When Yongzheng returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, his brows were still furrowed.
In the candlelight, his face looked extremely tired.
Su Peisheng carefully served a cup of hot tea and said softly, "Your Majesty, it's late, you should rest."
Yongzheng took the teacup, but only held it in his hand, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the palace walls, but could not penetrate his chaotic thoughts at this moment.
Since Yun'er arrived in the capital, her talent and ability have indeed brought him many surprises.
The construction of the textile factory and the layout of the Northwest Mulberry Garden were all thanks to her.
But the more this was the case, the more uneasy Yongzheng felt.
Yun'er always maintained a perfect balance of respect and distance towards him. She never asked him for anything; even the title of Imperial Merchant was bestowed upon her by him voluntarily.
She seemed to have no interest in power or him, focusing only on her own career.
This attitude of having no desires or wants actually made him feel frustrated.
He was the emperor, and all women in the world considered it an honor to win his favor, but Yun'er was an exception.
What bothered him even more was that several times when he went to Yunxiang Pavilion, he saw Lin Yun chatting and laughing with guests.
Young gentlemen and merchants would always find excuses to go to the shop, just to catch a glimpse of her.
And Yun'er? She smiled and chatted with them, completely unguarded.
Upon hearing these reports from his secret guards, Yongzheng felt as if his heart had been pierced by needles. He could imagine the filthy thoughts of those philandering suitors. He wished he could immediately issue an edict forbidding any unauthorized personnel from approaching Yunxiang Pavilion.
It is now the twelfth lunar month, and the end of the year is approaching. Lin Yun has grown another year older, but he has yet to bring her into the palace.
He was worried that if he delayed any longer, things might change.
What if someone beats them to it, or what if Yun'er changes her mind...
Thinking of this, Yongzheng suddenly stood up, and a few drops of water from the teacup splashed out, scalding the back of his hand red.
"Prepare the horses!" he said coldly.
Su Peisheng was startled: "Your Majesty, it's already past midnight, where are you going?"
"Yunxiang Courtyard." Yongzheng walked out without turning his head.
---
The night was deep and the wind was biting cold.
Emperor Yongzheng rode his horse through the quiet streets, the sound of hooves echoing crisply on the stone pavement.
The guards followed closely behind, but dared not ask a single question.
The gatekeeper of Yunxiang Villa was awakened by the urgent knocking. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he opened the door and, upon seeing the Emperor, was so frightened that he immediately knelt down: "Long live the Emperor!"
Yongzheng stepped straight into the courtyard and asked in a deep voice, "Where is Yun'er?"
Hearing the commotion, Xiao Tao hurriedly put on her clothes and came out. Seeing that it was Yongzheng, she quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Miss has already retired for the night. This servant will go and wake her up right away."
"No need," Yongzheng raised his hand to stop him. "Take me to her room."
Xiao Tao dared not disobey and had no choice but to lead the way.
After passing through the corridor, we arrived at Lin Yun's bedroom.
Yongzheng gestured for everyone to leave, then pushed open the door and entered alone.
Inside the house, Lin Yun had been awakened by the commotion outside and was sitting up, putting on her clothes.
Upon seeing Yongzheng's sudden appearance, she was taken aback at first, then got out of bed and bowed: "This commoner greets Your Majesty."
Yongzheng strode forward and took her arm, saying, "No need for such formalities."
The distance between the two suddenly closed, and Lin Yun could clearly feel the warmth of his breath.
She looked up slightly and met his deep gaze, her heart skipping a beat.
"Your Majesty, is there something urgent that you have come so late at night?" she asked softly.
Yongzheng did not answer immediately, but stared into her eyes as if trying to see through her thoughts.
After a moment, he finally spoke: "I couldn't sleep, so I wanted to come and see you."
Lin Yun was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is joking. If you have something to do, you can simply summon me. Why bother to come all the way here in person?"
"If I summon you, will you come?" Yongzheng asked rhetorically, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible bitterness.
Lin Yun sensed that his mood was off and said softly, "Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, how dare I disobey?"
"But what I want is not your obedience!" Yongzheng suddenly raised his voice, a hint of anxiety flashing in his eyes. "Yun'er, what are your true feelings for me?"
Lin Yun was caught off guard by his question and didn't know how to answer it for a moment.
She certainly had feelings for Yongzheng, but he was the emperor and couldn't possibly have only one woman.
But she really didn't want to compromise herself by sharing a man with someone else.
She lowered her head and said softly, "This humble woman naturally holds Your Majesty in high esteem and gratitude."
"Is that all?" Yongzheng took a step closer, his tone oppressive. "I made an exception for you, bestowing upon you the title of Imperial Merchant, granting you a residence, and even going so far as to deal with court officials, and all you give me in return is the word 'respect'?"
Lin Yun remained silent for a moment, then finally raised her head, her gaze frank: "What does Your Majesty wish me to say? I am but a humble merchant's daughter, and it is already a great fortune to have Your Majesty's favor. How could I dare to have any other improper thoughts?"
"I grant you permission to have such improper thoughts!" Yongzheng grabbed her wrist, the force so strong that she frowned slightly.
"Yun'er, I want you to enter the palace and become my woman."
These words struck Lin Yun like a thunderbolt, leaving her mind blank.
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Seeing this, Yongzheng became even more anxious: "You're unwilling?"
Lin Yun took a deep breath and slowly said, "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm unwilling, it's just... I've always envied those who can be together for life. You are the Emperor, it's impossible for you, so perhaps..."
Next, the emperor should rebuke her for her delusions and audacity.
"I agree."
"Your Majesty, you need not be troubled. You are rich beyond measure... What?" Lin Yun wondered if she had misheard.
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