The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 69 - Yi Fei shows off her power.

Having heard it often since childhood, Lin Wanyi didn't think much of her beauty. Instead, she found it somewhat burdensome.

If not for this face, she wouldn't have been sent to the palace to secure favor.

Being separated from her family, putting her brother at risk, and causing her grandfather's family to worry—all these thoughts dampened her spirits.

"Get up, I'm a bit tired."

"Yes, my lady."

After putting on her soft inner garments, Xia'an and Chunqi applied a moisturizing lotion to her skin, then used a cloth to dry her hair before slowly combing it out.

Lin Wanyi fell into a deep sleep before her hair was completely dry.

She had a good night's sleep.

The next morning, she woke up with a headache.

The more she moved, the worse it got.

"Xia'an."

"I'm here, my lady."

"Bring me some medicine. I must have caught a chill yesterday; my head hurts terribly."

Hearing this, Xia'an immediately came over, hung up the bed curtains, and checked her pulse with a frown.

After a moment, she said softly, "My lady, next time, wait until your hair is dry before sleeping. Otherwise, the summer breeze will make you feel unwell."

She then handed over some warm water, which Lin Wanyi drank in one gulp.

"My lady, you haven't had breakfast yet. It's not good to take medicine on an empty stomach. Let's have breakfast first, and then I'll massage your head."

"Alright."

If it weren't for the luncheon at Shengjing Tower, Lin Wanyi wouldn't have wanted to get out of bed.

Even after breakfast and a head massage, the headache didn't ease much.

Xia'an helped her take the medicine, and then, along with Qiu Ming, the three of them headed east to Qinxian Hall.

They walked slowly, taking about half an hour to get there.

On a normal day, Lin Wanyi would have been curious about the surroundings, but today her headache was so severe that she just wanted to finish the meal quickly and return to bed.

So, she focused on walking, paying no attention to the scenery.

Seeing her pale face, Xia'an worriedly said, "My lady, should we go back? I'm afraid you won't be able to hold on."

Qiu Ming also noticed something was wrong and was about to speak when Lin Wanyi interrupted.

"This is the first palace banquet at the villa. Even Lin Guifei wouldn't miss it casually. If I, a newly appointed Changzai, don't attend, it will give people something to talk about."

She patted Xia'an's hand and managed a weak smile.

"Don't worry, it's just a headache. Walking might make me feel better."

Xia'an knew how important today's event was, so she supported Lin Wanyi all the way, fearing she might trip due to her headache.

"My lady, how about I borrow a sedan chair for the return trip? The rules here aren't as strict, and even a Changzai can use one."

Qiu Ming, seeing Lin Wanyi's discomfort, suggested this.

"We'll see on the way back. Let's go for now."

"Yes."

The three of them finally reached the entrance of Qinxian Hall, just in time to meet Yi Fei.

She was accompanied by two attendants, looking more dignified than when Chu Daying was around.

One was Lady He, who looked very pleased with herself, and the other was someone Lin Wanyi hadn't seen before. Qiu Ming's expression turned serious upon seeing this person, and he glanced at Lin Wanyi, sensing trouble.

Even if Lin Wanyi were naive, she knew Yi Fei held a grudge against her because of Chu Daying.

She decided to face the situation head-on, adhering strictly to protocol.

She immediately performed a half-kneel salute to Yi Fei.

"Your servant Lin Changzai greets Yi Fei."

Yi Fei, dressed elegantly in a sapphire blue gown embroidered with silver flowers, held a crystal prayer bead bracelet with rare red pearls and tourmaline pendants, sparkling in the sunlight.

Seeing Lin Wanyi's proper salute, Yi Fei didn't tell her to rise. Instead, she turned to a nearby concubine.

"Sister Bai, you haven't seen the emperor's new Changzai, Lady Lin. Her beauty is said to be heavenly. I think only you can rival her."

Lin Wanyi's heart sank. She had hoped to avoid trouble at the villa, but it found her anyway.

She decided to keep a low profile.

"Oh, Yi Fei's words make me curious. Lin Changzai, lift your head so I can see what kind of beauty has everyone in the palace envious."

Even before seeing her, Lin Wanyi sensed hostility.

It seemed this Bai Pin was not to be trifled with.

She straightened her back and lifted her chin slightly.

A disdainful snort followed, and Bai Pin said coldly, "I thought she would be an extraordinary beauty, but she's just average. She has some looks, but nothing unparalleled."

Yi Fei laughed, enjoying the scene.

"Indeed, Sister Bai is the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan. It's no wonder she doesn't think much of Lin Changzai."

Their words were meant to embarrass Lin Wanyi.

Already unwell, Lin Wanyi's legs were numb from kneeling, and she felt faint.

But she couldn't lose composure in front of Yi Fei, or it would cause more trouble.

She remained silent, respectful, and faultless.

"Sister Bai, you don't know. Among us new ladies, only Lin Changzai has won the emperor's favor. In just two months, she was promoted from Daying to Changzai. Such honor is rare."

Lady He, seemingly praising Lin Wanyi, was actually sowing discord.

Bai Pin's face darkened.

She glared at Lin Wanyi and said sarcastically, "When I entered the palace, I was just a Daying. It took years to become a Guiren, thanks to the emperor's grace and Yi Fei's help. Lin Changzai must have had a lot of support from Lin Guifei."

Bai Pin had been confined to Zhongcui Palace due to Lin Guifei's schemes, angering the emperor.

Now released, she naturally harbored resentment towards Lin Guifei.