Chapter 1218: Chapter 1214: Begging the Empress to Grant Permission

“emperor, please forgive me! I…I came to express my gratitude to the emperor for avenging my father’s grievance, which is why I intruded into the emperor’s residence. Please forgive me! I…”

Wang Yun had harbored delusions, but now, standing before Chu Yihan, the imperial majesty was so overwhelming that she didn’t dare to make any rash moves.

On the other side of the garden, Leng Shuqing pushed Wang Yun in front of Chu Yihan, then immediately stood out of sight within the intricately carved lattice window, observing the situation from there.

Behind her, Yu Lu expressed her concern, “Your Majesty, this Wang Yun is so timid that she doesn’t even dare to lift her head in front of the emperor. Can she…really accomplish anything?”

Leng Shuqing’s face was indifferent, “A woman who seeks to carve out her own path must have the means to do so. Whether she can accomplish anything depends on her own determination.”

Before Wang Yun came, Leng Shuqing had people investigate her background. The daughter of a merchant family was indeed different from their noble ladies; they were rebellious and willful, harboring outrageous thoughts like Su Yingxue, who defied her father and brothers, wanting to contest for her family’s property after her father’s death!

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In their eyes, such women were despicable, violating the traditional moral principles!

Yet, it was precisely these despicable people who, like Su Yingxue, had special traits that could possibly confront her.

If this woman could also catch Chu Yihan’s attention and be brought into the palace, then Leng Shuqing would command her to obey her.

As time went by, there would come a day when Su Yingxue’s status would be shaken.

Chu Yihan showed no interest in Wang Yun; even when she earnestly thanked him for his grace, he merely responded indifferently, “As the emperor, it is my duty to observe the hardships of my people, redress their grievances, and ensure they live and work in peace and contentment. There is no need for thanks.”

Wang Yun was intimidated by his authority, feeling both afraid and profoundly moved.

Chu Yihan was so aloof, so exalted, he commanded reverence and admiration!

She mustered the courage to look up and glance at Chu Yihan.

Her heart felt as if it had been frozen.

A single look that lasts a thousand years.

This god-like man made it impossible for her not to be moved; in this life, even if she couldn’t be by his side, even if only to be a stepping-stone for him, she was willing.

Wang Yun’s eyes, as she gazed at Chu Yihan, were full of infatuated adoration, “emperor, I have another matter to ask…may I implore the emperor’s favor?”

Anyone else might have given her a chance.

Besides, to hear what she had to say.

But Chu Yihan responded dismissively again, “If you have business, seek the Prefect of Yangzhou; he will solve it for you.”

Wang Yun flushed with shame, biting her lower lip hard, “The favor I ask…only the emperor can grant! I wish to follow the emperor, to serve as a maidservant for you and the empress!”

“Hubby, you’re here!”

Su Yingxue just happened to walk over, her steps filled with joy and delight as she bounced along, looking like a stunningly beautiful peach blossom spirit. The gleam in her eyes softened Chu Yihan’s heart with tenderness.

He stepped forward, taking Su Yingxue’s hand, “I am here, why have you come?”

He had thought she was with Heng’er.

“Well…Imperial Consort’s maidservant said she was feeling unwell and was waiting here for me, asking if I could have a look at her.” Su Yingxue had casually walked over, still holding her needle kit and pulse pillow.

She thought Leng Shuqing might not be feeling well after kneeling for too long the other days.

But instead of seeing Leng Shuqing, she came across Chu Yihan and Wang Yun.

Upon seeing Wang Yun, she was somewhat surprised, “Miss Wang is dressed quite prettily today!”

The previous times she saw her, Wang Yun was in mourning attire for her father. Now, dressed in the light attire of a young lady, with a makeup that was subtle yet not vulgar, it made Su Yingxue find her surprisingly eye-catching and unconventionally stunning.

A graceful and dignified young woman.

Quite pretty.

Now, Wang Yun realized that Su Yingxue was the true empress, and she immediately knelt, “Miss pays her respects to the empress! Previously unaware of Your Majesty’s status, I failed to observe the proper etiquette. I beg for Your Majesty’s forgiveness!”

“Um…” Su Yingxue scratched her chin awkwardly, “It’s not that big of a transgression.”

It was she who had been pretending all along.

But her presence here now…

If she hadn’t misheard just now, was Wang Yun confessing to Chu Yihan?

What did she say?

She wanted to serve by Chu Yihan’s side, as a maidservant.

Su Yingxue poked Chu Yihan’s chest, “Did you agree to her?”

Chu Yihan glared at her fiercely, “What do you think?”

Seeing Su Yingxue’s schadenfreude, as if she wanted him to agree, he couldn’t suppress his anger.

He really wanted to teach her a lesson!

Couldn’t she care about him a little bit?

Couldn’t she stop watching other women flirt with him like it was a show?

She acted as if she didn’t consider him her husband at all!

She was so cheerful just now!

Su Yingxue covered her mouth and laughed, “That Miss is actually quite pretty! If you brought her back to the palace…”

“Su Yingxue!”

Chu Yihan could no longer contain his fury.

Su Yingxue immediately dropped her joking demeanor, “Impossible! Am I someone who gets jealous so easily, to allow you to bring a young maiden back to the palace? Chu Yihan, let me tell you, don’t even think about it! I am the empress, and without my consent, you shall not bring anyone back to the palace!”

Only then did Chu Yihan’s expression soften slightly.

He pointed at Wang Yun, “This person, hand her over to the empress to deal with. If the empress does not satisfy me, tonight I shall have Heng’er sleep in the rockery with Shan Bao.”

Su Yingxue: !!!

Emperor, can you not be so unreasonable?

Heng’er is the child we both had!

He’s not Shan Bao’s!

Always having someone else watch over him, do you think being a tiger is not tiring?

Shan Bao will protest!

But Chu Yihan took two steps forward and stood waiting for her in the pavilion, leaving her no choice but to deal with Wang Yun.

Su Yingxue pursed her lips.

This situation was actually quite awkward.

She approached Wang Yun and sighed lightly, “Stop kneeling, stand up and speak.”

Su Yingxue was very approachable and did not carry the same heavy aura as Chu Yihan, which greatly relieved Wang Yun’s pressure. She steadied her spirits and then thanked Su Yingxue, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty the empress.”

After rising, Wang Yun stood properly with her hands folded in front of her belly. She was as elegant as an orchid, with an exceptional demeanor.

Su Yingxue also thought that she was a good girl, at least in terms of perception and temperament, she surpassed many women she had seen.

She was a match for the girls of the Su family.

But the words that needed to be said, she had to make clear to Wang Yun, “As you see, having you by the emperor’s side to attend to him is impossible. The emperor will not agree, and I… well, I will not consent either.”

A crack appeared in Wang Yun’s eyes, and she knelt down again, pleading with Su Yingxue, “Your Majesty the empress, I know you are generous and also hold the emperor’s favor. As long as you agree, the emperor… he will surely consent! I do not seek status, only to serve by the emperor’s side. I implore the empress, please grant me this favor!”

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