The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 41 - Dragon Boat List

Because of this, every day Xiao Luzi kept asking the doctor who came to treat him, "When can I walk again? When can I go out? When can I resume serving the young lady?" The physician was exhausted by his constant questioning, but since his recovery was quick, he finally relented and said, "Rest for two more days, and you'll be able to go out."

Xiao Luzi was so happy that he recited the palace rules every day, determined to make a good impression on Eunuch Qiu. The transfer, Xiao Hezi, who lived with him, couldn't understand his behavior. "Being a eunuch is pitiful enough; why would anyone willingly push themselves to be diligent and hardworking like this?" It's clear that the difference between people comes from these little details.

With Qiu Ming around, Lin Wanyi was able to rest and recover in peace. It seemed her constitution was indeed weaker; despite Xiao Luzi and Chunqi's injuries being worse, they had already been permitted to get out of bed. She, on the other hand, was still spending her days resting in bed or on a couch. The bruises on her legs were healing slowly, and even after several more days, they still looked dreadful. Even the imperial physicians who administered her medicine frequently shook their heads, puzzled. "The prescription is right, the medicine is right, why is it not improving?"

Lin Wanyi remained calm, comforting the physician. "I've been weak since childhood, so I suspect that's the reason. For me, the same illness always takes a couple of extra days to heal. Physician Fang, please don't worry; just take your time treating me."

Then, she lightly touched her injury and continued, "See? It's not completely ineffective. I barely feel any pain now."

Imperial Physician Fang's white beard trembled with frustration, but he had no choice but to go along with Lin Wanyi's words. "The young lady is right; perhaps it is indeed related to personal constitution." After this, he finished taking her pulse and returned to the imperial hospital.

Xia An approached to help change her medicine, her movements still gentle. But Lin Wanyi pulled Xia An's hand and pressed down hard on the wound before whispering with a grin, "I tricked Physician Fang. It stopped hurting a while ago. This injury just looks severe, but I can tell it's almost healed."

Xia An glanced outside to ensure no one was around, then lowered her voice and asked, "Why did you deceive Physician Fang? Wouldn't it be better to recover fully sooner?"

"I don't want to go watch the dragon boat race. Perhaps this leg injury can serve as an excuse to avoid it."

Xia An, curious, prompted Lin Wanyi, who sighed softly. "These past few days have been so peaceful. This Left Side Hall feels like a fortified, serene paradise. I don't want to go out and face the turmoil of the outside world."

Hearing this, Xia An couldn't help but laugh. It seemed the young lady was still her old self. All the fuss she'd caused before was merely to vent her servants' frustrations. Who would have thought it would trigger such a series of events?

The enemies made, for now, could be set aside, but surely Lin Guifei was still furious about failing to plant her people in the Left Side Hall.

If Lin Wanyi ventured out, there would surely be no good outcomes waiting for her. No wonder she was reluctant to leave the house.

Xia An sympathized but felt that this approach wouldn't work. "My Lady, if you keep delaying your recovery, Lin Guifei will eventually come. Have you forgotten her expectations of you?"

That one sentence snapped Lin Wanyi out of her thoughts. Of course, she knew she had been fooling herself. This time it was just Cui Momo. If Lin Guifei got angry, she might come in person, and Lin Wanyi would be forced to face the consequences.

Under someone else's roof, one cannot avoid bowing down.

Lin Wanyi was still torn when she heard Qiu Ming's voice from outside. "My Lady."

"What is it?"

"Eunuch Dong is here."

"Please, bring him in!"

Dong Yuzhong never visited without reason. But ever since his disciple had been transferred to the Left Side Hall, Eunuch Dong's visits to Lin Wanyi had become more frequent.

When he entered, he was full of smiles, saying, "My Lady, how is your recovery coming along?"

"Much better. Physician Fang has taken excellent care of me, and Eunuch Qiu has been thorough and attentive, allowing me to rest with peace of mind."

"That's good to hear, very good." As he spoke, he motioned for the eunuchs behind him to step forward. "The Emperor couldn't stop praising the nightgown you made last time. He's been wearing it regularly at Wengu Hall, saying it's incredibly comfortable. So, he sent me to inform you that when you have the time, he'd like you to make a few more sets—whether it's nightgowns, shoes, socks, or even sachets."

Lin Wanyi smiled on the surface but cursed the emperor in her heart. Back when he came to "uphold justice" at the Left Side Hall, she had thought he was a wise and just ruler. Now it seemed he saw her as a personal dining companion, maid, and private seamstress.

Make a few more? Will that ever end? She had a bad feeling that this needlework task was going to last indefinitely.

"If His Majesty is pleased, then I'm relieved. I was worried the color and design might not suit his taste. Since I have free time, I'll start making more for him right away."

"That's wonderful. I'll go back and inform the Emperor." Eunuch Dong beamed with joy, and Lin Wanyi also "cheerfully" smiled along.

"By the way, it's only a few days until the Dragon Boat Festival. It would be great if you were able to attend. I've heard that the eldest son of the Xiang family is on the race list this year. We haven't seen his skills before, but this time, we might get a real treat."

"Brother?" Lin Wanyi was shocked. In the past, the family had spent considerable sums but couldn't get him on the list. How did it happen this year?

"Eunuch Dong, is this information reliable? Where did you hear this?"

"It was mentioned by Jiang Heqinq, who serves Lin Guifei. When Lin Guifei met with the Emperor, he mentioned it casually."

So, Lin Guifei truly knew where her weaknesses lay. Failing to insert her people into the household, now she was using her brother to lure Lin Wanyi out. With that bait on the line, she had no choice but to bite.

"It's been a long time since I've seen my family. If there's a chance to witness my brother's skills, I'd attend even if I had to limp there."

Although Dong Yuzhong's smile remained unchanged, he now understood that this was a contest between Lin Guifei and Lin Wanyi. The Lin family certainly had no shortage of secrets.

Making up an excuse, Dong Yuzhong left, and Qiu Ming respectfully saw him off without exchanging unnecessary words, doing far better than Xiao Luzi had in the past.

After pondering for a while, Lin Wanyi called Qiu Ming inside. "Eunuch Qiu, please go to Linzhi Palace and inform Lin Guifei that I will attend the Dragon Boat Festival. I would appreciate it if she could arrange a seat for me."