The next morning, Lin Yun got up early, opened the window, and the morning sun of Beijing shone into the courtyard, casting a golden halo. She took a deep breath.

A moment later, Xiao Tao came in carrying hot water, followed by several maids carrying breakfast.

Seeing her standing by the window, he smiled and asked, "Miss, are you going out today?"

Lin Yun shook her head: "Let Manager Chen and Accountant Zhang take care of the shop and the supply of goods first. I'll stay home and manage the backyard."

She paused, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes, "I want to plant flowers all over the backyard and set up a few rooms for hydroponics."

Xiao Tao's eyes lit up: "Hydroponics? What's that?"

Lin Yun explained with a smile, "It's a method of growing flowers without soil, only with water, which makes the flowers bloom faster and better."

She talked as she washed up and ate breakfast.

She then changed into a pink dress, did some simple makeup, and went to the front hall.

Manager Chen and Accountant Zhang were already waiting there. When they saw her arrive, they quickly bowed.

"Miss, what are the plans for today?" Manager Chen asked respectfully.

Lin Yun smiled slightly: "Manager Chen, you and Accountant Zhang will go out today to find a suitable shop. The location should be bustling, but the price should also be reasonable."

"In addition, we must contact suppliers in the capital, especially for fresh flowers and spices, and ensure their quality."

Accountant Zhang nodded in agreement: "Don't worry, Miss, we will definitely take care of it."

After they left, she looked at the empty courtyard and began to make plans.

The lesson learned from Shangyang County's experience of having its supply of goods cut off made her realize that relying on others is not a long-term solution.

She rolled up her sleeves and instructed Xiao Tao, "Go and call a few workers to clear out the empty space in the backyard."

Lin Yun directed them to divide the open space into several sections, one section for planting common flowers and the other section for cultivating rare varieties.

She also specifically designated an area to build several hydroponic greenhouses.

"Miss, what is hydroponics?" a young servant asked curiously.

Lin Yun smiled and said, "It's just planting flowers in water, without using soil."

The group looked at each other, clearly having never heard of such a method before.

Lin Yun didn't explain much, but simply said, "Just do as I say later."

The once abandoned backyard has now become Lin Yun's experimental field.

At noon, Wang Defa returned from outside, carrying several packets of seeds: "Miss, these are what you ordered according to your order."

"Okay. Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Wang." Lin Yun took the bag. The seeds looked excellent, each one plump and full. As expected, things from the capital were of high quality.

She sorted the seeds into categories and then secretly added a few drops of spiritual spring water to ordinary water, which she would use to soak the seeds later.

While the workers were busy loosening the soil and fertilizing, Lin Yun personally helped Xiao Tao set up the hydroponic greenhouse. She used a wooden frame to build layers of partitions, placed porcelain plates on them, poured in water mixed with spiritual spring water, and then gently placed the seeds in.

"Miss, will flowers really grow this way?" Xiao Tao asked, half believing and half doubting.

Lin Yun smiled mysteriously: "You'll find out in a few days."

By evening, the backyard was taking shape. The soil had been turned over until it was soft and level, and the hydroponic greenhouse had been built.

Lin Yun nodded in satisfaction and said to everyone, "Thank you all for your hard work today. Each of you will receive an extra half month's wages."

The servants were overjoyed and thanked them repeatedly.

At night, Lin Yun went to the backyard alone. The moonlight, like water, shone on the newly sown land.

She took out the spiritual spring water and gently watered each flower field. The moment the water droplets fell into the soil, it seemed as if tiny specks of light flickered, then disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"I hope I can grow up quickly..." she murmured softly.

———

The Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City

Emperor Yongzheng sat upright on the dragon throne, his cold gaze sweeping over the assembled officials below.

As soon as the morning court session began, a minister stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."

Yongzheng said calmly, "Speak."

The minister raised his head, his tone tinged with displeasure: "His Majesty's appointment of a Han woman as Imperial Merchant is perhaps inappropriate. Since the founding of the Qing Dynasty, Imperial Merchants have always been Manchus. This woman's status is too low, and I fear it will be difficult to gain the respect of the people."

The hall fell silent. The officials held their breath, awaiting the emperor's reaction.

Yongzheng's eyes darkened, and his voice was as cold as frost: "I appoint people based on their talents, not their backgrounds. Lin Yun is a shrewd businesswoman with outstanding talent, so there is a reason why I appointed her as an imperial merchant. If anyone is dissatisfied, they are welcome to suggest someone more suitable than her."

The minister was speechless, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Seeing this, another official quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Your Majesty is wise. The Lin family is indeed exceptional, and we have no objection."

Yongzheng snorted coldly: "Since there are no objections, this matter need not be discussed further. Court adjourned!"

The officials all knelt and bowed, watching the emperor depart.

As Yongzheng strode away from the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Su Peisheng jogged after him and whispered, "Your Majesty, shall we return to the Palace of Heavenly Purity?"

Yongzheng paused, then said calmly, "Go to Yunxiang Villa."

---

Inside the Yunxiang Villa, Lin Yun was busy setting up the hydroponic room.

Today she wore a pink quilted dress, a gold enamel hairpin, and pearl earrings that made her skin look as white as snow, exuding a gentle yet lively charm.

Xiao Tao ran in from outside, panting, and said, "Miss, the Emperor is here!"

Lin Yun was taken aback, quickly put down the porcelain plate in her hand, straightened her dress, and went out to greet them.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw Yongzheng dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on her.

She curtsied and said, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty."

Yongzheng raised his hand in a gesture of support: "No need for formalities." His gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if he were lost in thought.

Lin Yun felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and said softly, "Does Your Majesty have any instructions?"

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