After returning to his residence, Lin Ruhai was still troubled.
He sat alone in his study, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, lost in thought.
He was a top scholar in the imperial examinations when he was young and was deeply favored by the emperor. Now he has been serving as the Salt Commissioner for three years. Although his career is going smoothly, he is always depressed because of the pain of losing his wife.
Seeing the Imperial Noble Consort at the welcoming banquet today, the charm in her eyes and brows was exactly the same as that of his late wife Jia Min when she was young, and she even had a bit more of an ethereal quality than Min'er, making him feel as if he had been transported to another world.
He recalled the time when the Empress entered the palace, which seemed to be only two or three years ago.
He had never paid much attention to palace affairs in the past, and had never paid much attention to this concubine. He never expected that seeing her today would shake him to his core.
To his surprise, the Imperial Concubine offered to take Daiyu to the palace for a short stay, her words earnest and her eyes full of sincerity.
Lin Ruhai's heart stirred, as if it were the will of Heaven.
"Perhaps this is the guidance of Min'er's spirit in heaven?" he murmured to himself, a hint of moisture welling up in his eyes.
Thinking of Daiyu, who lost her mother at a young age and now lives under someone else's roof, although she is loved by her maternal grandmother, she ultimately lacks the care of her biological parents.
If I could enter the palace and receive the favor of the Imperial Concubine, perhaps it would make up for some of my regrets.
Lin Ruhai picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, spread out the letter paper, and decided to write a letter immediately to inform Grandmother Jia of Jinling about the matter.
His calligraphy flowed like dragons and snakes, and his excitement was palpable between the lines:
"At Mother's knees:"
Like the sea bowing in reverence.
Today, Your Majesty has traveled south to Yangzhou. I was fortunate enough to see Your Majesty's face and was also honored by the inquiry of the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Empress Dowager, being kind and compassionate, upon learning of Daiyu's intelligence, granted her special permission to stay in the palace during her southern tour.
This is a blessing from heaven, and also a good fortune for Daiyu.
I hope Mother will make preparations early so that Daiyu can be sent to the capital as soon as the imperial decree arrives.
Like the sea, I bow again.
After writing, he gently blew the ink dry, put the letter in an envelope, and ordered his trusted servant to send it to Jinling overnight.
After doing all this, Lin Ruhai breathed a long sigh of relief, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart.
He gazed out the window at the night sky, where the lights of Yangzhou twinkled like stars, but his thoughts had already flown to Jinling, to the side of his daughter, Daiyu.
---
Inside the Jia family mansion, inside Grandmother Jia's green gauze wardrobe.
Daiyu was sitting alone by her bedside, holding an embroidered handkerchief in her hand, her eyes brimming with tears.
It turned out that she and Baoyu had argued over trivial matters that day, and Baoyu, in a moment of tactlessness, called her "petty." Daiyu felt wronged and refused to see him again after returning to her room.
Zijuan came in carrying a cup of hot tea. Seeing Daiyu's gloomy expression, she gently advised, "Miss, have some tea. Don't get upset."
Daiyu took the teacup, but simply held it in her hands, staring blankly at the bamboo shadows outside the window.
"Zijuan, tell me... am I really being too calculating?" Daiyu asked softly, her voice trembling with a sob.
Zijuan quickly shook her head: "Miss, what are you saying? Master Bao misspoke, please don't take it to heart."
He had just sent Xiren over, saying he would come to apologize in person later.
Upon hearing this, a complex look flashed in Daiyu's eyes, but she still stubbornly said, "Whether he comes or not, what does it have to do with me?" Even so, she unconsciously clenched the handkerchief in her hand a little tighter.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Yuanyang, who was by Grandmother Jia's side, hurried in with a happy expression: "Miss Lin, the old lady wants to see you. She says that the lord of Yangzhou has sent a letter and has something important to discuss with you."
Daiyu was taken aback, then delighted, but couldn't help but wonder, "Why did Father send a letter?"
She quickly got up and followed Yuanyang to the main hall of Grandmother Jia.
---
In Grandmother Jia's room, Lady Wang, Aunt Xue, Wang Xifeng, and others had already gathered together. When they saw Daiyu enter, Grandmother Jia quickly beckoned, "Yu'er, come here quickly."
Daiyu stepped forward and bowed. Grandmother Jia handed her the letter and said kindly, "Your father wrote that the Imperial Noble Consort wants to invite you to stay in the palace for a while. This is an immense favor!"
Daiyu took the letter, read it carefully, and was both surprised and delighted.
She looked up at Grandmother Jia, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes: "Grandmother, this... Yu'er has never been to the palace before, I'm afraid I'll be impolite."
Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "It's alright. Since the Imperial Concubine specifically asked for you, she must value your character. Besides, with the Imperial Concubine's protection, you will certainly not suffer any grievances in the palace."
Madam Wang chimed in, "Yes, this is a blessing that others would beg for."
Lady Wang was filled with mixed feelings at this moment. Her daughter, Yuan Chun, had entered the palace as a maid and later became a tea server in front of the Emperor, who took a liking to her.
Now that the Emperor Emeritus has abdicated, no one knows how Yuan Chun is doing in the palace, which has allowed this girl to rise to prominence.
Aunt Xue held Daiyu's hand and said gently, "Yu'er is exceptionally intelligent; she learned the palace etiquette very quickly. However..."
She paused, then looked at Grandmother Jia, "Why does Your Majesty suddenly want to bring Yu'er into the palace?"
Why wasn't it her daughter, Baochai? Heaven is so unfair!
Grandmother Jia shook her head: "The letter didn't go into details, only saying it was the Empress's favor. It seems that Ruhai gained favor with the Emperor, which is why the Empress is so fond of him."
Daiyu lowered her head and remained silent, but a ripple of emotion stirred within her.
She lost her mother at a young age, and although she was loved by Grandmother Jia, she was ultimately sensitive and thoughtful.
Now, suddenly having to leave the Jia family and enter the palace, he felt both anticipation and trepidation.
She couldn't help but think of Baoyu. If he knew about this, how would he react?
Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard Baoyu's voice from outside the door: "Is Lin Daiyu inside?"
Before he finished speaking, Baoyu lifted the curtain and entered. He was taken aback when he saw the room full of people, and then bowed to Grandmother Jia and the others.
Grandmother Jia smiled and said, "Baoyu, you've come at the perfect time. Your Lin sister is going to the palace to see the Imperial Concubine. Aren't you happy for her?"
Upon hearing this, Baoyu was struck dumb, staring blankly at Daiyu: "Entered the palace? When did that happen?"
Seeing his expression, Daiyu's heart softened, and she said softly, "I just received a letter from Father, saying it was a favor from the Imperial Concubine."
Baoyu asked anxiously, "Then... how long will it take?" Daiyu shook her head: "It wasn't mentioned in the letter."
Baoyu was speechless for a moment, feeling uneasy and anxious.
He had come to apologize, but upon hearing this news, he was at a loss for what to do.
Grandmother Jia saw through his thoughts and teased, "Baoyu, you should be happy for your sister who has had such an opportunity."
Baoyu forced a smile: "Of course I'm happy... but..." He looked at Daiyu, his eyes full of reluctance.
When Daiyu met his gaze, her previous anger had vanished, leaving only a faint sadness of parting.
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