Qiu Ming took a deep look at Lin Wanyi, seemingly not expecting that such a young new concubine would have such astute insight.
He reminded himself repeatedly that he must be more attentive in his duties in the future.
In the right side hall of Yihua Palace, Ying’er was bustling with excitement, tidying up the boxes.
Mu Lanchun sat idly at the Eight Immortals table, toying with her hair, a hint of melancholy reflected in her expression.
"Miss, what’s the matter with you?"
"It’s nothing, just thinking about the upcoming journey to the traveling palace with His Majesty, I can’t quite describe the feeling."
"It’s such a wonderful thing! If your father and mother knew how esteemed you are in the palace, they would surely be delighted, and maybe when we return from the traveling palace, we might relocate to Yao Yue Palace. With someone as admirable as Noble Princess Consort Ying as the chief, your days would surely be comfortable!"
Ying’er was more thrilled than anyone, but Mu Lanchun didn’t seem to share the joy.
"They’re just rumors with no foundation. What woman in the harem would want to share His affection? Everyone is too busy protecting themselves, and Noble Princess Consort Ying is no fool. She merely says things casually. I won’t believe until we truly move."
Moreover, moving to Yao Yue Palace doesn’t necessarily mean it will be more comfortable than the days in Yihua Palace.
Our spacious palace doesn’t have a chief to support from above. If one rises quickly, that grand main hall becomes possessions within one’s grasp.
However, it’s not possessions in her hands, but rather Lin Wanyi’s.
She has just this little self-awareness.
When it comes to favor and the family power behind, Lin Wanyi is quite likely to become the head of Yihua Palace!
She did have the intention to befriend, but alas, the other party was unwilling.
"Forget it, prepare the luggage quickly. This trip to the traveling palace will last at least three months, so we have to prepare more of everything."
"Rest assured, Miss, I know it well."
In the coming days, all the concubines accompanying the entourage to the traveling palace were packing their bags. Though the traveling palace has everything, it’s best to use what you’re accustomed to.
Especially the pregnant Princess Consort Lan and Noble Princess Consort Ying, whose moves basically are equivalent to relocating the whole palace.
The grand procession of carriages had already set out with the large trunks sent ahead.
And the lighter, simple bundles set off with the group.
Xiao Luzi and Chunqi went ahead to prepare in the traveling palace, while Xia An and Qiu Ming stayed with Lin Wanyi, preparing to leave with the main troupe the next day.
In Changning Palace, Chu Daying, who was demoted and put under house arrest, listened to the bustling sounds outside, feeling restless as if a cat was scratching her heart.
Yet the Chief Maid in this palace was the strictest and most incorruptible.
Offering bribes didn’t work, neither did intimidation, wholly impervious and unreachable.
Since relocating to this palace for several days, initial anger has subsided into mostly worries and fear.
She was just sixteen years old, disappearing silently in the palace; how could she resign to it!
Thus, the outside noise made her all the more anxious.
If the Emperor leaves for the traveling palace for months on end, wouldn’t she be forgotten entirely by the time he returns?
Hence, for the first time, she pleaded with Nanny An.
"Nanny, I’ve offended you many times in the past, please forgive me. I truly have an urgent matter to see Princess Consort Yi, please help me."
Saying so, she removed the red gold bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Nanny An.
Unfortunately, Nanny An’s expression remained unchanged, unwavering.
"Miss, you make things difficult for this servant. It was the Emperor himself who decreed your confinement for three months. If I let you out, the penalty for disobedience will fall upon me immediately, and even you might not escape punishment, so please rest easy."
With that, she turned and walked away, her retreating figure leaving Chu Daying fuming with anger.
"You wretched servant, daring to treat me with such contempt now that I’ve fallen from favor, just wait, the Chu Family is not to be trifled with."
She believed, if outside, her father and brother knew about her plight, they would definitely find a way to help her.
Her worries slightly lessened, she looked up at the square sky above, showing a fierce determination.
The next day, as the sky lightened, it was a refreshing time with a gentle breeze blowing.
The main entourage from the palace set out from the Imperial City, heading towards the traveling palace.
The distance was not far, but because of the multitude of people, the journey would take most of the day.
Lin Wanyi, following palace regulations, sat in a carriage towards the back of the convoy.
It wasn’t particularly spacious, but it was enough for her and Xia An.
The carriage swayed along the way, and through the curtains, Lin Wanyi finally saw the mountains and rivers beyond the Imperial City.
Her state of mind had changed, and so the scenery seemed different too.
"Before entering the palace, I traveled around with my grandfather’s family for several years, and back then, these mountains and rivers seemed quite ordinary. Now, having seen the palace’s luxury and refinement, I find the simplicity and nature of the landscape to have a special charm."
"Miss is right, now it truly is the blooming season, the landscape holds such beauty, this servant also finds the scenery infinitely pleasing."
Lin Wanyi smiled and closed her eyes, using her senses to savor this freedom.
After half a day, having twice eaten pastries to satisfy their hunger in the carriage, they finally arrived at the traveling palace.
There, each of the concubines was arranged into their respective courtyards.
The Emperor, being supreme, naturally resided in the Qin Xian Hall.
This place was the center of the traveling palace, surrounded by mountains and water, lush with flowers and plants.
Especially since here a three-story pavilion had been built, from which one could view the entire scenery of the traveling palace and even gaze far at the myriad lights of the households.
Lin Guifei lived in the place closest to the Emperor, with the best view, named Yao Tai Pavilion.
It was surrounded by water on three sides, backed by the Immortal Mountain, all around was a view of abundant blossoms, looking from afar, it truly seemed like a celestial paradise.
As for the other concubines, they all had their own places.
Lin Wanyi, along with the palace maid responsible for guiding them through the traveling palace, walked westward through many winding pebble paths before arriving at a rather tranquil place.
"We’ve arrived at Huifang Courtyard, Miss Lin, please."
Xia An assisted Lin Wanyi as they walked straight into this courtyard, seeing that it was a two-entry courtyard, with a screen wall by the entrance and then a courtyard.
The courtyard wasn’t large, but it was clean and elegant.
The main house also had three rooms, white walls, green tiles, red columns, and wooden doors, relatively understated compared to those in the palace.
Lin Wanyi looked around; beside, there were other rooms, seemingly small, probably for the palace attendants.
She was most pleased by the banana trees planted at the back of the courtyard, reminding her of the days at the East Cross Courtyard of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.