Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 29: Study Room Attendance

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Study Room Attendance

If someone else heard this, they would probably be scared stiff.

After all, Dong Yuzhong holds the position of Chief Eunuch in the imperial court.

In the expansive Imperial Palace, even Quan Fu, the manager of the Inner Court Department, has to be upright in front of him, let alone eunuchs like Xiao Luzi who have no rank.

Yet Xiao Luzi was unusually delighted and immediately bowed, saying,

"Thank you, Mr. Dong, for the guidance. Xiao Luzi will remember your words."

Dong Yuzhong couldn’t help but give him an extra glance, thinking to himself that he was a promising lad.

However, it was still early.

He hadn’t even secured a position as a eunuch by Lin Daying’s side, let alone anything else.

Even if Dong Yuzhong wanted to promote him, it was not yet the time, so he just offered a word of advice.

"Hmm, learn well, there’ll be plenty of opportunities in the future."

With that sentence, Xiao Luzi understood immediately.

No wonder his master wanted to send him to Lin Daying’s place; it seemed that following Lin Daying indeed held good prospects.

Thus, his loyalty to Lin Wanyi grew even more.

In the inner room, Chunqi and Xia An were busily grooming Lin Wanyi, too busy to care about the matters outside. However, Lin Wanyi felt that the two of them were exaggerating with their as-if-facing-a-great-enemy demeanor.

She comforted them by saying,

"I’m only going to keep company at the court, not attending a banquet, just dress me as usual, don’t put too much thought into it, Mr. Dong is still waiting."

"Mistress, when you go the usual way, it’s to stay overnight; with the dim candlelight, who knows if His Majesty can even see clearly what you look like."

Chunqi said, while doing her utmost to style Lin Wanyi’s hair.

Her mind was still tirelessly thinking about how to match the hairpins to achieve the best effect.

"Today’s sunlight is so good, with full brightness, if you don’t take this chance to dress well, mistress, when would you dress up?"

Xia An shared the same thought and selected a somewhat more vibrant palace dress.

But Lin Wanyi refused it.

"As you said, the sunlight is so good; if I dress too gold, won’t it dazzle the eyes? Don’t you know what His Majesty dislikes?"

Then she pointed at the sleeping gown, and Chunqi thought she made sense, thus said,

"Alright then, I’ll style your hair simply, as your natural beauty looks good no matter what."

Lin Wanyi smiled, this girl really had a sweet tongue.

"I’ll wear the set I wore when I first entered the palace, and bring the jewelry box that Mother made for me, I’ll pick from that."

"Yes, I’ll fetch it right away."

Xia An put down the clothes and went to the back cabinet to find that jewelry box.

The box was specially crafted by the madam, though not large, it held wonders.

It had three layers, containing some innovative yet inexpensive hairpins and earrings, while the bottom layer held several small denomination silver notes.

It’s inconvenient to bring things into the palace, but gift-giving can’t be avoided.

Lin Wanyi selected a set of dragonfly hairpins made of shell inlay and matching earrings from inside.

They looked ordinary, but under sunlight, the shells reflected a dazzling array of colors, making them shine brilliantly.

During their crafting, no additional gemstones were added around them, resulting in just the right softness.

Only a little peach blossom powder was applied to her face, with delicately drawn eyebrows resembling distant mountains, and some jade balm on her lips and teeth, then she went out the door.

Seeing Lin Wanyi’s fresh and ethereal appearance, Dong Yuzhong’s admiration in his eyes became even more apparent.

The late Emperor died early, therefore the current Holy Emperor ascended the throne at the age of eight, and at sixteen, he married Empress Xu, leading to a constant stream of women in the palace.

There were absolute beauties, and ones with unrivaled talent as well.

Yet, none like Lin Wanyi, who was akin to a pure water lotus.

He promptly stepped forward and said,

"Please, madam."

"Please lead the way, Mr. Dong."

At the entrance of Yihua Palace, a palanquin awaited to collect Lin Wanyi, with four men standing at each corner, and a rattan chair in the middle.

Lin Wanyi frowned, reluctant to approach.

In the palace, only concubines with the rank of consort and above could ride such a palanquin. If she, just a concubine, were to ride it, the threshold of Yihua Palace would be invaded by visitors tomorrow.

So she addressed Dong Yuzhong with some reservations and said,

"Mr. Dong, let’s just walk over, I’m quite agile, there’s no need for the palanquin."

"Madam, this is a gift from His Majesty, it’s alright to sit on it."

"Thank Your Majesty for such grace, but my rank is humble, it’s not appropriate to override palace rules, please understand, Mr. Dong."

Dong Yuzhong nodded, naturally understanding her concerns.

"If that’s the case, then let the lady follow this servant quickly, luckily the journey isn’t far, it’s no trouble."

"Please, Mr. Dong."

"Madam, please."

The distance from Yihua Palace to Qian’an Hall wasn’t far, and soon after walking, they arrived.

The previous two times she came were in the evening, with dim skies; only now, with the sun high in the sky, could Lin Wanyi really see the magnificence of Qian’an Hall.

The glazed tiles sparkled under the sunlight, every brick and wall meticulously maintained.

The main hall spanned nine rooms wide and five deep, even the base was made with white marble stone, radiating imperial majesty.

This main hall is generally used by the Emperor to meet with officials, and concubines cannot enter without a summons.

Thus, Dong Yuzhong led her to the side hall, where the Emperor read and reviewed memorials.

As she entered through the curtain, Lin Wanyi was greeted by a faint sandalwood aroma.

This scent is typically used by those of older age who are devoted to Buddha, why was it here?

But before she could ponder further, a deep voice came from inside.

"Has Lin Daying arrived?"

Dong Yuzhong led Lin Wanyi in, and respectfully saluted, saying,

"Reporting to the Holy Emperor, Lin Daying has been brought."

"Your humble servant Lin of the Lin Family greets Your Majesty with wishes for everlasting peace."

This was the third time Lin Wanyi saw the Emperor, yet before her eyes was still the intricate floral brocade carpet on the ground.

"Hmm, rise, all of you."

After Dong Yuzhong stood up, he softly retreated outside.

The Emperor picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and then slowly addressed Lin Wanyi,

"I have a headache, come massage it for me."

Wasn’t she invited to appreciate caligraphy?

Why was it that as soon as she entered, she was asked to give a massage?

Though Lin Wanyi was a bit bewildered, she dared not refuse, and stepped forward a few steps, speaking to the Emperor,

"Before I came, I already washed my hands, please, Your Majesty, move to the window for better light."

The desk was laid out with memorials that the Emperor hadn’t finished reviewing, for her to go there directly was inappropriate.

If any mistakes were to occur after today, she couldn’t afford the responsibility.

So, the couch by the window was more suitable.

The Emperor looked up at her, a bit puzzled by her action, but seeing her keeping her head down and not daring to look directly, he somewhat understood.

"Hmm, you’ve learned the rules well."

Much better than those concubines who constantly cling to him with snacks.

Thus he got up and went to the couch, took off his shoes, got on, and gestured for Lin Wanyi to come over.