriage?"

Lin Ruhai's heart tightened. He put down his wine cup and solemnly said, "Your Majesty, my daughter lost her mother at a young age. I have been busy with state affairs all these years and have never discussed marriage with her. I only wish... to follow her own wishes."

Emperor Yongzheng smiled slightly: "The same is true of me and the Imperial Concubine. Daiyu is exceptionally talented, and her marriage should be carefully considered. If she finds someone she likes in the future, as long as he is of good character, I will certainly grant her wish."

He paused, then said, "There are also outstanding members among the royal family's sons and nephews. If there is an opportunity, I will introduce you to them."

Lin Ruhai quickly rose and kowtowed: "On behalf of my daughter, I thank Your Majesty for your grace!"

He thought to himself, although the Jia family had sent a letter hinting at the marriage between Baoyu and Daiyu, after inquiring, he found that Baoyu's learning and character were both subpar, so how could he be worthy of his Yu'er?

Now that the Emperor has said these words, he can finally rest assured.

Yongzheng raised his hand to gesture for him to stand up and said gently, "Minister Lin, there is no need for such formalities. Daiyu is deeply loved by the Imperial Concubine in the palace, and I also regard her as a junior. Her happiness is something that the Imperial Concubine and I will keep in mind."

After the banquet, Lin Ruhai took his leave.

As he walked out of the palace gates, he looked back at the majestic Forbidden City, his heart filled with emotion.

With his daughter now secure, he had no more worries and only hoped that she would find a good husband and have a smooth life.

---

The Eighth Prince's mansion was brightly lit.

Not long after Yinsi returned to the manor, Ninth Prince Yintang hurriedly came to his door.

Upon meeting, Yun Tang laughed and said, "Eighth Brother, I made a fortune on this voyage! All the cosmetics I brought were sold out, and the treasures I brought back filled the warehouse!"

Yun Si smiled slightly and ordered someone to serve tea: "I have always admired Ninth Brother's business acumen."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "What I saw and heard on this trip to the west far exceeded my expectations. The strength of the Western countries is astonishing."

Yun Tang's smile faded, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Eighth Brother, I heard you also brought back blueprints for firearms? That's a big deal!"

Yinzhi nodded, his gaze grave: "Exactly. The quality of Western firearms far surpasses that of ours. If we do not imitate them as soon as possible, we may be at the mercy of others in the future."

He recounted his journey to the west in detail, leaving Yun Tang speechless and full of amazement. It was far more exciting than what he had heard in the imperial court.

The two exchanged information about the recent events in the court until late at night, when Yun Tang finally got up to take his leave.

Yinzhi saw him to the door and patted him on the shoulder: "Ninth Brother, there's plenty of time ahead. If we brothers work together, what great things can't we accomplish?"

Yun Tang nodded emphatically, cupped his hands in greeting, and left.

Yunsi stood in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, his thoughts churning.

This journey to the west not only showed him the vastness of the world, but also made him feel as if he had been reborn.

Let bygones be bygones...

In the days to come... he, Yun Si, will surely be remembered in history.