The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 28 - Sewing the Sleepwear

No matter the time, eating is the most important thing. This is a habit Lin Wanyi has developed over the years.

Chun Qi, knowing her love for food, immediately started listing the dishes.

"The imperial kitchen sent some water chestnut flour today. I made cakes with it, which I'll fry and serve with honey. Also, I stewed half a pig's trotter with some ingredients, and the broth has turned white. You've been very tired since entering the palace, so some soup will be good for you. Most importantly, I made a dipping sauce that's sour and spicy, perfect for the pig's trotter to cut the grease and enhance the flavor!"

Just hearing this made Lin Wanyi's stomach growl.

With not much else to do in the palace, Chun Qi's culinary skills had improved significantly.

"If you opened a restaurant outside the palace, you'd make a fortune," Lin Wanyi joked, but Chun Qi didn't mind.

"I don't want to leave the palace. I want to stay with you forever!"

"Silly girl, what will you do when you get married? Stay by my side every day? What about your husband and children?"

"My lady..."

Chun Qi, not very old, blushed at the mention of marriage and ran out, embarrassed.

Lin Wanyi took a sip of warm water, feeling a wave of emotion.

Her day had been full of ups and downs.

Xia An, noticing her fluctuating mood, was glad to see her relax and quietly attended to her.

After dinner, the three of them went to bed early.

In the following days, Lin Wanyi felt more at ease than before.

Perhaps because of Lin Guifei's intervention, people avoided her, leaving her in peace.

But peace didn't mean idleness.

Making the Emperor's sleepwear was Lin Wanyi's top priority.

Her embroidery skills, taught by her mother, were not an issue.

She had made clothes and socks for her father and brothers at home, so tailoring wasn't a problem either.

But this sleepwear was for the most esteemed person in the world, so it had to be perfect.

This required Lin Wanyi to put in her utmost effort.

She remembered the Emperor mentioning that his current sleepwear was too dazzling, mainly because the bright yellow fabric was embroidered with gold and pearl-colored threads in dragon patterns.

While it was luxurious, it was too bright and dazzling.

So this time, she chose silk fabric and threads in more subdued colors.

After much thought, she decided on a cloud pattern.

The cloud pattern was easy to embroider, but Lin Wan Yi added a special touch.

At first glance, it looked like any other cloud pattern, but upon closer inspection, one could see a hidden dragon.

The dragon's head was visible, but its tail was hidden in the clouds, fitting for the Emperor's sleepwear.

The dragon had to be both visible and hidden, weaving through the clouds.

So, each stitch had to be carefully planned.

This made Lin Wan Yi's embroidery slower than usual.

Even Chun Qi, watching from the side, couldn't help but comment.

"I've served you for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen you work so slowly. Truly, slow work yields fine products, just as Madam said!"

Usually, Lin Wanyi could finish a piece of clothing, even with intricate embroidery, in half a month.

But this sleepwear, after four or five days, only had one sleeve completed.

However, the slow pace had its benefits.

Chun Qi admired the sleeve, praising it non-stop.

"If Madam saw how diligent you are now, she'd be delighted. I've never seen such beautiful embroidery!"

Xia An, helping with the threading, also praised it.

"Yes, it's beautiful and comfortable."

Comfortable.

Lin Wanyi used soft-colored silk threads with distinct layers.

Most importantly, she had scented the threads with agarwood before embroidering, giving the sleeve a faint fragrance.

The scent was subtle, but it would help the wearer relax.

She had thought of this because she remembered the Emperor's furrowed brows and restless sleep during their night together.

"This sleeve is a sample. The rest will be easier to embroider."

Lin Wan Yi explained.

With the stitching method established, the rest would be quicker.

It would take about three days to finish, but how should she present it?

Should she bring it during her night duty?

Or send someone to deliver it?

Neither seemed ideal.

Drawing too much attention wasn't good for her now.

As she pondered, Xiao Luzi hurried in, excitedly announcing.

"My Lady, Eunuch Dong is here."

Oh?

Why would Eunuch Dong come at this time?

She wondered but instructed.

"Please invite him in."

Chun Qi and Xia An knew that Eunuch Dong served the Emperor, so they prepared tea and chairs, making a fuss.

Eunuch Dong entered, saw Lin Wanyi embroidering the sleepwear, and smiled.

"The Emperor and you are truly in sync. Yesterday, the Emperor asked me to check on the progress of the sleepwear."

Lin Wanyi was pleased, saving her the trouble.

She put down the thread and politely said to Eunuch Dong.

"You came at the right time. The sleepwear will be ready in three days. Should I send someone to deliver it, or..."

Lin Wanyi didn't finish, but Eunuch Dong understood her concern.

"No need to trouble your people. I'll send Qiu Ming to fetch it."

"Eunuch Dong is thoughtful. That's perfect."

With the delivery settled, Lin Wanyi asked.

"What brings you here, Eunuch Dong?"

"The Emperor has acquired a fine inkstone and asked me to invite you to see it."

A fine inkstone?

Inviting her to see it?

Lin Wanyi was puzzled by this summons.

She had never shown her talents before the Emperor, so why would he invite her?

But since she was summoned, she couldn't refuse.

She smiled and said.

"Please wait a moment, Eunuch Dong. I'll freshen up and go with you."

"Of course, I'll wait outside."

Eunuch Dong respectfully retreated to the courtyard.

Xiao Luzi brought a stool for him, but Eunuch Dong declined.

"It's not proper for a servant to sit in the master's presence. You're diligent, but you need to learn the rules."