The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 48 - Five Poison Round Fan

Jiang Heqing finished speaking and had the items presented. The sachets and silk threads were standard palace items, nothing unusual, but the five-poison fan was different.

The black silk fan was embroidered with the five poisons: scorpion, gecko, toad, centipede, and snake. The bamboo handle felt cool to the touch, a rare and fine item. However, it was not something someone of her rank should use.

Lin Wanyi smiled faintly, picked up the black silk fan, and said, "Thank you for Lin Guifei's gift. I am very pleased."

She glanced at Qiu Ming, who stepped forward and said, "Lin Guifei has a keen eye. This five-poison fan looks like the one presented from Xuzhou last year. I remember the emperor saying it was exquisite and gave it to Guifei. I didn't expect to see it again."

"Oh? Such a coincidence," Lin Wanyi said in shock. "If it was a gift from the emperor, I dare not accept it. Please take it back, Eunuch Jiang."

"Don't worry, my lady. Since it was sent to you, it is your blessing. Most of Guifei's items are imperial gifts. If none could be given away, it would contradict the emperor's generosity. So, please accept it."

Jiang Heqing then turned to Qiu Ming, "Eunuch Qiu, you served in front of the emperor before. Am I correct?"

Jiang Heqing, the head eunuch of Lin Guifei's palace, was second only to Dong Yuzhong. Qiu Ming couldn't confront him directly and calmly replied, "Eunuch Jiang is correct."

Lin Wanyi looked deeply at Jiang Heqing, realizing she had to accept the fan. "In that case, I won't refuse. Please convey my gratitude to Lin Guifei."

"You're welcome, my lady. I will certainly do so."

Jiang Heqing left happily, but Lin Wanyi and Qiu Ming were troubled by the fan. "My lady, black silk is for the nobility in Da Wei. Even Yi Fei cannot use it freely. If you use this fan at the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, you might be accused of overstepping your rank."

Qiu Ming, knowledgeable about palace affairs, pointed out the details. Everyone was shocked. "Did Lin Guifei send it to embarrass you?" Chunqi asked anxiously.

"Embarrass me? Not necessarily. She wants me to stand out," Lin Wanyi said, examining the fan. She understood Lin Guifei's intentions clearly. Lin Guifei didn't fear her understanding, making it clear she wanted to make things difficult.

After setting her up in front of the emperor a few days ago, she sent this fine item. Despite Qiu Ming being the head steward of the Hall of Leisure, she boldly had Jiang Heqing deliver the fan, showing no fear of being exposed. This put Lin Wanyi in a difficult position.

Using the fan would make her stand out, causing more jealousy in the harem and giving the emperor a bad impression. Not using it would be seen as disrespecting Lin Guifei, also leading to trouble. Lin Wanyi felt stuck.

"Eunuch Qiu, please go to Qian'an Palace and see if the emperor can come to the Hall of Leisure for dinner."

This was the first time Lin Wanyi had sent someone to the emperor. Qiu Ming quickly understood her intention and nodded, "I will handle it."

After Qiu Ming left, Lin Wanyi instructed Chunqi, "Prepare some simple festival dishes, preferably common ones."

Chunqi didn't understand but followed orders and left. Xiao Luzi went to help, while Xia An stayed to serve Lin Wanyi.

"My Lady, inviting the emperor now might be too conspicuous."

"No choice. It's better than being seen as arrogant by everyone."

Xia An was also worried. Palace life was indeed challenging. Qiu Ming returned with good news. The emperor and Dong Yuzhong were curious about Lin Wanyi's unusual request and agreed to come.

The Hall of Leisure prepared for the emperor's visit. The imperial kitchen sent the menu early, including the emperor's favorite dishes and two of Lin Wanyi's favorites. The kitchen staff were clever, recording what was liked and disliked to tailor the meals.

Lin Wanyi removed her favorites and some heavy dishes, aiming for simplicity. Qiu Ming was unfazed, but Eunuch Pan from the kitchen was puzzled. "My Lady, will the emperor be satisfied with such a simple menu?"

"Just follow the plan. Chunqi made some other dishes. Don't waste too much."

"Understood," Eunuch Pan replied, thinking Lin Wanyi wanted to impress, so he went along.

By late afternoon, the emperor arrived early. Lin Wanyi, her legs better, walked to the palace gate to greet him. Seeing the emperor's carriage, she bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I wish you well."

"Rise. Your leg isn't fully healed. Why wait here?" he said, stepping down and standing before her. She looked even more elegant without makeup, highlighting her natural beauty. Compared to the heavily made-up concubines, she seemed refreshing.

"Why so proactive today? Is something wrong?" he asked as they walked inside, where the items sent by Lin Guifei were displayed.