While speaking, Xia An brought over a bowl of medicine again, which was meant to cure her coughing from water inhalation, so she couldn’t avoid drinking it.
Tilting her head back, Lin Wanyi drank it all in one go, then took a piece of sour plum candy and held it in her mouth to dispel the bitterness.
"Just now, Qian’an Hall sent news, saying that His Majesty is coming for lunch. Chunqi is already preparing the dishes, and Xiao Luzi was sent to the Imperial Kitchen to have them send fewer dishes, so as not to waste them."
"I understand, I’ll take care of it right away."
Once Qiu Ming left, Lin Wanyi’s initially upright body softened again as she stared at the book in her hands, lost in thought.
Chu Daying cursed at Xianyi Palace before leaving, but Lin Wanyi didn’t pay it any mind.
To her, there are more important matters at hand.
Lin Guifei had someone deliver a message that her brother is going to join the military.
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi became anxious. Sword and spear are merciless, and battlefields are perilous. If her brother doesn’t return, what will become of the whole family?
She initially thought her brother was merely getting promoted within the Imperial City Department, not expecting such a resolute decision!
Knowing the reason, Lin Wanyi’s heart became more uneasy.
She kept thinking that if possible, she would like to see her brother and hopefully persuade him to stay.
Thus, after much contemplation, she decided to probe the Emperor’s thoughts before saying anything else.
By chance, news from Qian’an Hall arrived, so Lin Wanyi instructed Chunqi to prepare a table of dishes early.
There were lamb’s hoof bamboo, wine-steamed chicken, and Dongpo tofu, all favorites of the Emperor.
Additionally, a pot of rice cooked with red beans and barley filled the air with a fragrant aroma.
Before noon, the Emperor, dressed casually, entered Xianyi Palace.
Lin Wanyi only had a cough due to water inhalation; her leg problems had improved significantly, so serving the Emperor for a simple wash wasn’t too troublesome.
Using warm water to wet a towel, she wiped the sweat from his forehead and then cleaned his hands.
Only then did she have the hot dishes brought to the table.
"Today’s preparation is all food His Majesty loves. Please try them."
While speaking, Lin Wanyi served the Emperor a dish. He took a bite and his lips curled upwards.
"The taste is good, your small kitchen’s work is fresher than the Imperial Kitchen’s."
The Emperor ate happily, and Dong Yuzhong, who was serving nearby, said with a smile.
"The meals made by the master of the palace are excellent. Every time His Majesty comes, he eats more."
"As long as His Majesty enjoys it."
After serving him, finishing a big bowl of rice, Lin Wanyi started talking about other topics.
"Your Majesty, the matter of the maid falling into the water on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival didn’t disturb the other nobles, did it?"
She spoke cautiously, but the Emperor paused his chopsticks and examined her carefully. The probing in his eyes made Lin Wanyi somewhat uncomfortable.
She merely said a simple sentence; could it be that the Emperor’s vigilance is so high?
While she was pondering, the Emperor spoke.
"The matters of Qing Garden have been thoroughly investigated by me. Indeed, the wooden piles were somewhat rotten, thus failing to support. When everyone gathered to watch the dragon boat race, it caused them to loosen, making you fall into the water. Those involved in the Inner Court Department have already been punished. If you’re still dissatisfied, I can summon them to apologize."
Emperor Yu Wenhong’s explanation left Lin Wanyi speechless.
Apparently, the Emperor misunderstood, thinking she was indirectly asking about the incident of falling into the water.
She then replied helplessly.
"Your Majesty misunderstood, what I wanted to say wasn’t about that."
"Then what did you want to say?"
The Emperor’s sudden plainness left Lin Wanyi at a loss for words. After thinking for a while, she decided it was better to be straightforward to avoid trouble from guessing.
"The Imperial Consort sent news saying my brother is going to join the military, and I am worried, so I wanted to ask."
The Emperor wondered what it was and upon understanding, he slowly replied.
"Your brother has the fortune to train in the Imperial Armor Army."
Lin Wanyi knew this was true. Although she didn’t know much about the Imperial Armor Army, she had heard of the renown of Da Wei’s twin heroes.
Especially that Fourth Prince, whom even her brother often praised.
Being able to train in his military camp is something to be happy about.
"I understand, but..."
"You’re worried about him getting injured?"
"You answered straight! Have you forgotten your current status?"
Lin Wanyi was puzzled; could it be that as the Emperor’s woman she cannot care about her family?
This isn’t some outsider, Lin Xingzhi is her legitimate brother!
Seeing her slight displeasure, the Emperor then lightly smiled and said.
"Just teasing you. Rest assured, there hasn’t been much fighting in the Imperial Armor Army in recent years. Although training in the military may have the possibility of injuries, a young man should aspire far and wide. If he truly wants to join the military, your worries are unnecessary."
The Emperor’s words enlightened Lin Wanyi.
If this is something her brother wants to do, even if they make a fuss, it would be in vain.
Her brother’s nature has always been stubborn.
Since even Lin Guifei sent notice, this matter is set in stone, she is powerless to change it, and can only sigh deeply.
The Emperor drank soup while waiting to hear her speak, but she remained silent for a moment.
Seeing her somewhat frowning expression, remembering her calling "mother" even while asleep in Wen’s former residence the other day, his heart softened.
With rare kindness, he comforted Lin Wanyi.
"Your brother is a good seed. If he is confined at home, it will not benefit him and you will lose support, won’t you?"
After the Emperor spoke, Lin Wanyi became silent.
She knew her brother’s intentions, but it made her even sadder.
She deeply wished for herself to become strong enough to protect her family, rather than having them risk their lives on the front lines worrying about her.
The two said nothing to each other, turning a once pleasant meal into silent contemplation towards the end.
Before leaving, the Emperor glanced at the clothes being sewn under the bright window and commented.
"You still need to take care of yourself, it’s alright if the clothes get delayed."
Knowing it was concern for her, Lin Wanyi stood up and smiled, somewhat easing her mood from the earlier melancholy.
"Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern, the maid understands."
"Mm, recover quickly; it’s good to accompany us to the traveling palace later."
With these words, the Emperor departed Xianyi Palace in strides, leaving Lin Wanyi standing there somewhat puzzled.
She quickly summoned Qiu Ming to inquire and learned.
"Your Majesty spends each year from June to October at the traveling palace for summer retreat. That palace is thirty li north of the city, backed by Xun Mountain, with several artificially dug river bends. Therefore, summer living there is most comfortable."
"The number of concubines brought won’t be many, following past practices, roughly around ten."