"Really?"
Lin Wanyi arched her brows with a gentle smile and nodded. At that, Mu Da Ying nearly twirled in delight.
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony!"
Her excitement and girlish enthusiasm were plain to see. Though Lin Wanyi was only two years her senior, the composed air she carried felt like a world apart from Mu Da Ying's youthful energy.
In the left hall of Yihua Palace.
Chunqi noticed her young mistress returning with two unfamiliar figures and blinked curiously.
"I, Chunqi, greet the young mistress. May I ask who these ladies are?"
Before Lin Wanyi could reply, Mu Da Ying chimed in boldly.
"I'm Mu Da Ying from the Right Hall. I came to share a bowl of longevity noodles with my elder sister."
So that was the story.
Chunqi quickly bowed with a polite smile. "Greetings to Miss Mu. Welcome."
"No need to be so formal. I've never been good with rules—my mother's always scolding me about that," Mu Da Ying laughed, her words cutting through the tension with refreshing ease.
Her lively, straightforward nature immediately closed some distance. Even Chunqi and Lin Wanyi, reserved as they were, found themselves caught off guard.
"Chunqi, have Xiao Luzi check if the imperial kitchen has any fresh noodles. Just get some and bring them here."
"Yes, young mistress."
"Xiao Luzi? A new eunuch?" Mu Da Ying asked curiously.
As a concubine for over a month, she had only Ying'er and a rough-hand servant girl with her—no eunuchs. Naturally, her interest was piqued.
"No, he was sent from the Inner Court to help run errands. Still part of the Inner Court's service," Chunqi replied.
"Oh, I see."
Mu Da Ying's innocent expression made it unclear whether she was truly simple or hiding her thoughts behind a childlike mask.
Lin Wanyi studied her for a moment, unable to decide.
After stepping into the inner hall, Mu Da Ying was even more amazed.
The rooms were connected in a series of three. The central hall held a huanghuali wood table, flanked by matching armchairs. Delicate crabapple blossoms were carved into the handles and backrests, softened by silk brocade cushions patterned with round flowers.
Screens partitioned the side rooms, painted with the four seasons on one side and the "Four Gentlemen"—plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—on the other. The materials were exquisite, and the overall effect was one of refined elegance.
"Sister, this Left Hall is truly beautiful. Though the size is no different from the Right Hall, the furnishings here are on another level. After all, you have someone to protect you. Naturally, the palace staff serve you with more care."
A hint of envy crept into her tone.
Lin Wanyi remained silent. It was true.
When she had first arrived, she too had been surprised by the quality of her quarters.
But when Xiao Luzi had shown no reaction to the furnishings, she understood they must have been arranged by the Inner Court ahead of time—whether for her as a concubine or on behalf of the Xiangfu, she wasn't sure.
Their origins were out of their hands.
To outsiders, she was the second daughter of the powerful Xiangfu, of noble birth.
But the hardships she endured were not worth explaining.
"The longevity noodles are not ready yet. Miss Mu, have some tea to moisten your throat."
Xia An, ever cautious, kept a subtle eye on this unexpected visitor. When Mu Da Ying mentioned the furnishings, Xia An stepped in deliberately, drawing her attention away.
Mu Da Ying took a sip, her smile never fading, and smoothly changed the topic.
"The Left and Right Halls are separated from the main and back halls by long corridors, with a moon gate between them. If Sister wants quiet, just close the moon gate—it'll be like your own courtyard."
Lin Wanyi had not noticed that before.
Since entering the palace yesterday, she hadn't had a moment to rest, let alone examine her surroundings.
Now, hearing this, she felt some peace settle in her chest.
Avoiding unnecessary interaction with the back palace was for the best—especially avoiding Consort Chu, who could target her Left Hall if provoked. That woman was not one to let others live peacefully.
Lin Wanyi smiled faintly. "That's good. At home, I always preferred staying in my own courtyard. It's quiet and peaceful."
"You might only be able to dream of that now," Mu Da Ying said with an exaggerated sigh and a mischievous look.
"What do you mean?"
"Didn't the imperial concubine say so herself? Sister was favored by His Majesty just yesterday. I'm guessing that sedan chair of his will be visiting quite often from now on."
Lin Wanyi was caught off guard.
A soft blush crept up her face. She was both flustered and shy.
Though Mu Da Ying was younger, she carried herself with ease and boldness.
Seeing Lin Wanyi's embarrassment, she giggled behind her handkerchief.
Just then, Chunqi brought in the longevity noodles.
The broth was clear, the noodles long and unbroken, garnished with chopped scallions—simple, but inviting.
Mu Da Ying beamed and picked up her chopsticks. "Thank you, Sister, and thank you, Miss Chunqi! These look just like what I eat at home!"
The first bite confirmed the taste.
Chunqi, pleased by her reaction, said warmly, "If Miss Mu enjoys it, you're welcome to come anytime. I'll cook for you."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely come back to bother you."
Their rapport had grown so quickly, it was hard to believe they'd only met hours ago.
Lin Wanyi had barely lifted her teacup for a second sip when someone outside called out:
"Miss, His Majesty has sent someone with a gift!"
His Majesty?
A gift?
Everyone's expression shifted at once.
Lin Wanyi was stunned. Chunqi beamed with delight, while Mu Da Ying looked curious. Only Xia An maintained her composure, though her fingers twisted the edge of her sleeve anxiously.
"Let them in."
"Yes!"
Regardless of her feelings, if the emperor sent something, she had to accept it respectfully.
Everyone rose and moved to the table. Then, to their surprise, it was Dong Yuzhong himself—chief eunuch of Qian'an Palace—who entered.
To have him personally deliver something? That was no small gesture.
Eunuch Dong stepped in and offered a warm smile as he bowed.
"Your servant Dong Yuzhong greets Miss Lin and Miss Mu. May the two ladies be blessed with peace and fortune."