Spring of the ninth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign.
The willow branches in the capital city are sprouting tender buds, and the Forbidden City is full of vitality.
Inside the Zhongqin Earl's residence, Lin Yan, holding a book, diligently studied in his study until late at night every day.
After failing the imperial examinations twice, he finally passed them last autumn.
After passing the imperial examination, he became even more diligent, determined to achieve top honors in the following spring's imperial examination.
Lin Rushan was overjoyed to see his youngest son working so hard. He often sighed to his mother, "Although our family is now related to the imperial family, it is Yan'er's ability to earn a future through his own talent and learning that truly brings glory to our family."
Lin's mother smiled and nodded, her hands embroidering little clothes for her grandchildren, her eyes full of love.
Two years ago, the eldest brother, Lin Feng, married Li, the daughter of the president of the Chamber of Commerce. Their business in Shangyang County is thriving.
Madam Li was gentle and kind, and she managed the household well, keeping everything in perfect order.
Every month, Raymond Lam would send people to deliver some local specialties from his hometown to Beijing. After receiving them, Lin Yun would always share them with her sisters in the palace. Even Emperor Yongzheng praised them highly after tasting them.
Xiao Tao married Zhao Cheng, a bodyguard of the emperor, and the couple were very much in love.
Zhao Cheng was highly skilled in martial arts and honest in character. Xiao Tao often said to Lin Yun, "Your Majesty, I never dared to dream of living like this."
Lin Yun jokingly teased her, "You were reluctant to leave me back then, but now you're so happy you don't want to leave."
Xiao Tao blushed and waved her hands repeatedly.
Lin's mother visited Lin Yun in the palace twice.
The first time was when Lin Yun was pregnant with twins. Seeing that she was being carefully cared for by the imperial physicians and palace maids, he finally felt relieved.
The second time was after the twins were born. Lin's mother held her two adorable grandsons and wept with joy.
Seeing Daiyu by Lin Yun's side, the two sisters were very close, and Lin's mother was even more gratified. She said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, with Yu'er by Yun'er's side, I am at ease."
Yongzheng nodded slightly, his gaze gentle. Yun'er was sincere, and Daiyu was indeed more cheerful and clever than when she entered the palace.
Meanwhile, Lin Ruhai, Daiyu's father, became much healthier than before after taking sesame pills made by Lin Yun with "fairy water".
He was supposed to die in the seventh year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, but he is now in good health. This is because the Yongzheng Emperor knew his future in advance and could not bear to see his trusted minister perish. He discussed with Lin Yun the possibility of giving him a secret recipe of sesame pills to improve his health. Lin Ruhai was so grateful that he dared not stop taking the pills for even a day. Now, his health is even better than that of a young man.
The birth of the twins delighted Emperor Yongzheng, who issued a general amnesty and promoted Consort Gui to Imperial Noble Consort.
The two children were named Hongxi and Hongsheng, and were raised in Yanxi Palace along with their older siblings Hongyao and Zhaohua.
Hongyao and Zhaohua were precocious, entering the Imperial Study at the age of five. The tutors often praised their exceptional intelligence, and Yongzheng was always filled with pride whenever he heard this.
On this beautiful spring day, Lin Yun was playing with the children in the garden of Yanxi Palace.
Daiyu, holding a book, sat to the side and read softly. At ten years old, she had already grown into a graceful young lady with beautiful features.
After finishing his court session, Emperor Yongzheng strolled over and, upon seeing this scene before him, felt a warmth welling up in his heart.
He walked to Lin Yun's side and said softly, "Yun'er, I have something to say to you."
Lin Yun looked up and saw his solemn expression, so she asked Daiyu and the wet nurse to take the children to rest.
Yongzheng took her hand and walked slowly into the depths of the plum grove, saying softly, "I wish to make you empress and have you reside in Kunning Palace."
Lin Yun was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty, this... I am still inexperienced and I am afraid I will not be able to convince the public."
Yongzheng shook his head, his gaze firm: "You have borne me children, managed the harem with great efficiency, and won my heart. It is only right and proper to make you empress."
He paused, then said, "I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the investiture ceremony. You just need to wait patiently."
Lin Yun was moved and was about to speak when Su Peisheng rushed over with a solemn expression: "Your Majesty, an urgent report from the previous court: the fleet that went to sea has returned!"
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng's expression changed drastically: "When did you arrive?"
"We just arrived at the port. Eighth Prince, Tenth Prince, and Lord Lan are on their way back to the capital."
Emperor Yongzheng shook Lin Yun's hand and said, "I will deal with this matter first and discuss it with you in detail later." With that, he strode away.
Lin Yun watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with joy. He had returned safely; the journey must have been incredibly thrilling.
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The Tianjin Port was shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning, with the sea and sky blending into one.
Fishermen set out to sea early to cast their nets, while seagulls circled overhead, emitting clear cries.
Suddenly, a sharp-eyed boy pointed to the distant horizon and exclaimed, "Look! What's that?"
Following the direction he pointed, everyone saw the faint shadows of several masts emerging from the thin mist. Then, more and more sails broke through the mist, like a giant dragon awakening from the deep sea, slowly sailing towards the port.
"It's the Qing Dynasty's fleet! They're back!" someone shouted.
This shout was like a thunderclap, instantly igniting the entire port.
The people dropped what they were doing and flocked to the dock.
Children ran excitedly, women stood on tiptoe to look around, and the elderly clasped their hands together and murmured prayers.
The vendors, not even bothering to pack up their stalls, followed the crowd toward the beach.
"Finally back!" An elderly fisherman with white hair cried, his rough hands tightly gripping his grandson beside him.
"Your father is on that ship, he's back!"
As the fleet drew closer, the mottled marks on the hulls became clearly visible—marks left by wind, rain, and waves.
The flags at the bow of the ship fluttered in the wind, the Qing Dynasty's dragon flag still bright and dazzling.
The sailors stood on the deck, gazing at their familiar homeland, and many couldn't help but tear up.
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