The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 8 - Accompanying the Emperor

"Dong Yuzhong."

"At your service, Your Majesty."

At the emperor's command, the head eunuch, who had been waiting outside, immediately pushed open the door and stepped in. He stood before them, bowing low with impeccable manners.

"Serve meal, and bring a bowl for Lin Daying as well."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

With that, Dong Yuzhong handed his whisk to the younger eunuch behind him and quickly approached Lin Wanyi with a smile.

"Allow me, my lady."

He took the porcelain bowl from her hands and, in one swift motion, ladled two bowls of porridge. The first was placed before the emperor, and the second was set down in front of Lin Wanyi, as Don Yuzhong politely said, "Please, my lady, enjoy your meal. This is a gift from His Majesty."

Lin Wanyi glanced at the chair and, seeing Dong Yuzhong's slight nod, finally felt reassured. She carefully sat halfway on the stool, keeping her posture demure, and began to slowly sip the porridge.

Along with the porridge, two small dishes of side dishes were brought in. Dong Yuzhong, while attending to the emperor's needs, also made sure to place some of the side dishes in front of Lin Wanyi. 

If the situation were different, Lin Wanyi would have liked to try them; they looked quite appetizing. However, her bowl of porridge was nearly empty, and she didn't want to seem greedy during her first time attending to the emperor, so she refrained from eating more.

After she put down her bowl, Dong Yuzhong didn't offer any more food. The emperor, having taken his time with the meal, caused Lin Wanyi's half-seated legs to go numb. Finally, the emperor spoke in his usual calm tone.

"Clear the table."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The palace servants quickly entered to clear away the dishes. At the same time, they brought over water for the emperor and Lin Wanyi to rinse their mouths. As the emperor reached for a towel, Lin Wanyi stepped forward for the first time to offer it to him, as a gesture of thanks for the meal.

The emperor glanced at her briefly, noticing her graceful posture and demure demeanor.

Once the servants had left, Lin Wanyi steeled herself and, with her eyes closed, boldly spoke, "Your Majesty, shall I attend to you for the night?"

In a daze, she followed the emperor into the bedchamber behind the carved fan doors.

Kneeling on the bed, Lin Wanyi felt a bit nervous. She wasn't sure if she should begin undressing or wait for the emperor to initiate. Before she could react, she felt a sudden shift, and in the blink of an eye, she found herself lying on the silk-covered bed.

"Your Majesty..."

Her voice trembled, but to the emperor, it sounded flirtatious, far livelier than when she had answered his questions earlier. Before Lin Wanyi could speak again, the candles outside were extinguished all at once.

"Settle down."

The emperor's voice, laced with desire, was low and urgent, his movements swift.

Thin silks, lotus-patterned curtains—the room was filled with the atmosphere of spring.

Returning to Yihua Palace in a soft sedan, Lin Wanyi noticed Chunqi and Xia'an waiting excitedly at the entrance. They greeted her with a hint of enthusiasm in their voices.

"Greetings, my lady. We wish you good health and fortune."

"You may rise."

Lin Wanyi's voice carried a note of weariness, surprising even herself.