"Indeed, the Green Team has achieved its success today under your excellent leadership. You are awarded the Cold Iron Dagger, and the rest of your team are promoted one rank each."
As expected, such words immediately stirred discussions among the surrounding people.
They all came from families of nobility and military merit, starting at a higher position than others. Now being promoted another rank, it was indeed an honor for themselves and their families.
Lin Guifei squinted at Lin Xingzhi, feeling a bit apprehensive.
He was originally an unranked guard of the Imperial City Department, and being promoted only made him Ninth Grade, still not even considered a court guard.
However, the second branch suppressing the first branch had long become a habit. The sudden promotion naturally made some people unhappy.
But since the imperial edict had been issued, no matter her displeasure, it was already a done deal.
Lin Wanyi heard this and was filled with joy standing at the back!
Her brother had finally made a name for himself through his own abilities, even though now his rank was low compared to others.
But at least it was a good start.
While thinking about it, she suddenly felt something tighten around her waist, dragging her backward, pulling her away from the crowd.
Her foot slipped, and she was about to fall to the side.
And suddenly, she realized that Lady Yingpin was standing beside her.
If this fall caused her to lose the pregnancy, then her days in the harem would be over.
Her brother had just caught the Emperor’s attention, and if she caused a problem right afterward, wouldn’t it shatter her family’s hopes?
Without thinking too much, she shifted slightly to cushion Lady Yingpin.
Before she could cry out, the railing and floor where they stood suddenly broke, and she fell down.
Her mind was filled only with the thought that Lady Yingpin must not suffer because of her.
So, she used all her strength to push Lady Yingpin upward.
Lady Yingpin ended up stuck at the edge, too scared to even speak.
But Lin Wanyi fell entirely into Shounan Lake, bringing down some wooden posts and stones with her.
Lin Xingzhi, who was standing close by, wasn’t far from Lin Wanyi’s position.
He reacted immediately to the commotion, reaching out to catch her.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t catch her falling hand, and watching her fall, he threw himself down after her without hesitation.
"Save them, save them!"
Jiang Huanqing shouted as he jumped into the water.
With that, the members of the Green Team all jumped into Shounan Lake, moving away the floating wooden debris to make way for Lin Xingzhi.
Lin Wanyi couldn’t swim, which was something everyone in the Lin Family knew.
So, Lin Xingzhi’s first instinct when she fell was to jump in to save her.
Fortunately, it was near the edge of Shounan Lake, and the water wasn’t too deep, about one zhang.
Thanks to Lin Xingzhi’s quick speed, he quickly fished her out of the water, so Lin Wanyi only choked on a few mouthfuls of water without serious harm.
In contrast, Lady Yingpin, due to excessive fright, fainted.
Fainting and falling into the water turned a once pleasant holiday into a chaotic scene.
The concubines and maids near the two shrieked one after another, but luckily they were distant enough; otherwise, they would have fallen too.
Chunqi and Xia An quickly ran to the shore, removing their outer robes as they went, prepared to cover Lin Wanyi.
Falling into the water under everyone’s gaze would bring shameful rumors if their lady wasn’t careful. They couldn’t allow such disgrace to happen!
Others shared their thoughts as well.
Especially Lady Chu, who held a deep grudge against Lin Wanyi, immediately shouted out.
"My heavens, Lin Daying is actually holding a strange man so closely, how disgraceful!"
Her shout drew everyone’s attention.
Though it was a scene of rescue, in the conservative atmosphere of Da Wei, it indeed sparked gossip.
The Emperor regarded Lady Chu coldly, clearly displeased by her abrupt comment.
Though Lin Guifei felt some apprehension towards Lin Wanyi and her brother, she certainly couldn’t let the Lin Family’s reputation be damaged at this moment.
"Lady Chu, stop your nonsense. That’s the elder brother of Lin Daying! Would a brother stand by and do nothing when his sister falls into the water?"
It’s Lin Daying’s brother!
Then he’s not an outsider.
Besides, as Lin Guifei said, should a brother remain indifferent as his sister drowns?
Everyone, therefore, cast reproachful eyes on Lady Chu, leaving her speechless.
She gnashed her teeth at the Lin siblings.
It seems the Lin Family and the Chu Family are truly incompatible. The sister constantly opposed her, while the brother overshadowed her brother.
The whole family is despicable!
Even the Emperor noticed her displeasure by her twisted expression.
With a cold snort, he sternly said,
"Lady Chu’s conduct is unacceptable. Demoted to concubine and confined for three months!"
His words shocked everyone present.
Firstly, no one expected such an incident on a joyous day.
Secondly, Lady Chu had only entered the palace two months ago, yet she lost favor at the imperial court already—not a surprise she provoked pity.
But recalling her repeated provocations, they all watched coldly, keeping silent.
Princess Consort Yi regarded Lady Chu as well, seeing her as a hopeless case.
But, emerging from the Northwest, it would be a pity if she were truly discarded.
So, she tried to intercede for her.
However, Lin Guifei interrupted, addressing the Imperial Physician examining Lady Yingpin.
"Imperial Physician, how is Lady Yingpin? Is she alright?"
The Imperial Physician, who had been checking her pulse carefully, finally smiled broadly after confirmed diagnosis.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Your Majesty, Lady Yingpin has been pregnant for five months already."
The most shocked reaction came from Princess Consort Lan, who was also pregnant.
Her pregnancy had elevated her status in the harem considerably; she had thought she exclusively enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, only to find out Lady Yingpin was also pregnant!
And already five months along—she had hidden it well!
Her seductive eyes flashed with malice as she gazed at Lady Yingpin’s belly, harboring bitterness.
But it was only fleeting; she soon stood, deliberately exposing her own belly to everyone, and with a gentle smile, she said.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Your Majesty, it looks like there will be two new additions to the palace by the end of the year."
Her words reminded everyone.
The faces of the concubines displayed surprise, envy, and naturally, jealousy.
But no one felt more neglected than Lady Chu.
She had wanted to say more, but the eunuchs who approached covered her mouth and dragged her off after knocking her out.