The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 7 - First Meeting with the Emperor

As the soft veil wrapped around her body, Lin Wanyi recalled the rules that the palace matron had previously explained regarding the Emperor's bedchamber. Although she felt uncomfortable in her heart, she didn't show it on her face.

Being carried into the inner chamber, wrapped only in a brocade quilt, might be seen as the highest honor in the eyes of others, but to her, it felt like a blow to her dignity.

However, to her surprise, the palace matron brought out a plain white silk court dress and assisted Lin Wanyi in dressing properly.

"But wasn't it supposed to be...?" Lin Wanyi hadn't finished speaking when the matron, her eyes filled with a hint of approval, said, "The Emperor has granted you the special privilege to attend him in full court dress. This is a rare favor; truly, you are blessed."

Lin Wanyi smiled but didn't respond further. Others might see this as a gift from the heavens, but she saw it differently. "The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled." The Emperor's favor was likely aimed at her father, Minister Lin, or her cousin, Lin Guifei. As a mere Daying (ninth rank), receiving such favor would inevitably lead to jealousy and ostracism in the future.

But this was beyond her control, so she allowed the palace maids to dress her.

The palace matron had intended to apply makeup, but Lin Wanyi's natural beauty was so striking that the less makeup, the more her purity shone through. As the saying goes, "A lotus emerges from clear water, untainted by embellishment." So, after applying a little moisturizing lotion, they sent her off to the inner chamber of Qian'an Hall.

The inner chamber was even larger than the side hall she had just been in. Everywhere she looked were treasures of the highest quality. The sandalwood furniture was tastefully arranged, and in the center, a golden qilin incense burner emitted a faint fragrance.

The palace matron led her to sit at a Baxian table and then quietly withdrew.

It was impossible not to be curious. After all, this was the residence of the most exalted man in all of Dawei. Lin Wanyi glanced around, taking in the grand surroundings, and couldn't help but acknowledge the imperial majesty in every detail.

In Dawei, the colors yellow and black were reserved exclusively for the Emperor. No one else was permitted to use them. Even Lin Guifei, who was second only to the Empress, could only use chrysanthemum yellow. But here in Qian'an Hall, the use of bright yellow was pushed to the extreme. The most eye-catching piece was, without a doubt, the large dragon bed behind intricately carved wooden doors, draped in a bright yellow curtain that appeared to be made of gossamer silk, faintly visible yet indistinct.

As she was lost in thought, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed, each step pounding in her heart. Her initially calm demeanor was suddenly overtaken by nervousness, and she had to swallow lightly to calm herself.

"Lin Daying greets His Majesty. May Your Majesty live in peace."

She quickly stood, taking a few steps forward, then knelt on the brocade carpet to pay her respects to the Emperor, following palace protocol.

Soon, a pair of black boots embroidered with golden dragons stopped in front of her. As she slightly raised her eyes, Lin Wanyi couldn't help but feel a surge of nervousness.

Before this, the highest-ranked official she had ever seen was her grandfather, who was stern and rarely spoke. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of person this Emperor would be.

She had knelt so quickly that she hadn't managed to get a proper look at his face. It seemed he gazed at her for a moment before saying calmly, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."