The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 18 - The Swing and Pergola

In the backyard, the wood Qin An brought was already cut and even the joints were prepared, so it only needed to be assembled. Xiao Luzi followed the craftsman, hammering and knocking, and soon the swing frame took shape.

Since bright red was not a color Lin Wanyi's rank could use, the wood was not painted but had been polished and soaked in oil for a long time, showcasing its natural color beautifully.

The mortise and tenon joints were well-made, fitting seamlessly so that the joints were invisible as if they were naturally formed.

Xiao Luzi carefully inspected it to ensure it was safe before they started building the pergola.

The swing was placed directly opposite the pavilion, making it easy to build the pergola. Using the wall as a back, they framed half the yard with wood, then added vertical and horizontal slats, quickly completing the pergola's roof.

Although it looked bare and somewhat ugly now, it would become beautiful once the vines grow next year. Chunqi was not worried about this.

She sincerely said to Eunuch Qin, "Thank you, Eunuch Qin. If possible, could you also get us some grapevine seeds?"

"That's easy. I'll have someone send them over later."

"Thank you, Eunuch Qin."

After speaking, she gave Eunuch Qin a half-curtsy.

"No need for that, Miss Chunqi."

Chunqi hadn't expected to meet such kind people like Eunuch Qin and Xiao Luzi in the palace. She had thought they would be arrogant servants, but they turned out to be so approachable.

Thinking it over, it was probably because her young lady was likely to be favored.

However, seven or eight days had passed without any news from Qian'an Palace. Chunqi wanted to ask but feared causing trouble for her lady, so she kept silent.

Eunuch Qin noticed this and smiled at her, saying, "Don't worry, Miss Chunqi. Your lady is blessed."

This one sentence, though vague, made Chunqi understand immediately. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickly said, "Eunuch Qin, please wait. I made some sweet soup in the small kitchen. I'll bring two bowls for everyone to try."

Before Eunuch Qin could respond, she had already turned and left quickly.

What a warm-hearted person. Hopefully, she can maintain this sincerity.

While the carpenter continued building the pergola, Eunuch Qin pulled Xiao Luzi aside and spoke in a low voice.

"How is it? Are you getting used to serving here?"

"Yes, the lady is kind and has never scolded or beaten anyone. The two sisters by her side are also easy to get along with. Sister Chunqi makes food for me every day, and Sister Xia'an always remembers me, giving me many good things."

Hearing this, Qin An nodded in satisfaction. It seemed sending him here was the right decision.

He patted Xiao Luzi's shoulder and said, "Good. Serve diligently. I see that Lin Daying is not an ordinary person and will have great fortune in the future. If you serve her well now, you will naturally stay here when she rises in rank."

"Yes, Master. I know what to do."

Looking at Xiao Luzi with affection, Eunuch Qin quickly composed himself.

When Chunqi brought the sweet soup, everything had returned to normal.

Eunuch Qin continued watching, while Xiao Luzi and the carpenter were almost done with the pergola. In about half an hour, both the swing and pergola were completed.

Chief Qin and his men paid their respects to Lin Wanyi and then left.

After they left, Lin Wanyi brought Xia'an to see.

The swing was small, only enough for one person, but it looked very sturdy. The best part was the empty space beside it, perfect for placing a rocking chair to relax in the summer.

The pergola was open, using the terrain and wall to frame half the yard, avoiding the back window of the sleeping quarters. This way, even if the vines covered it, they wouldn't block the sunlight. If the wind blew, they might even smell the grapes, making it a win-win situation.

"Eunuch Qin is very thorough, and the people he chose are so skillful."

Lin Wanyi sincerely praised, but also intended for Xiao Luzi to hear.

Xiao Luzi, though young, had been serving in the palace for some years and understood the implied meaning.

He immediately knelt and begged for forgiveness.

"Please punish me, My Lady."

Seeing him kneel, Xia'an remained calm, but Chunqi frowned.

Why ask for punishment after doing a good deed?

Looking at her lady, who seemed calm, Chunqi realized Xiao Luzi had made a mistake.

He quickly said, "I shouldn't have told Eunuch Qin about your wishes without permission. Though unintentional, it was still a betrayal. If I had any intention to harm you, may I die without a burial place!"

He kowtowed heavily, tears in his eyes.

Seeing this, Chunqi understood. Xiao Luzi was not originally from their palace; his real master was Eunuch Qin.

Their recent interactions had made them forget this. Fortunately, the message was only about building a swing. If it had been something more serious, Lin Wanyi might not have known how she died.

Thinking this, Chunqi felt a chill down her spine.

She looked at Xiao Luzi with a mix of complexity and caution.

The gentle breeze and high sun felt warm, but Xiao Luzi felt no warmth at all.

His knees were numb from kneeling when Lin Wanyi finally spoke.

"Get up."

"Thank you, My Lady."

Struggling to stand, Xiao Luzi was relieved there were no small stones on the ground, or he would have bled from kneeling.

But he was still uneasy, fearing this incident might ruin his chances of staying.

He bit his lip and said urgently, "My Lady, I entered the palace at six and have been here for eight years. I've endured all kinds of hardships and seen all kinds of people. If not for Eunuch Qin's help, I wouldn't have had the fortune to serve you. This was my own decision, and I beg for your forgiveness. I won't dare do it again."

His sincerity was evident, and Lin Wanyi believed him.

But one cannot serve two masters. If he truly wanted to stay, he needed to understand this.