Lin Daiyu has been frequently visiting the imperial palace to pay homage to the Imperial Concubine these past few days, and the political climate in the Jia family has subtly shifted as a result.
Jia Zheng and Jia She, who used to ignore her, now greet her with friendly words and ask her a few questions when they see her.
Although Madam Wang remained dignified and composed on the surface, there was a hint of eagerness in her eyes.
Even the servants in the mansion were more respectful to her than before, calling her "Miss Lin" with great enthusiasm.
That day, Daiyu had just returned from the imperial palace when Grandmother Jia ordered Yuanyang to summon her to her room.
As soon as she entered, she saw Grandmother Jia beckoning with a smile: "Yu'er, come here quickly, let your grandmother take a good look at you."
Daiyu stepped forward slowly and gave a graceful bow: "Grandmother."
Grandmother Jia took her hand and examined her closely: "Have you been getting used to seeing Her Highness these past few days?"
Daiyu nodded: "The Empress treats me very well. She often talks to me and has given me many things."
Although Daiyu was young, she would never utter a word about what happened in the palace that she shouldn't have said, not even to her maternal grandmother.
Grandmother Jia patted her hand with satisfaction: "You are so fortunate to have such a kind heart from Her Majesty."
As she spoke, a hint of reluctance flashed in her eyes, "But... I'll be going to the capital soon, and who knows when we'll meet again." She wiped her eyes as she spoke.
Upon hearing this, Daiyu felt a pang of sadness and said softly, "Her Majesty said that when the imperial carriage returns to the capital, I will accompany her to the palace for a short stay."
Grandmother, don't worry, Yu'er will write back often.
Grandmother Jia was taken aback, then sighed and pulled her into her arms: "Isn't that a sign of impending doom? The Emperor has returned today. My dear child, your grandmother will miss you so much..."
Just then, Aunt Xue led Baochai in.
Aunt Xue beamed: "Grandma, I heard that Miss Lin is going to the capital with Her Majesty? This is wonderful news!"
Grandmother Jia released Daiyu and forced a smile, saying, "Yes, Yu'er is blessed."
Aunt Xue's eyes lit up, and she pulled Baochai forward, saying, "Miss Lin, Baochai has always wanted to go to the capital. Why don't you mention it to the Empress and ask her to bring her to the palace with you? That way, the two sisters can look after each other."
Before Daiyu could answer, Fengjie, who followed her in, curled her lip and whispered to Ping'er, "Look at her, she's got a good plan, she can't wait to send her own daughter into the palace."
Baochai sensed the awkward atmosphere and quickly said, "Mother is joking. How can entering the palace be a trivial matter? Lin Daiyu is favored by the Empress, how can I rashly follow her?"
Daiyu glanced at Baochai and said calmly, "If Sister Bao is willing, there will be opportunities in the future."
Aunt Xue gave an awkward smile and said no more.
At this moment, Madam Wang also came in, carrying a brocade box in her hands.
She handed the box to Daiyu and said gently, "Yu'er, this is some personal money I prepared for you. You might need it after you enter the palace."
Daiyu accepted it and thanked her softly.
Lady Wang added, "Yuan Chun has been in the palace for many years. If you have the opportunity, you might as well go and see her. It would be good for the sisters to look after each other."
Daiyu nodded: "Don't worry, Aunt, I will keep an eye on it."
The group chatted for a while longer until dusk before dispersing.
Back at the Bisha Pavilion, Zijuan was busy packing her luggage.
Upon seeing Daiyu return, she hurriedly went to greet her: "Miss, you're finally back. Master Bao has been waiting for you for a long time and just left."
Daiyu was taken aback: "What is he doing here?"
Zijuan smiled and said, "I said I was giving you something, but I insisted on handing it to you personally."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Baoyu rushed in, clutching a delicate coral bracelet in his hand.
"Lin Daiyu!" He grabbed Daiyu's hand and placed the bracelet in her palm. "This is something I specially asked for for you. Wear it, and consider it as... consider it as me keeping you company."
Daiyu looked down at the bracelet; the coral beads were fiery red, making her wrist appear even whiter.
She felt a warmth in her heart, but then felt it was inappropriate and said softly, "This is too precious, I can't accept it."
Baoyu said anxiously, "Why can't we accept it? Once you leave, who knows when you'll be back? I... I can't bear to part with you!"
As he spoke, his eyes welled up with tears.
Seeing him like this, Daiyu felt sorry for him and said softly, "I'm just staying in the palace for a short while, it's not like I'm not coming back."
Baoyu shook his head: "There are too many rules in the palace. What if the Empress doesn't let you come back? Lin sister, can you... can you not go?"
Zijuan, who was listening from the side, was both amused and exasperated: "Second Master Bao, you can't say that! How can you disobey the Empress's decree?"
Baoyu realized he had spoken out of turn and stamped his foot in annoyance, but he didn't know how to express his reluctance to part with Daiyu. He could only hold Daiyu's hand tightly and say, "Then you must come back soon. I'll be waiting for you."
Daiyu's palms burned from his grip, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she gently withdrew her hand, saying, "I understand. You... take care too."
The two remained silent for a moment before Baoyu reluctantly left.
In the stillness of the night, Daiyu sat alone by the window, gazing absently at the coral bracelet in her hand.
Zijuan came over and draped a coat over her shoulders: "Miss, you have to get up early tomorrow, so please get some rest."
Daiyu sighed softly, "Zijuan, what do you think it will be like after entering the palace?"
Zijuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, Miss. Her Majesty treats you like family and will definitely take care of you. Besides, I'm here with you."
Daiyu nodded, feeling slightly relieved. She placed the bracelet in front of her chest and whispered, "I hope everything goes well."
The next morning, everyone in the Jia family gathered outside the main gate to see Daiyu off.
Grandmother Jia held her hand and repeatedly instructed her, "Yu'er, when you get to the palace, be careful in everything you do and take good care of yourself."
Daiyu forced back her tears and nodded in agreement.
Aunt Xue stood aside, still unwilling to give up: "Miss Lin, if it's convenient, please don't forget to say a few good words for Baochai..."
Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes and interrupted, "Alright, alright, Lin Daiyu is going to accompany the Empress, not to participate in the imperial concubine selection!"
Baoyu stood at the back of the crowd, his gaze fixed on Daiyu, and he lingered there until her sedan chair disappeared around the street corner.
Inside the sedan chair, Daiyu lifted the curtain and looked back at the Jia mansion that was gradually receding into the distance, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Zijuan held her hand and whispered, "Don't worry, Miss. The Empress is even better than your aunt."
Zijuan dared not compare herself to the old lady, but only to her aunt.
Daiyu took a deep breath and nodded.
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