Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 23: Grounded to Ward Off Misfortune

Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Grounded to Ward Off Misfortune

"You! How dare you curse me!"

Lady Chu looked at Lin Wanyi with arrogance, the fire in her eyes burning fiercely.

"This servant would not dare. I was merely offering a reminder to you, noble one."

After speaking, she pointed to the sky, once again adopting a gentle demeanor, which greatly displeased Lady Chu.

"Be careful, noble one, for Buddha is watching from above every day."

Lady Chu was furious, but she had to be extremely cautious.

While civil servants were indifferent, families of military generals deeply believed in such things, so even though she could not stand Lin Wanyi, she dared not speak recklessly now.

Seeing Lady Chu, usually bold and assertive, being continuously humiliated by Lin Wanyi, the other concubines felt very displeased.

However, in terms of background, favor, and support, they could not compare to Lin Wanyi, so even if they were unhappy, they had to swallow their resentment.

Inside the inner hall, Qin He, who was about to lift the curtain, listened carefully for a moment, her eyebrows furrowed slightly.

This Lady Chu truly does not take Lin Guifei seriously. It would have been fine if she avoided her on ordinary days, but she dared to openly provoke Lin Daying within Linzi Palace.

Regardless, she is the second daughter of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, a daughter of the Northwest General acting so brazenly.

Does she disregard the Prime Minister’s Mansion, or does she disregard Lin Guifei?

So she took two steps back and headed towards the sleeping chambers, leaning close to the already prepared Lin Guifei’s ear to explain the situation in detail.

Lin Guifei’s upward-tilted phoenix eyes were already somewhat indifferent.

At this moment, a slight disgust emerged.

"Another reckless and ignorant woman. Go out and tell Lady Chu that the Astronomical Bureau has reported her fate coincides with a malicious phase. She must stay at Yonghua Hall to eat vegetarian, recite, and chant for half a month to dispel misfortune. During this time, retract the green card. Without my decree, she must not step out of the rear hall of Yihua Palace!"

"Yes, I obey, Your Majesty!"

The concubines outside were still waiting to pay respects to Lin Guifei, unaware that the decree had come out before they could even see her.

After Qin He finished speaking, Lady Chu was visibly frustrated.

"How could my fate have a malicious phase? Could the Astronomical Bureau have made a mistake?"

Lady Chu dared not directly confront Lin Guifei, so she could only place the blame on the Astronomical Bureau, knowing well that it was a futile effort.

Sure enough, Qin He continued.

"The current Director of the Astronomical Bureau was personally promoted by Your Majesty. If Lady Chu doubts the Astronomical Bureau, are you also doubting Your Majesty? You must be cautious in your words and actions!"

"You!"

A mere maid dared to flaunt in her presence, a truly frustrating situation.

But beneath the eaves, one has no choice but to bow.

Now, she was not only confined but also had her green card withdrawn. The recitation and chanting had a time limit, but when would her card be reinstated?

Although angry, she dared not say much.

She could only kneel, kowtow, and express gratitude, after which Qin He said with impartial justice,

"Please go, my lady. If Your fate collides with the Imperial Concubine, it could stir another conflict."

Exempted from morning salutations, yet Lady Chu did not feel any joy at all.

"In that case, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave first."

After speaking, she stood up, flicked her sleeves, and left.

Witnessing this scene, the other concubines lowered their heads even further.

Their background was even less than Lady Chu’s. Now that it was clear that Lin Guifei protected Lin Daying, if they rashly charged forward, they would simply serve as cannon fodder.

So, keeping quiet was the wisest choice.

Salutations continued as usual, with Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Lan still absent, but Lin Guifei now had no time to deal with such trivial matters.

Her mind was entirely focused on preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival.

"Since the founding of the dynasty by the Grand Ancestor, the Dragon Boat Festival has been greatly valued. Princes and sons of noble families all form teams to compete in dragon boat races on Shounan Lake, and this year is no exception."

After speaking, she deliberately glanced at Lin Wanyi, who immediately understood.

If her older brother’s name could be included here, it would also be beneficial for his future.

You must know that in the past few years serving in the Imperial City Department, his name had never even been reported, so it’s no wonder he couldn’t stand out.

Lin Guifei intended to use this matter as a bargaining condition, but for what purpose?

It seemed she would have to speak privately with Lin Guifei later.

The other concubines, who also had brothers at home, smiled brightly upon hearing this, momentarily forgetting the little incident that had just happened in the courtyard.

"If this year’s dragon boat race wins first place, not only will there be a Cold Iron Dagger personally bestowed by Your Majesty, but also an opportunity to be promoted to the Imperial Guard, a position often seen at the imperial court. It seems we’ll have some excitement, sisters."

After speaking, she smiled slightly.

The concubines below echoed in praise.

"What the Lady says is true. In past years, the Dragon Boat Festival wasn’t much fun, but ever since the Lady began organizing it, everyone inside and outside the palace praises it."

"Indeed, indeed, the Lady’s ideas are excellent, making the Dragon Boat Festival lively and exciting."

Lin Guifei was quite pleased with their compliments. _{f.re(e) w.e(b)nov el.c.om}

When Empress Xu was still around, organizing these banquets was always done with excessive caution. While frugality is good, such restraint during occasions to make a mark was naturally looked down upon, both internally and externally.

Ever since she took over, whether for the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, or New Year’s Eve, the celebrations have been grand.

Though it cost more silver coins, she always found ways to cover the expenses.

With such thoughts, she felt that no one in the entire palace was more suited to be Empress than she, and thus her bearing grew more imposing.

In front of everyone, she carried herself with a greater sense of superiority.

Having just dealt with Lady Chu, her authority seemed even greater now, so she ordered,

"The Dragon Boat Festival banquet requires a great deal of effort. I see that Princess Consort Ying is meticulous, so why not let you handle this matter?"

Ah?

Princess Consort Ying, who had been named, suddenly looked up, originally not very noticeable, but now she had become the focus of everyone’s attention.

Princess Consort Ying entered the palace in the 13th year of Yuanhe, four years earlier than Lin Wanyi’s contingent.

Her father was the Assistant Minister of Rites, a man of elegance and gentleness, so his daughter was raised to be just like him.

Since entering the palace, she neither fought nor contended, but she excelled at painting.

It was due to this skill that she had the opportunity to accompany and serve the Emperor two or three times a month.

While she wasn’t a favored concubine, she was still remembered by the Emperor.

Being appointed to manage this event was, in theory, a great honor. After all, there were prior examples to follow, and if executed exceptionally, she would undoubtedly gain visibility with Your Majesty.

Countless people longed for this chance, yet this Princess Consort Ying seemed to approach it as if facing a formidable foe.

"I thank the Lady for her utmost favor, but I lack experience and ability. If this matter is entrusted to me, it might adversely affect the banquet. I kindly ask the Lady to reconsider this decision."

After speaking, she made a humble bow, her words sincere and fervent.

With these words, other concubines laughed at her cluelessness, but Lin Guifei’s eyes grew deeper.

Her tone then gained a hint of probing and a shade of intimidation.