Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite
Chapter 51: First Encounter with Princess Consort Lan

Chapter 51: Chapter 51: First Encounter with Princess Consort Lan

Her look towards Lin Wanyi was filled with a terrifying hostility; were it not for the occasion being unsuitable, she might have ripped Lin Wanyi’s face apart.

When Lin Wanyi turned around and saw Lady Chu, she did not exhibit the slightest fear.

After all, the mask had already been torn off between them, and there was no need to feign sisterly affection.

Then she took the lead and walked into the main hall, took her seat in her position.

Lady Chu restrained her anger, then followed suit and sat down, appearing rather inconspicuous among the concubines.

Today, Lin Guifei sat on the central throne, dressed in a richly embroidered phoenix robe, exuding luxury and elegance.

"Imperial Concubine’s attire today is quite out of sync with us sisters."

Princess Consort Yi was quite subdued today, but upon seeing Lin Guifei’s meticulously prepared look, she was secretly furious.

It felt like they were just there to serve as decoration for Lin Guifei, making her shine all the more bright.

Lin Guifei smiled with gleaming eyes and then spoke.

"Today, I will be accompanying the Emperor for a river ritual, so I wore this ceremonial gown. How does my dear sister Princess Consort Yi find it?"

"It looks wonderful, but Your Majesty only recently spoke about paying respects to Empress Xu. How does the madam regard this matter?"

"Respect must be paid, but the dignity of the Da Wei Royal Family must also be considered. I believe Empress Xu, watching over us from the heavens, will surely understand my sentiments as a sister and not hold grievances."

The exchange between the two had been ceaseless since they entered the palace.

Others remained prepared to watch and said nothing.

Princess Consort Yi’s eyes turned icy as she felt an inner disdain for Lin Guifei’s attitude, but constrained by her status, she hmphed coldly without retorting.

Seeing her calm down, Lin Guifei turned her focus to Lady Lan.

"I haven’t seen my sister for quite some days; have you been resting well recently?"

"Thank you, Imperial Concubine, for your concern. I am well, and the Imperial Physician says the child in my belly is quite docile, so I have suffered little."

"Docile? That’s wonderful; it seems My Ming Ruo is going to have another little sister to accompany her."

Upon hearing this, Lady Lan’s face turned shy as she softly replied.

"I do hope it’s a lovely little princess, so she can accompany me."

Lin Guifei watched her sincere expression, feeling for a moment she was speaking genuinely, but long years of palace struggles had made her immune to such sentiments.

So she donned a "gentle" smile, looked at Lady Lan, and spoke.

"I have a Jade Guanyin here, specially requested by my grandmother when giving birth to Ming Ruo. If not for Bodhisattva’s blessing, I might not have been off the bed back then and wouldn’t have this chance to speak with you sisters today. I shall gift it to my sister and hope you have a smooth delivery as you wish."

Saying so, she had the Chief Palace Maid Qin Liu present the brocade box.

The Jade Guanyin lay within, evidently crafted from top-grade Hetian jade, with intricately carved features of the Guanyin Bodhisattva rendered with utmost kindness and serenity.

Lady Lan immediately smiled and accepted it.

"Imperial Concubine’s gift truly touches my heart; once I return, I will surely enshrine it in the palace and pray day and night for Bodhisattva’s protection for the child to grow safely."

Subsequently, everyone else chimed in.

"We wish Lady Lan a smooth delivery and fulfillment of her wishes."

Lady Lan was delighted, lovingly caressing her belly and radiating affection from her eyes.

Yet Lin Wanyi noticed Princess Consort Ying’s slightly oversized robe, her hands continuously shielding her stomach.

Clearly, she was pregnant too, but so many days had passed without the news being revealed publicly—exactly what was Princess Consort Ying waiting for?

For a moment, Lin Wanyi felt baffled.

Today is the Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone must attend the palace banquet; as much as there were those who wished to bicker with Lin Guifei and Lin Wanyi, for now, they had to suppress the urge.

Princess Consort Yi glanced towards Lin Wanyi, noticing her attire was also quite understated.

The depth of intention in her eyes was evident.

Having sat and chatted for a while at Linzi Palace, the group proceeded to the banquet location on Haiyan Island.

Despite the name, it’s actually flat land constructed from massive stones and pillars on Shounan Lake.

The view from Haiyan Island is excellent, with a grand palace named Qing Garden erected upon it.

With carved beams and painted rafters, jade pillars reaching the skies.

Surrounded on all sides by fences, it ensures safety while allowing enjoyment of the cool breeze.

Especially comfortable for the numerous concubines suffering from the summer heat.

Qing Garden spans over five chambers, holding dozens of low tables for dining.

In the middle, a Purple Sandalwood Screen serves as a divider; the left hosts the Imperial Family and their kin, while the right is occupied by the harem concubines.

When Lin Guifei arrived with the concubines, the left side was already half-filled.

The Fourth Prince Consort was the most respected, with the Ninth and Zhan Princess Consorts close behind, while others were either a Princess and Prince Consort or an Heir Consort.

The atmosphere was lively.

Upon seeing Lin Guifei arrive, several noblewomen crossed the screen and respectfully greeted Lin Guifei.

"Greetings to Lin Guifei, greetings to the masters."

"Fourth Princess Consort, please rise. You are the Emperor’s elder, and naturally, you are mine too; no need for formalities in the future."

At the forefront was the legitimate wife of the Fourth Prince, the Emperor’s fourth uncle’s wife, and the highest-ranking noblewoman outside the palace.

Therefore, Lin Guifei’s approach towards her was always to win favor over suppressing with authority.

"Thanks for the empathy of the madam, but the rules cannot be undone."

The Fourth Princess Consort was renowned both inside and outside the palace for her noble character and virtuous demeanor, making her highly esteemed by the noblewomen.

"Fourth Princess Consort should sit comfortably; soon enough, Your Majesty and the Imperial Uncles will join us; then we shall watch the dragon boat races."

"As the madam says."

Then everyone retreated to their designated seats.

Lin Guifei, naturally, occupied the phoenix throne, having a panoramic view of Shounan Lake and the distant Shoushan.

The mountains gleamed, the waves sparkled—such splendid scenery.

Ever since she assumed the palace seal, she possessed the secondary authority after the Empress; if the Empress had been present, this seat wouldn’t be hers, but now none in the harem were more qualified.

Thus, she sat upright, chin slightly raised, maintaining a flawless demeanor.

Lady Lan, being pregnant, was seated centrally but towards the left, minimizing water hazard yet immersing in the dragon boat races’ spectacle.

A genuinely ideal spot!

Lady Lan profoundly appreciated Lin Guifei’s meticulous arrangements and sat down contentedly.

Princess Consort Yi was alongside her, seated strategically in the center, while Princess Consort Ying took the leftmost seat near the lake.

The tables were adorned with seasonal fruits, appearing quite fresh.

Especially the lychees recently sent from Lingnan, tempting to the eye.

Not every concubine rank could enjoy lychees, but today everyone had a share on their tables, albeit varying in quantity.

Consequently, led by Du Changzai, there was yet another round of lavish praise for Lin Guifei.