So, she softened her tone and spoke.
"You missed the selection due to illness, but I thought of your stunning beauty, sister. If you could enter the palace as a concubine, I'm sure Uncle and Aunt would be willing as well. If you gain His Majesty's favor in the harem, it would benefit Brother's future too. At that time, not just the Imperial City Department, even the Imperial Guard could be within reach, right sister?"
First the stick, then the carrot; Lin Guifei wielded the method of balancing power and favor with skill.
Lin Wanyi understood Lin Guifei's intentions quite well, keeping a faint smile on her face, looking as if the Imperial Consort was always right.
The sisters exchanged pleasantries for a moment until Jiang Heqing walked in, respectfully declaring.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Chief Manager Quan from the Inner Court Department has arrived."
"Oh? What's the matter?"
"He says he's here to deliver the Diary."
The Diary, it's the book recording the Emperor's visits to the concubines.
Typically, it is delivered by Mr. He from the Jingshi Room; why today is Chief Manager Quan delivering it personally? It seems there's more news to report.
"Let him in."
"At your command, Your Majesty."
As soon as Jiang Heqing exited, an attendant carrying a horsetail whisk entered with two little eunuchs in tow.
"Your servant Quan Fu wishes Imperial Consort well, and wishes Miss Lin peace."
He had the ability to quickly identify Lin Wanyi's status, even though she had entered the palace just two hours earlier; he was indeed exceptionally capable.
"Speak, what brings you to see me?"
"Your Majesty, firstly, I'm delivering the Diary for your review, and secondly, Miss Lin's green card is ready. I'm here to inquire whether it should be sent to the imperial court today?"
"The Inner Court Department is efficient in handling affairs; since it's ready, send it up."
"Your Majesty is right."
The two casually discussed Lin Wanyi's sleeping arrangement, while she, the main subject, was left aside.
Once he reported the matters, Chief Manager Quan respectfully took his leave.
As he left Linzi Palace, he pondered and spoke to the little eunuch beside him.
"Go tell Vice Director Qin to be diligent in fulfilling Miss Lin's palace requests. Gaining her favor now, and the Inner Court Department will reap the benefits in the future."
"Yes, Chief."
Quan Fu glanced at the auspicious clouds over Linzi Palace and had to admit, the Imperial Consort's judgment was spot on.
Miss Lin's beauty far surpassed this batch of new concubines; with good fortune, she might soon be promoted to a noble position.
As servants, they naturally must make wise bets.
He promptly left Linzi Palace, hurriedly delivering the green card to Qian'an Hall.
"As family sisters, since you've entered the palace, I'll surely look after you. Yihua Palace is close to Qian'an Hall; if summoned to accompany His Majesty, it won't be a hassle."
"Thank you for your kind arrangements, Your Majesty. Your benevolence will be remembered."
"Hmm."
Aside from reminiscing the past, the sisters had little else to say. After Chief Manager Quan had left for a short while, Lin Wanyi returned to Yihua Palace.
In less than half a day, the three of them had been bustling around to a few places.
They walked a lot and their feet were terribly sore.
Xia An helped Lin Wanyi remove her shoes and socks and gently massaged her feet. Her touch was just right, quickly alleviating Lin Wanyi's fatigue.
"Chunqi is still energetic enough to explore everywhere. It seems I'm burdening you with my care."
"It's my pleasure to serve you, Miss Lin."
As the two chatted, Chunqi returned.
Entering the door, she couldn't wait to exclaim with excitement.
"Miss Lin, the wing on this side is much larger than our small courtyard at home. There's a small side room in front with a coal-burning stove, making it convenient to prepare hot soup and tea."
Her exploration yielded quite a harvest.
She wandered around the left wing extensively.
"There's a flower pool under the corridor in the front yard, planted with precious flowers and plants, which I think might include camellias, but I'm not quite sure."
"Behind this building, there's a petite pavilion, charmingly elegant. Since you love tea, Miss Lin, setting up tea utensils in the pavilion during summer would be delightful."
Lin Wanyi chuckled, "You surely know how to enjoy life."
"Hehe, it's thanks to your teaching, Miss Lin."
Listening to Chunqi's lively chatter, Lin Wanyi felt her worried heart ease considerably.
Indeed, since entering the palace, it's important to live well for both oneself and family.
Enduring a day, whether in bitterness or joy, why bother seeking discomfort?
Now, with the Imperial Consort's patronage, nurtured by polite attendants and palace maids, it was crucial to organize life smoothly during this time.
The April sunshine was still warm, and according to palace rules, two dishes and one soup were sent for lunch.
The portions were ample, not to mention the dishes were exquisitely arranged.
A plate of fish and shrimp with mountain delicacies, a plate of honey-glazed tofu, and a bamboo shoot soup with shredded mountain chicken—all light in flavor but very nourishing.
The servings for the palace maids were simpler but still delicious and appetizing.
Chunqi, drawn by the aroma of the bamboo shoot soup, felt her appetite stirred.
Lin Wanyi noticed her fondness and smiled, saying.
"There's so much that I can't finish, take a bowl and taste it."
"Thank you, Miss Lin!"
Chunqi was straightforward, while Xia An hesitated, feeling uncertain about accepting it.
Unlike Chunqi, who had been accompanying Lin Wanyi since childhood, Xia An had been sent from the Dong Family to the Prime Minister's Mansion two years ago upon coming of age, specifically to care for Lin Wanyi's health, thus having some medical skills.
Noticing Xia An's worry, Chunqi handed her a bowl with a bold gesture.
"Our Miss Lin truly cares for us; don't worry and enjoy."
Seeing Lin Wanyi nod to her, Xia An finally felt at ease.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, Lin Wanyi felt sleepy.
She had woken up early and had to keep her wits about her while conversing with others, which had tired her mentally.
She intended to rest but was interrupted by visitors from outside.
Entering was an unfamiliar eunuch, whose attire reminded her of those belonging to the Inner Court Department, like Chief Manager Quan seen at Linzi Palace—likely a eunuch of considerable influence.
Indeed, the attendant began to speak.
"I'm Vice Director Qin An of the Inner Court Department, greetings to Miss Lin, wishing you peace."
"So it's Mr. Qin, please rise."
She directed Chunqi, "Bring Mr. Qin a chair."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Lin. I'm here today to congratulate you."
Seeing Lin Wanyi somewhat puzzled, he cheerfully added.
"His Majesty has just chosen your card, Miss Lin; tonight, it's your turn to attend His Majesty."