Chapter 209: Chapter 209: For the Sake of Prospects
The Lan Family felt that the Second Princess was born as a daughter of a concubine, with an obviously noble identity, yet she had to be cared for by a mere noble.
This simply lowered the status of the Second Princess.
Thus, they did not agree at all.
However, Lin Wanyi had received the imperial edict, specifically staying at the traveling palace to care for the Second Princess.
Hence, she pretended to be unaware and continued as such.
Yet the Lan University Scholar was not someone to be trifled with, and made a fuss, intending to make things difficult for Lin Guiren.
Without any regard for Prime Minister Lin’s dignity.
That day, the Second Princess had barely woken up from her nap when Lady Lan’s calling card was delivered to Ruiyang Pavilion.
Seeing the unfriendly calling card, even Xia An, with his good nature, thought the Lan Family was being overly aggressive.
Not to mention how the Second Princess had survived with the efforts of her own little master, several Imperial Physicians, nannies, and Second Madam Yun.
During the desperate times, no one cared, but now seeing her improvement, they came to fight over her.
Thus, they put away the calling card again, unable to help but complain looking at the towering stack.
"Lady Lan is certainly thoughtful."
Lin Wanyi glanced at those stacked calling cards, aware of the Lan Family’s intentions, but too lazy to point them out.
She then turned her thoughts to the Second Princess, waving something in front of her.
Amusing her, making her occasionally grin, unfortunately, the smile was silent.
Just an action indicating a smile.
"Perhaps when Princess Consort Lan first entered the palace, everything went too smoothly, so the Lan Family wishes to follow suit, and send another noble concubine into the palace."
Lin Wanyi hit the nail on the head, directly voicing the Lan Family’s entire plan.
If the new noble concubine entered the palace, then the Second Princess should naturally be returned, to be raised by the Lan Family.
Perhaps they could thus gain more favor and affection from the Emperor.
Such a good card, how could the Lan Family let it go?
Unfortunately, they’ve miscalculated.
At the time Princess Consort Lan entered the palace, there was only one Eldest Prince left in it.
And the various forces of the previous court were deeply entrenched, naturally, it was impossible to command without a high title.
But now, the Emperor is fully fledged, long wanting to deal with those stubborn old ministers.
How could he still accept this "unreasonable" request from the Lan Family?
Perhaps the Lan Family also understood this, so they thought to take the Second Princess away, holding her as a pawn.
Nanny Du, straightforward in her speech, also saw through the Lan Family’s mind.
She replied solemnly.
"Rest assured, little master, in teaching the Second Princess, if the Lan Family dares to come, I will not let them off easily!"
Nanny Du’s confident tone surprised Lin Wanyi.
She felt there were some things that hadn’t been disclosed.
But upon thinking, this was a face-esteemed nanny who had served three generations, what storms hadn’t she weathered?
Thus, she did not inquire further.
Smilingly said.
"Thank you, nanny, for the reassurance. Now, I hope for nothing more than the Second Princess growing up quickly, as normal and happily as possible."
Nanny Du nodded. She never doubted Lin Wanyi’s words on this matter.
After all, with the example of the Second Prince, she spared no effort in raising children.
Nanny Ji, gentle by nature and never causing trouble.
Wholeheartedly focusing on the careful care of the Second Princess, she did not participate in these discussions.
Just as they were talking, Qiu Ming reported from outside that Eunuch Qin An was coming.
Everything in the traveling palace was managed and allocated by Qin An.
So if he had no business, he would come to pay respects once every day.
Lin Wanyi thought nothing of it, assuming he was as usual, and let him in.
Unexpectedly, he appeared with a heavy expression and serious demeanor.
The entire room became tense as if the Lan Family had sent someone to seize the Second Princess.
"Servant Qin An greets the little master."
"Please rise, Mr. Qin."
She glanced at the sky outside and smiled as she replied.
"You came early today."
Originally just a casual remark from Lin Wanyi, but it made Qin An uncomfortable.
Lin Wanyi had never seen such an expression from him.
Since she entered the palace, she had always seen Qin An calm and composed, or amiable.
Thinking for a moment, she asked.
"Mr. Qin, what happened?"
Before Lin Wanyi could finish speaking, Qin An kneeled down abruptly.
Then remained silent.
Nanny Du, experienced in affairs, naturally understood what this meant.
Thus, she said to Lin Wanyi.
"Little master, I will go check if the Second Prince’s medicine is ready."
"Okay."
Seeing her leave so wisely, Nanny Ji also carried the Second Princess and claimed she needed feeding and left as well.
Xia An, understanding, knew Qin An had something to speak privately with her little master.
So when exiting, he even closed the door meticulously.
Taking a few steps back, standing in the corridor, not eavesdropping.
Once everyone outside had gone quiet, Lin Wanyi sat up properly, seriously asking.
"Mr. Qin, please speak directly, no one is here now."
Qin An knew everyone was giving him a way out, after all, for a dignified Vice Director of the Inner Court Department to bow deeply to a small noble, saying that, was somewhat disgraceful.
But he couldn’t care less.
Thus, bloodshot eyes full of anxiety, he said.
"Please forgive me, little master. Before entering the palace, I had a father out there long sick. If not for wanting to treat him, I wouldn’t have sold myself into the palace enduring hardships. But now, news came that my father might not make it. I... I beg you, little master, could you help me, ask Second Madam Dong to check on him? If there’s hope, please, Second Madam, show mercy."
Qin An’s words really surprised Lin Wanyi.
She had never known about Qin An’s family affairs, but since Qin An sought her help, she naturally wouldn’t refuse.
Then she spoke.
"I will write a letter, you find someone to send it to the Dong Family, my second uncle will go over to diagnose your father after reading it. His medical skills are no less than my second aunt, rest assured, but if..."
"Rest assured, little master, my father has been ill for many years. If truly incurable, I won’t insist."
"That’s good."
Although saving him would be certainly good, but if not, it shouldn’t harm her relationship with Qin An.
After all, many conveniences in the palace were arranged by Qin An.
So, still being careful.
Immediately wrote a letter, which Qin An took after bowing heavily and left.
Watching his hurriedly departing back, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but sigh.
Living a lifetime, one is always filled with helplessness.