The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 12 - Mu Daying

"I heard from the palace attendants around His Majesty that you won his heart last night, so I'll send you some Dong'e Ejiao to help you recover. I believe that soon, you will bear a dragon child for His Majesty, right, sister?"

(Translator XiaoBai: Dong'e Ejiao (东阿阿胶) is a traditional Chinese medicinal product made from donkey hide, primarily produced in Dong'e County, Shandong Province. It is known for its ability to nourish blood, improve skin health, and enhance vitality.)

Lin Guifei's call of "sister" felt more affectionate and sincere than ever before. However, her words also pulled her into a whirlpool of intrigue.

For the first time, Yi Fei looked at Lin Wanyi, taking in her features, and couldn't help but smile knowingly. "The second daughter of the Xiang family is indeed a beauty. It's a pity that her rank is a bit low, but with Guifei's support, I'm sure she'll rise to prominence soon enough."

This statement was no less flattering than Lin Guifei's earlier one. One wished for her to become pregnant soon and bear a dragon child, while the other wished for her bright future. Both were sweet words that would surely please anyone from an ordinary family, and Lin Wanyi would be overjoyed to hear them. But in the palace, where so many women shared one man, she didn't even need to turn around; she could already feel the stares on her back.

Clearly just a low-ranking Daying (Talented Lady), she stirred the waters of the court with her presence. Lin Wanyi felt wary of both Lin Guifei and Yi Fei, yet longed to distance herself from them. However, she had no means of self-preservation and still needed to rely on Lin Guifei, so she had no choice but to say, "This servant thanks Guifei for her kindness."

While she didn't explicitly declare her loyalty, the implication was clear. Lin Guifei perceived her sincerity and had her chief maid, Qin He, assist Lin Wanyi to her feet. She waved her hand dismissively for Qin He to withdraw.

Chu Guiren's gaze turned from disdain to open jealousy as she watched Lin Wanyi. She was clearly the highest-ranking among the newly entered beauties, so by all rights, she should have been the most favored. Why was it that Lin Wanyi, who "entered through the back door," had become the center of attention?

That thought was difficult to swallow. Growing up in a family of military generals, Chu Guiren wasn't one to play subtle games. She didn't fully grasp the underhanded tactics but was certainly aware of the overt favoritism that made her dizzy. If they weren't still in Linzhi Palace, she might have erupted.

With a cold snort, she thought about how to deal with Lin Wanyi once she returned to Yihua Palace.

The handkerchief in her grasp was crumpled tightly, and sitting in the same low-ranking position, Mu Daying frowned slightly, glancing at Lin Wanyi with a hint of worry. 

"Alright, the palace flowers have been distributed. I still have other pressing matters to attend to, so I won't keep you all here. You may all leave now."

"Yes, this servant obeys."

After that, the consorts rose to take their leave, with Yi Fei being the first to exit since she had arrived last. Chu Guiren followed closely behind, dismissing the other concubines entirely.

Lin Wanyi hadn't eaten anything all morning, feeling anxious multiple times. Turning back to look at Xia An, she saw the concern in her eyes. "It's fine, let's head back to the palace."

"Yes, my lady."

Just as Lin Wanyi took a couple of steps away from Linzhi Palace, she heard someone calling her from behind. "Sister Lin, Sister Lin."

The voice was soft but had a hint of youthfulness. Turning around, she saw a palace maid who had sat behind her earlier, her identity still unknown but clearly younger.

Lin Wanyi stopped and asked in a calm tone, "What's your name, sister?"

"I am Mu Daying from Yihua Palace. Like you, I have only recently entered the palace to serve."

Mu Daying was the daughter of a local magistrate in Huaiyang, as mentioned by a previous matron.

Her family background was humble, and she was still quite young, looking almost like a child. Thankfully, the current emperor was only twenty-six and not considered old. Otherwise, it would be a tragic situation.

"Why did Mu Daying call me?" Lin Wanyi responded formally, as she didn't have a close relationship with her.

However, Mu Daying had a soft demeanor and immediately addressed her sweetly as "sister," her round, fair face reminding Lin Wanyi of her younger brother, who loved to call her "sister." For a moment, Lin Wanyi felt a little lost in thought.

"Since you just entered the palace yesterday, you must not be familiar with everything here. I've been here for a month and have visited the Imperial Garden several times. Now that it's spring, I'd like to invite you to take a walk with me."

Seeing that Lin Wanyi hadn't responded, she quickly added, "We both serve in Yihua Palace; it would be good for us to get to know each other better."

Her tone carried a hint of expectation, her big, bright eyes sparkling like a deer in the forest, evoking sympathy.

"Aren't you afraid?"

"Afraid of what?"

Lin Wanyi was acutely aware that she had offended Chu Guiren during their earlier greeting.

Though they were both from Yihua Palace, Chu Guiren held a higher rank and could easily make things difficult for her. It was not a good time for someone to be seeking her favor!

Although Mu Daying was young, she wasn't entirely naive. She pouted her lips and said, "Sister, you don't know. Before you came, Chu Guiren also looked down on me. She never liked me. Even if I offend her by befriending you, I'm not afraid."

She was quite sincere, openly stating her situation.

Lin Wanyi scrutinized her, and Mu Daying's uneasy gaze fell to the ground.

In the harem, Lin Wanyi did not believe in genuine sisterly bonds. Mu Daying's choice to befriend her at this moment likely stemmed from a desire to leverage her connection with the Xiang family and Lin Guifei's protection.

The earlier scene had clearly shown that she was valued by Lin Guifei. Sticking with Lin Wanyi would at least be better than drifting alone in the harem.

Lin Wanyi could see through Mu Daying's intentions. Just as Mu Daying thought Lin Wanyi would brush her off, she surprisingly agreed.

Recalling what the matron had said, Lin Wanyi felt that life in the palace was hard enough without making others think she was unfriendly, which would only hurt her in the long run.

Though Mu Daying's motives weren't entirely pure, she only wished to find stable support. There was nothing shameful about that.

Being in the same palace, they would undoubtedly interact more in the future. Having an ally meant one less rival.

After all, she had thoroughly offended Chu Guiren and couldn't afford to split Yihua Palace into factions.

"If that's the case, then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

Her words surprised Mu Daying, who raised her head in astonishment, her eyes filled with delight, her voice rising in pitch.

"I knew sister had a good temper and wouldn't refuse me!"

With that, she took Lin Wanyi's hand and led her toward the Imperial Garden, chattering excitedly about the amusing things that had happened since her entry into the palace.