Lin Yun quickly helped Daiyu up, gently wiped away her tears with a handkerchief, and softly comforted her, "Don't cry anymore. After all these years in the palace, you're still so distant from me."
If Hongyao weren't so young, I'd want you to be my daughter-in-law.
She paused, a mischievous smile flashing in her eyes, "But if you don't mind, why not recognize me as your godmother? Today I'll shamelessly ask you to be my daughter."
Upon hearing this, Daiyu's eyes reddened again, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She lost her mother at a young age. Although she was loved by her maternal grandmother, she ultimately lacked the care of her mother.
After entering the palace, Lin Yun treated her like her own daughter, and now she even wants to recognize her as her goddaughter. How could she not be moved by this affection?
She took two steps back, knelt down solemnly, and kowtowed three times respectfully, her voice trembling slightly: "Godmother, please accept Yu'er's bow."
Lin Yun quickly helped her up, her eyes full of love: "Good child, from now on, we are family."
She pulled Daiyu down to sit, and carefully instructed her, "If anyone dares to bully you in the future, just tell me."
Your godmother will take care of your marriage arrangements and will ensure you suffer no hardship whatsoever.
Lin Yun found it amusing that she was only twenty-one years old and already had an eleven-year-old daughter.
Daiyu nestled beside Lin Yun and whispered, "My godmother has treated me so well; I, Yu'er, have no way to repay her in this lifetime."
Lin Yun smiled and tapped her forehead: "Silly child, there's no need for thanks between mother and daughter?"
The two talked intimately for a long time until the night was deep before Lin Yun got up and left.
---
The next morning, after the Yongzheng Emperor finished his court session, he heard about Daiyu recognizing Lin Yun as her godmother.
When he entered Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun was sitting by the window reading a book. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice and fell on her, making her features appear even more beautiful.
Yongzheng walked to her side and said gently, "I heard that you have recognized Daiyu as your goddaughter?"
Lin Yun put down her book, looked up and smiled, "Yu'er is such a well-behaved and sensible child. I've had this idea for a while now. I wonder if His Majesty will blame me for taking matters into my own hands?"
Yongzheng nodded slightly: "Since you like it, I naturally have no objection. However—"
He pondered for a moment, then continued, "Daiyu is now quite famous, so her marriage must be handled with care."
"I have secretly ordered Lin Ruhai to come to the capital, firstly to discuss affairs in Jiangnan, and secondly to hear his thoughts as a father."
A knowing glint flashed in Lin Yun's eyes: "His Majesty is very thoughtful. We should indeed consult Lord Lin about Yu'er's marriage."
Emperor Yongzheng held her hand and sighed softly, "I know you love her, but the situation in the court is complicated, and we must be cautious about some things."
Lin Yun nodded: "Your Majesty, I understand."
---
At this moment in Jiangnan, Lin Ruhai was bent over his desk reviewing official documents.
Suddenly, the personal attendant rushed in, presenting a secret letter with both hands: "Master, an urgent message from the capital!"
When Lin Ruhai opened the package, he found it was written in the Emperor's own hand, ordering him to go to the capital immediately.
His heart tightened, and he quickly ordered his servants to prepare his luggage, and also ordered his clerk to temporarily take over his official duties.
Before leaving, Lin Ruhai looked at the canal outside the government office, his heart filled with emotion.
Years ago, he was overwhelmed by the issue of canal transport, but now the imperial court is vigorously developing the navy, bandits have disappeared from the canal, and ships come and go like shuttles.
He boarded the official boat and told the boatman, "Go north at full speed without delay."
The official boat sailed downstream, and the scenery on both banks was picturesque.
Lin Ruhai stood at the bow of the boat, gazing at the rippling blue water, his thoughts drifting far away.
Since taking the secret medicine bestowed by the emperor, his body has become stronger day by day, and he now seems to be five years younger.
Thinking of his daughter Daiyu, he felt both gratified and guilty.
He was gratified that she was protected by the Imperial Concubine in the palace, which allowed her to display her talents; he felt guilty that as her father, he had not been able to take care of her personally.
When the ship reached Shandong territory, a bugle call suddenly came from afar.
Lin Ruhai looked up and saw a warship flying a dragon flag cutting through the waves, with soldiers standing at attention on the deck, their swords and spears like a forest.
When the generals on the warships saw the official ship, they bowed in greeting from afar.
Lin Ruhai quickly returned the greeting, thinking to himself: In the past, bandits roamed the canal, and merchants lived in constant fear. Now, the navy patrols the canal, and the people live in peace and prosperity. The emperor's governance is indeed extraordinary.
Ten days later, the official ship arrived at Tongzhou Wharf.
As soon as Lin Ruhai disembarked, a group of guards came forward to greet him. The leader clasped his hands and said, "Lord Lin, His Majesty has ordered us to be here to meet you. Please come with us into the palace."
Lin Ruhai's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "Why is the Emperor in such a hurry? Could something serious have happened?"
He dared not delay and quickly got into the carriage.
The carriage sped into the capital, passing through bustling streets and heading straight for the Forbidden City.
Through the car window, Lin Ruhai saw crowds of people in the teahouses and taverns along the street. The people's faces were full of smiles, and some were talking loudly: "I heard that the three-season rice has already headed and is taller than a person!"
"Your Majesty is wise! We will never have to go hungry again!"
Lin Ruhai smiled slightly, his respect for the Emperor deepening even further.
When we arrived at the palace gate, the sun had already set.
The guards led Lin Ruhai through the many palace gates to the outside of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Su Peisheng was already waiting at the foot of the steps. Upon seeing him arrive, he quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Lord Lin, you must be tired from your journey. His Majesty is waiting for you inside the hall." Lin Ruhai straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hall.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, candlelight shone brightly as Emperor Yongzheng bent over his desk reviewing memorials.
Hearing footsteps, he looked up, his eyes sharp: "Minister Lin, was your journey smooth?"
Lin Ruhai immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "Thanks to Your Majesty's great blessings, I had a safe journey."
Yongzheng raised his hand to signal him to stand up and said calmly, "I have summoned you to the capital for two reasons: first, to discuss the matter of the canal transport in Jiangnan, and second, to discuss an important matter with you."
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