The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 4 - Noble Consort's Lecture

Just then, the person who arrived was none other than Jiang Heqing, the chief eunuch by Guifei's side. Lin Wanyi had seen him once before at home.

At that time, he had been sent to deliver the exotic wine personally bestowed by Guifei. He was quite adept at handling matters and speaking sweetly.

"Little Mistress, you have finally entered the palace. Guifei has been looking forward to your arrival for many days."

As expected, it is said that one does not hit a smiling face, especially in the palace. This Eunuch Jiang was very capable, but he remained courteous to Lin Wanyi, who had just entered the palace.

"Thank you, Eunuch, for your concern. I have long wanted to pay my respects to Guifei."

"After all, we are sisters from the same family, thinking alike. Guifei has sent me to invite you over for a chat."

"That is very good. Please, Eunuch Jiang, lead the way."

Her neither humble nor arrogant attitude made Jiang Heqing remember this second young lady of the Prime Minister's residence.

She was dressed in a light blue soft smoke gauze palace dress, which made her look serene and appropriate. Her hair, like a waterfall of ink, was styled in a flowing cloud bun, with a few magnolia hairpins inserted. Compared to the other charming and beautiful young mistresses, she was dressed quite simply.

Her face was clear and beautiful, her skin like jade, a rare beauty.

Upon closer inspection, there was a faint red tear mole under her left eye, adding a touch of allure.

It must be said that the Prime Minister's residence was indeed a place of good feng shui, raising girls who were more beautiful than flowers.

It seemed that another favored person was about to emerge in the palace.

"Little Mistress, this way please."

Jiang Heqing did not say much, leading Lin Wanyi to the front of Linzhi Palace.

After walking for about two quarters of an hour, passing through four palace gates and a grand palace, Lin Wanyi finally saw the legendary Linzhi Palace.

This palace was located in the upper part of the Eastern Six Palaces. Apart from the Chengqian Palace where the Empress resided, it was the largest palace in the harem.

Before even entering the palace gate, Lin Wanyi smelled a faint scent of plum blossoms. It was truly a wonder to have such a fragrance at this time of year.

Following Jiang Heqing into the palace, Lin Wanyi nodded slightly, not looking around. The two maids behind her also respectfully kept their heads down, not looking around unnecessarily, well taught in manners.

"This is the Linzhi Palace where Guifei resides. Little Mistress should come here often. Guifei has instructed that coming here is like being at home, no need for formalities."

Hearing this, Lin Wanyi paused slightly, then raised her head and straightened her back.

Everywhere she looked, she saw the wealth and grandeur of Linzhi Palace.

If Yihua Palace was resplendent, then Linzhi Palace was imposing.

Not only were there well-maintained small gardens, but there was also a pond formed by a rockery of high mountains and flowing water. It was not large but very exquisite, with a touch of Jiangnan garden style.

Around it were evenly-sized pebbles, making it non-slip even when wet.

The main hall consisted of seven large rooms, with a high-hanging imperial plaque in the center, inscribed with "Rou Jia You De." ("Gentle and Virtuous.")

These were four characters specially chosen from the decree when Lin Guifei was promoted, made into a plaque, and sent over to show the emperor's great favor.

This matter had been greatly publicized by her second aunt in the Prime Minister's residence, so Lin Wanyi knew about it.

Clasping the handkerchief tightly in her hands, Lin Wanyi followed Jiang Heqing up the steps to the main hall, hearing him announce in a sharp voice, "Lin Daying has arrived."

The palace maids inside immediately lifted the curtains and welcomed her in.

Lin Wanyi did not have a deep impression of her elder sister, Lin Guifei.

Although the two sisters were only four years apart, Lin Guifei had entered the palace at fifteen and was now twenty-one. They had not seen each other for six years.

Moreover, when they were at home, they only chatted briefly when paying respects at Ronghe Hall, with little private interaction.

Therefore, upon entering the inner hall, before she could even look up, Lin Wanyi knelt on the brocade carpet, her voice firm and respectful as she bowed meticulously.

"Lin Daying greets Guifei, wishing Guifei good health."

The woman, who had been leaning against a purple sandalwood table having her legs massaged, slowly opened her eyes upon hearing the voice.

Years of palace life had made her incomparable to her former self.

Now, with power in her hands, she naturally exuded the majesty of a superior.

Slender and fair, with delicate features showing a casual attitude, she slightly raised her hand to the chief palace maid, Qin He, and then slowly spoke to Lin Wanyi.

"Sister, rise. Although we are in the palace, I am still your elder sister. When no one is around, you may call me as you did before."

"Thank you for your grace, Guifei, but I dare not overstep."

Whether it was politeness or sincerity, Lin Wanyi could tell. If she really called Lin Guifei "elder sister," she would immediately be labeled as arrogant and ignorant.

Seeing that she was still well-behaved, Lin Guifei's lips slightly curved. As grandmother said, she was easy to handle.

Thinking of this, her face showed a bit more sincerity.

"Sister, sit down. I have been away from home for many years and rarely see my siblings. How is elder brother now? Is he still working at the Imperial City Department?"

On the surface, it was a casual conversation, but in reality, it was probing.

Lin Wanyi did not believe that with Guifei's current position and the ear reports from Princess Rongkang, she would not know her elder brother's situation!

But now, with her low status, she had to be careful in her replies.

"Replying to Guifei, elder brother is well. He has been working at the Imperial City Department for seven years without much progress. Mother is currently looking for a marriage for him."

"Oh? Seven years without a promotion?"

Before Lin Wanyi could reply, she continued, "I suppose grandfather is tempering his will. After all, as the eldest grandson of the Prime Minister's residence, he cannot be spoiled."

Spoiled?

It was laughable to hear this from Lin Guifei.

The elder brother had worked diligently for many years without being valued, undoubtedly due to the machinations of the people in the West Courtyard. But their family had no place to complain, having to swallow their grievances.

Lin Guifei specifically brought up her elder brother to warn her not to think of standing out, or she would not fare better than him. So Lin Wanyi could only lower her head for now, replying calmly.

"Guifei is right."

Seeing her humble attitude, Lin Guifei felt more at ease.

It was necessary to give a warning, but if it was too harsh and scared her, it would not be good.

After all, from her understanding of the emperor, he did not favor wooden beauties or timid people. Since she had chosen her to enter the palace, she naturally had to be able to maintain favor.