The few servants looked at each other and smiled, then returned to their books or continued peeling chestnuts.
The days in Lin Wanyi’s Huifang Courtyard passed comfortably and freely, reminiscent of the time spent convalescing at Xianyi Palace.
No one disturbed her.
Yet outside, the city was in an uproar because of her poisoning incident.
Lin Guifei searched for several days but found no clues.
First, no trace of poison could be found in Lin Wanyi’s food from that day.
Second, even a thorough search of the palace revealed no flaws.
This incident left her somewhat humiliated.
After all, in front of everyone, the Emperor reprimanded her a few times.
These words, though merely momentary anger to others, to Lin Guifei felt like a sign of her losing favor.
Especially after hearing from Doctor Dou that Lin Wanyi might find it difficult to conceive again after using the medicine, she was fuming.
She cursed the one behind the poisoning, achieving two goals with one act!
In the past few days, everyone in Yao Tai Pavilion served with trepidation, fearing any slight disturbance that might displease the Imperial Consort, leaving them in dire straits.
The sun was at its peak, and two large jars of ice in the house melted quickly.
Qin He fanned Lin Guifei while speaking.
"Your Highness, don’t worry, the Emperor didn’t even pursue the poisoning matter further, right?"
"Ah, what do you know? Since I took charge of the harem’s affairs, everything has gone smoothly every day. It was only when I came to this traveling palace that things went awry. Didn’t you see Princess Consort Yi gloating?"
"You are the Imperial Consort, the highest-ranking woman in this palace. Even if Princess Consort Yi has some intentions, she wouldn’t dare to easily oppose you publicly, right?"
Lin Guifei showed no sign of relief at these words.
"She may not oppose me directly, but I hear she’s been out boating on Lotus Lake or playing in the peach forest every day with Bai Pin and Lady He. Do you think I don’t know what she’s up to?"
Princess Consort Yi is indeed a clever person.
Ever since the Emperor moved to Qiqing Hall, the eastern palace has become a "Cold Palace."
In such heat, unless necessary, why would the Emperor visit their courtyard?
Even if she’s willing, Bai Pin, just released from restriction, and Lady He, eager to make a mark, are undoubtedly anxious.
Thus, these plans have been made.
Upon hearing this, Qin He immediately understood Lin Guifei’s intentions and quickly said.
"Your Highness, rest assured that Princess Consort Yi’s complexion is considerably darker from these past few days without even encountering the Emperor."
This provided Lin Guifei with some comfort.
Yet, she knew it was of little consequence.
"Had I foreseen this, I shouldn’t have allowed Bai Pin’s release. She’s been so closely linked with Princess Consort Yi lately."
Then heavily slapped the table.
"Lin Wanyi is useless; she wasted such a good opportunity. Had she not been poisoned upon arriving at the traveling palace, things wouldn’t have turned out , dragging me down too. Truly worthless!"
When it came to the Lin family, Qin He dared not speak carelessly.
Even though she grew up with Lin Guifei, she refrained from interfering with the East Cross Courtyard matters.
After Lin Guifei had vented enough, she finally spoke.
"Your Highness, although Princess Consort Yi hasn’t succeeded yet, if they continue lingering around the Emperor, Bai Pin’s revival is only a matter of time. We should prepare in advance!"
"Ah, but my family only has three daughters. Apart from Lin Wanyi, there’s a half-sister, just nine years old, useless even if she enters the palace!"
Right now, having a prince is of utmost importance to her.
Even if Lin Wanyi has a chance to conceive again, it’s a delay she can’t afford.
Thus, finding a new target is necessary.
"Forgive my bluntness, but among the newly inducted concubines, there are some your Highness might consider."
Qin He smiled and immediately began to calculate one by one.
"Ming Changzai, daughter of the Northwest Governor, and Shangguan Daying, daughter of a Southwest Noble Family."
Lin Guifei frowned in thought. The former still had some favor with the Emperor, but she’d never heard any news about the latter.
Like a small stone into the sea, without a ripple.
Can such a person be a useful pawn?
"Though Ming Changzai is from the Northwest, I’ve heard she was raised in Dengzhou at her maternal grandfather’s home, having little contact with the military families of the Northwest. From the moment she entered the palace, she’s never been seen allying with Princess Consort Yi or Lady Chu; clearly, they aren’t of the same mind."
Lin Guifei nodded, finding Qin He’s words reasonable.
"As for Shangguan Daying, she may not be prominent now, but didn’t Lady He gain entry to this traveling palace through Princess Consort Yi’s favor? If you offer benefits to Shangguan Daying, she’ll surely seize the opportunity."
"Previously, we placed all our hopes on Lin Changzai and became passive. Flowers don’t bloom forever; no one can eternally receive Your Majesty’s favor. Therefore, your Highness can support both, and regardless of who conceives first, as long as it’s a prince, he’ll be yours."
One must admit, Qin He has quite the cunning mind.
Amidst these harem intricacies, as an "outsider," she sometimes saw things more clearly than Lin Guifei herself.
Thus, over the years, Lin Guifei has relied on her heavily.
In Linzi Palace, Jiang Heqing and she are Lin Guifei’s best allies!
Upon hearing this, Lin Guifei finally showed a hint of happiness.
"Indeed, no matter from whose womb they come, as long as it’s a prince, he’s mine!"
She then looked at Qin He, satisfaction evident in her eyes.
"You handled this task well, go and collect your reward."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
With the situation improved, Lin Guifei no longer felt the heat or impatience.
Her mind was wholly occupied with planning how to recruit Ming Changzai and Shangguan Daying.
Meanwhile, Bai Pin, sunburnt from days of exposure, was sulking at a Yaxin Pavilion by Lotus Lake!
"Your Highness, we’ve been wandering around Zeping State for days, yet the Emperor hasn’t appeared. I’m peeling from the sun."
Then she showed her tender arm, indeed slightly red.
She was meticulously looked after, rarely stepping out even on slightly sunny days.
If not for needing to secure her place after being released from confinement.
She wouldn’t even be here enduring this hardship!
Princess Consort Yi glanced at her and snorted.
"You delicate Jiangnan people are truly troublesome. Can this sun melt you? Think of the Northwest’s guardsmen, enduring not only sun and rain but fierce winds and battles. It would be laughable if all were like you!"