The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 157 - Brother Wakes Up

Lin Wanyi's words made Du Momo see her in a completely new light.

She truly is a special person, living transparently and naturally in a complex and treacherous environment.

She doesn't easily get entangled by romantic feelings but has a sincerity that others can't match.

"What you said today, my Lady, has made me see things more clearly. I used to think you were just lucky to have the Emperor's favor. Today, I realize that it is the Emperor's fortune to have you by his side."

With that, Du Momo didn't press further.

What Lin Wanyi worried about wasn't something that could be explained in a few words by a servant.

If the Emperor was determined to spend his life with her, he would make arrangements.

If the Emperor had other considerations, then Lin Wanyi's steadfastness could allow her to live more freely in the palace.

Eventually, the silk handkerchief returned to Du Momo's hands.

This was the only memento left by Xian Fei to Du Momo, and Lin Wanyi couldn't and wouldn't take it.

However, after Du Momo left respectfully, Lin Wanyi's previously clear and broad-minded heart began to develop a faint sense of "greed."

Feelings arise without knowing their origin, deeply embedding themselves; the living can die, and the dead can live again.

The bond between Xian Fei and the late Emperor was out of place in the imperial family.

But if they had been born into an ordinary family, it would have been a legendary love story.

As for the Emperor and Empress Xu, their past was a cherished memory from their youth.

Lin Wanyi wouldn't touch it, nor would she mind it.

In fact, she was somewhat grateful for Empress Xu's existence.

She must have helped the Emperor a lot during those difficult times, and their mutual support made those hardships easier to bear.

Lin Wanyi pondered for half a day, and as it was nearing dinnertime, Eunuch Qin from the Inner Court arrived.

He brought good news for Lin Wanyi.

"The First Madam asked me to deliver a message to you, my Lady. Third Young Master has woken up and is now recuperating. Please don't worry."

This was the most exciting news Lin Wanyi had heard in days.

She couldn't hold back her tears, which fell like spring rain.

Xia'an, also overjoyed, saw her Lady crying and comforted her.

"My Lady, this is wonderful news."

"Yes, I know," Lin Wanyi replied.

She wiped her tears and said to Eunuch Qin,

"Thank you, Eunuch Qin, for bringing this news. The heavy stone in my heart has finally been lifted. If possible, could I trouble you to take a letter out for me? The matters at home are chaotic, and as a daughter, I can't help with anything."

Eunuch Qin smiled and bowed, saying,

"My Lady, just write the letter. I'll make sure it gets delivered. But other items, I'm afraid, can't be taken out. After all, they are palace property, and without the Emperor's decree, I'm afraid..."

"Rest assured, Eunuch. I understand. I won't put you in a difficult position. It's just a letter to tell my parents not to worry about me and to take good care of my brother."

"Yes, my Lady."

Then, as if remembering something, Eunuch Qin spoke again.

"Actually, it doesn't really matter if you send this letter, my lady. First Madam and Master have long known of the Emperor's favor toward you, so naturally, they feel assured."

"Favor?"

"Yes, indeed. If it weren't for your request, the Emperor wouldn't have sent Imperial Physician Dou personally to examine him, rewarded him with numerous medicinal herbs, and even issued an edict to promote the eldest master of the Lin family as the Vice Supervisor of the Imperial Astronomer, a rank-six official. Such honor is rare indeed!"

A promotion from rank-eight to rank-six—her father's advancement in position was certainly swift. However, Lin Wanyi couldn't help but feel that this matter wasn't so simple. Based on her understanding of the Emperor over recent days, he was not someone who would disregard his kingdom for the sake of beauty.

The matter of dividing the family's assets had indeed left the main branch at a disadvantage, yet it wasn't quite fitting for the Emperor to stand up for them directly. After much thought, she felt there might be something deeper behind this.

So, she cautiously asked, "Eunuch Qin, while that may be true, with Father and the others abruptly dividing the family, I fear there may be rumors circulating outside. That's why I thought to write a letter to reassure them."

"My lady is truly overthinking. Now, everyone in Shengjing knows that the Lin family's division is to bring fortune and longevity to the Prime Minister! With such a noble intention and the Prime Minister himself declaring it, naturally, it's universally praised. My lady, rest assured—eldest master's reputation in the capital is now top-tier."

"Fortune and longevity?" And it was the Prime Minister himself who claimed this? These words reaching Lin Wanyi's ears only heightened her suspicions. However, with Qin An present, it wasn't appropriate to investigate further. She smiled and said, "That is reassuring; thank you, Eunuch Qin, for your assistance these days."

With that, she gave Xia An a look. Xia An immediately stepped forward, offering a pouch. Eunuch Qin didn't refuse, accepting it with a smile. After concluding his business, he left the Huifang Courtyard, leaving Lin Wanyi alone to ponder.

The Imperial Physician had been dispatched, and precious medicinal herbs were gifted. While palace items might not necessarily surpass the hidden treasures of the Dong family, the gesture was thoughtful. Thinking of how her younger brother had finally awakened, her worries were slightly eased. Still, she hadn't expected the Emperor to take such actions privately. This moved her even more than seeing Lin Guifei punished and stripped of power. Her weakness had always been her family. Since she had entered the palace for her family's well-being, she would naturally also harbor other thoughts for their sake.

Reflecting carefully on everything since entering the palace, she felt that the Emperor's description of her was quite accurate: cold-hearted, cold-minded, and even cold-blooded.

Xia An noticed Lin Wanyi's gloom and cautiously asked, "My lady, what's the matter? You've been downcast all day."

Given the Emperor's care for her, she ought to be joyful. Yet, when the Emperor departed, his expression was somber, and she had remained silent for half the day as well. Could it be they'd had an argument?

Faced with her most trusted maid, Lin Wanyi spoke freely. "If you received a lavish gift you couldn't repay, what would you do?"

Xia An frowned thoughtfully before responding without hesitation, "I would naturally return the gift. If the other party put in such effort, then unless there was malicious intent, they must be exceptionally considerate. So, I would also try to select a fitting gift in return."

"And if you couldn't find a suitable gift? Or if nothing you chose could compare to what they possess?"