The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

However, Yun Jin did not wait long in the side hall corridor before being informed by an unfamiliar eunuch: "His Majesty is still in meditation in the alchemy room and is probably not free today. His Majesty has decreed that the Third Princess's filial piety is commendable and that he is grateful for the Emperor's favor, so there is no need to wait any longer. You may go to the Linde Hall first, where there is a court ceremony today, which is a good opportunity to meet with the elders of the imperial family and important officials of the court."

Yun Jin understood.

The Emperor may not actually be in the alchemy room. More likely, he is concerned about the heated debate sparked by the "Ten Memorials" and is unwilling to meet her alone at this time, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.

Sending her to the Linde Hall was both to reassure her and to place her under the watchful eyes of the officials; it was both a test and... a tacit demonstration.

"Yun Jin accepts the decree and thanks Father Emperor for his consideration."

She respectfully bowed towards the direction of the Zichen Palace, then turned to the eunuch and discreetly handed him a purse containing a few gold leaves that had been prepared beforehand. "Please convey my message, sir."

The eunuch weighed the purse in his hand, a smile spreading across his face. "Your Highness, you are too kind. I have already informed someone about the situation at Linde Palace. Please follow me."

Guided by the eunuch, Yun Jin turned towards another important palace on the central axis of the palace—Linde Hall.

This place is usually used for holding large-scale court assemblies, celebrations, and receiving foreign envoys.

Even before stepping into the square in front of Linde Hall, one can already feel an atmosphere different from the past.

Today is not the day of the grand court assembly, but a large number of people have already gathered in the square in front of the palace.

Officials dressed in various court robes chatted in small groups; members of the imperial family in brocade robes exchanged pleasantries.

There were also elegantly dressed noblewomen and female members of the royal family, their jewelry jingling, laughing softly.

Yun Jin's arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly attracting many eyes.

Surprise, curiosity, inquiry, disdain, vigilance... all sorts of gazes fell upon her.

This almost forgotten third princess suddenly became the focus of the court because of her "Ten Memorials". Today, she made her first formal appearance, which naturally attracted attention.

Yun Jin kept her eyes straight ahead and walked steadily. Accompanied by Qing Dai and led by the guiding eunuch, she headed towards the area where the women of the imperial family were gathered. She could sense some whispers.

"That's the Third Princess? She seems quite serene..."

"Hmph, Xianjing? To be able to write such an astonishing memorial, her mind must be quite complex."

"I heard her residence outside the palace was robbed last night? I wonder if it's true or not..."

"Shh, be careful..."

Yun Jin pretended not to hear, stood in the designated spot, lowered her eyes and bowed respectfully.

She could sense that some gazes were particularly sharp.

She glanced up and saw that not far away, the First Prince Yun Jie was chatting and laughing with several military officers. His eyes occasionally swept over her, cold and indifferent, as if he were looking at an unimportant decoration.

On the other side, the Third Prince Yun Huan stood with several civil officials. When their eyes met, he nodded gently, his smile impeccable, but his eyes held a deep scrutiny.

Another gaze came from the front row of women: a middle-aged beauty dressed in a crimson palace gown, wearing a nine-phoenix crown, with a stunning face but an arrogant look in her eyes. She was none other than Consort Li, who currently held the highest rank in the harem and was the birth mother of the eldest prince, Yun Jie.

Consort Li's gaze lingered on Yun Jin for a moment, carrying undisguised criticism and a hint of annoyance.

This unassuming girl caused her son to suffer setbacks in the marriage alliance, and now she's stirring up trouble in the court.

Just then, the high-pitched voice of the eunuch in charge of ceremonies rang out: "The Imperial Concubine has arrived!"

The women all curtsied and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness, the Noble Consort."

Surrounded by palace maids, Consort Li walked gracefully to the front, her gaze sweeping over the people who were bowing, finally settling on Yun Jin, and she said calmly, "Rise, all of you."

After everyone stood up, she seemed to have just noticed Yun Jin, raising her delicate willow-leaf eyebrows: "Oh, isn't this our Third Princess? What brings you here today? Are you feeling much better? I heard the other day you were so worried about state affairs that you fell ill. I was thinking of sending someone to check on you."

These words were veiled in barbs, pointing out that Yun Jin's previous "illness" was actually an attempt to avoid a marriage alliance, and also implying that she was so "worried about national affairs" that she fell ill, leaving it unclear whether she was being sincere or just putting on an act.

Yun Jin lowered her eyes and spoke softly yet clearly: "Thank you for your concern, Noble Consort. I did catch a cold a few days ago, but thanks to the Emperor's grace, I was given medicine and rest, and I am now fine. I have come today to express my gratitude and to listen to the teachings of the Emperor and the elders."

"Yes, it's good that you know how to express gratitude."

Consort Li spoke languidly, with a condescending air, "Your father is busy with countless affairs of state, concerned with matters of military and national importance. As daughters and concubines, our duty is to be obedient and considerate, and not to trouble the Emperor with trivial matters, lest we invite criticism. Do you understand?"

This is practically a direct reprimand.

Some of the women around remained silent, some showing sympathy, while others remained indifferent.

Yun Jin felt a chill in her heart, but remained respectful on the surface: "Your Highness's teachings are correct. Yun Jin is young and inexperienced. My previous suggestion was out of gratitude for my father's hard work and compassion for the people's hardships. It was a moment of foolish thinking, but fortunately my father did not abandon me. In the future, I will definitely keep Your Highness's teachings in mind, cultivate my character, and abide by my duties."

She attributed her actions to "foolish thinking" and "gratitude to her father," adopting an extremely humble posture. This not only responded to Consort Li's admonition but also pointed out the emperor's recent focus on "concern for the people's livelihood," leaving no room for criticism and instead making Consort Li seem somewhat cold-hearted.

Consort Li snorted, seemingly wanting to say something more, but at that moment, the bells and drums sounded in unison, signaling the start of the court ceremony.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

All the officials, relatives, and noblewomen knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Emperor Yun Hong ascended the throne amidst a retinue of ceremonial guards. Empress Dowager Yun Hong's face remained ashen, and she seemed even more exhausted than the day before. However, given the different circumstances, she forced herself to appear spirited.

After a series of elaborate rituals, the eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced loudly, "All of you, rise!"

Everyone rose. The Emperor's gaze swept across the crowd below, and he spoke slowly, his voice carrying its usual weariness and a rare gentleness: "Yesterday, the Third Princess Yun Jin presented 'Ten Memorials on Strengthening the People and Enriching the Country,' which were quite insightful, demonstrating her filial piety and talent. I am very pleased."

All eyes were once again focused on Yun Jin.

Yun Jin quickly stepped forward and knelt down again: "Your subject is foolish and dull, and has only gained a shallow insight. Fortunately, Your Majesty does not abandon me. Your Majesty's grace is boundless, and your subject is humbled."

"Rise," the emperor said, gesturing with his hand. "I am pleased that you are attentive to state affairs and have the nation's well-being at heart. Our Jiangqiong royal family needs such magnanimity and insight."

He paused, as if remembering something, "Are you satisfied with what I gave you yesterday?"

"Your Majesty's generous gift has moved me to tears. I am deeply grateful but do not deserve it," Yun Jin replied, rising and bowing his head.

"Hmm." The emperor nodded, then suddenly changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of testing. "In your 'Ten Memorials,' you mentioned 'improving agricultural tools and promoting new varieties.' Do you have any specific ideas? Agriculture in Jiangqiong has long suffered from chronic problems. If we follow your advice, where should we begin?"

coming.

This was exactly the part that Su Che had anticipated and prepared her for. The emperor might not really want to implement it immediately, but he wanted to use it to test her knowledge and also to build his own image as a judge of character in front of his court officials.