Inside the Kunning Palace, a faint scent of ambergris wafted from a golden incense burner, with wisps of smoke swirling around the hall.
The emperor specially ordered the entire palace to be renovated and decorated in an extremely luxurious manner.
Lin Yun was dressed in casual clothes, with only a golden phoenix hairpin in her hair, which made her look exceptionally elegant.
She held a roll of names in her hand, her brows furrowed slightly, as if she were pondering something.
"Your Highness, Miss Lin has arrived," a palace maid announced softly.
Lin Yun looked up and saw Daiyu walking gracefully towards her. Her light blue dress made her look like a lotus emerging from the water, pure and elegant.
She smiled slightly and beckoned, "Yu'er, come and sit down."
After Daiyu bowed, she sat down next to Lin Yun as instructed and asked softly, "Your Majesty summoned me here because you have something to tell me?"
Lin Yun put down the roster and looked at her gently: "Yu'er, you are already fourteen years old this year, and there are some things you should consider. I called you here today to ask about your marriage."
Upon hearing this, Daiyu's ears turned slightly red, and she lowered her head and said softly, "Your Majesty, I only want to focus on my studies and teaching my students right now, and I haven't thought about these things yet."
Lin Yun sighed softly and took her hand: "A young woman's marriage is a big deal. I know you are thoughtful and unwilling to entrust your life to someone easily, but if there is a suitable person, you should make plans as soon as possible."
She paused, then continued, "I specifically asked the Emperor to investigate. Baoyu is fifteen years old now and passed the imperial examination for the first time last year, but..."
Daiyu raised her eyes, a hint of doubt flashing in them: "But what?"
Lin Yun shook her head and said, "He has recently become very close to a rich young man named Shui Rong, and he spends all his time fooling around and neglecting his studies. Your uncle is too busy with official duties to discipline him."
Xue Baochai seemed to realize that he had no interest in pursuing fame and fortune, so she stopped urging him to study and instead focused on pleasing Lady Wang.
Besides, how could cousins possibly get married? She couldn't say it outright. Moreover, Lady Wang was a very shrewd person. If Daiyu were to marry into the family, how could Lady Wang be willing to let Daiyu be the head of the household? If she were to bring Xue Baochai as a concubine, wouldn't that be infuriating?
In short, Baoyu's side is not a good ending.
Upon hearing this, Daiyu remained calm, her eyes showing no emotion: "Your Majesty, what happens to Baoyu is no longer my concern. Since entering the palace, I have long since let go of the past."
Lin Yun carefully observed her expression, confirming that she wasn't just putting on a brave face, before she felt relieved: "That's good. Do you have someone you like? Or a talented young man you've met at the academy?"
Daiyu shook her head, her tone firm: "Although I have seen many students in the academy, most of them are too utilitarian, like Yan Tingzhi, who is really hard to look at."
Moreover, this humble woman now only wishes to follow Your Majesty and enlighten the women of the world; marriage... is not something she wishes to consider for the time being.
Lin Yun feigned displeasure: "How can that be? A girl must eventually find her own home. If you never marry, wouldn't you be wasting your youth?"
Daiyu smiled, her eyes showing a stubbornness: "Didn't Your Majesty once say that a woman doesn't necessarily have to depend on a man to live? I am willing to follow Your Majesty's example and establish myself through my talent and learning."
Lin Yun was amused by her words and tapped her forehead: "You, you always know how to use my words to shut me up."
She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject, "Since ordinary men don't meet your standards, why not... marry into the royal family?"
Daiyu was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty means...?"
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Thirteenth Uncle's second son, Hongtun, is sixteen years old. He is very talented and gentle."
He has studied literature and martial arts since childhood, and now serves the Emperor, where he is highly regarded. If you are interested, I can arrange a meeting between you.
Daiyu lowered her head in thought, her fingers unconsciously twisting her handkerchief. Although she had little interest in marriage, she couldn't very well refuse since the Empress herself had proposed it. Besides, she had heard people mention Hongtun's name before; he was indeed a young man with an excellent reputation.
Lin Yun noticed her hesitation and said softly, "You don't need to answer now. You can meet him first. If you feel it's not suitable, I will not force you."
Daiyu looked up and met Lin Yun's concerned gaze, feeling a warmth in her heart.
She nodded gently: "Your Majesty, I will follow your arrangements."
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Alright, then it's settled. In a few days, there will be a banquet in the palace, and I will invite Hongtun to the palace so that you can meet him first."
---
A few days later, the Imperial Garden was in full bloom, brimming with the spirit of spring.
Lin Yun specially set up a tea ceremony in the pavilion and invited Daiyu and Hongtun to come and admire the flowers.
Hongtun was dressed in a moon-white robe with a jade belt around his waist. He had clear eyes and a composed demeanor.
He saw Daiyu in the pavilion from afar, paused slightly, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes.
Lin Yun took in his reaction, chuckled inwardly, and beckoned, "Hongtun, come and sit down."
Hongtun stepped forward and bowed: "Nephew greets Imperial Aunt and County Princess."
Daiyu rose to return the greeting, and her gaze inadvertently met Hongtun's. Both of them were startled, and then looked away.
Lin Yun pretended not to see them and personally poured tea for them: "The spring scenery is just right today. You young people don't need to stand on ceremony. Please sit with me."
Hongtun took the teacup and said gently, "I heard that the county princess teaches mathematics at Mingde Academy, which is truly admirable."
Daiyu smiled slightly: "You flatter me, Your Highness. It is only because Her Majesty is so kind as to give me a chance to gain experience."
Hongtun shook his head, his tone sincere: "Your Highness is too modest. Western learning is the foundation of a strong nation, and it is already commendable that Your Highness is willing to contribute to this cause."
The two chatted back and forth and gradually started talking.
From mathematics to poetry, from Western technology to folk anecdotes, the more they talked, the more they found themselves congenial.
Lin Yun stood by with a smile, occasionally interjecting a word or two, creating a harmonious and natural atmosphere.
As the sun set and the tea ceremony ended, Hongtun volunteered to escort Daiyu back to the palace.
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