She suppressed the turmoil in her heart and said softly, "It's just something I read in my spare time to pass the time."
Yongzheng smiled enigmatically: "Is that so? Has that young lady noticed any differences between the historical records and the rumors?"
Lin Yun looked up and met his unfathomable eyes, and suddenly understood something.
His invitation to her today was no casual conversation. And she, perhaps, had already stepped into the trap he had set.
Yongzheng stared at Lin Yun, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
He slowly put down his teacup, his voice deep and powerful: "Miss Lin, the reason I invited you here today is to ask you something."
Lin Yun's heart tightened slightly, but she remained calm on the surface: "Please speak, Master Zhao."
Emperor Yongzheng's eyes were sharp: "I have heard that you are skilled in mechanical arts. The hidden pearl compartment in that peony hairpin is ingeniously designed and cannot be made by ordinary craftsmen."
He paused, then asked meaningfully, "May I ask who your teacher is, young lady?"
Lin Yun felt a chill run down her spine, realizing that he had indeed become suspicious of the hairpin's mechanism.
She smiled slightly and replied, "I only learned a little bit from my elders when I was young, so I can't be considered an expert."
Yongzheng nodded slightly, as if he had expected her answer.
He then changed the subject: "Does the young lady know that a batch of firearm blueprints of unknown origin have been circulating in the capital recently? These blueprints are exquisitely crafted, and if they can be used in the army, they will surely enhance our dynasty's combat power."
Lin Yun's eyes flashed, and she vaguely guessed his intention. She feigned confusion: "Why is Master Zhao telling me all this?"
Yongzheng looked directly into her eyes and said solemnly, "Because I believe that with your talent, if you can participate in this matter, you will surely be of great help to the court."
He paused briefly, his voice lowering even further, "To be honest, my purpose in traveling incognito this time is to seek out extraordinary individuals."
Lin Yun was shocked, realizing that it was indeed the case.
She hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Does Master Zhao mean... that he hopes I will assist the imperial court?"
Emperor Yongzheng nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Not bad. If you are willing to serve, the court will certainly not treat you unfairly."
Yinxiang, who was standing nearby, added at the opportune moment: "Miss Lin, this matter concerns the great interests of the nation, so please consider it carefully."
Lin Yun lowered her eyes, her fingertips lightly tracing the edge of the teacup, her thoughts racing.
After a moment, she looked up at Yongzheng with a firm gaze: "I am grateful for Master Zhao's high regard, and I am willing to do my best. However, I have a request."
Emperor Yongzheng raised an eyebrow slightly: "Speak freely."
Lin Yun said softly, "I need to make sure this matter is kept secret so as not to implicate my family."
Yongzheng smiled faintly: "Of course. I will personally arrange for the young lady's safety."
The air in the private room was filled with the aroma of tea, and sunlight streamed through the window, casting a hazy glow over the conversation. Lin Yun knew that from this moment on, she had secured the emperor's favor.
She decided to give the emperor a grand gift.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
