Chapter 133: Chapter 133 Emperor’s Thoughts
Nowadays, still in high spirits, naturally receiving a multitude of love and indulgence.
But what if one day, someone else appears?
Would Lin Changzai, once favored, become just like other concubines, destined to be buried within the deep palace?
Gradually disappearing amidst these entangled grudges.
Tears soaked the Emperor’s sleeping clothes, cool on the left shoulder.
Yet the Emperor, as if lulled to sleep by his mother concubine when he was a child, gently patted her back.
And hummed softly the nursery rhymes of yesteryear.
Not until deep into the night did the tent return to silence.
Seeing Lin Wanyi’s frown even in her sleep, the Emperor felt an ineffable ache.
Upon first meeting her, she was captivatingly beautiful.
Originally thought she was another woman with only beauty but no wisdom.
Thus, though she accompanied him, he wasn’t particularly affectionate.
Who knew, with each interaction, he’d discover she was such an interesting woman.
Able to chat during night rain, brew green plum wine, sew cool garments, and write beautifully.
With her, he seemed no longer the solitary Emperor in lofty heights, but a husband in an ordinary family.
After the day’s toil, enjoying home-cooked meals, listening to her pleasant chatter about interesting things.
No matter how thorny state affairs were, just a short rest with her would revive his spirit.
Once he realized he shouldn’t be so entangled.
He found himself already trapped in the intricate net she wove, and he had no wish to struggle free.
The matter of the Second Prince, he intentionally sent him to Lin Wanyi.
Firstly, to admonish Princess Consort Lan.
After the incident with Nanny Chai, trusting the seemingly virtuous daughter of Lan University Scholar, hiding malice beneath her fair face, indeed left him cold-hearted.
Secondly, to warn Princess Consort Yi.
He was fully aware of the Liu family’s minor troubles.
Had it not been for considering the Marquis of Northwest and the Liu family’s devotion to Da Wei, he would have ordered the execution of Third Young Master Liu, such a parasite.
Thirdly, to observe Lin Guifei and the Lin family’s reaction.
Backing Lin Guifei are the Prime Minister’s Mansion and Prince Zhan Mansion.
In the previous court, they united for nothing but this supreme throne, right?
After birthing Ming Ruo, Lin Guifei remained childless.
Now, another Lin Changzai sent in, also poisoned, difficult to conceive.
In such circumstances, placing the Second Prince in Huifang Courtyard was undoubtedly a message to the outside.
The Second Prince was very likely to be raised by Lin Wanyi.
So, the Lin family would count as the Second Prince’s maternal family.
If they indeed harbor ulterior motives, they might have new plans for the Second Prince.
Unexpectedly, it fueled discord within the Prime Minister’s Mansion, between the main and second houses, leading to fatality.
Nanny Wang’s death was not a pity, but if Lin Wanyi’s brother also perished.
A life would stand between them.
Had Lin Wanyi not known these were fortunate, if one day she knew his true intent sending the Second Prince.
Wouldn’t it be...
Therefore, he heavily punished Lin Guifei, stripped her Authority of Palace, and placed her under house arrest.
Both to vent Lin Wanyi’s anger and as a gesture of apology.
And of these, he could not speak to Lin Wanyi.
As an Emperor, he must hold hundreds of millions of people and harbor acumen for cunning strategies.
One pure without darkness is unsuited for a path laden with thorns.
That night, Lin Wanyi thought she’d sleep restlessly, yet unexpectedly had a good sleep.
Only when the sun was high did she gradually awake.
"Xia An."
"Here, my lady."
Xia An walked in from outside, beaming as she saw Lin Wanyi.
"Is my lady thirsty? Shall I bring some water?"
"Yes."
Drinking water immediately upon waking was Lin Wanyi’s habit.
Xia An, after serving her for so long, naturally knew this.
After drinking the water, she asked.
"Where is Your Majesty? Has he returned to Zeping State?"
"Yes, before Emperor left, he said he would accompany you for dinner, please rest assured, my lady."
Rest assured?
Perhaps referring to their conversation last night.
She didn’t know what came over her, crying to the Emperor for half the night.
No wonder it’s said women are made of water.
It truly appears so.
"Have Xiao Luzi frequently visit the Inner Court Department, in case there’s any situation, Mr. Qin will send word."
"Yes, my lady."
After assisting Lin Wanyi with washing and dressing, she had her meal.
Only after Qiu Ming saw she was satiated did he come in to speak.
"My lady, news from Yao Tai Pavilion states the Imperial Concubine’s headache has flared up. She now needs to close the door for recuperation, and the affairs of the Six Palaces will be handled by Princess Consort Yi, Lady Lan, and Lady Ying. From what I gather, it seems she won’t be leaving her quarters for some time."
Recuperating?
Headache flaring?
While in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, she never heard of Lin Guifei having such hidden ailments.
It surfaced only after Princess Rongkang’s visit.
Reflecting on all that transpired yesterday, it’s not hard to deduce, either the Emperor ordered her confinement, or she hid out of perceived threat.
Whichever it was, the resentment in her heart eased slightly.
Surely, this news would soon reach the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
By then, her foolish and malicious second aunt probably won’t be able to get out of bed for months!
Serves her right!
While this was her thought, her expression couldn’t be too obvious.
She simply replied softly, "Yes," before instructing.
"With the Imperial Concubine recuperating, the harem matters are overseen by Princess Consort Yi and the others, but with Lady Lan and Lady Ying both expecting, they might be short on energy. Ultimately, Princess Consort Yi is in charge."
"These days, make sure the Second Prince stays indoors. Avoid any trivial issues made big, affecting his recovery would be troublesome."
The message was implicit, but everyone present understood.
With Princess Consort Yi at the helm, she has the people of the Third Prince.
While the weak and ailing Second Prince poses no challenge, ultimately he bears the title of "Long," and being the first Prince conferred a title, naturally he’s an eyesore to Princess Consort Yi.
Thus, it’s wise to avoid confronting her directly.
Qiu Ming nodded, then continued.
"Nanny Du shares the same sentiment. To the outside, they’ve claimed the Second Prince is frail, vulnerable to the sun, hence spreading the news early, that he needs to rest quietly."
Nanny Du, indeed born to serve the sovereign, is well aware of the messy undercurrents among consorts.
For the Second Prince’s safety, it’s best to avoid the limelight.
As she was pondering this, Xiao Luzi hastily arrived from outside.
Saying that the chief eunuch by Princess Consort Yi’s side, Eunuch Ruan Ming, had arrived.
Ruan Ming?
Lin Wanyi had never interacted with him.
Since entering the palace, her encounters with Princess Consort Yi were few.
Every meeting she was attended by Ruyi and Ru Huan, but knew little about the chief eunuch by her side.
So she cast a glance at Qiu Ming.