eurekapd Chapter 328 Destined but not destined
Chapter 328 Destined but not destined
The young eunuch asked cautiously, fearing to disturb the queen who was walking alone in the palace.
"At this time, I don't have the energy to meet any guests."
The queen sighed softly, her face looking pale and weak.
During this year's spring hunting period, the emperor entrusted all court affairs to the Prince of Qi and Song Yanyi, and seemed to have intentionally or unintentionally neglected the existence of Prince Xuan.
Although His Majesty did not express too many doubts in front of everyone, anyone with a discerning eye could see that his attitude towards the Queen had become subtle.
After hearing this, the young eunuch paused for a moment, as if considering how to continue persuading this worried woman.
"This morning, a special visitor tried to enter the capital to meet His Majesty, but was strictly interrogated by the royal guards outside the city gate. Afterwards, I accidentally heard some information from the servants, and I thought that perhaps we could bring this person here for the Queen to make the decision herself."
"Oh? What kind of identity can make the Royal Guards so cautious?"
The queen frowned slightly, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"This person is none other than Lin Han, the county magistrate from Baiyun County, Qingzhou. It is said that the eldest daughter-in-law of the Song family was promised to a local man before she got married, and her partner was this talented man. However, due to fate, the two of them never got together, and the woman eventually chose to marry Song Yanyi and became a famous lady in the capital."
The eunuch explained in a deliberately low voice.
After hearing this unknown story, a subtle but obvious interest flashed in the queen's eyes.
"I didn't expect there would be such a tortuous story behind it! In that case... let him in, so that I can see what is so different about this man who was abandoned by my daughter."
After obtaining permission, the eunuch quickly turned around and retreated to the door, and signaled the visitor who had been waiting for a long time to enter the hall.
A young man in a sky-blue gown and with dignified manners slowly walked through the hall with carved beams and painted buildings, and knelt down respectfully in front of the queen: "I, your humble servant, pay my respects to the most noble and incomparable mother of the world, and I pray that you will live a long life."
Sitting high up on the Phoenix Throne, the Queen coldly looked at the strange man in front of her.
The latter was obviously feeling extremely awkward because it was his first time stepping into this majestic place, and he didn't even dare to raise his head and look the other person in the eye.
"Lift your head and let me see clearly."
As the order was given, the already trembling heart shrank even more.
Although he had not mingled with dignitaries for many years, he still could not hide his inner panic and awe when faced with such a solemn scene.
When those eyes as clear as lake water finally mustered up the courage to gaze upward, it was not difficult to discover that although he had a handsome face, he was somewhat cowardly and weak. He did not have the bearing and demeanor that a person who could easily take away someone else's loved one should have.
Seeing this, the queen smiled faintly and said, "Since you have come all the way here, please tell me what is the important matter that forces you to see me."
"Report to the Queen..."
The young man's trembling voice interrupted the brief silence.
"Recently, an extremely terrifying and rapidly spreading disease broke out in the Shiya area under my jurisdiction. Tens of thousands of innocent lives are suffering. Although we have tried to report the problem to our superiors through normal channels and ask for help, we have not received a response so far. If we cannot get help as soon as possible, I am afraid that this disaster will affect a wider range of people and cause more irreparable losses!"
When he said this, the young official's face was full of anxiety.
When the word "plague" was mentioned, even the most beautiful girls could not help but change their expression.
But soon the maids came forward to comfort her: "Don't worry, Queen. To ensure safety, Lord Lin has been thoroughly examined by several imperial doctors before entering the palace, and has been cleansed, bathed and disinfected. There will be absolutely no threat to your health."
Hearing this, the Queen's expression relaxed slightly, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, she slowly raised her slender fingers, picked up a cup of warm fragrant tea from the exquisite tea table in front of her, gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the water, and slowly said: "So, you left your post without permission and went directly to Beijing to report. It seems that you are really brave."
Lin Han's heart began to beat wildly when he sensed that the Queen's words, though seemingly relaxed, were actually filled with murderous intent. He quickly knelt on the ground, his forehead almost touching the cold and hard ground, and responded in panic: "I am guilty, but I have no choice! The land in Shiya County is extremely barren and the people's livelihood is extremely difficult. There is no famous doctor who can treat this rare and serious disease. If we continue to delay like this, the whole county may become a daunting hell on earth..."
His voice was full of anxiety and helplessness.
Before Lin Han could explain further, the Queen waved her hand and interrupted him, "Forget it, forget it. Since you have already found me here, I cannot just ignore this matter."
Her voice was calm but commanding.
As soon as these words came out, Lin Han's heart seemed to be suddenly illuminated by light. His originally anxious heart instantly settled down, and a trace of surprise and gratitude flashed in his eyes: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for such a grace!"
His knees were still pressed firmly to the ground and he did not even raise his head, fearing that any rash or inappropriate behavior on his part would again lead to dissatisfaction.
But the next second, the Queen's tone suddenly became gloomy, as if the biting cold wind in winter made people shiver all over. Her sharp eyes were like two sharp knives that pierced through the air and stabbed directly into the heart: "However, before I help you, you have to do something for me."
Hearing this, Lin Han's body suddenly stiffened as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, but he could only keep his head down and responded with an extremely respectful attitude: "I know that my status is too low to take on such a big responsibility, but if you have any orders, please tell me clearly, and I will do my best and never back down."
"Oh, I heard that you were engaged to someone when you were young?"
The queen's gaze was like a giant dragon peering into the abyss, making anyone standing in front of her shudder.
Lin Han was suddenly startled, his whole body tensed like a bow with a fully drawn string. He raised his head with difficulty and met the queen's eyes that were full of desire and greed.
He stammered and spoke incoherently: "Actually...it was just a misunderstanding. We didn't end up being husband and wife."
"Huh, so it was just an unsuccessful romance?"
When this name was mentioned, Lin Han's eyes dimmed instantly - the fact that the girl from the Xu family married the son of the Song family, who was famous and of extraordinary status, had already spread to every corner of the city and everyone knew it.
"Everything has become a passing cloud..."
The queen showed a mocking smile on her face and said sarcastically: "I can't believe a man would be willing to suffer such humiliation?! If it were me, I would never give up."
Facing the doubts, Lin Han's face lost all color, leaving only a pale face. He barely supported his body to defend himself: "I am alone and cannot compare with the noble and honorable Lord Song..."