After several days apart, the Second Prince felt a pang of sorrow when he saw Lin Wanyi, his nose tinged with a hint of sourness.
"Lady Lin has grown thinner."
Even Nanny Du’s eyes carried a trace of worry, and indeed she was.
When they returned from the Traveling Palace, Lin Wanyi was well-cared for.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have returned to the palace, only to face snide remarks from the other concubines.
But now, her once plump cheeks had grown gaunt, and the dark circles beneath her eyes were deeply set.
Against her fair skin, she appeared even more worn out.
"This servant heard that Lin Guard has been sent home, so Lady Lin mustn’t worry too much; it’s important to focus on your health."
Lin Wanyi knew that Nanny Du meant well, so she nodded and said.
"Yes, Nanny, don’t worry, I will take care of myself."
She then patted the Second Prince on the shoulder and said.
"These past few days, I haven’t been able to look after you as much. It will get better after the New Year. I’ll make some spring outfits and riding clothes for you, as you’re going to study in the spring, aren’t you? Don’t feel too pressured; just do your best."
Lin Wanyi never held any notions of forcing her sons to succeed, so she didn’t press the Second Prince to necessarily become accomplished.
Everything was based entirely on his own determination and skill, which relieved the Second Prince of much pressure.
"Lady Lin, rest assured, your son will do his utmost, not disappointing himself, nor Lady Lin and Nanny Du’s careful care."
Despite her weariness, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but feel happy hearing these words.
After exchanging a few words with the Second Prince, she retired to rest.
Indeed, as Nanny Du had said, she needed to take more care of herself.
Otherwise, there were many matters to attend to yet.
Falling ill would be troublesome.
Now, it was just a few days until the New Year’s Eve banquet, and the promised Investiture Ceremony was nearly prepared.
Lin Wanyi’s transition from a noble lady to a noble concubine was surprisingly sudden.
Despite the Inner Court Department’s earlier preparations, they were still somewhat hurried.
The one responsible for liaising was Qin An.
The court attire was modified from the auspicious clothes once worn by Princess Consort Ying upon being endowed as a noble concubine, so it fit well.
"The auspicious nature of these garments is quite nice; remember, Princess Consort Ying wore them upon being made a noble concubine and then smoothly gave birth to the Fourth Prince, later rising to the rank of concubine. Lady, you are fortunate; I believe your future is promising."
Qin An now stood united with Lin Wanyi.
Thus, his words carried a slight bias compared to before.
But he was not wrong; many people endure through years for a noble concubine’s position.
Yet, for Lin Wanyi, everything fell into place so smoothly and aptly.
After trying on the auspicious clothes, Lin Wanyi found no need for alterations and changed back into her daily attire.
Then she called Xia An to bring over a round stool for Qin An to sit and drink tea.
Qin An knew Lin Wanyi had something to discuss, so he didn’t refuse and took a seat.
"Mr. Qin, if a concubine is confined, how can she be released?"
Qin An thought Lin Wanyi was about to inquire regarding matters related to noble concubines, but unexpectedly she asked this first.
His mind turned twice, and he immediately understood.
"Lady, are you referring to Noble Lady Bai and Chu Daying?"
"These two were confined because they offended the Emperor, without a specified duration, so it’s conceivable to release them on the occasion of the New Year’s Eve banquet."
"However... they don’t get along well with Lady Lin; releasing them wouldn’t trouble you more?"
"What I need is precisely their trouble; otherwise, the path to ascend quickly is too easy and the hidden threats are hard to guard against."
Upon hearing this, Qin An realized.
Honestly, Chu Daying and Noble Lady Bai were not particularly shrewd.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been confined.
Thus, their little tricks against Lin Wanyi were easily thwarted.
Or rather, Lin Wanyi intended to let them vent.
In this way, it might reduce some of her excessive prominence within the palace.
Otherwise, if attacked en masse, she couldn’t bear it now.
Therefore, releasing these two to "deal with" herself was a clever move of retreat for advancement.
The most important thing was that even if this became known in the future, she could still build rapport with Princess Consort Yi.
No matter what, these two were once Princess Consort Yi’s pawns.
Now, as she is the most prestigious in the harem, it’s only a matter of time before they are released.
Instead of letting her make this decision, Lin herself decided to take advantage of the situation.
Also to gauge the dynamics within the harem.
Thinking of this, Qin An said with a smile.
"Lady Lin is meticulous, I understand; I’ll proceed to arrange it."
It must be said, Qin An’s capability in the palace is not to be underestimated.
Very quickly, news came from Changning Palace, saying the two small mistresses were exhausted from the blessings for New Year’s Eve, falling sick together.
Princess Consort Yi took this opportunity to visit Qian’an Hall in person to plead for them.
With the festival ahead, the Emperor did not bother to hinder further.
Thus, the two were finally released from confinement on the twenty-ninth day after multiple months.
Upon release, the two were overwhelmingly grateful.
That afternoon, they appeared in Princess Consort Yi’s Linzi Palace.
Chu Daying’s confinement lasted longer, yet she seemed more spirited than Noble Lady Bai.
Her entire being emanated an excitement of just being released.
Her appearance remained unchanged; considering her age, the confinement at Changning Palace hadn’t truly been harsh on her.
Whereas Noble Lady Bai, after successive confinements and demotions, appeared to have lost much vigor.
She no longer had the former arrogance, instead carrying an air of worry and concern characteristic of a Jiangnan woman.
Yet she still rose to express her heartfelt gratitude to Princess Consort Yi.
"This maidservant greatly thanks Her Ladyship for the rescue."
"Yes, yes, it was Her Ladyship’s method that helped; otherwise, we still wouldn’t know how to escape."
Their words left Princess Consort Yi somewhat puzzled.
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"What method? I never sent any plans inside!"
Chu Daying was surprised, eyes filled with confusion.
"We heard from the Palace Attendant that Her Ladyship prepared many Praying Palace Lanterns for the New Year’s Eve, which gave us the idea; is it not true?"
So it turns out it was the Praying Palace Lantern affair; it seems their minds weren’t completely dulled by confinement.
Thus, she accepted the credit, felt three parts pride.
"I see; you have discerned my thoughts, then avoid foolishness henceforth. Don’t hastily seek prominence; should the Emperor favor your prominence, he will naturally give you dignity. If he doesn’t, you will face never-ending downfall."