After the New Year, the weather gradually warms up, and the days for spring plowing are approaching.
Lin Yun stood by the window of Yanxi Palace, gazing at the peach blossoms just beginning to bloom in the courtyard, pondering the matter of soaking rice seeds in the spiritual spring water.
The palace is full of people and eyes; if the secret of the spirit spring were discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable. After much thought, Yunxiang Villa is still the safest option.
"Chunlan," she called softly, "go and fetch Granny Li."
A moment later, Granny Li rushed over and bowed respectfully: "What are your orders, Your Highness?"
Lin Yun smiled slightly: "Granny, I'd like to leave the palace for a while to take care of some matters at Yunxiang Villa. Could you help me prepare?"
Granny Li looked troubled: "Your Highness, regarding this matter of leaving the palace..."
"I know the rules," Lin Yun interrupted her, "so I'd like to ask the nanny to help make the arrangements. I'll speak to the Emperor myself."
After hesitating for a moment, Granny Li nodded in agreement: "This old servant will go and prepare it right away."
Lin Yun turned and went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to request an audience with the Emperor. When the eunuchs outside the hall saw it was her, they quickly went in to announce her arrival and soon came out to lead her inside.
Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials when he saw her enter. He put down his vermilion brush, a smile in his eyes, and asked, "Yun'er, what brings you here?"
Lin Yun curtsied and said softly, "Your Majesty, I have something I wish to ask for your permission."
"Oh?" Yongzheng raised an eyebrow. "Tell me about it."
Lin Yun walked up to the Emperor, and seeing that no one was around, whispered:
"With spring planting just around the corner, I wish to soak a batch of rice seeds in some divine water..."
Yongzheng's eyes lit up. He already knew the rest without her having to say more: Yun'er was going to cultivate the seeds.
"However, it is inconvenient to do this in the palace. I would like to go to Yunxiang Villa to complete this matter."
After a moment's thought, Emperor Yongzheng nodded and said, "I grant your permission."
A hint of joy flashed in Lin Yun's eyes: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"However," Yongzheng added, "I am worried about you leaving the palace alone."
He stood up, walked to her, and gently stroked her cheek. "I will arrange for guards and secret agents to protect you."
Lin Yun felt a warmth in her heart and looked up to ask, "Isn't Your Majesty coming along?"
Yongzheng shook his head, his eyes filled with apology: "I'm too busy with affairs of state to spare the time." He paused, then added, "Go and return as soon as possible; I'll be waiting for you."
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Yongzheng turned and walked to his desk, picked up a brush and wrote a handwritten edict, affixed his personal seal, and handed it to Lin Yun: "This is an edict to leave the palace. Keep it safe." He then took out a token from a drawer. "This is my personal token. In case of emergency, I can use it to mobilize nearby soldiers."
Lin Yun accepted the imperial edict and token, deeply moved.
She was merely going to the villa alone, yet the Emperor considered everything for her so thoroughly. How could he be as cold-hearted as outsiders say?
"Your Majesty," she hesitated for a moment, "how should I leave the palace?"
Yongzheng smiled slightly: "I will have a carriage prepared, and we will depart from Xihua Gate at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow."
The coachman is my trusted confidant, reliable. The guards will disguise themselves as ordinary servants, while the secret agents will follow us covertly.
He paused, then said, "I'll send someone to inform them about the other residence soon; everything you need will be prepared for you."
Tears welled up in Lin Yun's eyes: "Your Majesty..."
Yongzheng pulled her into his arms and whispered, "I only want you to be safe."
That evening, Yongzheng came to Yanxi Palace to dine with Lin Yun. After the meal, he ordered someone to bring a set of common women's clothing: "Wear this tomorrow, but don't be too conspicuous." He didn't want her to wear that men's clothing, which was more alluring than women's clothing.
Lin Yun unfolded her clothes, revealing a simple and elegant light blue dress. The fabric was soft, neither shabby nor luxurious, perfect for a low-key outing.
"His Majesty even thought of this," she said softly.
Emperor Yongzheng stroked her hair and said, "I cannot accompany you, but I will do my best to make the arrangements."
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Lin Yun got up and washed. She changed into a light blue dress, her hair simply tied up with only a white jade hairpin, looking like a young lady from an ordinary wealthy family.
Chunlan and Xiahe helped her prepare some simple luggage.
"Your Majesty, please be careful on the road," Chunlan said, her eyes reddening.
Lin Yun patted her hand: "Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
At precisely the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), a simple carriage stopped outside Yanxi Palace. The driver, a lean man of about forty, bowed respectfully upon seeing Lin Yun emerge: "Madam, my surname is Zhao. I am here on Master's orders to escort you."
Lin Yun nodded and got into the carriage.
The carriage was furnished with soft cushions, and a small table held tea, snacks, and several books, clearly arranged by the Emperor.
The carriage slowly drove out of Xihua Gate. Lin Yun lifted a corner of the curtain and watched the palace walls gradually disappear into the distance, feeling a surge of joy in her heart.
This was her first time leaving the palace alone. Although she was followed by guards and secret agents, she felt a rare sense of ease compared to the constant precautions she took in the palace.
The carriage traveled through the bustling streets of the capital. Lin Yun looked out through the gauze curtain at the crowds outside. The shouts of vendors and the laughter of children filled her ears, creating a vibrant atmosphere of life.
"Master Zhao," she said softly, "could we take a detour to the East Market?"
The coachman hesitated for a moment: "Madam, Master instructed us to go directly to the other residence."
Lin Yun was somewhat disappointed, but she could understand the Emperor's concerns: "Then forget it, let's go directly."
Once the carriage left the city gate, it sped up a bit.
The air in the suburbs was exceptionally fresh. Lin Yun took a deep breath, feeling increasingly relaxed.
About an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of Yunxiang Villa.
Xiao Tao was already waiting at the door, her face beaming with joy. Seeing the carriage arrive, she quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Lin Yun got off the carriage and grabbed Xiao Tao's hand: "Xiao Tao, get up quickly, don't be so polite."
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