The foreign mission stayed in the capital for a month, but was unable to gather any more valuable intelligence.
The capital was heavily guarded, their activities were strictly restricted, and even the missionaries' churches were secretly monitored.
Left with no other option, James had to order the purchased goods to be loaded onto the ship and prepare to return home.
Before leaving, Charles was still unwilling to give up and tried to obtain some information by bribing the palace eunuchs, but he was almost caught on the spot by the secret guards.
Terrified, he packed his bags overnight and slunk away with the delegation from the capital.
Inside the Forbidden City, Emperor Yongzheng learned of the delegation's departure from Beijing, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
He put down the memorial in his hand and said to Su Peisheng beside him, "Issue an order to strengthen coastal defenses. Any Western ships that approach must be strictly investigated, especially in the Jiangnan area!"
Su Peisheng bowed and accepted the order, then hurriedly withdrew.
Yongzheng got up and looked out the window.
He was already planning his next steps, especially regarding the protection of Yun'er.
The foreigners failed this time, and it's hard to guarantee they won't cause trouble again.
Thinking of this, he got up and walked towards Kunning Palace.
Inside the Kunning Palace, Lin Yun was leaning against a soft couch, flipping through a book of Western paintings.
This was a gift presented by the mission before their departure, and the painting depicts the customs and culture of Europe.
She lightly tapped the pages with her fingertips, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a eunuch's voice announced from outside the hall: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Lin Yun closed the picture album and stood up to greet her.
When Yongzheng stepped into the hall, he saw Lin Yun smiling and his mood brightened.
He took her hand and said gently, "Yun'er, what are you looking at?"
Lin Yun handed him the picture album: "It's a picture album given to you by a foreigner. It's quite interesting."
Yongzheng casually flipped through a few pages and said indifferently, "These red-haired barbarians are outwardly respectful, but inwardly they harbor treacherous intentions."
Lin Yun chuckled: "Your Majesty need not worry, they cannot cause any trouble."
Yongzheng nodded, then changed the subject: "I have ordered a private kitchen to be set up in Kunning Palace. From now on, your meals will be taken care of by a special person. You must be careful about what you eat."
Lin Yun felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
The chefs in the small kitchen were personally appointed by him and were the most loyal eunuchs and palace maids from the imperial kitchen.
Every day, all ingredients undergo rigorous inspection.
He even personally drew up the menu to ensure that every dish suited Yun'er's taste.
If those foreigners can't get into the harem, they might try other methods.
He must not allow anyone to take advantage of the situation.
Yongzheng pulled her to sit down, a smile flashing in his eyes: "There is one more thing. I have ordered people to sort out the treasures brought back from the West this time, and I have specially selected some rare items for you."
After saying that, he clapped his hands.
Several eunuchs entered, each carrying an exquisite sandalwood box, and gently placed it on the table.
Lin Yun's eyes lit up.
Emperor Yongzheng personally opened the first box, inside which was a set of gold-threaded headdresses inlaid with rubies. The rubies were as vivid as pigeon blood and shone brightly in the candlelight.
He took out a hairpin and gently placed it in Lin Yun's hair, praising, "It really suits you."
This was specially commissioned by him.
The next time foreign envoys come to pay their respects, Yun'er must be made even more radiant.
The second box contained a necklace inlaid with a huge diamond.
It lay quietly on the velvet lining, the diamonds cut with exquisite precision, refracting a dazzling fire in the candlelight;
Next to it is a pink diamond ring, the pink color is pure and flawless, extremely rare.
Lin Yun fell in love with it at first sight.
"This pink diamond is a rare treasure even in the West, and I specially had it kept for myself." Yongzheng smiled as he put the ring on her finger.
Lin Yun's eyes were full of surprise. She gently stroked the ring and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I am reluctant to wear these treasures. Why not leave them for Zhaohua as her dowry?"
Emperor Yongzheng looked disapproving: "If you take good care of her, will our daughters not have a dowry?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yun was overjoyed. She really couldn't bear to give such a beautiful ring to anyone else, not even her own daughter…
Lin Yun picked up another string of pearls. Each pearl was round and full, with a lustrous sheen, and each one was about the size of a thumb.
"Your Majesty, this string of pearls is so beautiful." The warm white of the pearls contrasts with the cool light of the natural pearls, creating a rich and layered effect.
A hint of doting flashed in Yongzheng's eyes as he opened the second brocade box.
They are a pair of sapphire earrings, the gemstones are as deep blue as the ocean, and they are surrounded by tiny white diamonds, making them elegant and noble;
Beside it was a pair of ruby earrings, the gemstones as rich and vibrant as pigeon blood, surrounded by a circle of tiny pearls, solemn and gorgeous;
The styles are similar, but different combinations create different looks.
Lin Yun was immediately captivated by the piece, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Westerners may be cunning, but their craftsmanship is truly exquisite."
Yongzheng snorted coldly: "No matter how skilled they are, they are only interested in stealing secrets from other countries. They will never amount to anything."
There were also some unprocessed gemstones, dazzling just to hold in one's hand. He kept them all for Yun'er, so she could make some of her favorite designs in the future.
Lin Yun was overjoyed and carefully put away the jewelry, already starting to plan how to make more preparations for Zhao Hua's future.
These are priceless treasures; if she could bring just one back to the modern world, she could be financially independent. Alas, what a pity…
She looked at the pink diamond ring on her hand, thinking regretfully.
Seeing how much she loved the pink diamond ring, Yongzheng silently made a mental note: From now on, whenever Westerners present pink diamonds as tribute, save them all for Yun'er!
---
Here, inside the Rongguo Mansion.
Wang Xifeng was sitting in her courtyard, listening to Ping'er report on the latest business developments.
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