The Emperor’s words made Lin Wanyi suddenly realize how absurd and laughable her earlier thoughts were.
With the Emperor’s wise and open-minded nature, how could he possibly accept a concubine blatantly using connections for her family’s benefit?
With her brother’s steadfast and stubborn character, he would not accept such sought-after grace either.
So she put aside that thought, deciding that her brother should forge his own path in the future.
What she needed to do was to believe in him!
Just as the Emperor said, a pearl will not be obscured by dust!
The Emperor leaned against the couch by the bright window, unaware of the myriad twists and turns in Lin Wanyi’s heart.
He was holding the book "Yunzhou Miscellaneous Records," reading it with great interest.
"These idle books of yours are quite intriguing, I’ve been reading them all afternoon, I never knew Yunzhou was so interesting before."
Yunzhou is located north of Shengjing City.
The Emperor had always only had plans for southern and winter tours, so he wasn’t very familiar with everything in the Yunzhou region.
"The Second Prince’s fiefdom is in Yunzhou, if there’s a chance to accompany him out of the palace in the future, I would like to visit."
As she said this, the Emperor glanced up at her, then smiled.
"It’s just Yunzhou, if you really want to go, we can change the route for next year’s eastern tour."
In any case, the ancestral worship at Taishan had already passed, so the eastern tour next year wasn’t mandatory.
Just as Lin Wanyi said, it’s fine to visit other regions.
With a look of surprise, Lin Wanyi wondered if this was appropriate.
But seeing that his expression was unstressed, she naturally stopped worrying.
"If that’s really the case, then I will definitely follow."
Just like that, the afternoon passed swiftly.
By the time of the evening meal, the Second Prince and Second Princess finally met their reclusive father and Lady Lin.
"Your son greets Father, wishing him peace."
"Your son greets Lady Lin, wishing her well-being."
In the months they hadn’t seen him, the Second Prince had grown taller and stronger compared to when he left the Capital City.
Yesterday, he hadn’t noticed because most of his attention was on Lin Wanyi.
Today, upon closer inspection, he indeed looked well taken care of.
So the Emperor, quite satisfied, spoke to Nanny Du.
"Nanny, you have worked hard."
Nanny Du wasn’t one to boast, but hearing this, she felt a bit gratified.
Having served the Emperor for many years, she naturally understood the weight of these words.
So she smiled and replied.
"Your Majesty praises too much, the credit goes to Doctor Dou and Miss Lin, I merely followed orders, unworthy of Your Majesty’s concern."
"No, Nanny Du took excellent care of me, I really like her,"
The Second Prince rarely chimed in.
His demeanor showed much reliance on Nanny Du.
The Emperor saw this and naturally understood that it was because of Nanny Du’s careful care that she gained such a relationship with the one being cared for.
He felt deeply thankful in his heart.
However, unsure of what reward would be fitting at that moment, he chose not to speak carelessly.
He simply nodded, feeling touched by the warmth between the Second Prince and Nanny Du.
Meanwhile, the Second Princess seemed to feel she was being "neglected,"
So she started making some cooing sounds on purpose.
Of course, drool continued to drip everywhere, lacking the dignity of a princess.
The Emperor frowned at this scene.
He was concerned that the Princess’s condition might be due to some mental impairment, hence he paid particular attention.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, this is normal. Nanny Ji said she’s teething, which is why she drools . Once her teeth come through, she’ll naturally stop."
"She’s growing fast, indeed."
"They say teething follows parents; I wonder when Your Majesty started teething?"
Suddenly asked about his childhood, the Emperor felt slightly embarrassed.
But he quickly composed himself and asked Nanny Du.
"I don’t remember, do you, Nanny Du?"
"Of course, Your Majesty started teething at seven months. Consort Xian even specifically ordered some hard sticks for you to bite on for practice."
This amusing anecdote was new to Lin Wanyi.
The Second Prince also showed a curious look.
However, Nanny Du was adept in the art of conversation, knowing exactly what to say and what to avoid.
Despite the Second Prince’s further questions, he gleaned nothing more.
"Alright, let’s save these stories for another time, so as not to waste Chunqi’s culinary skills; it’s not good when the food gets cold."
Then everyone started to eat.
The room was heated with a floor dragon, so the food stayed warm. Check latest chapters at NoveIＦire.net
However, during winter, without some hot food in the belly, the Emperor always felt unsatisfied.
"Tomorrow, have Qin An bring some mutton over. Do you have a maid who can make a hotpot?"
Lin Wanyi had never had it before, and guessed Chunqi didn’t know how to make it either.
So she shook her head.
"Then have Qin An find someone from the Imperial Kitchen to prepare it and bring it over, it’s best eaten while cooking, most comforting in the winter."
This piqued Lin Wanyi’s curiosity.
The Second Prince was also eager, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
If Lin Wanyi had initiated the conversation, he might have pursued a flurry of questions.
But since the Emperor spoke, he wouldn’t ask easily, no matter how curious.
The meal was peaceful and warm.
Outside, the heavy snow continued to fall, but inside there was sporadic laughter and joy.
In winter, darkness falls early, leaving little to do after supper.
It was best to stay cozy indoors and find things to do.
The Second Prince stayed in the backyard, practicing calligraphy with Nanny Du accompanying him.
The Second Princess too, giggled under Nanny Ji’s playful teasing.
Meanwhile, in the main room, the Emperor and Lin Wanyi delved into other pursuits.
For example, how to make less noise during bedtime.
Ever since the Emperor returned to the traveling palace, he’d been insatiable.
Despite having been frolicking in the hot springs the day before, today he was trying out new ideas in the bedroom.
He seemed to find endless enjoyment in this.
Poor Lin Wanyi, feeling overwhelmed, could only lament, her skeleton practically falling apart.
When moved, she lay atop the Emperor.
With a hint of tears in her voice, she said.
"Your Majesty, indulgence harms health."
It was rare for her to speak up with her nature.
Unfortunately, the Emperor purposely chuckled, and then said in an alluring voice.
"Then stop stirring thoughts in me all day, don’t entice me to ～ gluttony, warmth, and debauchery ～ "
With each word, he moved in rhythm.
Lin Wanyi initially bit into the blanket, but eventually resorted to biting the Emperor’s shoulder directly.
To "stand up for herself"!
Yet the Emperor didn’t mind the slight pain, pulling her into another wave of pleasure.