The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 5 - Selected to Serve

She then softened her tone and said,

"You missed the selection process due to illness, but I thought, with your striking beauty, if you could enter the palace as a consort, I'm sure Uncle and Aunt would be pleased. If you were to gain His Majesty's favor in the harem, it would also benefit your elder brother's future. At that point, it wouldn't just be the Imperial Guard; even the Forbidden Army would be within his reach. Don't you agree, dear sister?"

Giving a scolding first, then offering a sweet reward, Lin Guifei skillfully balanced authority and kindness.

Lin Wanyi understood Lin Guifei's intentions perfectly, keeping a faint smile on her face, and adopting an expression that conveyed whatever the Guifei said was right.

The two sisters exchanged pleasantries for only a short while before Jiang Heqing entered, bowing respectfully.

"Greetings to Your Highness. The Chief of the Inner Palace has arrived."

"Oh? For what purpose?"

"He said he's delivering the daily register."

The daily register was the record of which consort the emperor had spent the night with. Normally, it was delivered by Eunuch He from the Bureau of Ceremonies. For the chief to come himself today, there must be something else to report.

"Let him in."

"As you command."

Jiang Heqing left, and soon the chief eunuch entered, accompanied by two junior eunuchs, holding a dusting whisk.

"Your servant, Quanfu, greets Your Highness, and greets Lin Daying."

Quanfu was sharp—despite Lin Wanyi only entering the palace two hours ago, he was already aware of her title and greeted her accordingly. Truly, his reach and influence were remarkable.

"Speak. What brings you to see me?"

"Replying to Your Highness, firstly, I'm here to deliver the daily register for your review. Secondly, Lin Daying's green token has been made. I've come to ask if it should be delivered to the emperor today."

"The Inner Palace works efficiently. Since it's ready, send it up."

"As you command, Your Highness."

They discussed Lin Wanyi's upcoming night with the emperor as if she, the person in question, wasn't even there. Once everything was reported, the chief eunuch respectfully withdrew.

After leaving Linzhi Palace, Quanfu turned to a nearby junior eunuch and instructed,

"Go inform Deputy Chief Qin that Lin Daying's palace needs diligent attention. If we curry her favor now, the entire Inner Palace will reap rewards in the future."

"Yes, Chief."

Quanfu glanced back at the auspicious clouds above Linzhi Palace and couldn't help but admire Lin Guifei's vision. Lin Daying's beauty was far superior to the other recent consorts selected. If she were fortunate, a promotion to a higher rank might be in her near future.

As servants, they needed to know where to place their bets. With quick steps, he hurried to deliver the green token to Qian'an Hall.

"A family of sisters—since you've entered the palace, I will naturally look after you. Yihua Palace is close to His Majesty's Qian'an Hall, so it won't be troublesome for you to accompany him."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind arrangements. This humble servant is deeply grateful."

"Good."

Apart from reminiscing about the past, the two sisters had little else to say. Shortly after Quanfu left, Lin Wanyi also returned to Yihua Palace.

She had only been in the palace for half a day, but the three of them had already visited several places and walked a lot, making her feet sore.

Xia'an removed her shoes and socks, gently massaging her feet. Her touch was just right, and soon Lin Wanyi's fatigue started to melt away.

"Chunqi is full of energy and eager to explore. You're the one who's had to look after me."

"Don't say that, my lady. Serving you is my greatest fortune."

As they spoke, Chunqi returned, barely containing her excitement as she entered the room.

"My lady, the left side hall is much bigger than the small courtyard at home. There's a side room at the front, and I saw some small charcoal stoves inside. If you want hot soup or tea, it'll be very convenient."

Her little adventure had yielded quite the findings. She had explored every corner of the left side hall.

"There's a flowerbed under the front veranda, planted with all sorts of rare and expensive flowers. I think I saw some camellias, but I'm not entirely sure."

"There's also a small pavilion behind the house. It's elegant and quiet. You love drinking tea, don't you, my lady? Setting up tea there in the summer would be so delightful."

Lin Wanyi chuckled, "You really know how to enjoy life."

"Hehe, I learned it from you, my lady!"

Listening to Chunqi's cheerful chatter lifted Lin Wanyi's spirits.

That's right, now that she had entered the palace, she had to live well—for herself and for her family. Whether the days were bitter or sweet, they passed the same. Why seek out misery?

For now, with Lin Guifei's protection, even the eunuchs and maids treated her with respect. This was the time to settle down and smooth out her days.

The sun in April was still gentle, and following palace customs, a lunch of two dishes and a soup was served. The portions were generous, and the food was exceptionally refined.

There was a dish of braised fish and shrimp with wild mushrooms, a plate of honey-glazed tofu, and a bamboo shoot soup stewed with shredded mountain chicken—light, nourishing fare.

The maids' meals were simpler, but still tasty and filling.

The smell of the bamboo shoot soup was enough to make Chunqi's stomach rumble.

Lin Wanyi noticed her interest and smiled,

"There's more than enough for me. You two should take a bowl and try it."

"Thank you, my lady!"

Chunqi didn't hesitate, but Xia'an, on the other hand, felt it was improper and hesitated to accept.

Unlike Chunqi, who had grown up serving Lin Wanyi, Xia'an had only been sent to the Xiang Mansion two years ago by Old Master Dong to care for Lin Wanyi's health. She was also skilled in medicine.

Seeing Xia'an's discomfort, Chunqi quickly handed her a bowl,

"Our lady is always kind to her maids. Go ahead and enjoy it."

Lin Wanyi nodded her approval, and Xia'an finally accepted.

After the satisfying lunch, Lin Wanyi felt drowsy. She had been up early and had to stay vigilant while speaking with others, which left her mentally exhausted. She planned to rest for a while, but then someone arrived at the door.

It was a eunuch she didn't recognize, but judging by his uniform, similar to the one worn by the chief eunuch at Linzhi Palace, Lin Wanyi guessed he was another prominent figure from the Inner Palace.

Sure enough, the eunuch introduced himself,

"This humble servant is Qin An, Deputy Chief of the Inner Palace. I greet Lin Daying and wish you peace and good fortune."

"So it's Eunuch Qin. Please rise."

She then turned to Chunqi,

"Bring a chair for Eunuch Qin."

"No need to trouble yourself, my lady. I'm here today to congratulate you on the good news."

Seeing Lin Wanyi's confusion, he immediately smiled and said,

"His Majesty has just selected your name. Tonight, you are the one to serve him."