Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 50: The Entire Palace is Serene

Chapter 50: Chapter 50: The Entire Palace is Serene

"Mistress, don’t worry. If your status increases, you can summon your family into the palace after becoming pregnant. This is a rule set by our ancestors."

Qiu Ming spoke to console her.

Lin Wanyi understood his good intentions but did not respond.

Pregnancy is something that is impossible for her now, so the day of seeing her family again seems far off.

It’s better to wait a few more days. When the situation calms down, there might be a chance to send some news out through Nanny Fan to her grandmother, and her mother would also naturally find out.

Thinking of this, her heart rekindled a sense of hope about the dragon boat races.

The days passed by one by one, and soon it was the day of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Early that morning, Lin Wanyi got up to start washing, dressing, and having breakfast.

After being disciplined by Qiu Ming for a while, Chunqi became a bit more composed.

Before starting to style Lin Wanyi’s hair, she opened her mouth and said,

"Mistress, today shall I style your hair into a peach-shaped bun, then pin on that peach wood hairpin, and place a few Yuanbei Pearls near the sideburns? It won’t be conspicuous, yet not too plain either. What do you think?"

Lin Wanyi always had a high regard for Chunqi’s skills.

"Do as you see fit, it’s fine."

At the same time, Xia An brought out the palace attire, a water green pleated skirt with plain embossed floral satin, covered with a long moon-white overcoat with branches design.

Lin Wanyi glanced at it, her lips curving upward.

She suddenly recalled the visit yesterday afternoon from Consort Ye and Du Changzai.

"This place of Lin Daying is truly a serene and carefree spot; outside it’s bustling, but here it’s like a fairyland, with no one daring to disturb."

Du Changzai said in a flattering manner as soon as she entered.

Since she received the Imperial Concubine’s order and began taking charge of the Dragon Boat Festival affairs, she no longer kept a low profile, now greeting everyone with a broad smile.

Consort Ye wasn’t much of a talker. She merely glanced at Lin Wanyi and said, "Greetings, Lin."

Having been recovering from an illness for many days, Lin Wanyi was not receiving visitors externally.

The reason for receiving the two of them today was completely because of the Emperor’s decree.

Stating that in remembrance of Empress Xu’s frugality when she was in power, the entire palace must express their mourning and cease extravagant celebrations of various festivals.

However, as the Dragon Boat Festival was imminent, it was not feasible to change plans, so the concubines could only keep their attire low-profile.

"You two sisters have worked hard recently. Please have some tea to soothe your throat."

Saying this, she invited both to sit inside.

"Sister has been ill, so we haven’t wanted to disturb you much. Today, we’re here to bring you a bamboo branch fan, hence our boldness in bothering you."

After saying this, a palace maid behind them presented it.

Lin Wanyi picked it up to have a look. The surface was simple, embroidered only with a few Wendland orchids and two playful butterflies, looking like an ordinary item.

Seeing Lin Wanyi carefully inspecting the fan, Du Changzai began to speak again.

"This fan has kept the embroidery workshop busy. A few days ago, the Emperor decreed that there must be no extravagance, so the Imperial Concubine specially ordered the embroidery workshop to uniformly make these plain fans for use at the palace banquet tomorrow. Look, the flowers on it are embroidered with the palace flowers that the Concubine awarded us."

"The Concubine is so clever, I really adore her ideas."

This fan, compared to the previous black silk Five Poison Round Fan, seemed much more ordinary, but holding such an ordinary item in Lin Wanyi’s hand felt just right.

"Indeed, the Concubine has always been considerate of us concubines. I can’t wait to go pay my respects to her early."

Du Changzai often mentioned Lin Guifei, eager for the whole world to know that she was supported by Lin Guifei!

Consort Ye merely smiled faintly alongside, never seeking attention.

Even though her rank was higher than Du Changzai’s, she kept as low a profile as if she was of a lower rank.

Just as she was thinking these thoughts, Chunqi waved a hand in front of her, calling out "Mistress."

Lin Wanyi then pulled herself out of her thoughts, looking at Chunqi curiously.

"What were you thinking about, Mistress? I was speaking to you and you didn’t hear."

"What is it?"

"I was asking, which pair of earrings will you wear?"

Saying this, she handed over two pairs, both with simple designs, understated yet elegant.

Lin Wanyi casually pointed to the pair on the left, her voice calm and unfluctuating.

"This one."

"Yes."

Fully dressed, Lin Wanyi finished her breakfast. Today was the first time since her recovery that she would meet with Lin Guifei and the other concubines, so being late was not an option.

Before heading out, she took the plain fan given by Lin Guifei, her lips curling, she slowly said.

"Let’s go."

At Linzi Palace, many concubines who hadn’t seen each other in days were already waiting in the courtyard. Lin Wanyi arrived neither too early nor too late, giving her respects to those of higher rank in a proper manner before standing under the veranda.

Sure enough, with the Emperor’s decree, the previously vibrant concubines all shifted to a style elegant yet modest as a chrysanthemum.

They used to be even more radiant than flowers, but now they seemed to compete for simplicity.

The palace attire colors seemed agreed upon; it was either light pink, aquamarine, or pale yellow.

No standout colors at all.

Every one of them clearly understood, holding the bamboo branch fans bestowed by the Imperial Consort, showing gratitude.

Soon after, a palace attendant announced from outside.

"Princess Consort Yi has arrived."

"Lady Lan has arrived."

"Lady Yingpin has arrived."

A stream of high-ranking concubines arrived; even though the palace of Linzi was large, it felt crowded at the moment.

Everyone promptly stood ready to give their greetings to the three of them.

Lin Wanyi had seen Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying before, but this was the first time seeing the pregnant Lady Lan.

She wore a long dress of green satin embroidered with osmanthus flowers and Ruyi motif, with borders of pale blue satin embroidered with gourd vine designs, matching her slightly rounded, protruding belly.

The morning sun of early May gently shone on her, making her appear soft and serene.

Lin Wanyi glanced at her, captivated by those autumn-like, clear yet rippling eyes, like a clear spring.

No wonder she received the Emperor’s favor, as the beauties in the harem each had their unique charm.

"You may rise."

Princess Consort Yi, being the most esteemed among the three, spoke, and naturally, Lin Wanyi and the others stood up.

Just then, the Chief Palace Maid, Qin He, by Lin Guifei’s side, lifted the curtain and approached, paying respect to Princess Consort Yi and the others before respectfully saying,

"The Imperial Concubine has prepared tea and snacks. Please, Princess Consort Yi, Lady Lan, and all the young mistresses, proceed for a chat."

Princess Consort Yi cast a disdainful glance at Qin He.

Stepping forward, she was the first to cross the threshold into the hall, followed by the others filing in.

Still behind, Lin Wanyi did not miss the fierce glare from Lady Chu, who had just been released from her ban.