Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 316: Palace Banquet Spotlight

One in royal blue, the other in apricot yellow.

Both children had the white jade gold lock sent by the Fourth Prince Consort hanging around their necks.

The two have both grown a lot since, still just in swaddling clothes, yet exuding an air of cleverness.

Especially the Fifth Prince, who is almost a spitting image of the Emperor.

Brows and eyes, nose bridge, lips, and ear contours.

All exactly alike, and the Emperor feels satisfied each time he sees him.

The Third Princess, on the other hand, whose features have matured, looks a lot like Lin Wanyi.

No wonder Mrs. Dong once commented that she resembles Lin Wanyi very much as she was at birth.

Back then, they thought Mrs. Dong was just being polite, but now looking at them, they realize it was indeed the truth.

Both of them have had their fill and plenty of sleep.

Consequently, they are full of energy, with their round eyes rolling as if observing the world.

"Second Prince, Second Princess, Fourth Prince have arrived."

At the entrance, Qiu Ming called out, and it wasn’t long before a few children came in.

The Second Princess can walk steadily now, and as long as she doesn’t run wildly, she’s not likely to fall easily.

Conversely, the Fourth Prince, who used to walk, has regressed a little after a severe illness.

Fortunately, the Second Prince walks steadily, and with a nanny holding him on either side, he did not fall.

The three children stood neatly in front of Lin Wanyi, and her maternal instincts surged forth.

Today, the Second Princess was wearing the same colored clothes as hers, making them look harmonious.

The Second Prince in sapphire blue and the Fourth Prince in lychee red.

All looking very spirited.

"Mother Consort, we have come to give you our regards."

Among the three, only the Second Prince could speak fully, so he spoke respectfully, and the Second Princess only wished to be held by Lin Wanyi.

The Fourth Prince was still a little confused about Lin Wanyi, but seeing the Second Princess, with whom he played most, running towards Lin Wanyi.

He also stumbled forward.

He rushed into Lin Wanyi’s arms without hesitation.

As if she were just one of the interesting toys.

"Alright, you two don’t crumple Mother Consort’s dress, we have to attend the palace banquet later, and no messing around today, do you understand, Second Sister?"

The Second Prince earnestly instructed, while the Second Princess leaned her head against Lin Wanyi’s leg.

As if saying, "I’ll see how it goes."

The Fourth Prince imitated her, now like her little follower.

Whatever she did, the Fourth Prince wanted to do too.

"Alright, Mother Consort had Aunt Chunqi prepare some delicious pastries for you. If you get hungry later, you can have some to fill your stomach, understand?"

Though these words were directed at the children, all the nannies in the room responded.

Babao Food Lunchboxes were on the round table, each carried by someone.

Thus Lin Wanyi got up and led the children out together.

It wasn’t that cold a couple of days ago, but as they stepped out today, the wind turned icy.

"Look at the sky, it’s probably going to snow."

The first snow of the year hadn’t fallen, so Nanny Du commented.

"A timely snow promises a good harvest. If indeed the first snow falls today, it will be a good omen."

All good things seem to happen around the two children, naturally making the parents happy.

But in the palace, their happiness means others’ displeasure.

So Lin Wanyi just smiled.

"If it snows, I’m afraid the kids might get cold. Though they’re wearing deer leather boots today, we should still check their feet for frostbite after returning."

"No need to worry, Your Ladyship, the nannies in each place will be attentive."

"Good, that’s good then."

As they talked, they arrived at the palace gates, where some carriages were neatly parked.

"Servant Qin An greets Your Ladyship."

"Mr. Qin is too kind, these carriages are..."

"Replying to Your Ladyship, with the strong wind today, His Majesty especially had them sent over by me to the Empress Dowager, Lin Guifei, and Princess Consort Yi’s palaces as well. The Princes and Princesses are still young, so riding in the carriage will protect them from the wind."

Qin An specially mentioned the names of the others, fearing Lin Wanyi would become the target of jealousy within the palace.

Just as she mentioned earlier, Yihua Palace has been too prominent lately.

If it continues, jealousy might become overwhelming.

"Thanks to His Majesty’s graciousness, let’s get in the carriage then, lest the children catch cold."

"Yes!"

Lin Wanyi sat with the twins in the front, while the Second Prince sat with the Second Princess and Fourth Prince in the back.

When this consort and her five children appeared, the palace banquet’s attention was entirely captured by them.

All the royal clan, even families of prominent ministers, were invited to the palace.

The Fourth Prince Mansion, Prince Zhan Mansion, Lin Xiangfu, and Northwest Marquis Mansion, all attended.

Lin Wanyi instantly spotted her parents and brother, along with the Dong family.

They were vastly different from these court dignitaries.

Thus, they could only stand at the tail end of the palace banquet, unremarkable, yet each had a broad smile.

After all, besides them, few here probably came with genuine intentions to celebrate.

"Princess Consort Yi Ning arrives, Second Prince arrives, Second Princess arrives, Fourth Prince arrives, Fifth Prince arrives, Third Princess arrives."

The long voice of the eunuch resounded, drawing everyone’s attention.

Jealous, envious, hateful, truly congratulatory, and naturally curious and inquisitive.

Under the pressure, Lin Wanyi calmly led the children into the main hall, not showing any trace of the hardships she endured in the Prime Minister’s Mansion as the second daughter of Lin Xiang’s first wife.

In place of that past self was the greatly favored Princess Consort Yi Ning, the first meritorious person of the Da Wei Dynasty to bear dragon-phoenix twins.

Thus, everyone rose immediately.

The Fourth Prince and Fourth Prince Consort took the lead, slightly bowing and saying,

"Old subject greets Princess Consort Yi Ning, wishing Your Ladyship well."

"Subject wife greets Princess Consort Yi Ning, wishing Your Ladyship well."

With their status, even Lin Guifei would not dare act arrogantly before them.

But here they were, formally saluting Lin Wanyi, with an obvious implication.

Being addressed by the most esteemed, others couldn’t pretend to be oblivious.

Thus, they all saluted Lin Wanyi and paid their respects.

Whether others were sincere, Lin Wanyi couldn’t be certain.

However, seeing Princess Rongkang’s awkwardness, Lin Wanyi felt a sense of deep satisfaction.

The days of bowing low and making concessions in the Prime Minister’s Mansion passed through her mind like a curtain.

She had always seen them lowering their heads, never before saw the high and mighty Princess Rongkang doing so.

Witnessing this, not only Lin Wanyi,

The entire Lin Family and Dong Family shared the elation.

"All of you are loyal ministers and great generals of Da Wei, this courtesy I cannot bear, please all rise."