The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 153 - Faking Fainting to Avoid Punishment

After thinking it over, the Emperor spoke to everyone.

"Everyone, leave."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xia'an, anxious to step forward and check on her mistress, worried that her cold-induced illness might have really flared up again. But Dong Yuzhong firmly pulled her away, forcing her to leave.

Before leaving, they closed the door to the room.

As soon as the two stepped out, the Second Prince and Du Momo hurried over.

"Is Lin Changzai all right? Why did Father send you out? Who's taking care of her now?"

The Second Prince was ready to barge into the room.

"Please don't worry, Your Highness. Lin Changzai is fine; the Emperor is with her. The imperial physician will go in shortly."

After saying this, they exchanged a glance with Du Momo and Qiu Ming, silently signaling them. They knew they were in a delicate situation today and dared not provoke the Emperor further, so it was better to step back.

As for Lin Wanyi, she surely had her own way of handling things. Judging by the Emperor's concerned expression earlier, it was unlikely that anything serious would happen to her.

Du Momo then stepped forward to reassure the Second Prince, saying, "Lin Changzai is under the Emperor's care, so there's no need to worry, Your Highness. Why don't we return to the back courtyard? Let me assist you with washing up and preparing breakfast."

They had left early, so they hadn't yet eaten breakfast. Originally, they had planned to eat upon returning, but then the Emperor had unexpectedly arrived.

The Second Prince glanced worriedly toward the room, but there was no sound from within. Seeing that both Dong Yuzhong and Du Momo were offering kind words of reassurance, he allowed himself to be persuaded to leave. Before going, he added, "If Lin Changzai wakes, please let me know immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness," replied Qiu Ming, his usual serious expression back in place.

Xia An, not foolish, could tell by now that Lin Changzai had probably fainted on purpose. After all, she'd done it for their sake; otherwise, those ten strikes would have been difficult to bear!

With this in mind, she turned to Dong Yuzhong and said, "I'll go fetch some breakfast for Lin Changzai. I'll leave this place under your care, Chief Eunuch Dong."

"Go on, go on."

Looking at the people in the room, Dong Yuzhong thought, Each of them thinks they're clever, but they're all clueless. They didn't even realize why the Emperor was so furious. He signaled to Qiu Ming, and the two of them stepped outside to speak quietly.

"The Emperor hasn't visited Huifang Courtyard in days. Didn't it occur to any of you to inquire after him?"

At these words, Qiu Ming immediately understood the root of the issue.

So this was about that... no wonder he seemed irritated with all of us.

"But wasn't Ming Changzai serving him at the palace? Why...?"

"After serving by the Emperor's side for so long, you still don't understand his mind? And you didn't even hint to Lin Changzai about it? If you end up punished, you've no one to blame but yourselves!"

Qiu Ming fell silent, realizing the wisdom in his mentor's words. He looked toward the room, silently praying for Lin Changzai to handle the situation well.

Inside, once everyone had left, the Emperor let out a cold snort and said, "Stop pretending. Get up. I won't punish you."

Only then did Lin Wanyi slowly open her eyes, offering the Emperor a slightly embarrassed smile. Yet his expression remained tense, his gaze filled with both anger and frustration—though he was clearly restraining himself from showing it.

"Your Majesty... I wouldn't dare. Please don't be upset."

In his presence, Lin Wanyi rarely displayed such a coquettish attitude, leaving the Emperor unsure whether to remain angry or not. He could only keep a stern face, refusing to speak.

Lin Wanyi had never experienced a cold shoulder from the Emperor before. Given that they rarely had time or opportunity for conflict, seeing his reluctance to engage, she felt saying more might only make things worse. After all, if she misspoke, someone else might end up bearing the blame.

So, she kept quiet, lying there in his arms without another word. She had to admit, the Emperor was remarkably warm.

Seeing her silence, the Emperor felt both exasperated and helpless. After that night, he had confided in Lin Wanyi about the late Empress Xu, hoping she would understand his feelings and draw closer to him. But unexpectedly, she showed little reaction.

Meanwhile, he had to investigate the Xu family's hidden dealings, so he had frequently summoned Ming Changzai to Qiqing Palace. Rumors had been circulating for days, and every other consort was eager to please, yet Huifang Courtyard remained as quiet as if nothing had happened—not even a single inquiry. He had underestimated Lin Wanyi's cold heart and indifference. No matter how he tried, it seemed he couldn't warm her.

The Emperor swallowed his words, but frustration still lingered, so he eventually spoke bluntly. "I've been summoning Ming Changzai these past few days."

Lin Wanyi, puzzled by his statement, thought, Was that what he was bottling up this whole time? And what else?

Unclear on his meaning, she responded politely, "Ming Changzai's dance at the palace banquet was indeed impressive. It's only natural that Your Majesty would appreciate her talents."

"When did I say I liked her? Didn't I already explain that it's due to matters concerning the late Empress Xu?"

Lin Wanyi gave an awkward smile. Wasn't I just following the conversation? His temper is so hard to read and even harder to please.

"I understand. So... has Your Majesty discovered anything?"

"Not yet."

"Oh."

With just a few words, the conversation fell flat. Sometimes, the Emperor wondered if she was genuinely oblivious or simply pretending. Ordinarily, she was quick-witted and perceptive, able to grasp even his subtle hints. But today, she seemed as sticky as glue.

Then, Lin Wanyi suddenly seemed to remember something and curiously asked, "Your Majesty, just now, did you call me by my personal name?"

"Hmm."

"How did you know it?"

The Emperor had actually overheard it twice—once when Lin Xingzhi called out her name after rescuing Lin Wanyi from the water.

The other time was when Lord Lin, upon learning that Lin Wanyi had been poisoned, cried out her name in a panic.

Just now, in his moment of urgency, the Emperor had called her by her name because he feared she had collapsed due to a physical ailment. Now that she'd brought it up, he felt a bit awkward. However, he wasn't about to admit it, so he replied, "In this world, if I want to know something, what could possibly escape my awareness?"

The Emperor's imposing authority was on full display at that moment.

Lin Wanyi was speechless. The Emperor certainly had a knack for being contrary. It was just her personal name, and she'd only asked out of curiosity. Did he really have to turn it into a display of his prowess?