A Good Country Wife
Chapter 439 - 433_1

Chapter 439: Chapter 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.

When Huangfu Jing saw Lin Yue’s features, he was taken aback and for a moment, he couldn’t react, almost thinking his eyes were deceiving him. This woman before him was unmistakably the one he had seen on the streets before, whom he had searched for several times but never found. And now, here she was before him, much like he had fantasized.

The woman he had searched for numerous times suddenly appeared before him, and apart from initial surprise, Huangfu Jing’s face softened with delight as he warmly regarded Lin Yue. "I have heard the address ’Yueyue’ used for you, from now on I shall also call you by that affectionate nickname."

"Emperor, this, this might not be appropriate," Lin Yue, flustered by Huangfu Jing’s overly kind demeanor, didn’t understand what was happening. Palace maids all said that although the current Emperor was handsome, he was cold and stern. Even Princess Yongle expressed fear when mentioning the Emperor. Despite being full siblings, he could command a presence that even the likes of Princess Yongle respected, which spoke volumes about the Emperor’s imposing authority. Yet here he was, looking so gentle and affable. What was going on?

"There’s nothing inappropriate about it, so it’s settled," Huangfu Jing said, allowing no room for Lin Yue to refuse. His authoritative decision meant Lin Yue could only go with the flow, thinking that emperors were accustomed to unilateral decisions and wouldn’t tolerate dissent from a mere peasant woman like herself. It’s better to be wise and not provoke the royal displeasure.

"Yueyue, weren’t you strolling in the Royal Garden with Yongle? How come you are here by yourself? Did you get lost? That girl Yongle, how could she fail to look after you? She actually let you wander around alone. What if you had encountered danger!" Huangfu Jing spoke with discontent, implying some blame towards Princess Yongle. The ’danger’ he referred to wasn’t ordinary; given Lin Yue’s status, just any encounter with a noble could be untenable for her. Without someone to protect her, surely she would suffer, just like what had happened earlier. If it wasn’t for his own leniency, another master in the harem might not have been so forgiving.

Lin Yue wondered at Huangfu Jing’s protective tone. It was clear he was looking out for her, but she was a mere peasant woman, and Princess Yongle was the Emperor’s own sister. Why would the Emperor reproach Princess Yongle for her sake? Could it be that the Emperor was demonstrating his magnanimity by saying so? That seemed unnecessary.

Regardless of the Emperor’s intentions, Lin Yue certainly didn’t dare blame Princess Yongle; indeed, she had no such intention. "Emperor, don’t blame the Princess. She was indeed with me initially but had to leave due to some urgent matter. She even assigned a Palace Maid to accompany me."

"If so, why are you here alone now?" Huangfu Jing frowned as he spoke, his gaze firmly fixed on Lin Yue, unintentionally exerting a sense of authority.

"Sister Bilian seemed to have encountered an urgent matter as well, and I..." Lin Yue hesitated, unsure whether to recount what she had experienced. Of course, she wanted the Emperor to champion her cause, as if not for her own quick wits, she couldn’t imagine what might have happened, and she did feel angry about it. Yet, it was a small matter for a peasant woman; it didn’t seem right to trouble the Emperor with it.

Seeing Lin Yue’s hesitant expression, Huangfu Jing sensed there must be hidden truths. Thinking of the vile and shadowy machinations of the palace, his expression turned cold. "Don’t hesitate; no matter what happened, tell me everything. I will decide for you."

"This is Her Majesty’s command; you must not conceal anything!" Huangfu Jing seemed afraid that Lin Yue might omit crucial details because of her apprehensions, so he added emphatically.

"Yes, I obey the command," Lin Yue responded more quickly than her mind could process, observing the man who moments ago had seemed as friendly as a neighborly older brother. Now he exuded imperial majesty and intimidation, giving her a firsthand experience of an emperor’s authority and capriciousness. All her little schemes dissolved, and she honestly recounted what had occurred in the Royal Garden. As she watched the Emperor’s face grow increasingly cold, beads of sweat formed on Lin Yue’s forehead.