Hearing their words, Daiyu felt somewhat relieved, thinking that her father must have agreed because she looked like the Empress.
The sedan chair came to a steady stop in front of the palace gate.
Chunlan lifted the sedan curtain and said softly, "Miss Lin, we've arrived."
Daiyu stepped out of the sedan chair and looked up. She saw the magnificent palace with its red walls and golden tiles, exuding an extraordinary aura.
She straightened her clothes and followed Chunlan and Xiahe through the many palace gates, her heart pounding like a drum.
Finally, they stopped in front of an exquisite courtyard.
Chunlan went in to announce her arrival, and came out a moment later with a smile: "Miss Lin, Her Majesty invites you in."
Daiyu took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The courtyard is lush with flowers and trees, with artificial hills and flowing water, resembling a fairyland.
Sitting in the pavilion was a woman dressed in a light purple palace dress, with exquisite features and an ethereal air.
Daiyu quickly stepped forward and gracefully bowed: "This humble woman, Lin Daiyu, greets Your Highness the Imperial Concubine. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Looking at the slender and delicate girl in front of her, Lin Yun felt a surge of emotion—this was Lin Daiyu from "Dream of the Red Chamber," who "died after shedding all her tears"!
She said softly, "Get up quickly, there's no need for such formalities."
Daiyu stood up, still keeping her head slightly lowered, not daring to look directly at him.
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Raise your head and let me take a good look at you."
Daiyu slowly raised her head, and the moment their eyes met, both of them were startled.
Lin Yun exclaimed inwardly: What a beautiful woman, "as graceful as a flower reflected in water when still, and as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze when moving!"
She's only a few years old and already so ethereal; what will she be like when she grows up?
Daiyu felt that the Imperial Concubine's gaze was gentle and tender, which made her feel inexplicably close to her, as if her mother was right in front of her. Just as her eyes were about to well up with tears, she felt that she had offended the Empress and quickly suppressed her emotions.
Lin Yun beckoned: "Come, sit next to me."
Daiyu hesitated for a moment, then took light steps forward.
Lin Yun took her hand and examined her closely: "Indeed, you are a bright and intelligent child. Your father mentioned you when he was in Yangzhou, saying that you were exceptionally clever. Seeing you today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."
Daiyu blushed slightly: "Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise."
Lin Yun smiled and said, "There's no need to call yourself a commoner. Just call me Your Highness. You'll be staying in the palace for a while, and we'll have plenty of time to spend together."
A hint of surprise flashed in Daiyu's eyes: "Your Majesty..."
Lin Yun patted her hand: "I felt an instant connection with you the moment I saw you. How is your maternal grandmother?"
Daiyu nodded: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My grandmother is well, and she also sends her regards to Your Majesty."
The two chatted about everyday matters, and Lin Yun asked about Daiyu's life in the Jia family. Daiyu answered her questions one by one, her words appropriate yet sincere.
Before we knew it, it was almost noon.
Lin Yun instructed Chunlan, "Go prepare lunch. We'll have Miss Lin stay for lunch today."
Daiyu was flattered and overwhelmed: "Your Majesty, this..."
Lin Yun smiled and said, "What, you don't want to dine with me?"
Daiyu quickly shook her head: "It would be an honor for Daiyu."
At lunchtime, Lin Yun specially ordered someone to prepare several light Jiangnan-style dishes, and also had a bowl of rock sugar bird's nest served to Daiyu: "I heard you are in poor health, you should nourish yourself more."
The bird's nest soup contained spiritual spring water, and Lin Yun, for some reason, wanted to help this lovely girl get better.
Daiyu was extremely grateful and took small sips of the drink.
To my surprise, I felt refreshed after just the first sip, and even my breathing became easier, no longer as rapid as before.
He hurriedly looked at the Imperial Concubine.
Lin Yun smiled and said, "This was specially made by someone, with some precious medicinal herbs added. Drink as much as you like."
Daiyu was extremely grateful. After finishing the bowl, her face looked rosy and fair, unlike when she had arrived.
After lunch, Lin Yun had someone bring a set of writing brushes and inkstones to Daiyu, saying, "I've heard you're a talented poet. This set of Huzhou brushes and Huizhou ink is a small token of my appreciation."
Daiyu accepted it, her eyes brimming with tears: "Your Majesty's kindness is beyond my ability to repay."
Lin Yun said softly, "Good child, I don't need you to repay me. I only wish you peace and happiness in the future, that will be enough."
As the sun set, Lin Yun ordered someone to escort Daiyu back to the Jia family mansion.
Before parting, she held Daiyu's hand and instructed her: "Go back and prepare well. When the Emperor returns to the capital, I will bring you into the palace."
Daiyu bowed deeply: "Daiyu will remember Your Majesty's teachings."
Watching Daiyu's departing figure, Lin Yun breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her lips.
If she didn't know, that would be one thing, but now that they've met, she will never let this Crimson Fairy repeat her tragedy.
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