Chapter 0228: Malicious Intent

Chapter 0228: Malicious Intent

He Jinli massaged his forehead again: "It's fine. I'm just a bit surprised."

"Why not speak to the Empress?" He Jinli asked.

"Firstly, I didn't want to get involved. Secondly, I didn't want to draw attention to myself. That's why I specifically came to you. A single word from Your Majesty is all it takes, and I will act as if I never came," Yunli explained.

He Jincai chuckled, "You, how do you know constructing porridge stalls in the capital is a waste?"

Yun Li blinked, "I grew up in the capital. While the Qi family's fourth house wasn't as prestigious as the main branch, it was still among the top nobility in the capital. I was favored in my childhood, freely visiting temples, nunneries, and various estates outside the city. In past years, whenever disasters struck, no matter the scale, I never saw refugees entering the city. This place is, after all, under the Emperor's nose, isn't that common knowledge?"

He Jincai fell silent.

Yes, isn't that common knowledge?

Don't the Empress and others know this?

Yun Li sighed again, "Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand me. I understand that being in the Empress's position, many actions are obligatory. That's why I prefer not to stand out. I ask Your Majesty to keep this between us. If I'm being naive, then... please spare me this once."

"Your intentions are kind, I understand. I'll have someone speak to the Empress," said He Jincai.

Yun Li added, "Then I'll have someone send over three thousand taels later, Your Majesty can sneak it to me. Let's keep it quiet. Though how the money's spent is uncertain, saving even one person is good."

"I'll add ten thousand taels for you; no need to send any," He Jincai eyed Yun Li.

"Really? Then, thank you, Your Majesty. Spending Lord Hua's money doesn't make me feel guilty," Yun Li laughed.

He Jincai was amused by her again.

"Come here," He Jincai put down his teacup.

Yun Li walked over and sat in his lap, "Look at Your Majesty, so tired you have dark circles. Being an Emperor is tough."

Her words were bold, but He Jincai only pinched her waist. There was nothing she wouldn't dare to say.

"Now that you're here, no need to hurry back. Stay and help me review documents," said He Jincai.

He was indeed tired and could use some pleasant company.

Yun Li, of course, wouldn't refuse the Emperor's request. She didn't shy away from the documents, openly reviewing them.

Mostly, they were reports on flooding across various regions, extensive this time but not overly severe.

Yunli didn't flaunt the little knowledge she had.

She quietly accompanied He Jinli through a morning of reviewing petitions.

At noon, she also joined him for lunch and even stayed for a nap before leaving.

He Jinli had meetings with ministers in the afternoon and likely no free time in the evening, so he didn't say he would see Yunli.

Yunli didn't ask for it, either.

And so she returned.

In secret, the Empress thought Yun Li was cunning enough to seek favor with the Emperor at such a time.

She mocked Yun Li, believing her eventual fall from grace was inevitable.

But what the Empress didn't know was that while they were all anxiously devising plans, Yun Li had already outmaneuvered them from behind.

Since Emperor He Jingxi promised her secrecy, he would undoubtedly keep his word.

The question then was, when the Empress and Ning Xiu Yi sought credit, would the Emperor think of them, or of her, the one who sought no credit at all?

Back in her palace, Yun Li smirked, thinking to herself she indeed had a mischievous streak.

Yet, if the money was put to good use, she didn't mind being the villain.

There was no need for Emperor He Jingxi to trouble himself further; a simple task for Meng Chang was all it took.

The Empress and the others harbored no resentment, seeing it as the Emperor recognizing their hard work.

After all, their main objective wasn't truly the welfare of the disaster victims but to gain the Emperor's favor.

It's hard to blame them.

In a time without television or newspapers, they might never witness the true devastation of natural disasters in their lifetimes.

They've never witnessed the dire state of emaciated disaster victims firsthand.

Their imaginations are limited to the beggars seen begging on the streets.

Yet, in times of peace and prosperity, even the beggars in the capital manage to find enough to eat.

Therefore, they can hardly grasp the reality of a disaster, even if they are aware it has occurred.

Emperor He Jingxi did indeed reward the three of them. With that, the matter was considered concluded.

Through this event, Ning Xiu Yi truly gained significant exposure.

It must be said, it was an excellent opportunity.

With the fourth prince's frail health, it's essential for other princes to be seen by the court officials.

Being seen through the female members of those officials' families serves the same purpose.

Ning Xiu Yi's handling of the situation was organized and efficient, her demeanor gentle and approachable, plus she is the Empress Dowager Lin's niece, a daughter of the Lin family.

How could her fifth prince be without hope?

After years of maintaining a low profile, she has finally seized her opportunity.

How could the Empress not be aware? Yet, with the Empress Dowager present, she is unable to act.

"My lady, the Empress has summoned He Baolin and Yu Yuni to the Fengyi Palace," Zhu Ding informed Yun Li.

"Ah, so it's come to this step?" Yun Li propped her head, "Now that the disaster relief has been fully arranged, His Majesty has more free time than before."

"Yes, it seems the Empress is somewhat anxious now that Ning Xiu Yi has won people's hearts," Zhu Ding said.

"Following the model set by the gourd," Yun Li chuckled.

Indeed, if the Empress is willing to support He Baolin, she could certainly elevate her.

But by doing so, she would also offend the Empress Dowager.

"It's not easy for anyone," Yun Li smiled.

The next morning, during the court greeting, everyone inevitably glanced at He Baolin, who behaved properly without any special expression.

She has grown since she first entered the palace.

"Lan Fei didn't come again? It seems her pregnancy is advancing, making her easily fatigued," the Empress smiled.

By saying this, it was clear that Lan Fei had not asked for leave.

Indeed, after everyone had been seated for a while, Lan Fei's servant came to request leave.

Kneeling, Song Mingke said, "Our mistress was all dressed and about to come, she had even stepped out, but suddenly felt dizzy... so she hurried back inside."

"Is that so? Sister Lan Fei is frail now; have the Imperial Physician look at her," the Empress said indifferently.

"Yes, thank you for your concern, Empress. I will call for the Imperial Physician right away. Our mistress insisted that I make sure to explain everything clearly to the Empress, not daring to delay the court greeting."

"Given the circumstances, I won't take it to heart. You may go," the Empress waved her off.

Song Mingke then stood up to take his leave.

"Lan Fei's timing is rather convenient," Pei Baolin suddenly said.

The Empress sighed, "Ah... after all, she is pregnant. In the future, when you are pregnant, you can also rest well."

"Even if pregnant, paying respects to the Empress should not be neglected," Pei Baolin smiled.

The comment wasn't sharp, but the intent to please was evident.

"Considering Lan Fei's age for this pregnancy, it's understandable she's uncomfortable. She's due in July, right?" Yun Li asked Ning Xiu Yi, tilting her head.