"Mother is mistaken," Lin Wanyi said softly. "If your daughter can earn some favor in His Majesty's eyes after entering the palace, it will indeed bring benefits to Father and my brothers. Do you really wish to see Eldest Brother and Third Brother live in obscurity, constantly suppressed by the West Wing, without ever getting a chance to rise?"
Dong stopped crying. At the mention of her sons' futures, a flicker of resolve returned to her tearful eyes. She looked at her daughter with a mixture of sorrow and apology.
"Don't worry," Lin Wanyi continued gently. "Your daughter is not some reed to be bent at will. Besides, didn't Second Aunt mention that there's already an elder sister in the palace? You and I both know their intentions—since they need me to help her retain favor, they will naturally ensure my safety."
These words soothed Dong's anxious heart. Crying was no longer useful; she could only focus on what could be done. So she wiped her tears and began to prepare her daughter's luggage.
That night, Lin Wanyi took her time bidding farewell to her parents, sharing a quiet conversation with her elder and younger brothers before retiring for the night.
When only a single lamp remained lit in her chamber, she lay awake in bed, thinking about the uncertain road ahead. The words she'd spoken during the day were only to comfort her mother—what lay beyond the palace gates was a complete unknown.
It was not until the sky began to lighten that she finally drifted into a shallow sleep.
---
The next morning, in the carriage bound for the palace, Lin Wanyi dozed lightly.
Her maids, Chunqi and Xia An, sat nervously beside her, glancing at their young mistress's tired expression and the palace walls looming closer with every jolt of the carriage.
"Little Master... Little Master..." Chunqi's soft voice broke the silence.
Lin Wanyi stirred. "We're here?"
"The palace servant said we've arrived at Shunzhen Gate. The carriage is not allowed past this point."
Lin Wanyi nodded, drew a slow breath, and lifted the curtain to disembark.
Before her stood the towering red palace walls, solemn and grand. The plaque above read "Shunzhen Gate." Waiting outside were three palace attendants in ink-colored cloud-silk robes with deep green embroidery.
"I am Xu Guangping, steward of the inner court. Greetings, Miss Lin."
"You are too kind, Eunuch Xu," Lin Wanyi replied politely.
"I've been ordered to escort you. We'll proceed to Chuxiu Palace."
Having entered the palace, Lin Wanyi knew she had no choice but to follow the rules. She composed herself and stepped through the side door behind Eunuch Xu.
The heavy gate slowly closed behind her. Lin Wanyi glanced back at the city one last time, then turned and walked forward without hesitation.
---
The initial inspection at Chuxiu Palace was long and strict.
Her entire person was examined by palace maids—from her clothes to the pins in her hair. It took over half an hour before the head maid bowed.
"Please forgive us, Little Master. These procedures are required for concubines entering the palace."
"I understand," Lin Wanyi said calmly. "Is the maidservants' inspection complete as well?"
"Yes. Once you change into palace attire, a maid will guide you to Yihua Palace."
Changing into her new clothes with the maids' help, Lin Wanyi felt the weight of formality settle onto her shoulders. No complaints—this was the reality she'd chosen.
---
Yihua Palace was awe-inspiring. The atmosphere was steeped in order and tension.
On the way, they passed several groups of maids and eunuchs who all bowed and saluted strictly according to the rules. Chunqi and Xia An followed behind, stiff with nerves. By the time they realized what doors and halls they'd passed, they were already standing in the east hall of Yihua Palace.
An older maid with a stern face gave a curt nod. "This hall to the left is where you'll be staying. It's well-furnished. If anything's lacking, send word to the inner court."
"Thank you for your guidance, Madam," Lin Wanyi said.
Xia An handed over a heavy pouch discreetly. The madam accepted it without changing expression. Her tone immediately softened.
"Miss Lin entered the palace a month later than the others. Yihua Palace currently has no official concubine, so the main hall remains vacant. The highest-ranked girl here is Chu Guiren in the rear hall—her father is General Huwei of the Northwest. On the right is Mu Yingying, daughter of the magistrate of Huaiyin. She holds the same standing as you. There's no need to greet her."
Money indeed opened many mouths. With a few well-chosen words, Lin Wanyi gained a clearer picture of her surroundings.
"Thank you, Madam. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated."
"You should rest for now. A palace maid will summon you later."
The madam bowed and left the east hall.
---
Once she was gone, Chunqi and Xia An finally relaxed.
"Miss—ah, I mean, Little Master—is anyone else coming later?" Chunqi asked.
"Likely someone from the Imperial Concubine's quarters. As new entrants to the palace, we'll be summoned."
Chunqi nodded slowly, but Xia An was quicker to respond. "You can't call her 'Miss' anymore. In the palace, it's 'Little Master.'"
Chunqi stuck out her tongue. "Right, I forgot... Little Master, what should we do now?"
"Put away the things we brought."
"Shouldn't we greet the others living here in Yihua Palace?"
"Harem rules are strict. Empress Xu has been gone for three years. Now the palace is governed by the Imperial Concubine. We must greet her first—it would be improper to do otherwise."
Lin Wanyi's tone was patient. She had no illusions. In the Palace, It's just serving the same man with a bunch of women. But women's hearts are like needles in the sea, especially in the palace. If they make a mistake, they will attract the attention of many people, so Lin Wanyi dared not take it lightly.
Thankfully, she had long practiced reading people's expressions at home. She wouldn't easily break any rules.
"Agarwood, please," she instructed. Xia An lit the incense, and the soothing scent calmed their nerves.
There wasn't much to unpack. It was quickly done.
To the left was the study, filled with miscellaneous books Lin Wanyi enjoyed and a few clever little toys her father had given her. To the right was the bedroom. The yellow pear wood bed was carved with crabapple blossoms, and the drapes were a soft shade of autumn fragrance, making even the light that shone through feel gentle.
As Chunqi was asking what to prepare for lunch, footsteps approached outside.