ebookland Chapter 281 Pearl and Jade Poems
Chapter 281 Pearl and Jade Poems
An Lingrong stood up, straightened her clothes, and knelt on the ground in a proper manner: "Since Your Majesty says that I have worked hard, then I will dare to ask Your Majesty for something."
"Oh, what do you want?" Yongzheng raised his eyebrows slightly, with a hint of curiosity and inquiry in his eyes.
"The Emperor bestowed upon me the collection of Nalan's poems that day. I have read it thoroughly and have gained a profound understanding of the deep affection between Nalan and his wife. He and his wife were only together for three years. After her death, even if his mourning poems were heartfelt and every word was heartbreaking, the dead are gone and will never be heard again. Such deep affection and loyalty, in this world, only leaves behind regrets. What good is there in it! I no longer wish to read 'Gambling on books and consuming the fragrance of tea, which I thought was commonplace at the time.' Your Majesty has 'Pearl and Jade Poems' on your bookshelf. I beg Your Majesty to give it to me."
Yongzheng understood the meaning of her words, his eyes slightly fluctuated, and he stared at her and asked, "Do you like Uncle Yan Tong?"
"I am a dull person, so how dare I say the word 'like'? I just feel that the words contain deep meaning and can make people think deeply and reflect on themselves." An Lingrong lowered her head and answered humbly.
"Oh? Which poem?" Yongzheng asked.
"Falling flowers and wind and rain make spring even more sad, so it is better to cherish the person in front of you." An Lingrong opened her red lips and slowly uttered these two lines of lyrics, as if quietly conveying the charm and admonition of the lyrics while reciting.
Then he raised his head and looked straight at Yongzheng.
Yongzheng's lips curled up slightly, a smile that seemed to carry deep meaning. He said slowly, "Who said you were dull? In my opinion, the title I gave you is very appropriate. Su Peisheng, bring me the Pearl and Jade Poem."
After he finished speaking, his eyes revealed a hint of a new scrutiny of An Lingrong.
Su Peisheng quickly took the book and handed it to Yongzheng respectfully.
Yongzheng took it, stood up, walked to An Lingrong, and personally helped her up: "The person that Wanpin and Huifei both like is indeed extraordinary!"
"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your praise. I do not deserve it."
"I understand what you mean. When she comes back, I will pamper her well."
You understand, you understand!
An Lingrong gritted her teeth and decided to give it another try, for Zhen Huan and for the emperor.
So she said loudly: "I dare to ask the emperor, is it favor or love?"
"Is there a difference?"
"Of course! You can pamper a cat or dog to entertain you, paying them attention when you're in the mood and leaving them alone when you're not. But love is cherishing them from the heart, doing your best yet still feeling indebted, and empathizing with their joys and sorrows. The two are completely different."
Yongzheng was slightly startled, as if touched by these words. After a moment of silence, he said, "My favor is not as shallow as you say."
"Your Majesty, I know you are the Son of Heaven, and the concubines in the harem are at your disposal. If it were just favor, anyone in the palace would have it, but all she has been asking for from the beginning is true love. Favor without love is the greatest insult to her!"
A trace of displeasure flashed across Yongzheng's face. "I know how to act, and I don't need you to say more."
"If Your Majesty cannot remove her from the memories of others, I advise Your Majesty not to go to Ganlu Temple. Otherwise, even if she returns to the palace, it will be meaningless. It will only be the same old path from three years ago. Why bother Your Majesty?"
Yongzheng's eyes instantly turned cold. He stared directly at the person before him and said in a deep voice, "How can you arbitrarily interfere with my decision? The affection between her and me is not something you can easily understand. I take all matters concerning the harem to heart. I will consider what to do."
An Lingrong was not at all afraid of Yongzheng's changed expression and continued to stab him in the heart: "Your Majesty, I just can't bear to see her get hurt again. You are the Son of Heaven, but you should also make a decision when it comes to love. If you can't give her the love that belongs to her alone, why bother disturbing her quiet meditation? Let her fend for herself in Ganlu Temple. At least they can leave a memory for each other. It will be good for Your Majesty, for the people in your heart, and for her!"
This remark successfully angered Yongzheng: "Princess Wen, you are too presumptuous. This is not something you should worry about!"
Seeing Yongzheng's rage, An Lingrong felt a flicker of satisfaction in her heart, and took the opportunity to say what she wanted to say most: "Since it is not something I should worry about, why does Your Majesty force me to go to Ganlu Temple by using someone I care about?"
"you……"
"Since I followed the emperor's instructions and brought back her feelings, this matter is related to me. If I don't say anything, I will be disloyal to the emperor and unjust to Sister Zhen. Although I am humble, I dare not be that kind of disloyal and unjust person!"
Yongzheng was speechless for a moment after hearing what Wenpin said. His eyes widened in anger as he glared fiercely at the seemingly weak but sharp-tongued woman in front of him: "You have repeatedly committed insubordination and openly contradicted me. Don't think I dare not punish you!"
An Lingrong raised her head slightly and saw that his face had turned livid with anger. A hint of fear flashed in his eyes, but she still said stubbornly, "I have absolutely no intention of offending Your Majesty. I simply hope that Your Majesty can understand Sister Zhen's feelings and not let her down. If Your Majesty punishes me for this, I have no complaints. I only ask that Your Majesty not regret your actions today in the future."
Yongzheng was so angry that he paced back and forth in the hall, and he was actually struggling in his heart. On the one hand, he was angry at An Lingrong's bold words, but on the other hand, he had to admit that her words made some sense.
An Lingrong kept looking around, wondering where to run if the emperor got angry and wanted to hit someone.
After a long while, Yongzheng finally stopped and looked at An Lingrong deeply. "Please leave. I need some time to think this over."
An Lingrong knew she couldn't act rashly anymore, so she slowly knelt and saluted, "I'll take my leave. I hope His Majesty can make the right decision."
When she left the palace, she realized that her back was already soaked with cold sweat. She had taken a huge risk in this confrontation with the emperor. If she could persuade the emperor to give up the idea of Zhen Huan returning to the palace, that would be the best. If she couldn't persuade him, she could at least make the emperor realize his own heart.
Yongzheng sat back on the throne, picked up the jade beads on the table and fiddled with them quickly.
"emperor!"
Yongzheng looked up and saw the person who made him uneasy again.
"What are you doing!"
"Empress Hui is still under house arrest!"
"Alas, Su Peisheng, go and pass on the imperial decree to release Concubine Hui from her confinement."
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the two of them left, Yongzheng picked up the beads again, but before he started to play them, the disturbing sound came again.
"emperor!"
"What are you doing again?"
"Sixth Prince."
"The Sixth Prince is at the Empress Dowager's place. I will send someone to take him back to Yonghe Palace later!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Wait a minute!"
"What does the Emperor want?"
"It's not that I have something to do, but is there anything else for you?"
"I'm fine!"
"Go!"
"Concubine, please retire!"