Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 311 Debut in Full Costume

The Empress Dowager’s expression didn’t change much.

Instead, it was Princess Consort Yi who was filled with apprehension when she saw the Lin sisters standing to the left and right of the Emperor.

Fortunately, Grandfather, the Marquis of Northwest, has returned. Otherwise, this harem would truly be dominated by the Lin Family.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but give a signal to Mu Changzai and Lady Jinxiu behind her.

So the two stepped forward half a step in grand attire.

They didn’t surpass the Empress Dowager, but they were almost on par with Princess Consort Yi.

However, Concubine Qian, true to her title, remained consistently low-key and smooth.

This lack of contest added three points of favor in the Emperor’s eyes.

"Son pays respects to Mother. You’ve had a hard journey."

"I have seen the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager be blessed with kindness."

"Hmm, you may all rise."

Calculating with her fingers, Lin Wanyi hadn’t seen the Empress Dowager or her "sisters" in the harem for half a year.

She was still a noble concubine when grounded in April, and now she was Princess Consort Yi Ning with the merit of birthing twins.

Therefore, aside from Princess Consort Yi, everyone had to pay their respects.

"I (my humble self) have seen the Emperor, seen Lin Guifei, and seen Princess Consort Yi Ning."

Lin Wanyi then gave a simple salute to Princess Consort Yi alone.

This time, she didn’t distance herself while addressing Princess Consort Yi but added "sister" after her words.

Upon hearing this, Princess Consort Yi sneered internally.

It seems she managed to deceive everyone with her humble and meek nature.

Using Bai Pin or even Lady Chu as stepping stones for her future was indeed a brilliant tactic.

Thus, she spoke with a slight disdain.

"Princess Consort Yi Ning is too polite. Your current status is above mine, and I dare not accept being called sister."

She just got back and already aimed barbs at Lin Wanyi. Naturally, the Emperor was displeased.

But Lin Wanyi maintained a smiling demeanor.

"Princess Consort Yi must be joking. You have been in the palace longer than I have and have birthed the Third Prince. Whether in family background, conduct, or capabilities, you surpass me. So it’s only right for me to call you sister."

Lin Wanyi had always lived a life of adaptability.

She didn’t grow arrogant with her rise in status, which Princess Consort Yi found barely acceptable.

So she smiled and refrained from replying further.

It was Lin Guifei, who had always been at odds with her, who hadn’t spoken since the meeting.

Presenting herself so humbly and obediently, Princess Consort Yi found it rather strange.

She glanced provocatively at Lin Guifei, only to see her demeanor had softened significantly.

Going out of the palace, how has her nature changed?

Could it be that Taishan Palace is so nurturing that even arrogance can turn to meekness?

Princess Consort Yi mused in her heart.

"You all may leave. I, the Empress Dowager, have a headache and won’t partake in the palace feast. I shall wait a few days for the children’s hundred-day banquet."

The two children referred to were the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess born to Lin Wanyi.

The Empress Dowager had spoken, so others naturally dared not say much.

Instead, the Emperor specially addressed Princess Consort Yi.

"There were many disturbances at the traveling palace recently, and you handled them well. Thank you for your efforts."

Princess Consort Yi thought her first task upon returning to the palace would be to relinquish powers to Lin Guifei. But unexpectedly, the Emperor took this step.

Is this indicating she could continue to take charge of palace affairs?

"Thank you, Emperor, for your compassion. I am unworthy of such praise. Many sisters met with mishaps at the traveling palace this time, and now only three returned. Alas, it all boils down to my lack of proper governance."

Princess Consort Yi took a step back to advance her position again, further probing the Emperor’s thoughts.

"Alright, I already know the origin and course of events. If it isn’t related to you, don’t blame yourself. Otherwise, there will be more affairs in the harem, and how would you manage them?"

With this, Princess Consort Yi’s heart was settled.

No matter how high the Lin sisters’ status might be, if they have high positions but no real power, it is useless in the harem.

So she sincerely thanked the Emperor.

Then she arose and cast a condescending glance at the two sisters.

Lin Wanyi remained composed, not wishing to interfere with the entire palace’s affairs.

Whereas Lin Guifei, whom Princess Consort Yi thought would show dissatisfaction, smiled faintly.

This only deepened Princess Consort Yi’s suspicions.

The Emperor resumed affairs and naturally returned to Qian’an Hall.

The remaining concubines feigned pleasantries before returning to their respective palaces.

Lin Wanyi turned and took a few steps before noticing someone catching up behind.

The voice revealed it was Mu Changzai, who once shared a palace with her.

She was dressed with particular care today, and when she first entered the palace, she was younger. Now, she appeared even more charming.

Alas, what a pity this lovely flower must endure hopeless solitude in the palace.

Thinking of this, Lin Wanyi felt a tinge of regret.

"Sister."

Lin Wanyi halted upon hearing the call.

"I misspoke and thought you were still the person you used to be. Now I should address you as Princess Consort Yi Ning."

"No problem, it’s just a title. Mu Changzai may call me whatever she likes."

From the time she entered the palace, Lin Wanyi hadn’t intended to make friends or sisters with any of the concubines.

She wouldn’t actively provoke or follow anyone.

Reaching her current status was entirely through luck and the Emperor’s affection.

But even if she spoke of this, no one would believe her.

Take Mu Changzai in front of her, her face brimming with envy.

"In recent days, I’ve often thought of the carefree times spent with sister in Yihua Palace. Those times were so blessed, and I can still recall Spring Qi’s handmade noodles."

"If Mu Changzai enjoys them, I shall have Chunqi prepare a bowl to send to Yao Yue Palace."

Lin Wanyi didn’t have to think hard to understand why Mu Changzai was trying to cozy up to her.

It was simply to see if there was any chance of returning to Yihua Palace, drawing the Emperor’s attention through her favor.

As it was before, so it is now.

But unfortunately, she is not Princess Consort Ying.

There is no need for anyone to help her secure favor, nor does she need anyone to scheme with her against others.

She hasn’t forgotten Princess Consort Ying’s little tricks.

Mu Changzai had been with her long enough not to know.

Thus, Lin Wanyi may have compassion, but she has no intention to save everyone.

Whatever destiny Mu Changzai encounters in the future is her own affair.

Since the Yihua Palace is hers now, apart from the Fourth Prince, she doesn’t plan to let any outsiders enter. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Mu Changzai wasn’t oblivious; Lin Wanyi’s seemingly kind but actually distant attitude was evident.

She had words on her lips but couldn’t bring herself to say them.

So she smiled and said,

"No need to trouble Miss Chun Qi. I will visit your palace someday and have Chun Qi make a bowl then."

"If that’s the case, then follow your heart. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back."