Here, the Jinling Imperial Palace is located at the foot of Zijin Mountain, nestled against the mountain and beside the water, with a magnificent presence.
When the imperial carriage arrived, the palace had already been properly arranged, with palace maids and eunuchs moving about in an orderly manner.
Local officials were waiting outside the palace early in the morning, and Yongzheng summoned them directly to inquire about government affairs.
After settling the two children, Lin Yun ordered a eunuch to deliver a verbal message to Daiyu at the Jia residence: "Come to the imperial palace to meet me tomorrow."
The reason Lin Yun refused to meet with the Jia family matriarch, who was of the highest rank, was that she was afraid her recollection of the original story differed from their actual lives, and that it would be bad if she revealed it to the matriarch.
It would be better to go directly to Daiyu and let them guess.
---
Upon receiving the imperial edict, the entire Jia family was thrown into chaos.
Jia Zheng and Jia She, who usually paid little attention to their niece, now gathered in the study to speculate on the deeper meaning behind the Imperial Concubine's actions.
Jia Zheng stroked his beard, his brows furrowed: "Why did Her Majesty summon Daiyu alone? Could it be that my brother-in-law Ruhai said something to the Emperor?"
Jia She was unimpressed, a calculating glint in his eyes: "Who cares about the reason? This is a tremendous opportunity! If we can use this to curry favor with the Imperial Concubine, our Jia family's standing in the court will be greatly enhanced..."
Jia Zheng glared at him and interrupted, "Brother, watch your words! How can you and I presume to know the Empress's thoughts?"
The guests standing nearby were also completely baffled.
If the Empress wanted to curry favor with the Jia family, she should have brought along Grandmother Jia or one of the other three sisters (the three young ladies). I just don't understand it, I really don't understand it...
———
On the other side, Daiyu was reading the Book of Songs in the gauze-curtained room when she heard the news and was lost in thought.
Zijuan hurriedly rummaged through her chests and cabinets: "Miss, you can't wear these plain clothes when you see Her Majesty tomorrow!"
Daiyu looked down at her plain white dress and said softly, "I am still in mourning. It would be inappropriate to wear something too bright."
Just then, Yuanyang, who was by Grandmother Jia's side, rushed over, holding a moon-white brocade dress in her hands: "Miss, the old lady said that you should dress up a bit when you go to see the Imperial Concubine, and not be too plain. This fabric has no patterns, so it is both dignified and presentable. It is a new dress that was made overnight a few days ago. You can wear it to the imperial palace to pay your respects to the Imperial Concubine tomorrow."
Zijuan was overjoyed and quickly helped Daiyu change into the clothes to try them on.
Before long, Daiyu stood in front of the bronze mirror and looked at herself, which made her appear even more slender and graceful.
"Young lady, this dress suits you so well," Zijuan said softly, her eyes full of pity.
Daiyu lowered her head, smoothed her sleeves, and said softly, "It's just to see Her Majesty, why be so formal?"
Zijuan smiled and said, "It is a great favor that Her Majesty summons me, so you should naturally dress appropriately."
Daiyu's fingertips lightly traced the smooth satin surface; at only eight years old, she was understandably nervous.
Since her father had already written to explain the reason, he must have met the Imperial Concubine, so she had nothing to worry about.
Then he turned to Yuanyang and said, "Please thank Grandmother for me. I'll be there in a bit."
Daiyu had just composed herself and sat down in Grandmother Jia's room when Baoyu rushed over upon hearing the news. As soon as he entered, he grabbed Daiyu's hand and said, "Sister Lin, I'll go with you tomorrow!"
Daiyu quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Nonsense! Her Majesty only summoned me, how can you go?"
Baoyu stamped his foot in frustration: "Then I'll wait for you outside the palace!"
Seeing this, Grandmother Jia shook her head with a smile: "Baoyu, your sister is going to meet the Imperial Concubine. How can this be taken lightly? She will be back after meeting the Imperial Concubine tomorrow, so you can rest assured."
Although Baoyu was unwilling, he knew that this matter was of great importance, so he could only nod sullenly.
Wang Xifeng stood under the eaves, watching everyone bustling about, feeling a pang of envy: "This girl is so lucky to have won the Empress's favor!"
Ping'er whispered, "Grandma, don't overthink it. Miss Lin has a good personality, so it's only natural that Her Majesty likes her."
Wang Xifeng snorted: "How could I think so much? I wish Lin Daiyu would visit more often, but unfortunately I don't have an official title, so I can't even see the Empress!"
Xue Baochai walked over and said gently, "Why bother yourself, Feng'er? We should be happy for Lin's good fortune."
Wang Xifeng pursed her lips and said nothing more.
She gets annoyed whenever she sees Xue Baochai. Who is Wang Xifeng? She can see through anyone, human or ghost, at a glance. Trying to act in front of her is too naive. Anyone can see through her filthy thoughts.
Xue Baochai turned and went into Grandmother Jia's room. She saw Daiyu showing off her new clothes in front of Grandmother Jia, so she went up to her and carefully instructed her: "When you see the Empress tomorrow, you must fold your hands and lower your eyes slightly when you bow. Do not look directly at her face. If the Empress asks you a question, you must first express your gratitude before answering. Remember not to say too much."
Daiyu nodded: "Thank you for your advice, Sister Bao."
Baochai smiled, a complex look flashing in her eyes: "Sister, you are very lucky. If you have good fortune in the future, don't forget your sisters."
Daiyu sensed the hidden meaning in her words, but simply smiled faintly and said, "Sister is joking."
---
The next morning, Chunlan and Xiahe arrived at the Jia mansion in sedan chairs.
Grandmother Jia personally escorted Daiyu to the door and straightened her clothes, saying, "Yu'er, don't be nervous. Since Her Majesty has summoned you, she must like you."
Daiyu took a deep breath and nodded, saying, "Grandmother, don't worry, Yu'er understands."
Baoyu stood aside, hesitant to speak, but finally managed to utter only, "Sister, come back soon."
Daiyu glanced at him and said softly, "Mm."
The sedan chair slowly began to move, and Daiyu watched the Jia family mansion gradually disappear into the distance through the gauze curtain, her heart filled with both anticipation and trepidation.
Chunlan and Xiahe followed the sedan chair on either side, whispering to each other: "Her Majesty will surely be delighted when she sees Miss Lin later."
Xia He smiled and said, "Indeed! This Miss Lin is both beautiful and talented, and she does resemble our Empress quite a bit."
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