The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 45 - The Regent Ministers

In the eighth year of Jianwu, Yuwen Hong was only six years old but already held the title of Crown Prince. It was expected that he would receive guidance from the emperor until he reached adulthood.

However, illness struck suddenly, and within just two years, the once tall and mighty Emperor Yuwen Zhan was reduced to a mere skeleton by his sickness.

Seeing that his end was near, he used his last breath to summon four individuals, appointing them as regent ministers.

These were Prime Minister Lin, Prince Zhan, Duke Xu, and the Marquis of the Northwest.

At that time, Prime Minister Lin also served as the Crown Prince's tutor, so they shared both a ruler-subject relationship and a teacher-student bond.

Among the four, Prime Minister Lin was the closest to Yuwen Hong.

Prince Zhan represented the royal family, while the Marquis of the Northwest represented the military forces. These two factions had long-standing conflicts, so appointing both was meant to balance power.

As for Duke Xu, he was known for his loyalty and integrity, dedicating his life to the Great Wei. His legitimate granddaughter was the emperor's chosen Crown Princess.

In the tenth year of Jianwu, the former emperor passed away. In June of the same year, Crown Prince Yuwen Hong officially ascended the throne, changing the era name to Yuanhe, known as the first year of Yuanhe.

Since then, Yuwen Hong no longer knew what childhood or happiness was.

He woke up early every day to attend court, listening to political affairs he barely understood.

After court, he returned to the palace to study tirelessly.

With regent ministers overseeing him and the empress dowager supervising, he felt like a fish on a chopping block.

So when Lin Wanyi mentioned her past in the Prime Minister's residence, he was somewhat moved.

Everyone envied his early ascension to the throne, enjoying eternal peace and glory.

But how many knew the fear and deep loneliness behind it?

It seemed he had everything in the world—three thousand beauties and many children—but how many truly loved him?

Since Empress Xu's death, there had been no confidant in the palace.

Now, Lin Wanyi's presence brought him some peace.

Therefore, Lin Wanyi's background needed a thorough investigation; he could no longer afford any disturbances around him.

Upon receiving the order to create the plaque for the Hall of Leisure, the inner court immediately got to work.

Selecting wood, carving the imperial characters, and applying gold paint—each step had to be meticulous and swift, keeping the craftsmen extremely busy.

In just one day and night, the plaque was completed.

When it was delivered to the left side hall, Chunqi and Lin Wanyi came out to see it.

The left side hall had been an ordinary palace, nothing special.

But once the plaque was hung, it became a "home."

Lin Wanyi was very fond of the plaque.

To outsiders, it symbolized imperial favor, as few plaques in the harem were personally inscribed by the emperor.

But to Lin Wanyi, it felt like the first place that truly belonged to her.

In the Prime Minister's residence, the East Wing was just a place to stay, devoid of any warmth.

Her years at her maternal grandfather's house gave her a sense of belonging, but she couldn't stay there forever.

The Hall of Leisure was different.

Whether she liked it or not, once she entered the palace, she could never leave.

So, this would be her "home" forever.

No matter if she moved due to promotion or demotion, this place will always be one of her fondest memories.

"The emperor must really like you, as the hall's name includes your name," Chunqi whispered to Lin Wanyi.

Lin Wanyi didn't know how to respond.

She had only been in the palace for a month, yet she had such interactions with the emperor.

Whether he liked her or not was uncertain, but she was different from others.

Standing at the hall's entrance, she was about to go inside when she heard someone approaching.

"Sister, I came uninvited. You won't be unhappy, will you?"

It was Mu Lanchun, whom she hadn't seen in a while, walking in quickly, causing Qiu Ming and others to frown.

Mu Lanchun hurried to Lin Wanyi, affectionately taking her hand and smiling.

"Sister, you are truly fortunate. I heard about it even in the right side hall."

She glanced at the high-hanging plaque, her eyes flashing with envy.

"I heard you were injured before. I wanted to visit, but I didn't want to disturb your recovery, so I delayed until today. You won't blame me, will you?"

Mu Lanchun sounded aggrieved, but Lin Wanyi didn't mind.

They were merely acquaintances, not close enough for disappointment.

"It's the thought that counts. Even if you had come earlier, I couldn't have seen you. I was sleeping and recovering, only able to move around these past two days."

Hearing this, Mu Lanchun turned to her maid Ying'er and gestured.

"This is my family's ancestral ointment for injuries. If you don't mind, you can use it."

"Thank you for your kindness."

Lin Wanyi signaled Xia An to accept it.

Mu Lanchun then took over supporting Lin Wanyi, helping her into the inner room.

They sat in the main hall, and Qiu Ming served tea.

After taking a sip, Mu Lanchun said with surprise.

"No wonder the emperor likes coming here. Even the tea is different."

This was a polite lie, as the tea was ordinary, not fruit tea.

Lin Wanyi smiled without speaking.

She believed Mu Lanchun had a reason for visiting, not just a casual visit.

After half a cup of tea and some small talk, Mu Lanchun hesitantly spoke.

"I heard you will watch the dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival. Can you take me with you?"

Watching the dragon boat race was open to all harem members, and Mu Lanchun, having a rank, could naturally go. Lin Wanyi was puzzled by her request.

"Is it because..."

Mu Lanchun looked disappointed, unwilling but not daring to show it.

"You are favored and can accompany the emperor, but someone like me, even if I go, will be at the back, unable to see the lake, let alone the race."

"Please, sister, show me some mercy."

Mu Lanchun was straightforward, always having a purpose for her visits.

She didn't want to live a forgotten life in the palace. Even if she couldn't be a favored concubine, she didn't want to be ignored.

So she sought Lin Wanyi's help.

Chunqi was clearly displeased with such a bold request.