After dinner, the candlelight flickered in Yanxi Palace.
Emperor Yongzheng embraced Lin Yun as they lay on the chaise longue, his fingers gently twirling a strand of her hair. Suddenly, he spoke, "Yun'er, I plan to make a southern tour."
Lin Yun, who had been feeling drowsy, immediately woke up upon hearing this. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with surprise: "Really? Your Majesty, are you taking me with you?"
Seeing her like this, Yongzheng smiled slightly: "Of course I'll take you. It's just that Hongyao and Zhaohua are only one year old, and the journey will be bumpy..."
"Take them with you!" Lin Yun interrupted him impatiently, her eyes full of anticipation. "The children should see the outside world. I will arrange for wet nurses and imperial physicians to accompany them, and I will ensure that Your Majesty has no worries."
Seeing her anxious expression, Yongzheng felt a surge of tenderness in his heart and deliberately teased her, "I was thinking that if you don't want to go, you can stay in the palace to take care of the children."
Lin Yun immediately grabbed his sleeve, half-coquettish and half-threatening: "If Your Majesty dares to abandon me, I will... I will fast for three days!"
Emperor Yongzheng finally couldn't help but laugh out loud, pinching the tip of her nose: "My Consort is getting bolder and bolder these days, even daring to threaten me with a hunger strike."
“They’re all favored by the Emperor.” Seeing him smile, Lin Yun grew bolder and pressed on, “Which concubines does the Emperor plan to bring along? Consort Qi? Consort Yu? Or…”
Before she could finish speaking, Yongzheng interrupted her, saying, "I'll only take you with me."
Lin Yun was taken aback, then a smile appeared in her eyes, but she lowered her head with feigned modesty: "This... wouldn't that be inappropriate? I'm afraid the other sisters might have objections..."
Seeing her feigned insincerity, Yongzheng felt even more pleased and deliberately said, "Since my beloved consort is so considerate, shall I take them with me?"
"No!" Lin Yun blurted out, then realized her mistake, her cheeks flushing slightly. "What I mean is... the southern tour is tiring, and the ladies are frail; perhaps they should stay in the palace to rest..."
Yongzheng finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, pulling her even closer: "My Yun'er, even when you're jealous, you're so adorable."
Lin Yun punched him lightly in embarrassment and buried her face in his chest, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips.
After the two joked around for a while, Yongzheng said seriously, "This southern tour has two purposes: first, to inspect the coastal trade after the opening of the sea, and second, to understand the people's conditions. We plan to depart in May and return in September."
You should begin preparations in the next couple of days, ensuring that all necessary items are prepared.
Lin Yun nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make all the arrangements."
She suddenly remembered something and hesitated, "But if I were to leave the palace for several months, what would become of the affairs of the inner palace..."
Emperor Yongzheng said calmly, "It can be handled by Consort Qi and Consort Yu. They are both calm and collected, and with Granny Li assisting them, there won't be any trouble."
Lin Yun was relieved and then enthusiastically discussed the route of the southern tour and the scenery along the way with Yongzheng.
Seeing her so happy, Yongzheng felt a long-lost sense of ease, and the two chatted until late at night before falling asleep in each other's arms.
However, Emperor Yongzheng tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
Hongli's words were like a thorn, always stuck in his heart.
He turned to look at Lin Yun, who was fast asleep beside him. Her sleeping face was peaceful and beautiful, as if she were no different from an ordinary person.
But what if she really came from the future...?
He hesitated for a moment, then finally called out softly, "Yun'er, are you asleep?"
Lin Yun was a light sleeper, and upon hearing the sound, she opened her eyes and asked softly, "What's wrong, Your Majesty?"
Yongzheng gazed into her eyes and slowly said, "I... have something I want to ask you."
His tone held an unusual hesitation, "Are you... from the future?"
Lin Yun's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it on her face. She just blinked and asked, feigning confusion, "Why did Your Majesty suddenly ask that?"
Yongzheng sighed softly, briefly mentioned Hongli's accusations, and concluded by saying, "I don't believe his nonsense, but your talents are indeed far beyond those of ordinary people. If you really are from the future, I... just want to know the truth."
Lin Yun remained silent for a moment, then decided to fabricate a lie.
She sat up and said solemnly, "Since Your Majesty has asked, I will no longer hide it."
"I am indeed no ordinary person, but I am not a soul from later generations; I come from the celestial realm."
"The Immortal Realm?" Yongzheng's pupils contracted slightly, clearly surprised by the answer.
Lin Yun nodded and continued, "I was originally a spiritual herb in the celestial realm, and I was able to take human form after cultivating for a thousand years."
This descent to the mortal realm is for the purpose of undergoing tribulation and training.
The divine water is a spiritual spring from the celestial realm. By a fortunate turn of events, I received its inheritance, which is why I am able to use it to produce high-yield rice varieties.
As for the methods of trade and harem reform, they were all things he had seen and heard in the immortal realm, things he had witnessed in later generations.
She spoke while observing Yongzheng's reaction.
Seeing that his gaze was deep yet showed no fear, I felt somewhat relieved.
She added, "I have only been in this body for two years, and I do not know when I will return to the immortal realm or be reincarnated in the next life."
After listening, Emperor Yongzheng remained silent for a long time.
He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, feeling the warmth on his fingertips, so real.
After a long pause, he whispered, "So... you might leave me?"
Lin Yun held his hand and said softly, "I don't know what fate holds, but to be able to stay by Your Majesty's side at this moment is already a great blessing."
Yongzheng held her tightly in his arms, his voice low and firm: "I don't care if you're a celestial being or a mortal, now that you're here, don't even think about leaving. Even if it's against the will of Heaven, I will keep you here!"
Lin Yun leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and whispered, "If fate allows, I am willing to accompany Your Majesty for all eternity."
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