"You should settle down early, Your Highness. You need to rise early tomorrow to pay respects. You’ve been tossing around for most of the night, I’m afraid you’ll be very tired tomorrow."
One would think attending to the Emperor at night would be exhausting, but not attending to him is just as tiring.
The thought of being subjected to backhanded comments the next day irritated her greatly.
"Extinguish the lights."
"Yes. Your Highness, sleep well. I shall keep watch outside."
After Chunqi said this, the goat-horn palace lamps in the sleeping chamber were extinguished, leaving only one in the outer room. Watching the faint flickering light, Lin Wanyi gradually felt drowsy.
Though she slept comfortably, at this moment, the lamps in Qian’an Hall were reignited.
Hearing movement inside, Dong Yuzhong immediately pushed the door open and entered.
Indeed, the Emperor, who had been sound asleep, was already sitting up, rotating his neck from side to side.
"Replying to Your Majesty, it’s just past 1 a.m."
There was still time before the morning court, but he felt no drowsiness.
Compared to usual, this sleep was short, yet it was incredibly restful.
A long-missed sense of ease washed over Yu Wenhong, and he smiled—her massage skills were indeed sharp.
Who would have thought the Prime Minister’s second daughter possessed such a craft?
In contrast to the pampered Lin Guifei, she seemed much more gentle and composed.
Looks like there are many stories within the Prime Minister’s Mansion as well.
Thinking of this, his previously relaxed expression gradually turned serious, as he instructed Dong Yuzhong.
"Light the lamps. I have no desire to rest. I’ll get up."
"Your Majesty, getting up at this hour, won’t it be... too early?"
The night outside was deep and quiet; there wasn’t much use for the Emperor to be awake.
"No matter, I still haven’t finished reviewing last night’s memorials. I’ll continue looking at them."
"Yes, as you command."
Having spoken, he clapped his hands toward the eunuchs and palace maids outside. Instantly, eight people came in, lining up to attend to Emperor Yu Wenhong’s grooming.
Since it wasn’t yet time for court, there was no need to wear court attire.
The Emperor changed into a regular robe with a black background embroidered with a golden dragon and went to the study.
Another day of diligent governance.
Early in the morning as Lin Wanyi ventured out, she saw Mu Daying waiting in the courtyard.
"Lanchun? Why are you here?"
Mu Daying greeted her with a cheerful smile, her round eyes full of joy.
"I heard you attended to His Majesty again yesterday, sister, so I came to congratulate you. And by the way, accompany you to Linzi Palace to pay respects."
In the palace, it’s impossible to hide matters like attending to the Emperor.
Not only are such events meticulously recorded, but they are also widely publicized.
Though this was Lin Wanyi’s second time attending to the Emperor, she still felt very bashful, so she changed the subject.
"I got up late, let’s hurry, it’s not good to be late."
Both of them were concubines, so there was no sedan chair for them to ride in. Walking together, they had each other’s company.
"I’ve been craving Chunqi’s green plum cake again, sister. Can I go back with you later? Hehe."
Her mischievous expression amused Lin Wanyi.
"You’re such a foodie. Wait until it’s made, then take some home."
"I knew sister cared for me."
Lin Wanyi quite liked this naturally friendly Mu Daying.
At least from the last incident when Chunqi was out checking around for days, nothing got leaked, so she seemed to be tight-lipped.
However, sisterly bonds in the harem were often superficial, so while Lin Wanyi liked her, she wouldn’t confide her secrets to that extent.
Chatting idly, they walked swiftly and soon found themselves waiting in Linzi Palace.
Upon entering the courtyard, Lin Wanyi felt several unfriendly gazes directed her way.
Without needing to think, she knew it must be because of last night’s attendance on the Emperor.
Never wishing to be a thorn in others’ eyes, but it wasn’t as if she could say she merely sat with the Emperor all night.
Though bitter inside, her expression remained calmly composed as usual.
Just as they reached the veranda, an acrid, sharp woman’s voice came from behind.
"I wonder why I felt a tight chest so early, turns out I saw a wretch."
Snorting coldly as she walked forward, her malicious gaze was locked onto Lin Wanyi, wishing to bore holes into her.
"Concubine Lin of Lin Family greets Lady Chu."
"Concubine Mu of Mu Family greets Lady Chu."
Both of them were only concubines, naturally having to bow their heads to Lady Chu.
As for the other concubines, those who should curtsy while half-squatting did so, and others offered modest greetings as appropriate.
Lady Chu approached others in an evidently warm and friendly manner, but somehow managed to ignore both Lin Wanyi and Mu Lanchun.
Her words were sharp and vehement.
"I’ve resided long in the Northwest and occasionally went hunting with my father. Even among beasts, some are cunning, not only dodging arrows but also luring people into traps, especially those foxes. According to the old servants at home, the fox demons who have cultivated to become spirits are the most formidable—not only bewitching, but also devouring hearts and souls."
Everyone present understood the implication of her words.
She was openly suggesting that Lin Wanyi was akin to a cunning fox.
Many concubines covered their mouths with handkerchiefs and stole laughs.
Mu Lanchun, however, was incensed, and was about to argue when Lin Wanyi held her back.
Sparring with her would only harm oneself and others.
Better to simply ignore her.
Seeing Lin Wanyi’s indifferent demeanor, Lady Chu could hardly wait to tear apart her serenely perfect face.
Lest His Majesty constantly keeps her in mind and should he call upon someone to attend him, he first chooses her!
She was about to step forward, ready to launch another tirade when a clear voice interrupted.
"Chu, it’s quite frightening to speak of these things so early in the morning."
Turning back, Lady Chu saw the speaker was an inconspicuous concubine. Having been in the palace for some time, she naturally knew her identity.
"Is Consort Ye planning to admonish me?"
The woman addressed as Consort Ye appeared somewhat older, yet she was dressed appropriately with measured manners. She approached slowly, speaking gently.
"Chu, you’re joking again. As fellow concubines in the harem, we ought to know better than to indulge in tales of the supernatural."
Consort Ye’s words were kindly intended, but having come from a pampered background, Lady Chu had become all the more dismissive of such "outdated" concubines given the protection from Princess Consort Yi since entering the palace.
She snorted coldly, her eyes gleaming with a warning.
"Consort Ye, perhaps you should focus more on regaining the Emperor’s favor than meddling in my affairs!"
Though both were titled nobles, Lady Chu maintained an air of arrogance.
Instead of being a helping hand, the originally intervening Consort Ye got pulled into the fray.
Lin Wanyi’s gaze slightly chilled; she most disliked Lady Chu’s way of distinguishing friend from foe without merit.
After steadying her thoughts, she spoke up.
"Perhaps Lady Chu is unaware that April 8th is the Buddha’s birthday; hence, April is often referred to as the month of Buddha. To speak of such eerie matters so early must be cautious of offending the deities. If by chance your words were taken amiss, affecting the fortunes, that would be most worrisome."