"Eunuch Dong, please rise." Lin Wanyi spoke with courtesy, though she was a little surprised by Dong Yuzhong's sudden visit.
She silently mused that the Emperor truly had a knack for choosing the right moment to send gifts—she had just "stirred up trouble" at Linzhi Palace, and here he was, fanning the flames. He really knew how to enjoy the spectacle.
Of course, these thoughts were kept to herself; on the surface, her expression remained gentle and composed.
Dong Yuzhong waved his hand, signaling the two eunuchs behind him to bring forward a brocade tray. It bore no rare treasures, just two simple plates of side dishes that would normally accompany porridge.
The others looked on in confusion, but Lin Wanyi was stunned.
Aren't these the same two side dishes from last night's fish porridge?
She had hesitated to eat them out of propriety—could it be that the Emperor noticed and had them sent over today so she could enjoy them in peace?
Seeing the astonishment in the room, Dong Yuzhong quickly explained with a smile:
"His Majesty said the young lady seemed to like these yesterday, so he specially sent them over for you to taste again. If you enjoy them, the imperial kitchen can deliver them regularly."
In the palace, rewards often came in the form of gold, silver, fine silks—or delicacies simmered with care. Even something as humble as side dishes was not given lightly.
Lin Wanyi's thoughts were interrupted when Mu Da Ying called her name. She looked up to see the same innocent face she had first encountered.
"Apologies for the distraction. I'm used to sleeping late at home. Now that I'm waking early in the palace, I suppose I'm still adjusting."
"In that case, I won't disturb you further. I'll come chat with you another day."
"Alright. Take care, sister."
"Don't worry about me."
Once Mu Da Ying left, Lin Wanyi finally exhaled.
Xia An immediately came forward to massage her shoulders and asked in a low voice, "Miss, wasn't it too soon to open up to Mu Da Ying?"
Lin Wanyi understood what she meant.
"Don't worry. It's just a test. If word of what she saw in our palace today spreads tomorrow, we'll know exactly what kind of person she is."
"I see. But what if Miss Mu twists the truth and puts you in a difficult position?"
"She wouldn't dare—not while she still considers the Imperial Concubine's favor. At worst, there may be a few bits of gossip."
And gossip? She'd heard plenty of that in the Prime Minister's mansion—what was a little more?
Then she turned to Chunqi. "Keep an ear out over the next couple of days. If any rumors surface, we'll know who's behind them."
"Understood, my lady. I'll take care of it."
The three of them shared one heart. In the palace, every step had to be taken with care. The Imperial Concubine's protection today did not guarantee safety tomorrow.
Speaking of which, Lin Wanyi recalled another matter. She pulled Xia An aside and whispered, "How is my cold lately?"
Xia An gave her a long look. When she saw Lin Wanyi's hand on her lower abdomen, she understood.
Glancing around and seeing Chunqi nod from her post by the door, Xia An leaned in.
"My lady has been taking medicine all these years. The cold has improved by about seventy percent. But to conceive, you'll need to nurse your health for another two years."
"In that case, about the bed…"
"Don't worry. The medicine also contains contraceptive herbs. You won't get pregnant easily."
"Good." Lin Wanyi finally relaxed.
"Miss, do you not want children of your own?"
"It's not that I don't want one—but not now. The Imperial Concubine brought me into the palace for that reason alone. But right now, I can't even guarantee my own safety. If I truly became pregnant, I might not be able to protect the child. Better to wait."
Xia An nodded—her mistress was indeed clear-headed.
She took Lin Wanyi's pulse again, slow and careful, and after a while said softly, "Don't worry. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you."
Lin Wanyi took her hand in thanks, then gestured for Chunqi to join them. The three sat together.
"It's not easy to live in peace here, especially if we want to keep our hearts intact. I don't wish to make enemies, but I refuse to be trampled on. You two are closest to me. I could protect you at home, but in the palace, even that may be difficult. So you must watch what you say and do—understood?"
"Don't worry, my lady. You reminded me many times before we entered the palace," Chunqi said solemnly. She might be cheerful, but she wasn't a fool.
Xia An, always steady, nodded as well.
Just then, Xiao Luzi's voice came from outside.
"My lady, Eunuch Pan from the imperial kitchen requests an audience."
The imperial kitchen?
Eunuch Pan? Could it be… the porridge is here now?
She had spent the entire morning greeting nobles and receiving eunuchs—none of whom she could afford to offend. So she straightened her robe and said, "Let Eunuch Pan in."
"Yes, my lady."
The palace doors were already open, but a gauze curtain hung over the entrance.
Xia An stepped forward and lifted it. Outside stood a plump eunuch, peeking in with a flattering smile.
"Eunuch Pan, please come in."
"No need for formalities, young lady," he said humbly.
The staff of the imperial kitchen often bore the heat and clamor of the stoves; their bodies carried the scent of smoke and the fatigue of hard labor.