When Lin Yan received the invitation, a lot of time had already passed.
Upon receiving the post, Lin Yan was slightly taken aback. She didn't understand why the lady of the house would invite her, but she had nothing else going on recently and could go to meet her.
When Lin Yan arrived at the appointed place as scheduled, Wang Linlang was already waiting there.
"Greetings, Lord Lin." Seeing Lin Yan enter, she quickly bowed.
"Greetings, Miss Wang. May I ask why Miss Wang sent the invitation for me to come?"
"Please be seated, Lord Lin." Wang Linlang poured Lin Yan a cup of tea.
"Thank you."
"I invited you here today primarily to thank you for your help that day."
"It was just a small gesture, Miss need not worry about it."
"To you, it might have been a small gesture, but to this humble woman, it was a kindness of immense proportions." She couldn't forget the scene that day, with everyone on the street, only Lord Lin had stepped forward to help.
Especially since helping her had also led to trouble for him, Wang Linlang felt even more indebted to Lin Yan.
"This is what I prepared for you, a small token of my appreciation. I hope you won't find it wanting." She pushed a box towards Lin Yan.
Lin Yan refused a few times but, unable to decline, accepted it.
"I wonder if that Prince has been bothering you again recently?"
"No, he hasn't appeared by my side for a long time."
"If you have no interest in the Prince, it would be best to find a way to resolve this matter quickly."
"Easier said than done. The Prince holds great power; what can an ordinary person like me do?" Wang Linlang certainly wished to resolve it quickly, but what could she do?
Even if she wanted to get married, due to his pestering, it was likely no one would dare propose to her family.
"Actually, Miss Wang, there is a way to escape that Prince's entanglement."
"What way?" Wang Linlang quickly asked.
"Make yourself more useful." With that, Lin Yan began to analyze the current situation for her. "Or find a greater power to rely on."
Listening to Lin Yan's analysis, Wang Linlang didn't know if what she said was accurate, but she was willing to trust Lin Yan and wanted to try.
Whether it was making herself more useful or finding a powerful backer.
"This humble woman thanks you for your guidance, Lord."
Seeing a newfound determination in Wang Linlang's eyes, Lin Yan, though unsure of her plans, believed that her fate had already begun to change.
Meanwhile, when Zhao Hao learned that Lin Yan had met with Wang Linlang, he was displeased again. Lin Yan had to spend another long while coaxing him.
She didn't know why he was so temperamental. Even though she had made a promise, he was still like this.
However, Zhao Hao was merely enjoying the way Lin Yan's eyes were solely focused on him when she coaxed him. He only feigned it for a while longer.
Zhao Hao also knew his actions were somewhat childish, but he found that Lin Yan was willing to indulge him, so he continued to act this way.
In the imperial harem, within that dilapidated palace, she slowly walked along the corridor, supported by a palace maid.
Her body was growing weaker, and she could no longer walk normally. Fortunately, because that Princess Fu'an had been intermittently ill,
if the Emperor knew she was utterly incapable of harming Fu'an, then death would be her only fate.
Her body could no longer withstand another attempt. This palace was like a prison; she had been confined within for over twenty years.
From being a highly favored concubine to this enfeebled, disfigured old woman, looking back now, how laughable her life was!
She was helped to the bedside, and the palace maid helped her lie down, then tucked the brocade quilt around her.
"You may withdraw. I will call you if anything is needed." She waved the palace maid away.