The next morning, Yongzheng rose early and tiptoed off his imperial bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping Lin Yun. He stood by the bed, his gaze lingering on her peaceful sleeping face for a moment, a gentle smile unconsciously playing on his lips. Only when Su Peisheng whispered a reminder from outside the door that it was getting late did he withdraw his gaze and turn to leave.
Lin Yun slept until she naturally woke up. When she opened her eyes, the sun was already high in the sky outside the window. She stretched lazily, then suddenly realized that she was still in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and sat up abruptly.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed softly, quickly throwing off the quilt and getting out of bed. Chunlan and Xiahe were already waiting outside the palace, and seeing that their mistress had not woken up for a long time, they were anxiously pacing back and forth.
"Why isn't the master awake yet? What will happen when the Emperor comes back from court and sees this?" Chunlan muttered softly, twisting the handkerchief in her hand.
Xia He also looked worried: "The Hall of Mental Cultivation is not an ordinary place. If Master oversleeps, it might not be appropriate if word gets out..."
Just then, the palace door creaked open, and Lin Yun walked out wearing an outer robe. Upon seeing this, the two quickly stepped forward to help her up.
"Master, you're finally awake!" Chunlan breathed a sigh of relief.
Lin Yun blushed slightly and whispered, "Go back to Yanxi Palace quickly."
The three hurriedly left the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Lin Yun's heart pounded like a drum the whole way, afraid of being seen by others.
She only breathed a sigh of relief after stepping through the gates of Yanxi Palace. What a close call! It felt like being a thief…
Strangely, despite being up all night, she felt perfectly fine and refreshed.
She secretly pondered that perhaps it was because of her long-term consumption of the spiritual spring water that her body recovered so quickly. Thinking that the Emperor was going to court so early, she thought he was truly full of energy.
However, since the emperor has been working overtime late into the night for a long time, we should make him something to nourish him... Yes, make some white fungus soup or bird's nest soup, with some spiritual spring water. We must not let him die young like in history.
She'll spoil her man!
On the other side, after the court session, Emperor Yongzheng returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and found it empty. A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
Su Peisheng, observing the situation, quickly said, "After Consort Yun woke up, she returned to Yanxi Palace, saying that she was afraid of disturbing His Majesty's handling of state affairs."
Yongzheng gave a faint "hmm," his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged dragon bed, a strange emptiness settling in his heart.
In his previous life, he lived like a lonely man for decades. Now, he has finally found a soulmate and can't wait to be with him every day!
He suppressed his emotions, turned around and walked to his desk to continue reviewing memorials.
———
Inside Changchun Palace, the Empress was resting on a soft couch with her eyes closed when her personal maid hurried in and whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Yun stayed overnight in Yangxin Hall last night and only left this morning."
The Empress suddenly opened her eyes, her fingertips digging into her palms, gritting her teeth: "What a Lin family!"
She took a deep breath, suppressing her surging anger, and said coldly, "Investigate who is responsible for her daily meals."
The palace maid was taken aback, then understood her mistress's intention and cautiously asked, "Your Highness..."
The Empress gave a cold laugh and did not answer, but the ruthlessness in her eyes said it all.
The Emperor dotes on Lady Lin so much that it's only a matter of time before she gets pregnant. But she is the Empress, and her son Honghui died young. Now that she has no children, who else is worthy of her?
Consort Qi's son, Hongshi, has already been spoiled. Hongli and Hongzhou are still too young to show any potential. In short, there can be no more children in the palace, unless they are from the Ulanara clan.
-------
In the afternoon, Ninth Prince Yuntang was summoned to the palace. He stepped into the Hall of Mental Cultivation and saw Emperor Yongzheng sitting upright behind his desk, holding a book in his hand, looking focused.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty," Yuntang said, bowing.
Yongzheng looked up, gesturing for him to stand up: "Ninth Prince, come and see this."
Yuntang took the booklet and carefully flipped through it, becoming more and more surprised as he read.
This business plan is ingeniously conceived, from the gimmick of blind boxes to the magazine columns, every aspect of which is truly remarkable.
"This idea of 'collecting all twenty-four colors to exchange for fragrant dew' is simply brilliant!" Yuntang couldn't help but exclaim. "And this 'magazine,' if it can be successfully launched, will surely win the hearts of noble ladies in the capital for a long time."
Emperor Yongzheng smiled slightly: "I also think Consort Yun's idea is quite good."
A hint of admiration flashed in Yuntang's eyes: "Consort Yun is indeed exceptionally intelligent."
Yongzheng nodded: "I will arrange for someone to take care of the magazine matter; the rest is up to you."
Yuntang cupped his hands and replied, "Your subject will certainly not fail in your trust."
Just then, Su Peisheng came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Consort Yun requests an audience."
Yongzheng's eyes lit up: "Summon them."
Lin Yun gracefully entered the hall. Upon seeing Yun Tang there, she was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Ninth Prince."
Yongzheng beckoned her forward: "Yun'er, you've come at the right time. Ninth Prince has been full of praise for your plan."
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Ninth Master, you flatter me. It's just some girlish thoughts."
Yuntang smiled and said, "Your Majesty is too modest. The idea for this blind box and magazine is ingenious and has truly captured people's hearts."
The three discussed the details further, and Yuntang became even more appreciative of Lin Yun's talent, even taking the initiative to increase investment and expand the business.
Taking the opportunity, Lin Yun suggested, "If we could open another clothing store and sell it alongside lip balm and perfume, the effect might be even better."
Yuntang's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty is brilliant! In this way, noble ladies can purchase everything from makeup to clothing in my shop."
Seeing that the two were getting along well, Yongzheng was pleased, but looking at Yun'er and Yuntang standing side by side, he felt inexplicably displeased.
Yun'er was only sixteen after the New Year, and Lao Jiu was not yet thirty... Yun'er's beauty was beyond question, and Lao Jiu was also a handsome man, while she herself was almost forty. The more she thought about it, the more bitter she felt.
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