A layer of peach powder was applied on her face, highlighting her creamy skin.
Seeing that Lin Wanyi was now neatly dressed from head to toe, Xia An and Chun Qi finally stopped.
"The lady's clothes are really hard to find fault with."
Xia An wanted to learn more about the rules, so she understood the interests involved.
"Let's go. Don't miss the time."
"Yes."
This was Lin Wanyi's second time visiting Linzhi Palace, and this time she didn't bother to admire the scenery along the way. It was early spring in April, and a bit chilly in the early morning.
Fortunately, her dress wasn't thin, so she didn't feel cold even after walking all the way to Linzhi Palace.
As soon as she entered the palace gate, she saw a maid sweeping the courtyard, who greeted her with a smile, though her eyes lacked sincerity.
"My lady, you're here."
"Yes."
"I've been waiting here for a long time. I wanted to be the first to congratulate you."
Her eyes were bulging with meaning—everyone could guess what she was implying.
Standing behind Lin Wanyi, Xia An felt a little annoyed. This maid really didn't know the rules.
It was obvious that her lady wanted to keep things low-key, but this woman kept rushing to congratulate her—afraid others wouldn't know that it was their young lady who shared His Majesty's bed last night? She was just causing trouble.
Lin Wanyi disliked people who flattered her in this way, but this was Linzhi Palace. No matter how much she disliked it, she couldn't show it. She smiled and said,
"It's all thanks to the Imperial Concubine."
The words were harmless and vague, then she quickly walked into the courtyard and stood under the corridor.
The maid originally wanted to continue flattering her, but it was like punching cotton—there was no reaction. Her vague words were met with nothing, and she was secretly annoyed. This Lady Lin was truly a slippery loach.
Still, she thought, she didn't have much of a future as a maid in Linzhi Palace anyway. She might as well start fresh by attaching herself to Lady Lin.
If she went over now, she would at least be a second-class maid. If Lady Lin gained more favor, wouldn't she rise with her?
The more she thought about it, the harder she swept the broom in her hand.
There were already two or three concubines standing in the corridor of the main hall. When Lin Wanyi came over and half-knelt to them, she was met only with a roll of the eyes and a cold snort.
It wasn't hard to guess why.
They couldn't stand a low-ranking concubine like her—one who had entered the palace through the "back door" and then slept with His Majesty. But because of her connection to Imperial Concubine Lin, they couldn't vent their anger openly.
So Lin Wanyi stood respectfully under the corridor, waiting for Imperial Concubine Lin to summon her.
It had to be said: without the big Buddha that was Imperial Concubine Lin supporting her from behind, she would have been in trouble.
So, when needed—she had to cling to that thigh!
As the concubines of the palace arrived one after another, the courtyard that had been slightly empty was suddenly full of people.
Seeing this, Lin Wanyi finally understood why all the women in the palace fought so hard to climb upward.
If they didn't hold high positions, they'd be defeated or forgotten in the endless stream of beautiful newcomers.
Just as she was thinking this, she saw Qin He, whom she had met just yesterday, come out from the inner hall, bow to the concubines, and smile.
"The Imperial Concubine has prepared everything. Please come in, ladies."
"Yes."
A room full of women gathered together—it would dazzle anyone. In the center of Linzhi Palace's main hall stood a throne behind a floor screen, carved with intricate patterns. If one looked closely, it was probably a phoenix on brocade.
The Imperial Concubine was also dressed formally today.
She wore a double-breasted palace gown embroidered with lotus patterns, and a ruby hairpin with a matching lotus design in her hair. Not only was she luxurious in appearance, but she also carried an air of dominance.
Beneath her willow-shaped eyebrows were a pair of phoenix eyes. Sitting at the top, she looked down on everyone.
The Empress Dowager had gone to Mount Wutai to meditate and pray to Buddha, and Empress Xu had passed away three years ago. Now, Imperial Concubine Lin was the highest-ranking woman in the palace and naturally held respect.
Everyone sat on the red sandalwood armchairs below according to rank, listening to the Imperial Concubine speak.
However, the first seats on the left and right were still empty. The Imperial Concubine was the first to ask:
"Where are Concubine Yi and Concubine Lan?"
"Reporting to Imperial Concubine Lin: Concubine Lan felt a little unwell this morning and sent a palace maid to inform she wouldn't attend. As for Concubine Yi—she is probably still on her way."
The implication was clear: Concubine Yi's palace had sent no explanation.
Lin Wanyi immediately grew alert.
It seemed Concubine Yi was a strong character. To be late for an audience with the entire palace—it had to mean she still had the Emperor's favor or her family was powerful. Otherwise, how could she challenge Imperial Concubine Lin so openly?
Imperial Concubine Lin said calmly to the concubines below:
"Since Concubine Yi is still on her way, you sisters may first enjoy a cup of tea. We'll speak to her once she arrives."
As expected, no woman in the palace was easy to deal with. If Concubine Yi didn't come, the delay would be blamed on her. It was a clever way to shift the trouble.
As soon as the Imperial Concubine finished speaking, Head Maid Qin He ordered others to serve pre-rain Dragon Well tea and exquisite snacks.
"This pre-rain Dragon Well tea was just delivered as tribute this year. His Majesty rewarded me with some, and today I've brought it out for you all to taste. It really is wonderful."
"His Majesty is very considerate of us. Just smelling this fine tea makes me feel honored," said a concubine who wasn't particularly outstanding in appearance and looked a little old.
She wore a palace dress in lotus-colored soft satin embroidered with a vine-and-branch pattern. Though the design looked simple, one could tell her rank wasn't high.
"Sister Du, you really know how to joke. A few days ago, the Imperial Concubine received a red coral hairpin that looked quite unique. She's giving it to you to play with."
As soon as she finished speaking, another head maid, Qin Liu, brought out a brocade tray, walked to Du Changzai, and respectfully presented it.
Du Changzai's eyes lit up with surprise. Her efforts at currying favor had finally borne fruit. It seemed the Imperial Concubine was preparing to promote her.
She had entered the palace in the ninth year of Yuanhe, and eight years had already passed. She was still only a Changzai. Not to mention the senior ladies—even among those who had entered the palace after her, there was already a Concubine Chu who outranked her, and Ming, who was also a Changzai.
Whether in appearance, figure, family background, or talent—they were all better than her.
If she didn't struggle and find someone to rely on, she'd be like weeds growing along the wall—unnoticed and forgotten.
Thinking this, she immediately stood up, bowed to the Imperial Concubine, and said with a slightly emotional tone,
"Thank you, Imperial Concubine, for the reward."
Her clingy manner made a brightly dressed woman sitting higher up frown slightly.
She glanced at Du Changzai with a mocking expression. Though she said nothing, her meaning was clear.
Truly a bumpkin without favor—getting this happy over a coral hairpin.