The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 29 - Accompanying the Emperor in the Study

Anyone else hearing this would have been terrified. After all, Dong Yuzhong was the chief eunuch in charge of the imperial household.

In the vast palace, even the head of the Inner Court, Quan Fu, had to be respectful in front of him, let alone a low-ranking eunuch like Xiao Luzi.

But Xiao Luzi was overjoyed and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Dong. I will remember it."

Dong Yuzhong gave him a second look, thinking he had potential.

However, it was still early. Xiao Luzi hadn't even secured a position close to Lin Wanyi, let alone anything higher. Even if Dong Yuzhong wanted to promote him, it wasn't the right time, so he just gave a word of advice.

"Yes, study well. There will be opportunities in the future."

With this encouragement, Xiao Luzi understood. No wonder his master sent him to serve Lin Wanyi. It seemed following her would indeed lead to a bright future.

His loyalty to Lin Wanyi grew even stronger.

Inside, Chun Qi and Xia An were busy dressing Lin Wanyi, paying no attention to the outside. Lin Wanyi thought their fuss was a bit exaggerated.

She reassured them, "I'm just going to accompany the Emperor, not to a banquet. Just dress me as usual. Don't overdo it. Eunuch Dong is waiting."

"My lady, you usually go for night duties, where it's dimly lit. Who knows if the Emperor has even seen your face clearly?" Chun Qi said while styling Lin Wanyi's hair, thinking about how to match the hairpins for the best effect.

"The sun is so bright today. If not now, when should you dress up?" Xia An had the same thought and picked a slightly more vibrant palace dress, but Lin Wanyi refused.

"As you said, the sun is bright. If I dress too brightly, it will be dazzling. You know what the Emperor dislikes," she said, pointing to the sleepwear.

Chun Qi agreed, "Alright, I'll keep your hairstyle simple. You're naturally beautiful, so you'll look good no matter what."

Lin Wanyi smiled at her sweet words. "Just bring the outfit I wore when I first entered the palace and the jewelry box my mother made. I'll choose from there."

"Yes, I'll get it right away," Xia An said, putting down the dress and fetching the jewelry box.

The box, specially made by the Madam, looked small but was cleverly designed. It had three layers, containing unique but not overly expensive hairpins and earrings, with small-denomination silver notes at the bottom.

Though it was inconvenient to bring many things into the palace, rewards were necessary.

Lin Wanyi chose a set of dragonfly hairpins and matching earrings made of shell inlay. They looked ordinary but shimmered with rainbow colors in the sunlight, without additional gemstones, making them subtly elegant.

She applied some peach blossom powder, drew her eyebrows, and used a light lip balm before heading out.

Dong Yuzhong, seeing her fresh and elegant appearance, showed more admiration.

The previous emperor had died young, so the current emperor ascended the throne at eight and married Empress Xu at sixteen. Since then, many women had entered the palace, including beauties and talented women.

But Lin Wanyi, with her pure and fresh look, was unique.

He stepped forward and said, "My lady, please."

"Please lead the way, Eunuch Dong."

At the entrance of Yihua Palace, a sedan chair awaited Lin Wanyi, with four people standing at each corner and a rattan chair in the middle.

Lin Wanyi frowned, hesitant to approach. In the palace, only concubines of rank and above could use such a sedan chair. If she, a low-ranking consort, used it, the palace would be abuzz by tomorrow.

She expressed her concern to Dong Yuzhong, "Eunuch Dong, let's walk. I'm quick on my feet, and there's no need for the sedan chair."

"My lady, this is a gift from the Emperor. It's fine to use it."

"Thank you for the Emperor's kindness, but my rank is low, and it's not appropriate to break palace rules. Please understand."

Dong Yuzhong nodded, understanding her concern. "In that case, let's walk quickly. It's not far."

"Please, Eunuch."

"Please, My Lady."

The distance from Yihua Palace to Qian'an Hall was indeed short. They arrived after a brief walk.

Previously, Lin Wanyi had only visited in the evening, but now, with the sun high, she saw the grandeur of Qian'an Hall.

The glazed tiles sparkled in the sunlight, and every brick and wall was meticulously maintained. The main hall, used for the Emperor's meetings with ministers, was off-limits to concubines without a summons.

Dong Yuzhong led her to the side hall, where the Emperor read and reviewed memorials.

Entering, Lin Wanyi smelled a faint scent of sandalwood, usually used by the elderly or those who worshipped Buddha. Why was it here?

Before she could ponder, a deep voice came from inside.

"Is Lin Daying here?"

Dong Yuzhong led her in and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, Lin Daying is here."

"Your servant Lin Daying greets Your Majesty."

This was Lin Wanyi's third time seeing the Emperor, but her eyes were still on the embroidered carpet.

"Rise."

Dong Yuzhong stood up and quietly left.

The Emperor sipped his tea and slowly said to Lin Wanyi, "I have a headache. Come and massage it."

Wasn't she here to admire the inkstone? Why was she being asked to massage him?

Though puzzled, Lin Wanyi dared not refuse. She stepped forward and said, "I washed my hands before coming. Your Majesty, please move and sit under the bright window."

The desk was covered with unfinished memorials, and it was inappropriate for her to approach. If anything went wrong, she couldn't bear the responsibility.

So, the couch by the window was more suitable.

The Emperor glanced at her, curious about her actions, but seeing her head bowed, he understood.

"Good, you know the rules."

Better than those concubines who always brought food to him.

He moved to the couch, took off his shoes, and lay down, signaling Lin Wanyi to come over.