Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Meticulous Arrangements
"Does Your Majesty have anything to discuss with my humble self?"
"You are indeed perceptive."
Looking at Lin Wanyi’s refinement and subtlety, the Emperor smiled, then spoke solemnly.
"This afternoon, the nanny taking care of the Second Prince took her own life. The Second Prince fainted, and then Doctor Dou discovered he has been poisoned for at least two years."
"What?"
Lin Wanyi was utterly shocked.
The first thought that came to mind was, who could have done it!
Lin Guifei?
Princess Consort Yi?
Or someone else?
To poison a child under the age of six for such a long time shows how ruthless the perpetrator’s mind is.
The people in this palace appear glamorous on the surface, envied by all.
But in secret, it’s either ruthless destruction or enduring suffering.
Recalling the Second Prince’s appearance at noon, Lin Wanyi sighed deeply.
"Did Doctor Dou say what kind of poison it was? Is there an antidote?"
The Emperor shook his head.
"He hasn’t determined it yet, but the poison was administered in small doses each time, probably intending to slowly deteriorate the Second Prince’s health so outsiders would think he died of a frail condition."
As he said this, the Emperor’s broad back seemed to soften a bit.
Lin Wanyi also felt a pang of sympathy.
So she stepped forward to comfort him.
"Your Majesty, please take heart. Since Doctor Dou was able to detect the poison, with time he will surely find an antidote."
Though words were spoken, Lin Wanyi herself wasn’t entirely confident.
After all, the Second Prince’s health was already weak, and being poisoned for so long, his constitution might not withstand such torment.
Suddenly, she thought of her second uncle.
He has considerable insight into poisoning and antidotes, but alas, how could a folk doctor have the chance to treat an esteemed Prince.
So she abandoned the thought.
The Emperor, hearing her words, did not delve further.
Instead, he spoke of another matter.
"I have a wet nurse named Nanny Du. During my youth, she cared for me meticulously, so I intend to have Nanny Du personally attend to the Second Prince. As for the others around him, one by one, send them to Yeyou Court."
This kind of handling made Lin Wanyi feel it might not be quite appropriate.
"Your Majesty, dealing abruptly with so many around the Second Prince might arouse suspicions from outsiders. Given that Your Majesty has sent away the Second Prince to discuss this with my humble self, it’s likely that the Second Prince is still in the dark. If his attendants are replaced so conspicuously, the Second Prince will surely notice."
"If it exacerbates his condition, wouldn’t it be troublesome?"
The Emperor closed his eyes; Lin Wanyi’s words had merit.
But now, with Nanny Chai deceased, investigating the others involved would also be troublesome.
"What are your thoughts?"
"One nanny left, sending Nanny Du to serve the Second Prince should be appropriate. As for those serving around him, let Nanny Du find reasons to send them away."
The method is good, but it might affect Nanny Du’s reputation.
Before Lin Wanyi could voice her opinion, the Emperor took the initiative.
"I’ll discuss it with Nanny Du. She is consistently wise and decisive; I trust her to handle it!"
Lin Wanyi nodded; perhaps this would bring more peace to the Second Prince’s situation.
However, within the harem, unless the perpetrator behind the scenes is caught, the Second Prince’s safety remains at risk.
Thus, Lin Wanyi kept a watchful mind.
If given the chance, she might probe Lin Guifei for information.
Just as she was pondering this, the Emperor spoke.
"The child seems to have grown weary of porridge. Today, I had people from the Imperial Kitchen send some over, but he didn’t eat it. Instead, he ate with delight here."
"Chunqi’s culinary skills are impeccable; even if I eat her dishes daily, I don’t tire of them."
Laughing happily, the Emperor’s previously tense nerves relaxed considerably.
"I’ll have Nanny Du come tomorrow, but tonight presents a bit of a dilemma."
Lin Wanyi looked puzzledly at the Emperor, a dilemma?
She didn’t understand.
Seeing her bewildered expression, the Emperor finally spoke plainly.
"Nanny Chai, who attended to him, took her life in front of him. I’m worried that returning him to Zeping State might cause him to feel fear, which would impede his recovery."
Lin Wanyi’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the Emperor.
Then, she said with a touch of surprise.
"Your Majesty means... to keep the Second Prince in my courtyard?"
"Not indefinitely, just for these few months. I noticed Huifang Courtyard has quite a few vacant rooms; simply allocate some for him."
Lin Wanyi blinked, contemplating the feasibility of this suggestion.
She’s merely a Changzai; can her courtyard truly accommodate a Prince?
Before she could voice her doubts, the Emperor continued.
"Don’t worry, I can’t be at ease here; naturally, I will accompany him."
Lin Wanyi suddenly had no words; this Emperor indeed knows how to follow! nature.
This ability to seize the opportunity, no one under the heavens can outmatch the Venerable Emperor before her.
She had only just managed to bid farewell to the great Buddha, and now, one wasn’t enough, it seems an entire nest is arriving.
Lin Wanyi felt like crying but had no tears.
But what could she say?
She could only hope this news wouldn’t spread.
Otherwise, even with closed eyes, she could imagine how Princess Consort Lan would come after her!
Thinking about this, she shivered suddenly.
Seeing her in this state, the Emperor raised his eyebrows and asked in a slightly unfriendly manner.
"Are you displeased?"
Lin Wanyi had long been suppressed at the Prime Minister’s Mansion by Princess Rongkang and those from the West Wing.
Regarding insight and understanding, hers was naturally top-notch.
She immediately smiled and said.
"How could that be? I’m delighted, Your Majesty. I’m just considering where might be most suitable to accommodate the Second Prince!"
Listening to her words, coupled with the genuine happiness on Lin Wanyi’s face.
Finally, the Emperor was comforted.
Exactly, among the harem, who wouldn’t wish for their court to host His Majesty.
Even Lin Wanyi should think likewise.
As he pondered this, he suddenly recalled something.
Since this person entered the palace until now, it seems he hasn’t enjoyed the company of any concubines.
Rarely even calling them for companionship.
Thus, he smiled faintly, a smile that left Lin Wanyi slightly puzzled.
It’s said, a woman’s heart is a needle in the depths of the sea.
But if you ask Lin Wanyi, it’s the Emperor’s heart that’s truly a needle in the depths of the sea!
In the previous moment, he was angry, while in the next, he was smiling to himself.
Even engaging in somewhat "abrupt" actions.
If not for her excusing with treating toxication and taking medicine, today might have been another sleepless night.
Everything else could be addressed, but the Second Prince hasn’t been settled yet.
If he overheard anything he shouldn’t have.
Then she might never be able to look anyone in the face again!
Thus, she intentionally changed her sleeping attire to one with a pipa-collared garment.
Eighteen buttons in total—she couldn’t believe the Emperor would still have interest!