Lin Yun quickly got out of the carriage and returned the greeting: "It is indeed I, sir. Please lead the way."
The guard stepped aside to lead the way, his attitude respectful: "Please follow me, young lady. His Majesty has prepared accommodations for you."
The convoy, accompanied by guards, passed through bustling streets and headed towards the Forbidden City.
About half an hour later, the group stopped in front of an impressive mansion.
A gilded plaque hangs above the vermilion gate, bearing the four large characters "Yunxiang Bieyuan" (芸香别院), written in a powerful and vigorous style, clearly an inscription by the emperor himself.
Xiao Tao opened her mouth wide and stammered, "Miss, this house... is it for us?"
Lin Yun was also stunned; the mansion before her was even more magnificent than she had imagined. The four courtyards, with their blue bricks and gray tiles, and upturned eaves, exuded exquisite luxury.
Two imposing stone lions stand guard in front of the courtyard gate, seemingly proclaiming the owner's extraordinary status.
The guard bowed and said, "Please come in, young lady. Everything you need is provided in the house. If you require anything, please feel free to ask the servants."
Lin Yun took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in her heart, and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty, and thank you for your hard work, sir."
Upon entering the courtyard, you are greeted by a carved screen wall. Beyond the screen wall lies a spacious front yard.
The courtyard was filled with artificial hills and flowing water, and lush flowers and trees. Several maids and servants were already lined up waiting. When they saw Lin Yun enter, they all bowed and said, "Welcome, Miss!"
Manager Chen and Wang Defa followed behind, secretly marveling at their performance.
Manager Chen said in a low voice, "This house... is probably even more magnificent than the residences of many officials in the capital." Wang Defa nodded silently, his regard for Lin Yun rising even higher.
Passing through the front yard, you arrive at the main hall.
The hall is elegantly furnished with rosewood tables and chairs, Jingdezhen porcelain, and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls, all of which are exquisite.
Little Peach touched and looked around excitedly, like a child: "Miss, this chair is so soft! This vase is so beautiful!"
Lin Yun smiled helplessly and said to the guard, "Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty on my behalf. After I have settled in, I will personally go to the palace to express my thanks."
The guard bowed and withdrew, saying, "You're too kind, young lady. I'll go report back right away."
After the guards left, Lin Yun instructed everyone to settle down.
Xiao Tao skipped and hopped towards the backyard, muttering that she wanted to make the young lady's room the most beautiful.
Manager Chen and Accountant Zhang, along with their staff, checked the luggage and arranged accommodations.
Wang Defa arranged for guards to familiarize themselves with the layout of the residence and deployed them to guard duties.
Lin Yun walked alone to the back garden, where there was a small pavilion surrounded by osmanthus trees. A gentle breeze carried their fragrance. She sat in the pavilion, gazing at the Forbidden City in the distance, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
"I never expected the Emperor to treat me so kindly..." she murmured to herself.
This mansion was not only a gift, but also a silent declaration—that Lin Yun was someone the Emperor valued.
Meanwhile, within the Forbidden City, discussions about Lin Yun continued unabated.
In Yikun Palace, Consort Nian listened to her trusted maid's report, her handkerchief nearly torn to shreds: "What? The Emperor actually bestowed upon her a four-courtyard mansion? And with a plaque personally inscribed by the Emperor himself?!"
The palace maid nodded tremblingly: "Your Majesty, it's absolutely true. That house is located outside the Forbidden City, very close to the palace."
A ruthless glint flashed in Consort Nian's eyes: "So, Lin Yun, I'd like to see how long you can be so smug!"
Inside Changchun Palace, the Empress gently stroked her teacup, a slight smile playing on her lips: "I'm afraid Lady Nian can't sit still any longer."
The old woman whispered, "Your Highness, this Miss Lin is currently very popular, should we...?"
The Empress shook her head: "No rush, let's see what Lady Nian does. Since the Emperor values her, why should we risk offending her?"
Inside the Qianqing Palace, after listening to Su Peisheng's report, Yongzheng smiled faintly: "Is she satisfied?"
Su Peisheng bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Miss Lin is very grateful and says she wants to go to the palace in person to express her gratitude."
Yongzheng nodded: "Let her settle in for a few days first, I will make my own arrangements."
As night fell, the Yunxiang Courtyard was brightly lit. Lin Yun sat in her study, writing a letter home to let her parents know she was safe. Xiao Tao brought over a cup of hot tea, smiling and saying, "Miss, this capital is so nice! Even the teacups are prettier than the ones at home!"
Lin Yun smiled and tapped her forehead: "You silly girl, you only see good things in everything."
Xiao Tao is naive, but she's not.
Good things are meant to be enjoyed, but you also need to be alive to experience them.
She looked out at the moonlight and whispered, "There's still so much to do tomorrow."
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