Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 48: Five Poison Round Fan

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Five Poison Round Fan

After Jiang Heqing finished speaking, he had someone present the items.

The incense bags and silk threads looked like typical palace crafts, nothing unusual about them, but the Five Poison Round Fan was different.

The black silk was embroidered with the five poisons: scorpion, gecko, toad, centipede, and snake.

The bamboo handle was icy to the touch, a rare and exquisite item.

However, it wasn’t something meant for someone of her rank.

Lin Wanyi gave a slight smile, picked up the black silk round fan, and spoke.

"Thank you, Imperial Concubine, for your gift. This humble servant is delighted."

She then glanced at Qiu Ming, who stepped forward and said.

"The Imperial Consort has such a thoughtful mind. This Five Poison Round Fan looks like the one that was tributed from Xuzhou last year. I remember when the Emperor saw it, he praised its luxurious design and gave it to the Imperial Concubine. I didn’t expect to see it again now."

"Oh? Such an opportunity indeed."

Lin Wanyi appeared shocked and hurriedly said.

"If it truly is a gift from Your Majesty, then I dare not accept it. Please, Eunuch Jiang, take it back."

"Worry not, my lady. Since it was sent to you, it is your fortune. Most items held by the Imperial Consort are bestowed by the Emperor, and if none could be given away, wouldn’t that contradict the Heavenly Family’s gracious virtue? So you may accept it without restraint."

After Jiang Heqing said this, he turned to Qiu Ming and continued.

"Mr. Qiu was also on duty before the imperial court, the rules I just mentioned, are they correct?"

Jiang Heqing was the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Consort’s palace, and in the current situation, his rank was only second to Dong Yuzhong, so Qiu Ming couldn’t directly confront him.

He could only reply in a calm tone.

"Eunuch Jiang is indeed correct!"

Lin Wanyi gave Jiang Heqing a deep look, it seemed she had no choice but to accept the fan.

"In that case, I will not refuse further, and I ask you to convey my gratitude."

"My lady, you are too kind. I will certainly do so."

Jiang Heqing came respectfully and left happily.

After he left, Lin Wanyi and Qiu Ming were both troubled, both master and servant were quite apprehensive about this fan.

"My lady, black silk in Da Wei is only used by noble people. To say something presumptuous, even Princess Consort Yi cannot use it casually. Should you really use this round fan during the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, you might be accused of overstepping your rank."

Qiu Ming, who was well-versed in palace affairs, pointed out the crucial details as soon as he spoke.

Everyone present widened their eyes upon hearing this.

"Did the Imperial Concubine send it to you on purpose, intending to embarrass you?"

Chunqi anxiously asked.

"Embarrass me? Not necessarily, more like making me even more conspicuous."

Lin Wanyi carefully examined the black silk round fan, having guessed Lin Guifei’s intentions perfectly.

But Lin Guifei wasn’t afraid of her guessing correctly, it was clear she wanted to make things difficult for her.

Only a few days earlier, she had set Lin Wanyi up in front of the Emperor, and now she sent this exquisite item.

Furthermore, with Qiu Ming already positioned as the Chief Eunuch of Xianyi Palace, she brazenly had Jiang Heqing deliver the Five Poison Round Fan, showing no fear of being exposed.

This placed Lin Wanyi in a predicament.

If she used the fan, she would attract even more attention and jealousy from the harem and appear presumptuous in front of the Emperor, which was quite troublesome.

Yet, if she didn’t use the fan, it would be seen as disrespect to the Imperial Consort, leaving her in a no-win situation.

Lin Wanyi contemplated all options, finding herself neither able to advance nor retreat.

Using power to apply pressure, she was truly wielding the Imperial Consort title to its fullest.

"Mr. Qiu, could you go to Qian’an Hall and see if His Majesty is free, so he may come to Xianyi Palace for dinner?"

This was the first time since Lin Wanyi entered the palace that she had sent someone to interact with the imperial court.

Qiu Ming glanced at Lin Wanyi and quickly understood her intent.

He immediately nodded and said.

"I will handle it promptly."

After Qiu Ming left, Lin Wanyi gave instructions to Chunqi.

"Prepare a few seasonal dishes, the simpler, the better, ideally what common people eat."

Although Chunqi did not understand what her lady intended, she knew it was best to follow orders, so she quickly nodded in agreement and headed out.

Meanwhile, Xiao Luzi naturally followed Chunqi to assist, while Xia An stayed in the inner chamber, continuing to serve Lin Wanyi as usual.

"My lady, calling the Emperor at this time, won’t that draw undue attention?"

"I can’t be bothered about that, it’s better than being seen by everyone both inside and outside the palace as an arrogant concubine."

Xia An’s heart was also uneasy, the days in the palace truly rolled in one wave after another.

When Qiu Ming returned from Qian’an Hall, he brought back good news.

Apparently, the Emperor and Dong Yuzhong were both curious about Lin Wanyi’s sudden initiative, so they readily agreed.

So, for the entire afternoon, the whole Xianyi Palace was busy preparing for the Emperor’s visit.

The Imperial Kitchen had also received early notice, thus sending the menu to Xianyi Palace.

Lin Wanyi gave it a cursory glance, seeing dishes regularly enjoyed by the Emperor, alongside two dishes favored by her.

One had to admit, the people in the Imperial Kitchen were incredibly observant.

They always recorded how much of their meals were consumed, thus learning their preferences and gradually ensuring the dishes aligned with their tastes.

Lin Wanyi removed her favorite dishes and some rich meat dishes from the menu.

This meal was intended to be simple to suit the occasion, hence her decision.

Qiu Ming looked at it and remained unfazed internally.

But Eunuch Pan from the Imperial Kitchen, upon seeing the menu, showed some confusion on his rounded face.

"My lady, the menu is so plain, will His Majesty find it agreeable?"

"Just proceed as instructed, Eunuch Pan, Chunqi has also prepared some other small dishes, there’s no need to waste too much."

"Understood, I’ll comply."

It seemed this Lin Daying’s palace intended to make an impression, so he might as well go along with the flow.

At the end of the 3:00 PM hour, the Emperor arrived earlier than anticipated.

Lin Wanyi’s legs had improved since previous days, allowing her to walk to the palace gate to welcome him.

Upon seeing the Emperor’s sedan chair, she promptly curtsied and said in a proper manner.

"This concubine Lin extends greetings to Your Majesty."

"Rise, your leg injury hasn’t fully healed. Why endure waiting here?"

Speaking, he descended from the sedan and stood before Lin Wanyi.

Today, she seemed even more simplistic, yet the lack of embellishments highlighted her fresh and refined beauty.

Recalling the concubines’ heavily painted faces from the past, they now appeared somewhat tedious.

"Being so proactive today, is there something amiss?"

The two walked from the palace gate to the inner chamber, where the items sent by Lin Guifei, incense bags, and silk threads, were seen placed precisely ’by chance’.