Chapter 223: Chapter 223: Surprise Return
Qiu Ming nodded, which made sense.
So he drew the cotton curtain and led Mr. Qin inside.
"Little Master, Mr. Qin from the Inner Court Department is here."
"Oh, please come in."
Then Qin An walked up from behind Qiu Ming and respectfully greeted Lin Wanyi.
"Servant Qin An pays respects to Little Master, wishing you well."
"Please, Mr. Qin, do get up. It’s terribly cold; is there any urgent matter?"
Qin An’s eyes reflected a grin, as if there was some secret to tell.
Yet he held it back.
Then he responded to Lin Wanyi.
"The Inner Court Department has sent many new things from the palace. The servant thought Ruiyang Pavilion might be lacking, so hurriedly brought them over."
Fresh vegetables, various meats, and even plenty of fish and shrimp were prepared, with large jars in the small kitchen, keeping ten or so tails to be consumed leisurely is no issue.
"Moreover, with snow days lasting longer, the servant specifically brought artisans to prepare the underfloor heating in the backyard, or else it would be troublesome for the Second Prince and Second Princess."
Such a big hullabaloo left Lin Wanyi somewhat puzzled.
But she did not stop it.
The Second Princess could stay with her in the main house, but the Second Prince’s place was constantly burning charcoal.
Upon consideration, she felt the underfloor heating seemed safer.
So she nodded and agreed.
"Isn’t this extravagant?"
"Little Master, please don’t worry. Next to Ruiyang Pavilion is hot spring water, so the area is not too cold, and firing up three places of underfloor heating won’t be too troublesome."
Well, that’s good.
Although inside the traveling palace, only the three can be considered the master, naturally the conditions will be preferential.
But if it’s overly exceptional, making people in the palace uncomfortable would be more harm than good.
This undisturbed, happy life she’s enjoying comfortably.
Doesn’t want to lose big for small now.
Qin An instructed his people, those he brought went off to do their work.
Nanny Ji and Nanny Du, responsible as Chief Maids for the Second Prince and Second Princess, naturally went to check on things.
Therefore, inside the house, apart from the wet nurse caring for the Second Princess and Xia An, there was no one else.
Qin An hesitated to speak; Lin Wanyi quickly understood.
She signaled Xia An with a look; Xia An immediately stood up, making an excuse that the Princess needed sleep, and took her to the side room.
Once everyone had left, Lin Wanyi soothingly said.
"Rest assured, Mr. Qin, the fortunes and misfortunes of this world are arranged by fate; you should understand after your serious illness."
"Good and evil have their returns; I understand, ma’am."
"That’s good."
Then turned her gaze to Xiao Luzi outside, still playing with the Second Prince.
Warmth instantly filled Qin An’s face.
The underfloor heating in the backyard was there at first but blocked because it hadn’t been used for years.
Thus, simply removing the barriers and cleaning up, it could be used.
After unhurriedly tidying up everything, Nanny Du and Nanny Ji stood inside feeling the warmth.
Once it was sufficiently warm, they went to the front courtyard to report.
Days darken early in winter, not yet time for the evening meal yet already needing to start lighting lamps.
The people Qin An brought, after handling everything, left together.
When leaving, they took Qiu Ming, saying there were matters to discuss.
Lin Wanyi did not interfere, her mind focused on the winter clothes she held.
Judging by the style, it’s not the Second Prince’s, but for an adult male.
Thus, upon seeing, one knows it’s surely embroidered for the Emperor.
Since leaving the capital in August until now, it’s been four months already; who knows where the imperial carriage is.
Last time, she heard Mr. Qin mention everything in the palace was prepared by order.
It’s estimated that the imperial carriage will arrive around the twenty-fourth or fifth of the twelfth month.
She thought, if she could finish sewing the winter clothes by New Year’s Eve, the Emperor would have something to change into.
So she added extra patience when stitching.
The first snow continued to fall, and outside the house, the sound of the wind wailing could still be heard.
Next to her, Xia An was trimming the lamp wick.
"Little Master, look, the lamp wick has blossomed; surely, next year will also be smooth and prosperous."
Lin Wanyi glanced up and felt it’s a positive omen.
Just about to speak, a sound of footsteps came again from outside.
She thought it was Chunqi coming to say it’s time for the meal.
So she said to Xia An.
"Go fetch the Second Prince, and check if the Second Princess’s milk porridge is ready; we can feed them together."
"Yes, servant complies."
Who knew when Xia An went to lift the curtain, she froze in place.
Surprised, she said.
"The Emperor?"
It’s been four months since she saw the Emperor, and shouldn’t he arrive with fanfare?
How did he come wrapped in a black brocade cloak?
Carrying a sense of weary travel.
Lin Wanyi was seated on the couch; upon hearing Xia An’s words, she was equally shocked.
Wasn’t His Majesty supposed to return at the end of the month?
How is he appearing now?
Hastily stepped down, she saw Xia An already welcoming the Emperor inside.
The coldness on him clashing with the warmth of the room.
After four months, Lin Wanyi had grown more delicately beautiful than when she first entered the palace.
But the Emperor appeared somewhat thin and his complexion gray.
Approximately due to the arduous journey, naturally can’t compare to living comfortably in the palace.
"Your Majesty, why return suddenly?"
She was so surprised she forgot to pay respects, yet the Emperor seeing her like this, his longing over past months turned into a deep affection.
Disregarding the cold, directly pulled her into his arms, whispering near her ear.
"Missed you."
These words instantly reddened Lin Wanyi’s ears.
Though the Emperor occasionally expressed emotions in front of her, such intimate murmuring sweet talk was rare.
Especially since they hadn’t seen each other for a while, and Lin Wanyi was indeed held tightly, unable to struggle free.
"Your Majesty... others are present."
Lin Wanyi’s voice was softer, tinged with ladylike shyness.
Despite having served the Emperor for months, she was still bashful.
The Emperor nearing thirty, yet behaving like a young lad.
Feeling Lin Wanyi’s shyness, the Emperor chuckled softly, releasing her.
Then he said.
"Other than me inside the room, where are others?"
Lin Wanyi peeked out from his embrace, taking a look around, indeed!
Must say, Xia An and Qiu Ming were truly insightful.
Such times took their leaves quickly.
With a casual motion, He untied his cloak, then sat down.
Seeing the winter clothes on the couch, slightly displeased, he said.
"Didn’t I tell you before? Don’t use needles after dark, be careful not to strain your eyes."