Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 21: Casual Chat

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Casual Chat

So after this morning greeting, she finally got a clear view of the Emperor’s face.

His eyebrows were like swords extending to his temples, his nose high and straight, but his gaze was extremely cold, and his lips were thinly pressed.

Lin Wanyi suddenly recalled a remark she once made while accompanying her mother in selecting a future sister-in-law for her elder brother back at the manor.

"People with thin lips are often cold-hearted, so when choosing a wife for your brother, it would be best to select one with thicker lips."

If this standard were applied, the Emperor in front of her would surely not pass her mother’s test. Alas, alas.

The bright yellow robe on him was very majestic, but perhaps due to recent overwork, his originally tall and strong physique seemed somewhat thin.

Lin Wanyi maintained her virtuous and gentle demeanor, but this time added a bit of initiative.

"Is Your Majesty tired?"

Seeing the dark circles under his eyes and his constantly furrowed brows, it was clear the government affairs must be busy, possibly with some thorny issues.

"Hmm, have you had dinner?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, I have."

"Did you like it?"

"The stew of three delicacies inside was quite good."

"I also enjoy that dish. I’ll have the Imperial Kitchen send you more next time."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lin Wanyi didn’t know what to do either; two nights of service, two gifts of food, someone might think she particularly enjoyed eating.

With a deep sigh in her heart, she still had to pretend to enjoy it on the surface.

The Emperor was unaware of Lin Wanyi’s inner thoughts, and with a mild wave of his hands, he said.

"Change my clothes."

Seeing no one else left in the inner hall, and only her remaining, it was naturally her task to help him change.

There weren’t many buttons on the robe, within two or three attempts it was undone, revealing the bright yellow nightgown underneath, which made Lin Wanyi’s eyes hurt a bit.

Even the edges of the inner garment were embroidered with a golden dragon, exceedingly dignified.

Lin Wanyi’s fingers gently brushed over it, feeling the fine and intricate stitches, and she couldn’t help but admire the skills of the palace embroideress!

This slight movement of hers did not escape the Emperor’s eyes, prompting him to ask.

"You mentioned learning some embroidery from your mother before?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, yes."

"Hmm, in that case, make a nightgown for me. The one from the sewing room gives me a headache."

Lin Wanyi was dumbfounded; this Emperor was truly adept at assigning tasks, quickly giving her something to do.

Grumbling inwardly but not daring to show it on her face, she immediately responded.

"I obey, Your Majesty."

Before coming, the Emperor had already bathed, so he sat down on the dragon throne in his nightgown.

Seeing Lin Wanyi still standing in front, he patted the space beside him and said.

"Come sit here."

He spoke with little energy, pinching above the bridge of his nose, exuding a sense of deep fatigue.

Seeing him like this, Lin Wanyi unexpectedly blurted out.

"Your Majesty, can I give you a massage?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them immensely.

She had only served the bed once, would such an action make others think she was purposely trying to please him?

Unfortunately, before she could think further, the Emperor approved it.

He turned over and fell into Lin Wanyi’s arms, startling her into immobility.

She forced herself to calm down, but such intimacy made her a bit overly nervous.

Feeling her slight trembling, the Emperor, who had been enjoying the moment with closed eyes, suddenly opened them and looked at Lin Wanyi.

"Weren’t you going to give me a head massage? Why haven’t you started?"

Having been the Emperor for so long, even a casual remark seemed like an order.

Lin Wanyi had no choice but to comply, treating the Emperor as if he were her mother.

Luckily, she often helped her mother with head massages, so whether it was technique or acupuncture points, she had mastered them thoroughly.

Perhaps due to extreme fatigue, or perhaps because Lin Wanyi’s massage was too comfortable.

In no time, the Emperor lying there began to emit even breathing sounds, obviously having fallen asleep.

Looking at the relaxed Emperor, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but sigh.

Everyone desires the supreme throne, but how many know the difficulties and hardships behind it?

Being a ruler is not just about indulgence; without considering the state and its people, one’s position might become unstable.

As these thoughts drifted by, she recalled the words of "On the Way of the Monarch" her uncle mentioned at her grandfather’s house.

The way of the monarch is to prioritize the people.

To harm the people to serve oneself is like cutting flesh to feed one’s belly. The belly is full while the body perishes.

To stabilize the realm, one must first correct oneself. Never is the shadow crooked when the body is straight, nor is the lower in chaos when the upper is just.

With today’s peace and prosperity, it surely results from the efforts of the one before her.

Thinking of this, her massaging force lightened, but it left the dreaming Emperor all the more at ease.

Until midnight, when Mr. Dong, not having heard any movement inside, softly called, "Your Majesty."

Seeing no response, he quietly entered.

He found the usually light-sleeping Emperor sleeping soundly, while Lin Wanyi was sleeping leaning against the bedside railing.

The two slept peacefully, a scene Mr. Dong had never witnessed before.

After a moment, he slightly curved his mouth.

Indeed, he had not guessed wrong, this Lin Daying was not to be underestimated in the future.

But for now, the rules for staying overnight in Qian’an Hall could not be broken.

If she were to spend the night there, the harem might cause a stir the next day.

So he gently woke Lin Wanyi, addressing her as Lady several times.

Lin Wanyi, being a light sleeper, soon awoke from her dream and, seeing Mr. Dong, immediately understood the situation.

She gently moved the Emperor’s head from her lap.

Seeing this, Dong Yuzhong immediately arranged the pillow, covered the Emperor with a brocade quilt, and softly said.

"Lady, it’s midnight. I have someone ready to escort you back to Yihua Palace."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Dong."

Just as she was about to stand up, she felt her leg go numb, tingling painfully with any movement.

Seeing this, Dong Yuzhong immediately stepped forward to support her, extending a hand saying.

"Please rest your hand on mine, Lady. The soft sedan is waiting outside and will take you back to rest immediately."

Lin Wanyi wanted to refuse, but her leg was too numb, and if she fell, she would suffer herself. So she could only gratefully say to Dong Yuzhong.

"Thank you, Mr. Dong."

Then she moved slowly outside, boarded the soft sedan, and headed steadily towards Yihua Palace.

Meanwhile, Chunqi and Xia An were still waiting at the palace gate, and when she got off the soft sedan, her leg felt much better.

Both stepped forward to support her, as usual tipping the eunuchs who lifted the soft sedan with some silver coins.

"Let’s go."

"Yes."

When the three of them returned to the left side hall, Lin Wanyi lacked even the energy to wash.

Xia An immediately noticed something was wrong with her legs and asked worriedly.

"Lady, what happened to your leg?"

"Nothing, the Emperor leaned against it and dozed off, so it’s a bit numb."

Chunqi, upon hearing this, felt glad for her lady being favored by the Emperor, but also a bit regretful for missing out on a good opportunity to serve the bed.