The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 67 - Palace Arrangements

Qiu Ming gave Lin Wanyi a deep look, seemingly surprised that such a young and newly entered concubine could have such a shrewd insight. He couldn't help but remind himself to be more diligent in his duties in the future.

In the right side hall of Yihua Palace, Ying'er was joyfully packing up the boxes.

Mu Lanchun sat idly at the Eight Immortals table, playing with her hair, showing a hint of melancholy.

"What's wrong, my lady?"

"Nothing, just thinking about going to the imperial villa with His Majesty in a few days, I have some indescribable feelings."

"This is such a good thing! If the master and madam knew you were so esteemed in the palace, they would be happy too. And maybe when we return from the villa, we might move to Yaoyue Palace. With someone as good as Ying Fei as the main seat, your days will surely be comfortable!"

Ying'er was happier than anyone, but Mu Lanchun didn't smile much after hearing this.

"These are all uncertain things. Which woman in the harem would want to share the emperor's favor? They are all too busy guarding against each other. Ying Fei is no fool, just casually saying a few words. I won't believe it until the day we actually move."

Moreover, moving to Yaoyue Palace might not necessarily be more comfortable than staying in Yihua Palace.

In their large palace, there was no main seat to support them. If one climbed quickly, the grand main hall would become their possession.

However, it wouldn't be her possession, but Lin Wanyi's.

She was aware of this.

In terms of favor and family power, Lin Wanyi was very likely to become the head of Yihua Palace!

She wanted to curry favor, but unfortunately, the other party was not willing.

"Forget it, let's prepare the luggage quickly. This trip to the villa will last at least three months, so bring plenty of things."

"Don't worry, my lady, I know."

In the following days, the consorts who were to accompany the emperor to the villa were all busy packing. Although the villa had everything, it was still better to use familiar items.

Especially for the pregnant Lan Fei and Ying Fei, it was almost like moving the entire palace.

The carriages had already set off, sending the large boxes ahead.

The lighter luggage would follow with the group.

Xiao Luzi and Chunqi went ahead to arrange things at the villa, while Xia'an and Qiu Ming stayed with Lin Wanyi in the palace, waiting to depart with the main group the next day.

In Changning Palace, Chu Daying, who had been demoted and confined, listened to the lively sounds outside, feeling as if a cat was scratching her heart.

The head maid of the palace was the most upright person.

Bribery didn't work, and neither did intimidation. She was completely impervious, making it impossible to get through.

It had been some days since she moved to this palace. Initially, she was full of resentment, but now she was more worried and scared.

She was only sixteen, and to disappear silently in the palace, how could she be willing!

Hearing the commotion outside made her even more anxious.

The emperor was taking people to the imperial villa for several months. By the time they returned, wouldn't he have forgotten about her completely?

For the first time, she pleaded with An Momo.

"Momo, I have offended you in the past. Please forgive me. I have an urgent matter and need to see Yi Fei. Please help me."

As she spoke, she took off the red jade gold bracelet from her wrist and handed it to An Momo.

Unfortunately, An Momo's expression remained stern and unmoved.

"My lady, you are putting me in a difficult position. The emperor personally ordered that you be confined for three months. If I let you out, I would be punished for defying the imperial decree, and even you might not escape punishment. So, please accept your confinement."

With that, she turned and left. Watching her leave, Chu Daying was furious.

"How dare you treat me like this just because I lost favor! Wait and see, the Chu family is not to be trifled with."

She believed that if her father and brother knew about her situation, they would find a way to help her.

Her worry lessened slightly, and she looked up at the sky with a fierce determination.

The next day, the weather was cool and breezy, a perfect time for travel.

The large entourage from the palace set out from the imperial city towards the imperial villa.

The journey wasn't far, but with so many people, it took most of the day.

Lin Wanyi, following palace rules, sat in a carriage towards the back of the procession.

It wasn't very spacious, but it was enough for her and Xia'an.

As the carriage swayed along, Lin Wanyi finally saw the mountains and rivers outside the imperial city through the curtain.

Perhaps her mindset had changed, as the scenery now seemed different.

"Before entering the palace, I traveled with my grandfather's family for a few years. Back then, these mountains and rivers seemed ordinary. Now, after seeing the palace's luxury and refinement, I find the simplicity and natural beauty of the landscape quite charming."

"You are right, my lady. Now is the time when flowers are in full bloom, and the scenery is truly beautiful."

Lin Wanyi smiled and closed her eyes, using her senses to enjoy the freedom.

After a long day, with two snack breaks in the carriage, they finally arrived at the imperial villa.

The concubines were each assigned to their own courtyards.

The emperor, of course, stayed in the central Qinxian Hall.

This was the heart of the villa, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation.

There was even a three-story pavilion here, offering a panoramic view of the villa and the distant lights of the city.

Lin Guifei stayed in Yaotai Pavilion, the closest and most scenic spot to the emperor.

Surrounded by water on three sides and backed by fairy-like mountains, it was a paradise of blooming flowers.

The other concubines were also assigned to various places.

Lin Wanyi followed the palace maid who was guiding them westward, winding through many stone paths, until they reached a secluded area.

"This is Huifang Courtyard, please enter, Lady Lin."

Xia'an helped Lin Wanyi into the courtyard, which had a two-entry layout with a screen wall at the entrance and a small garden.

The courtyard wasn't large but was clean and elegant.

The main house had three rooms with white walls, blue tiles, red pillars, and wooden doors, much more understated compared to the palace.

Lin Wanyi looked around and saw that there were small rooms on either side, likely for the servants.

What she liked most was the banana trees planted at the back of the courtyard, reminding her of her days in the east wing of the Prime Minister's residence.