The mission members were speechless for a moment.
They had come to investigate the situation, but the Queen's sharp opening completely disrupted their rhythm.
A diplomat, quick-witted, asked with feigned respect, "Your Majesty, we Westerners often say 'knowledge knows no borders.' What are your thoughts on this?"
This question, though seemingly ordinary, actually holds a hidden edge—if the Empress agrees, one can take the opportunity to inquire about the Qing Dynasty's technology.
If we oppose it, it will make the Qing Dynasty appear closed-minded and xenophobic.
Lin Yun's eyes flickered slightly. She took a sip of her tea and slowly said:
"Knowledge knows no borders, but it must be shared with sincerity. If someone uses the guise of exchange to steal, then they have betrayed the true meaning of the word 'knowledge'."
Her answer was watertight, neither denying the sharing of knowledge nor subtly criticizing the Westerners' purpose for their trip.
The members of the delegation's expressions changed slightly; they hadn't expected the Queen's words to be so sharp.
Another person quickly interjected, "Your Majesty is wise! Our trip is solely to enhance friendship between our two countries, and we have no other intentions whatsoever."
Lin Yun smiled enigmatically: "In that case, I will offer you all a cup of tea instead of wine."
She raised her teacup with graceful and composed movements.
The delegation members dared not be negligent and quickly raised their glasses in return.
During the banquet, the delegation tentatively raised a few questions, which Lin Yun answered skillfully with Eastern wisdom, neither revealing secrets nor losing the demeanor of a great power.
Yongzheng listened from the side, his admiration growing ever more evident in his eyes.
As the banquet drew to a close, Lin Yun rose to take her leave: "I have some matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."
Yongzheng nodded slightly: "Go."
Lin Yun nodded to everyone and then slowly left, surrounded by palace maids.
Her back was as straight as a pine tree, her long dress trailing on the ground, like a blooming peony, making it hard to look away.
When Yongzheng watched her leave, the tenderness in his eyes could no longer be concealed.
Even after the empress disappeared, the members of the delegation were still in shock.
They originally thought this trip would allow them to see the true nature of the Qing Dynasty, but they never expected that even an empress in the inner palace would be so unfathomable.
James whispered to Charles, "The power of the Qing Dynasty is probably far beyond our imagination..."
---
In Kunning Palace, Lin Yun leaned against a soft couch, gazing absently at the moonlight outside the window.
Yongzheng walked in and gently took her hand: "You've had a hard day."
Lin Yun shook her head and chuckled: "I'm just making an appearance, how could it be hard work?"
Yongzheng's gaze was deep: "Those foreigners are probably really here for you."
Lin Yun blinked and said playfully, "Then Your Majesty must protect me well."
Yongzheng pulled her into his arms, his tone firm: "I will never allow anyone to harm you in the slightest."
That night, the radiance of the Qing Empress was destined to remain an unforgettable impression on the delegation.
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