The Jinling Imperial Palace was shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning.
Lin Yun stood under the eaves, gazing at the gradually brightening sky in the distance, her handkerchief unconsciously crumpled in her hand.
The news Xia He brought back last night kept her awake all night: rumors were flying in the capital that the emperor had been assassinated, but there was not a single word from Fujian.
"Your Majesty, it's time for your breakfast," Chunlan gently reminded her, her eyes filled with worry.
Lin Yun shook her head: "I have no appetite."
She paused, then suddenly turned around. "Go prepare pen and ink; I need to write a letter to the Emperor."
Chunlan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately accepted the order and left.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and Xia He ran into the courtyard, panting: "Your Majesty! A letter has arrived from Fujian, written by the Emperor himself!"
Lin Yun's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly took the letter.
Upon opening the package, one could see that Yongzheng's handwriting was strong and clear: "The rumors were spread by Hongli and Niohuru. I have already laid a trap. My beloved consort, do not worry, and wait for good news."
Those few words finally put her mind at ease.
She let out a long sigh, tears welling in her eyes, which then turned sharp: "How dare Hongli be so rebellious!"
She gently folded the letter and instructed Chunlan beside her, "We must strengthen security inside and outside the palace these days, especially regarding the safety of the two princes. We must not be negligent in the slightest."
Chunlan quickly agreed, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will arrange it immediately."
The Imperial Clan Court Prison in the capital.
In the dark and damp prison cell, Hongli's clothes were disheveled, and he no longer possessed the majesty of a prince.
He stared at a spider in the corner, a cold smile creeping onto his lips: "The victor is king, the loser is villain; it's all the same."
Suddenly, the cell door was flung open, and blinding light streamed in.
The Thirteenth Prince, Yinxiang, dressed in military uniform, his gaze icy: "Fourth Prince, by imperial decree—effective immediately, you are no longer a descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan, but are demoted to a commoner and imprisoned forever in the Ministry of Justice's death row!"
Hongli looked up abruptly, a flicker of panic in his eyes, which quickly returned to calm: "Thirteenth Uncle, Father... is he really so heartless?"
Yunxiang sneered: "Heartless? When you spread rumors and plotted rebellion, did you ever think about the bond between father and son?"
He waved his hand, and the guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Hongli away. "Take him away! No one is allowed to visit His Majesty before he returns to the capital!"
"I refuse to accept this, Thirteenth Uncle..." Hongli gripped the iron bars of the window, his expression filled with grief and indignation: "There should never have been a woman named Lin Yun in this world, but she appeared and stole everything that belonged to me!"
"You... sigh!" Yunxiang looked at Hongli, who was only ten years old, and saw a maturity beyond his years. He didn't know what to say for a moment.
"Take him away." Take him away first, we'll talk about it when my brother returns.
News of the confiscation of the Niohuru family's property spread throughout the capital.
Lingzhu was executed in the street, the male members of his household were exiled to Ningguta, and the female members were confiscated in the Xin Zhe Ku (a place for imperial concubines). The once illustrious family vanished overnight.
----
On this day, Lin Yun was playing chess with Daiyu inside the Jinling Imperial Palace.
"Your Majesty seems distracted today," Daiyu said softly as she placed a piece on the board.
Lin Yun came to her senses and said with a wry smile, "Yu'er has sharp eyes."
Just as she was about to explain, she suddenly heard a commotion outside.
Immediately afterward, Chunlan rushed in with a beaming smile: "Your Majesty! The Emperor has sent an urgent message, saying it will arrive in Jinling in three days!"
The chess piece in Lin Yun's hand landed on the chessboard with a "thud".
She stood up abruptly, her eyes instantly reddening: "Really?"
Chunlan nodded repeatedly: "It's absolutely true! The messenger said that the Emperor staged an 'assassination attempt' in Fujian, which led to the exposure of Hongli's entire faction, and they have now been wiped out!"
Although Daiyu was unaware of what was going on, seeing Lin Yun crying tears of joy, she gently advised, "Your Highness should be happy."
Lin Yun wiped away her tears and suddenly grasped Daiyu's hand: "Yu'er, you're right. I'm so grateful to have you with me these past few days."
Although Daiyu didn't understand why, she still tried to make Lin Yun happy, acting like a little adult.
---
Three days later, flags fluttered at the Jinling Wharf.
Lin Yun, dressed in formal court attire, stood at the very front, leading Hong Yao and Zhao Hua.
The two children, dressed in brand-new little robes, excitedly stood on tiptoe to look around.
Daiyu stood quietly to one side.
As the dragon boat slowly approached the shore, Lin Yun's fingernails unconsciously dug into her palms.
When that familiar figure appeared at the bow of the ship, she finally couldn't help but take a step forward.
Emperor Yongzheng wore a bright yellow dragon robe, his eyes piercing.
He strode down the deck and, amidst the kneeling worship of the crowd, went straight to Lin Yun and helped her up, saying, "Yun'er, I'm back."
Their eyes met, and a thousand words were left unsaid.
Hongyao and Zhaohua rushed up and hugged Yongzheng's legs, calling out "Father Emperor" in their childish voices.
Yongzheng bent down and picked up the two children. When his gaze swept over Daiyu, he nodded slightly: "This is the daughter of Minister Lin? Indeed, she is intelligent and beautiful."
Daiyu quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty."
Emperor Yongzheng smiled at Lin Yun and said, "Good, Minister Lin is indeed a blessed person."
He then looked at the kneeling officials at the dock, his tone suddenly turning cold, "Su Peisheng, convey my decree: all those involved in the treason shall be severely punished according to the law! They shall be immediately escorted to Caishikou and executed by slow slicing!"
The officials fell silent, only Lin Yun said softly, "Your Majesty, let's talk about this back at the palace."
She gently squeezed his hand. "The children are waiting." She took Hongyao from her.
Emperor Yongzheng's expression softened slightly. He carried Zhaohua in one arm and led Lin Yun by the other as they ascended the imperial carriage.
As the curtain fell, he suddenly embraced her tightly, his voice hoarse: "Yun'er, I've missed you..."
Lin Yun buried her face in his shoulder, tears soaking his dragon robe: "Your Majesty, I know you will return safely."
Outside the imperial carriage, the people of Jinling City shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
Inside the imperial carriage, the emperor removed his armor, revealing his most vulnerable side, like a wounded fawn licking its wounds.
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