The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 75 - Imperial Astronomical Observatory

So, he obediently followed the Emperor's orders, knowing it was the most important task.

In the palace, due to Lin Guifei's extensive search, everyone was on edge, fearing they might get implicated.

However, the Huifang Courtyard in the west was particularly quiet at this time.

When Lin Wanyi woke up, she found herself lying in her own courtyard. Upon opening her eyes, she saw Chunqi and Xia'an quietly bustling about outside the screen.

"Cough, cough."

Hearing the noise from the bedroom, the two quickly ran in. Chunqi rushed to her side and knelt down, crying with tears streaming down her face.

"My lady, my lady, you finally woke up. What would I do if something happened to you?"

She cried sorrowfully, and Xia'an, feeling guilty, also shed tears. Their distress made Lin Wanyi feel very guilty.

"Alright, I'm fine."

Seeing them still crying, Lin Wanyi had to raise her voice.

"I'm very thirsty. How about letting me have some water before we talk?"

"My lady wants water? I'll get it right away!"

Chunqi had prepared some rock sugar pear water in the small kitchen, knowing it would be soothing after her vomiting. She hurried away, and Xia'an immediately handed over a pill.

"My lady, this is the antidote for the Poison Pill. Please take it quickly."

Lin Wanyi nodded and put the pill in her mouth without water. The antidote wasn't bitter at all; it was even a bit refreshing, soothing her previously hoarse throat.

"Thank goodness for the antidote, or I would be to blame even if I died a thousand times!"

Knowing Xia'an was worried, Lin Wanyi smiled weakly.

"Don't worry. If there was no antidote, I wouldn't dare to take poison so easily."

Xia'an nodded, but her eyes still showed lingering fear.

"How are things outside?"

"I heard from Xiao Luzi that Lin Guifei is furious and has thoroughly searched all the courtyards of the palace concubines. All the food for today has been inspected one by one. The atmosphere outside is still tense, so you can rest assured and recuperate."

Lin Wanyi closed her eyes and sighed deeply. If she had a choice, she wouldn't want to alarm and implicate so many people. But being forced into this situation, she had no other option.

She thought that if Lin Guifei knew she had a cold condition and was difficult to conceive, she might abandon her as a pawn. If she was useless, perhaps her parents and brothers would be less controlled. Considering the Emperor's temporary favor, it wouldn't be too difficult for her.

She needed to find a way to have her grandfather take her brother out of the Prime Minister's residence. Otherwise, staying there, he wouldn't have a future, and even survival would be difficult.

Having just woken up, Lin Wanyi kept thinking about these things. Thinking too much made her body start to protest, and her head ached terribly.

After drinking the rock sugar pear water brought by Chunqi, she felt much better. The burning sensation had significantly lessened, and combined with the medication, she began to feel drowsy again.

Seeing her eyelids drooping, Xia'an softly suggested, "My lady, you should rest more. After this ordeal, you'll need to recuperate for a few months."

"Mm," Lin Wanyi responded, her breathing gradually calming as she drifted into a deep sleep. Xia'an lowered the bed curtains and quietly left the room.

Just as she closed the door, Qiu Ming approached, looking worried. "How is the lady?"

"Still asleep."

"And the medicine prescribed by Physician Dou?"

"She can take it when she wakes up. Being able to sleep now is a good thing."

Qiu Ming nodded, agreeing with Xia'an's assessment. After a moment of thought, he added, "You should continue to comfort her. I privately asked Physician Dou, and he said it's not entirely impossible for her to conceive. Once her health improves, we can gradually work on it. There's no rush."

Hearing this, Xia'an felt a deeper respect for Qiu Ming. Typically, a concubine who couldn't bear children had little future. Given Qiu Ming's status and prospects, staying in the Huifang Courtyard seemed like a waste for him. She had thought he might be reassigned, but he remained steadfast and genuinely concerned for the lady.

Xia'an smiled and bowed to him. "Rest assured, Eunuch Qiu, we will take good care of the lady."

"That's good."

In the Qinxian Hall, the Emperor looked at the two kneeling before him, appearing somewhat weary.

"Minister Jin Shixi, Director of the Imperial Observatory, greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

"Minister Lin Guangzu, Head of the Imperial Observatory, greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

"Rise."

"Yes."

Jin Shixi, a man in his forties with a tall and sturdy build, a resolute face, and a mustache, stood calmly, having been frequently summoned by the Emperor. In contrast, Lin Guangzu appeared nervous and uneasy, as it was his first audience with the Emperor.

The Emperor noticed this and calmly said, "Minister Lin, there's no need to be nervous. According to common folk, I should call you father-in-law."

At this, sweat began to bead on Lin Guangzu's forehead. Despite it being midsummer, he felt a chill down his spine and quickly responded, "Your humble servant does not dare."

"No need for formalities. Lin Changzai often speaks of her family and misses her parents and brothers. Since she is now in the palace, it is only right for me to look after them on her behalf."

Jin Shixi stood by, his expression unchanged, as if he hadn't heard a word, respectfully listening to the Emperor and Lin Guangzu's conversation. The Emperor's questions were casual, and Lin Guangzu answered cautiously. Gradually, Lin Guangzu became more at ease, and the Emperor shifted the topic.

"How are the celestial signs lately?"

Jin Shixi respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the celestial signs are stable. However, I noticed that the stars and moon in the west seem to be obscured by mist, indicating that a consort may face some difficulties."

"Oh? How so?"

"The west corresponds to metal, which overcomes wood. Therefore, consorts with names or surnames containing wood should be cautious."

Hearing this, Lin Guangzu frowned at Jin Shixi. Being knowledgeable in celestial phenomena himself, he hadn't noticed the signs Jin Shixi mentioned. The Emperor looked at Jin Shixi and slowly asked, "How can this be resolved?"