Chapter 439 - 433_1
Lin Yue, despite muttering complaints in her heart and feeling unlucky, was quite tense inside. She feared Huangfu Jing would truly blame her, as offending the Emperor’s person was no small crime if seriously pursued. A peasant woman like her could not afford to bear the consequences; she could only hope that the Emperor would be magnanimous and not bother to hold a grudge against a trivial woman like herself.
Only after hearing Huangfu Jing really did not blame her, did Lin Yue breathe a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Emperor, for not holding a grudge."
"You are the Mistress Lin that Yongle brought back to the palace, right?" Although Huangfu Jing was asking, his tone was very certain.
Lin Yue was surprised the Emperor had guessed her identity so directly, but after she understood the reasoning, it all made sense. Not to mention that someone of her status was not allowed to enter the palace at will, Princess Yongle was the Emperor’s own sister. The Emperor’s concern for Princess Yongle extended to those around her; it was normal for him to be aware of her presence.
"The Emperor is wise and perceptive, recognizing this humble woman’s identity at a glance. Indeed, I was brought into the palace by Princess Yongle."
Huangfu Jing anticipated Lin Yue’s astonishment, "No need to be surprised. Yongle often talks to me about you. Your admission to the palace was also permitted by me. I see she quite enjoys your company, even claiming you are a rare and extraordinary woman. Hearing this, I am very curious."
Lin Yue was unaware that Princess Yongle spoke so highly of her and extolled her virtues before the Emperor; she did not know whether this was good or bad. She could only answer respectfully and modestly, "The Princess overpraises me. I am but an ordinary woman. I am grateful for her willingness to befriend me and do not deserve such high praise from her."
"Although Yongle is not very scheming, she’s quite intelligent, and her judgment of people is highly accurate. Since she spoke of you in such terms, there must be something about you that she admires. Do not be overly modest; and stop bowing your head. Raise your head and let me see what Yongle’s extraordinary woman looks like."
Huangfu Jing spoke with a light and breezy attitude, yet it carried an undeniable insistence. Lin Yue naturally did not dare to disobey, and straightforwardly lifted her head. She was, in fact, quite curious about what the Son of Heaven of Dazhou looked like. In the days since she had been at the palace, she’d heard from the palace maids that the Emperor of Dazhou was extraordinarily handsome and dashing. But having learned the rules before entering the palace, she knew that one must not gaze upon the Emperor’s face without permission, as it would result in punishment. Now that she had the opportunity, she certainly wanted to take a good look.
The Emperor before her was indeed younger than Lin Yue imagined, appearing to be in his late twenties. Dressed in silver-white court attire, the innate imperial authority and nobility he exuded could not be concealed by the soft, glossy silk fabric. Embroidered bamboos adorned the cuffs and robe, with a gold-threaded jade crown securing his jet-black hair; his visage was as if sculpted with defined, angular features, his tall stature even more outstanding than described by the palace maids.