Chapter 85: Audience with the Emperor

In that moment, Lin Miaomiao suddenly felt that traveling in ancient times was an extraordinary waste of time; she now understood this profoundly. Her back and legs ached from sitting for so long, yet the carriage was still far from the capital.

At last, after a month, Lin Miaomiao, Li Yanhe, and their companions entered the city. The bustling streets of the capital were entirely different from Da'an Pass. They arrived at Li Yanhe’s princely residence in the city, and Lin Miaomiao followed him inside.

She looked up at the resplendent golden gates and frowned—there were many servants in the prince’s residence. Their faces were cold and expressionless, making her nervous, but Li Yanhe reached out and gently took her hand.

With his reassuring grasp, the servants didn’t seem so intimidating anymore. Lin Miaomiao lifted her head, straightened her back, and strode forward with renewed courage. Li Yanhe, seeing her confidence, relaxed as well. Lin Langluan and Lin Langze, the two children, were oblivious to the oppressive atmosphere of the residence.

Upon returning to the capital, Li Yanhe’s first act was to bathe. Afterwards, he changed into garments befitting his princely rank. Dressed in red, he appeared even more handsome; Lin Miaomiao touched the fabric and felt the embroidered dragon beneath her fingers. Though she knew little about ancient ranks, she could sense the extraordinary nature of such clothing.

She glanced at Li Yanhe, a little uneasy, and asked, “When will you return?” Li Yanhe heard her question, smiled beautifully, and gently touched her head. He did not answer, and after he departed, Lin Miaomiao was led by a maid to the main chamber.

The maid brought new clothes. As Lin Miaomiao wondered about this, the maid smiled and said, “The Imperial Concubine has instructed that you be ready.” Lin Miaomiao knew that Li Yanhe’s mother was the Imperial Noble Consort, so she followed the maid into the room and began to bathe.

Afterwards, maids assisted her in dressing. Lin Miaomiao was startled by her new attire and asked, “Where is my brother?” The maid had just begun to answer when an elderly matron entered. Lin Miaomiao grew anxious at the matron’s stern demeanor.

Before she could speak, the matron greeted her with a bow. Still nervous, Lin Miaomiao listened as Madam Zhao smiled and said, “Miss, there’s no need to be nervous. I am here by the Imperial Noble Consort’s command to attend to you.”

Surprised, Lin Miaomiao started to bow, but Madam Zhao stopped her and said gravely, “From now on, you are a lady of rank. You need only bow to those above your station.”

Lin Miaomiao was taken aback. Then Madam Zhao turned to the servants and demanded, “How do you serve your mistress?” Her words made the maids tremble.

Madam Zhao looked at them and said, “Answer the young lady’s question properly.” The maids bowed to Lin Miaomiao and replied, “Miss Lin, the two young masters are in the rear courtyard.”

Lin Miaomiao was briefly confused, but then realized Madam Zhao was asserting her authority for her sake—her own background was not high.

Lin Miaomiao, a modern person, didn’t care much for ritual, but her gentle temper invited the servants to take liberties. When she asked them about her brother earlier, they had responded with indifference, a clear sign they were disrespecting their mistress.

Madam Zhao watched as Lin Miaomiao sat down. The maids remained bowed, and Lin Miaomiao, not one to enjoy such displays, glanced at Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao said, “Miss, do as you wish. There’s no need to look to me for permission.” Lin Miaomiao smiled sweetly and feigned ignorance as she replied, “You were sent by the Imperial Noble Consort; I should rely on your advice. Your experience far exceeds mine, so it’s only proper that I consult you.”

Madam Zhao looked more favorably upon her after this. Lin Miaomiao addressed the maids: “Let’s call it even this time—but next time...”

She spoke sternly, her expression serious. She knew how to command, and when she spoke, there was no question who was in charge.

Lin Miaomiao was confident now. The maids, seeing her solemn demeanor, fell silent.

Madam Zhao glared at the servants and barked, “Hurry and thank your mistress. Why are you still standing there?” At her words, the maids knelt and bowed to Lin Miaomiao, who waved them away.

After they left, Lin Miaomiao frowned. Madam Zhao, seasoned from years in the palace, reassured her, “Miss, do not worry. Sleep well tonight; tomorrow, His Majesty will summon you. Rest early, so you’ll be prepared for your audience.”

Lin Miaomiao felt inexplicably comforted, and soon lay down to rest. After days of travel and fatigue, she quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

While Lin Miaomiao slept soundly, in the imperial study, the Emperor shouted at the kneeling Prince Shengxuan, “You dare refuse my marriage decree?”

Li Yanhe bowed respectfully and pleaded, “The daughter of the Lin family saved me; I cannot act unjustly or ungratefully. I beg Father to allow me this.”

The Emperor, glaring, ordered, “Get out! I don’t want to see you.” Li Yanhe remained kneeling, and soon word of this spread throughout the city.

“Have you heard? The girl from Duke Pei’s family was rejected by Prince Shengxuan, angering His Majesty. The prince is still kneeling outside the imperial study.”

That night, news of Li Yanhe’s defiance raced through the ears of the noble families.

The next morning, Lin Miaomiao was awakened early. She had barely gathered her thoughts when Madam Zhao began dressing her in elaborate clothing. Her head felt heavy from the intricate hairstyle, and seeing Madam Zhao’s stern face, she knew something was amiss. Soon, her face was carefully made up.

After a lengthy process of dressing and preparation, Lin Miaomiao thought it was finally over. But then, outside, drums sounded—the chief eunuch Bai Qiu entered, bearing the imperial edict.

He announced, “Daughter of the Lin family, Miaomiao, receive the decree.”

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Lin Miaomiao, gentle and obedient, has repeatedly rescued Prince Shengxuan from peril, winning my favor. In consideration of her youth and lonely circumstances, I bestow upon her the title of Lady Anping.”

Lin Miaomiao knelt as Bai Qiu finished reading the edict, still bewildered. Outside the Prince Shengxuan’s residence, Fourth Prince Li Deren sighed.

After accepting the decree, Bai Qiu placed it in her hands and said, “Lady Anping, let us go.”

Lin Miaomiao followed Bai Qiu out, boarded the carriage, and Madam Zhao joined her, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Close your eyes and rest, Lady. When we arrive, I will call you.”

Lin Miaomiao closed her eyes, her mind suddenly alert. She realized that the palace had been prepared for her—her fitted clothes, Madam Zhao’s readiness.

When the carriage reached the palace gates, Lin Miaomiao saw Fourth Prince Li Deren waiting outside.

She smiled at him, and he instructed, “Salute.” Lin Miaomiao understood: this was not a casual encounter, but a formal audience.

She offered a proper greeting. Li Deren waved and said, “It’s been days since we last met; you are just the same as before.”

Lin Miaomiao smiled, replying, “Yes, Your Highness has not changed either.”

After this polite exchange, Li Deren looked to Bai Qiu and said, “I would like to speak with Lady Anping alone.” Bai Qiu, shrewd as ever, nodded, and the palace attendants withdrew.

Li Deren warned, “Be careful. You have made many enemies as Lady Anping.”

Lin Miaomiao laughed, looking up at him. “What does that have to do with me? If they wish to bully me, they’ll see if anyone allows it.”

She bowed and said, “Your Highness, we are not merely pieces on their chessboard. What truly matters is whether you are useful.”

Tightening her cloak, she added, “Isn’t that so, Your Highness?”

Li Deren smiled and said nothing more.

As Lin Miaomiao walked away, Crown Prince Li Hanwen approached Li Deren and remarked, “She’s a clever young lady.”

Li Deren looked up and replied, “Who could deny that?”

Seventh Prince Li Yankang and Ninth Prince Li Yonghe listened as the eunuch relayed the news, opened Lin Miaomiao’s portrait, and commented, “Lin Miaomiao is indeed as fascinating as the rumors say.”