I wonder how Mother is doing at home?
And Father, my elder brother, and young brother.
With my current status, even if I were pregnant, I wouldn't be able to see my family. I can only hope that when Princess Rongkang enters the palace to visit the Imperial Concubine, she might bring Mother along.
But such a good thing, how could it fall to the first branch of the family?
Ah, in the end, it's all about living under someone else's roof, relying on their favor.
While she was lost in thought, she saw Chunqi bringing in sweet soup.
The steaming sweet soup eased Lin Wanyi's worries quite a bit. It was a taste from the past, smelling it felt like returning to those days.
"My lady, the things in this palace are good indeed. The sweet soup they make here is clearer than the one at home."
With that, she placed the sweet soup before Lin Wanyi.
Lin Wanyi glanced at it. Indeed, it was better. In the Prime Minister's Mansion, everything was always cut back.
All good items were sent to Ronghe Hall and the West Wing, and what they got were second-rate goods, even less refined than what she had at her maternal grandfather's house.
"I wonder how Mother is doing now? She has always loved this sweet soup."
Chunqi stood by silently, wanting to offer some comforting words, but couldn't. Instead, Xia An, while serving soup to Lin Wanyi, said to her.
"My lady, don't worry. If Madam knew, it would only make her sad."
"My lady, can't we send a letter home? You're now quite favored by His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine. If you write a letter, surely someone could be found to deliver it."
Chunqi thought of this idea after much contemplation, but it was rejected by Lin Wanyi.
"No, it won't do. If I'm just thinking of sending a letter home so soon after entering the palace, those who know might say I'm homesick. Those who don't might say I'm becoming arrogant with favor."
Chunqi widened her eyes and quickly waved her hand, saying.
"My lady, forgive me. I didn't realize it would be this serious. If I had, I wouldn't have mentioned it at all."
Seeing her regretful expression, Lin Wanyi patted her hand and comforted her.
"That's why I say you must always be cautious. Your lively nature might unknowingly offend someone, so think carefully before you speak or act, understand?"
"Yes, my lady, I understand."
The reply was not as loud as it was in the morning. Chunqi was also blaming herself inwardly.
If her careless mistake were to harm her lady, even dying would be inadequate compensation. So she resolved inwardly to speak less and do more in the future, concentrating on tempering her nature before making plans.
Seeing that Chunqi was indeed frightened, Lin Wanyi didn't continue to comfort her.
Some things must be experienced and overcome personally to be effective.
No one is born with such cunning and caution; it all comes from day-to-day honing.
Days in the palace pass slowly, from dawn to dusk.
Those with some skills find ways to spend time, but those without hobbies can only gaze daily at the corridor, longing for the arrival of the Chengen sedan chair.
Meanwhile, the mistress and her servants in the left annex were living their own small lives.
None were idle.
Ever since that night attending to the Emperor and receiving rewards, Lin Wanyi had been at the center of attention. Though under Lin Guifei's protection, she couldn't avoid whispers and gossip.
Being naturally introverted, apart from daily greetings at Linzi Palace, she barely left the left annex.
If not experimenting with new recipes with Chunqi in the small kitchen, she was painting landscapes under Xia An's service, living much like in the Prime Minister's Mansion courtyard.
With the doors closed, life was peaceful.
Noticing her seclusion, the rumors outside soon lost their interest.
And thus turned to gossip about other favored concubines.
In time, this "once" favored concubine became a thing of the past.
Seven or eight days passed like this.
Early one morning, just as Lin Wanyi returned from her greetings at Linzi Palace, the Inner Court Department delivered some wood of varying lengths and a skilled craftsman.
Qin An, Vice Director of the Inner Court Department, stood before Lin Wanyi, bent slightly, his eyes smiling, and spoke respectfully.
"I heard from Xiao Luzi that the lady wants to build a swing by the gazebo in the backyard, so I brought these things today. These are made by the best carpenters in the palace. Once fixed, it will be complete."
Lin Wanyi didn't expect that her idle remark would reach the Vice Director so quickly, thanks to Xiao Luzi, the fast messenger.
Afraid of further gossip, she quickly explained.
"Mr. Qin, you're too kind. I was merely making small talk; sorry to trouble you."
"No trouble at all, my lady. Serving you is our honor."
With that, he glanced at Lin Wanyi and noticed her slightly furrowed brows, immediately understanding.
"Rest assured, my lady, I've already reported this matter to Director Dong. Only after getting his approval did we start the preparations, ensuring no breach of palace rules."
Reported to Director Dong?
Isn't that the same as telling the Emperor?
She, merely a concubine, needed to report wanting a swing to the Emperor. These people were really making a fuss over nothing.
Sighing inwardly, she thought peaceful days might not be possible now.
But outwardly, she still had to thank Mr. Qin.
"In that case, thank you, Mr. Qin, for your thoughtful arrangements."
Then she said to Xiao Luzi.
"Lead Mr. Qin and the others to the backyard, find a suitable place to build it. If there are leftover materials, build a pergola too."
"Yes, as you wish."
Since making a show was inevitable, it was better to embrace it and gain some benefits.
Plant grape vines on the corners of the swing; by next summer, they might cover the entire pergola top, providing a shady refuge.
The dream she couldn't realize in the Prime Minister's courtyard came true in the palace.
Lin Wanyi couldn't help but smile.
This "favor" is indeed crucial.
At the very least, it increases one's chances of benefiting.
Seeing Chunqi unable to contain her excitement and constantly peeking outside, Lin Wanyi understood well.
"If you want to watch, go ahead. Let me know when it's finished."
"Yes, my lady!"
Saying this, Chunqi excitedly ran out, while Xia An, standing nearby, remained calm and cautious.
"That girl Chunqi changes moods quickly; she was just upset, and now she's cheerful again."
"Indeed, Chunqi is straightforward and loyal to the lady, though sometimes a bit impulsive. Yet she's patient when cooking, which is why her skills are so good!"
"True, ever since we got the small kitchen, we've barely touched the items sent from the Imperial Kitchen."
Xia An chuckled along, then continued to assist Lin Wanyi with her reading.