In the face of such a joyous occasion, who would care about her?
Even Princess Consort Yi, who intended to plead for her, was quite aggravated at the moment.
This Princess Consort Ying, who seemed so delicate and frail, unexpectedly kept her composure until the pregnancy was stabilized before revealing it. She was indeed a calculating person.
Another glance at Lin Guifei showed that her surprise seemed rather feigned.
After so many years of palace intrigues, she and Lin Guifei understood each other deeply.
What now? What is the purpose of this scene?
Is it to force Princess Consort Ying to divulge her pregnancy?
Or perhaps to use her to elevate Lin Wanyi’s status?
Paying close attention to Lin Guifei’s every move, she couldn’t quite fathom the reason.
"Quickly, escort sister Princess Consort Ying back to her Yao Yue Palace. As for Lin Daying, she fell into the water saving sister Princess Consort Ying and was frightened. She might have choked, so the Imperial Physician should be called to check on her immediately."
With one sentence, Lin Guifei redirected everyone’s attention to Lin Daying.
Indeed, just now, everyone would unanimously agree that Lin Wanyi had ’saved’ Princess Consort Ying.
Had it not been for her push before falling into the water, Princess Consort Ying would likely have fallen into the water as well.
The least to say, it was doubtful the child would have survived.
This rescue saved two lives.
Princess Consort Ying, still unconscious, had already been ordered by Lin Guifei to be taken back to Yao Yue Palace.
Meanwhile, Lin Wanyi, draped in Chunqi and Xia An’s outer garments, was soaking wet and shivering from the cold.
Though it was summer, the lake water wasn’t freezing.
But Lin Wanyi suffered from chills and was very sensitive to the cold. Now drenched, she naturally felt quite uncomfortable.
Seeing her lips tremble, Lin Xingzhi longed to carry her for a change of dry clothes, but Lin Wanyi stopped him.
"Big brother, this is the Imperial Palace. Although we are siblings, we must adhere to etiquette. Remember, don’t ruin the future we’ve worked so hard for because of impulsiveness!"
The siblings hardly had time to exchange more words before Lin Wanyi was taken by Lin Guifei’s orders to Yihua Palace.
Watching her figure being supported away by the maid, Lin Xingzhi clenched his fists.
His sister, even after falling into the water, was still concerned about his future, truly tearing at his heart.
Indeed, if he were like the Fourth Prince or the Marquis of Northwest, would his sister still be bullied in the harem?
Look at Lin Guifei, standing confidently beside the Emperor.
Both daughters of the Lin Family, yet why could she stand at the highest position, dressed in lavish garments, conversing joyfully with noblewomen?
While his sister, being a minor concubine, was still subject to scrutiny even after falling into the water.
Is it not because she has a supremely powerful grandmother and backing from Prince Zhan Mansion?
Thinking of this, Lin Xingzhi made a firm determination.
Although Lin Guifei was annoyed with the mishap at this feast, for now, it was best to quickly tidy up the situation.
"The supporting beams beneath Qing Garden were probably eroded by the lake water over time, causing them to decay, which nearly harmed the two sisters. I will order the Inner Court Department to inspect and repair them as soon as I return. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened, or I would be gravely at fault."
She knelt before the Emperor with tears in her eyes.
The Emperor glanced at her and slowly said,
"The affairs of the harem are numerous, and the Imperial Consort has worked hard. Let today’s incident end here. Arrange carriages to escort everyone back to their residences, and I will go check on Princess Consort Ying."
"Yes! I obey Your Majesty’s command."
The Emperor was just about to leave when the Fourth Prince stopped him.
Seeing his anxious expression, the Emperor remembered he hadn’t finished speaking earlier.
"If anyone from the Green Team wishes to join the Imperial Armor Army, they may do so immediately, starting as a squad leader."
"I thank Your Majesty on behalf of those children for the grace bestowed!"
Upon hearing this, the Fourth Prince let go, allowing the Emperor to take long strides away from Qing Garden. Lin Guifei and others couldn’t keep him even if they wanted to.
Taking a glance at the soaked Lin Xingzhi standing there, with a slight frown, she found it inappropriate to say more and hurriedly left to make other arrangements.
The Fourth Prince, unbound by convention, stepped toward the lakeside.
The members of the Green Team were all dripping from head to toe after falling into the lake.
Walking up to them, he called out loudly,
"His Majesty has granted permission. If anyone wants to join the Imperial Armor Army, you may start as a squad leader. Which of you lads is willing?"
The Fourth Prince didn’t abuse his power to force everyone to join.
Instead, his negotiating tone made everyone present feel unexpectedly honored.
Others were still pondering, but Lin Xingzhi was the first to step forward.
"With gratitude for the Fourth Prince’s favor, Lin Xingzhi of the Prime Minister’s Mansion voluntarily joins the Imperial Armor Army, ready to serve Da Wei!"
His face was steadfast, his gaze firm, and his voice resounding like the blue sky.
The Fourth Prince looked pleased, immediately giving him a virtual hand and said,
"Ah, Lin Xiang still has such a grandson, never heard of him before."
Lin Xingzhi remained silent.
Thinking of the family’s previous obscurity and his sister’s struggles in the harem, he had never felt so resolute as now.
Seeing his determination, Jiang Huanqing beside him also knelt on one knee.
"With the Fourth Prince present, Jiang Huanqing of the Rongchang Marquis Mansion also voluntarily joins the Imperial Armor Army, ready to serve Da Wei!"
"Well done, another fine lad!"
Jiang Huanqing’s position wasn’t much better than Lin Xingzhi’s.
Rather than living aimlessly in Shengjing, he’d rather take a chance!
Seeing their resolve, most of the Green Team also knelt to express their willingness to join the Imperial Armor Army.
The Fourth Prince suddenly burst into laughter.
"Indeed, I wasn’t wrong! All good! All good!"
Thus, after the dragon boat race, the Green Team emerged as the final victors.
Not only did they win the race, but many also joined the Imperial Armor Army.
Compared to the harsh battles against foreign enemies in the Northwest Army, the peaceful days in the Central Plains made the nobles see the Imperial Armor Army as a good place for training.
With no life-threatening dangers, it was a bright path to advance one’s career, so why not?
Thus, the news of these dozen or so people joining the Imperial Armor Army quickly spread.
At Lin Xiangfu, Princess Rongkang was naturally the first to receive the news.
"I never thought this brother of mine would seize the opportunity to gain favor with the Fourth Prince. Even if I intervene, I might not stop it."
Second Madam Mrs. Wang, sitting below, was somewhat exasperated.
"If the main family really rises because of this, wouldn’t it be dangerous? Not to mention, Sister Zhou’s life in the palace might become difficult. If she can’t suppress Lin Wanyi, wouldn’t we be sending a disaster into the palace? Mother-in-law, what should we do?"
Princess Rongkang, sitting calmly on the couch, seemed not worried at all about this.