"Mr. Dong, please rise."
Lin Wanyi said politely, somewhat surprised by the arrival of Dong Yuzhong.
Thinking to herself, "The Emperor really knows how to pick a time to send gifts."
She had just "stirred up" trouble at Linzi Palace, and now he's sending fuel to the fire?
Truly, it seems he enjoys the spectacle and turmoil.
However, she only dared to think these things privately, maintaining a calm and gentle demeanor outwardly.
Dong Yuzhong waved his hand, and two little eunuchs behind him brought forward a tray adorned with silk. Inside, there were no rare treasures; rather, two plates of ordinary side dishes to go with porridge.
Others were bewildered, but Lin Wanyi was shocked.
These side dishes were the same two served with the fish porridge last night, weren't they?
At that time, she refrained from indulging out of courtesy. Did the Emperor notice this and now send them for her to taste?
Seeing everyone in a daze, Dong Yuzhong immediately explained.
"His Majesty said he noticed that Miss seemed to like them yesterday, so today he specially sent them for you to try. If you like them, the Imperial Kitchen can send them to you from time to time in the future."
In this palace, gifts of silver, silk, and fabric are prevalent, and even the rewards of fine food and delicacies are slow-cooked delicacies.
Two side dishes, really not knowing His Majesty's intentions.
To call it favor seems lacking.
To say it's not favor, this is the first reward among the new concubines.
Mu Daying suppressed her curiosity and turned to look at Lin Wanyi, who remained calm and immediately told Xiao Luzi.
"I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's kindness; Xiao Luzi, quickly accept it."
"Yes, Miss."
"Since the items have been delivered, this old servant will take his leave."
"Mr. Dong, take care."
Afterward, she had someone escort Dong Yuzhong out and sat down at the table, looking at the two plates of side dishes, lost in memories.
Was it so apparent last night?
Or is the Emperor doing this deliberately to send a warning message?
She pondered for quite a while but couldn't figure it out.
Suddenly, she remembered what her father had told her before she entered the palace. The Emperor ascended the throne at a young age, and his thoughts are far beyond others'. Rather than hiding things from him, being sincere might bring some stability.
With this thought, she relaxed about the two plates of side dishes.
"Sister, sister..."
Lin Wanyi was snapped out of her reverie by Mu Daying's calling and looked up at her, noticing her eyes were as pure as the first meeting.
"I'm sorry for the embarrassment, I was accustomed to sleeping in back at home, and now that I'm in the palace, getting up early is a bit disorienting."
"If that's the case, I won't disturb you further. I'll come to talk to you another day."
"Alright, take care."
"Don't worry, sister."
After sending off Mu Daying, Lin Wanyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Xia An immediately came over to give her a massage, asking while doing so.
"Miss hastily befriending Mu Daying like this, is it too soon?"
Lin Wanyi understood Xia An's meaning perfectly.
"Don't worry, it's merely a mutual test. If what she sees in my hall today leaks out tomorrow, then we will know her depth."
So that's it.
"But if Miss Mu spreads falsehoods outside, how can Miss handle it?"
"She wouldn't dare, even taking into account the Imperial Concubine, she wouldn't dare act rashly—at most, just spread some idle gossip."
Just gossip, she's heard countless types while being in the Prime Minister's Mansion and has long been indifferent to it.
After speaking, she instructed Chunqi.
"Be more diligent in the coming days and listen for any rumors outside, then we'll naturally know if the opposite party is genuine or deceitful."
"Don't worry, Miss, I will surely handle the matter."
The three of them, master and servants, were of one heart and had to be extra cautious with each step in the palace, for even if the Imperial Consort could protect them today, there's no guarantee for the morrow.
Mentioning the Imperial Consort, Lin Wanyi thought of something else.
So she brought Xia An closer and asked softly.
"How's my cold syndrome?"
"Why did Miss suddenly ask about this?"
Then deeply gazing at Lin Wanyi, seeing her movement clutching her abdomen, she instantly understood.
Scanning the surroundings with caution, when seeing Chunqi nodding at the door, she spoke quietly.
"Having always been on medication these years, the cold syndrome has improved by seventy to eighty percent, but it'll take another couple of years to fully adjust before considering pregnancy."
"Then for the bedchamber..."
"Don't worry, Miss, the medicine you're taking for the cold syndrome already contains contraceptive herbs, and pregnancy is unlikely."
"Then that's good."
Lin Wanyi finally felt some relief.
"Does Miss not want her own child?"
"It's not that I don't want one, it's just that I don't want one now. The Imperial Consort brought me to the palace to bear a child. With my current capabilities, if I were to become pregnant, I'm not certain I could protect myself or the child. Better to wait."
Xia An nodded in understanding, feeling her Miss was indeed clear-minded.
Then checked her pulse with a gentle touch, silently analyzing, before slowly saying.
"Rest assured, Miss, with me here, nothing will happen to you."
Gripping Xia An's hand, she also beckoned Chunqi over, and then the three of them sat together and chatted.
"It's hard to live peacefully in the palace, especially maintaining one's integrity. I never intended to make enemies, but I also won't let others bully me. You are my closest people; while I could protect you at home, in the palace, it's uncertain, so be cautious in everything you do and say, understood?"
"Rest assured, Miss, the madam repeatedly advised before I entered the palace,"
said Chunqi solemnly, understanding well what could be done and said, despite her lively demeanor.
Xia An, naturally steady by nature, would be even more careful on this matter.
After the three master and servant said some whispered words, they heard Xiao Luzi call from outside once more.
"Miss, Eunuch Pan from the Imperial Kitchen requests an audience."
Imperial Kitchen?
Eunuch Pan?
What are they here for this time?
Could it be that after delivering side dishes, they're now bringing the porridge too?
This morning has been filled with receiving visits and paying respects to various eunuchs, and not one could be offended. She adjusted her dress slightly and then instructed Xiao Luzi.
"Let Eunuch Pan come in."
"Yes."
The hall door was open, albeit veiled by a sheer curtain.
Xia An went to lift the curtain, revealing a somewhat plump eunuch standing at the door with a somewhat ingratiating look inside.
"Eunuch Pan, please."
"I couldn't dare; Miss, please."
Lowering his posture considerably.
People from the Imperial Kitchen have a somewhat smoky aura, probably from spending extended time in the kitchen, always with a lingering scent about them.