"Thank you, Eunuch He, for informing me."
"My lady is too polite. Please take your time to prepare. I'll take my leave now."
"Xiao Luzi, see Eunuch He out."
"Yes!"
Once Eunuch He had left, Chunqi hurried over to Lin Wanyi, her voice eager and playful.
"My lady, how would you like to dress today? Let me help you."
In her view, Lin Wanyi was far too plain. She usually wore no makeup, but today was the day she would serve the emperor—how could she not dress up properly?
Even though she would bathe and change at Qian'an Hall, it didn't mean she couldn't prepare beautifully now.
"Just tie up my hair. I'll wear the white robe embroidered with butterflies and flowers."
Chunqi frowned. It still felt too simple, but there weren't many clothes they could bring when they entered the palace. Their status was low, and the wardrobe they were assigned reflected that—nothing too eye-catching.
Left with no choice, she nodded and went to fetch the dress. At the same time, she asked Xia An to heat some water. She would comb her lady's hair next.
Chunqi's skill in hairstyling was excellent—learned from an old maid in her youth. Though she was cheerful by nature, her hands were deft and precise.
She had even practiced a few hairstyles she felt best suited Lin Wanyi, weaving her care into every detail.
Lin Wanyi closed her eyes, letting Chunqi work in silence, though her mind was already preoccupied with the night ahead.
Not long ago, when she had gone to pay respects at Linzhi Palace, Concubine Lin had privately summoned her. She had spoken gravely, telling Lin Wanyi to cherish this hard-earned opportunity. Otherwise, she would simply become another forgotten name in the harem, and comfort would become a luxury.
It seemed Concubine Lin was more anxious than she was about her being favored.
But whether she would be summoned or not—wasn't that the emperor's decision? No amount of fretting could change it.
So instead, she focused her thoughts on Lin Wanzhou.
Could tonight's summons have something to do with her?
Perhaps Concubine Lin was hoping she could gain favor on her child's behalf.
The thought of the child made Lin Wanyi uneasy.
Xia An quietly walked to the cabinet, took out a small pill, dissolved it in warm water, and handed it to Lin Wanyi.
"My lady, it's time for your medicine."
"Mm."
After taking it, her anxiety eased—if only slightly.
Once she was washed and dressed, the Cheng'en sedan chair arrived to take her to the much-anticipated Qian'an Hall.
As before, she bathed, changed into a new palace gown, and was led by the bedroom nanny to the inner hall, where she sat beside the Eight Immortals table.
She had eaten two white jade cakes before leaving and felt quite full.
While trying to recall the etiquette the nanny had explained earlier, she heard footsteps—and saw Dong Yuzhong enter, followed by several eunuchs.
Lin Wanyi stood and greeted him politely.
"Eunuch Dong."
He stepped forward with a warm smile.
"His Majesty still has state matters to attend to—it will be about half an hour. Fearing you might be hungry, he ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare some dishes for you."
"You're too kind, Eunuch Dong. Has His Majesty... already eaten?"
"Rest assured, my lady. I've already seen to it."
"That's good."
After all, if the emperor hadn't eaten, how could she sit comfortably and dine herself? But with a full stomach already, she barely touched the meal before her.
Seeing her hesitation, Dong Yuzhong asked with gentle humor, "My lady, do you not like the food?"
"No, it's not that... I just had some cakes before I came, so I'm not very hungry now."
Dong Yuzhong chuckled knowingly. As the emperor's longest-serving chief steward, he could guess His Majesty's moods without being told—and new concubines were as transparent to him as glass.
"My lady, you needn't be so reserved. His Majesty has been consumed with court affairs lately and hasn't summoned any consorts. You're the first in days."
The words were spoken casually, yet Lin Wanyi caught the deeper meaning.
So His Majesty hadn't summoned anyone recently. Perhaps the burdens of ruling weighed heavily.
"Thank you, Eunuch Dong. I will do my best to serve His Majesty."
Perhaps it was Lin Wanyi's calm demeanor. Eunuch Dong noticed it right away. Most women in the harem schemed tirelessly for power, favor, or children—and when summoned, would bend over backward to please.
But Lin Wanyi had no such airs. She never flattered anyone, yet her presence made people feel at ease.
It was like standing in a gentle spring breeze.
Dong Yuzhong's smile deepened.
"My lady, feel free to call on Qiu Ming at the door if you need anything. He's my apprentice and has served in this palace for many years. I must return to His Majesty's side now."
"Thank you. Please tell His Majesty that I understand—affairs of state come first."
"Yes. I'll take my leave."
Before departing, he gave Qiu Ming a meaningful glance. Though young, the eunuch was steady—sharp eyes, steady hands, and a quiet sense of awareness. The kind of servant only the emperor would keep nearby.
Now alone in the inner hall, Lin Wanyi faced a table of exquisite dishes. She finally picked up her chopsticks.
The dishes were clearly tailored to the emperor's tastes: light, refined, and delicate.
There was one three-vegetable dish that she particularly liked and had a bit more of. The rest, she only sampled. When the attendants cleared the table, much was left untouched.
It felt wasteful—but she knew better than to comment.
After washing her hands and rinsing with rose-scented water, the nanny offered her a soft cloth and stepped back.
Lin Wanyi had not come just to eat.
She sat down on a rosewood stool to wait, the way Wang Baochuan had waited for Xue Pinggui in the cold cave for eighteen years.
Thirty minutes passed—neither long nor short.
Sleepiness tugged at her eyes when she heard hurried footsteps outside.
She jolted awake, lightly patted her cheeks to freshen up, then stood.
It was only her second time seeing the emperor, but she still remembered the protocol—and this time, her heart was calmer, her shyness lessened.
"Your Majesty, may you live long and prosper."
"Mm. Rise."
The same deep, steady voice—tinged this time with a trace of exhaustion.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Last time, she had kept her head down and hadn't seen his face clearly—before being completely devoured.