Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 317: Strange Faces

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lin Wanyi did not deliberately put on a humble demeanor but simply wanted to avoid attracting criticism.

Among them, she had seen quite a few before, but there were two who were unfamiliar faces.

The woman standing next to the Fourth Prince Consort seemed kind and benevolent.

She was probably the close friend the Fourth Prince Consort had mentioned, the Princess Consort Zhan.

When she felt Lin Wanyi’s gaze, she returned a gentle smile.

Her nature seemed to be easygoing.

But she hadn’t come out to socialize before; why was she here today?

Suddenly remembering, the Second Prince of Xidi and his consort were coming to pay respects and visit relatives, and that consort was the legitimate daughter of the Princess Consort Zhan.

She must have come out because of this.

And the other, who was always staring at her with a heavy gaze, although not overtly hostile, didn’t seem easy to deal with either.

Judging by his face full of ravines and wheat-colored skin, Lin Wanyi could guess a bit.

It must be the Marquis of Northwest, who had returned recently.

The legitimate grandfather of Princess Consort Yi.

The Liu Family patriarch controlling power in the Northwest.

Before meeting the Marquis of Northwest, Lin Wanyi had wondered what kind of person this old marshal who had guarded the Northwest for years would be.

Perhaps as cheerful and bold as the Fourth Prince, or maybe as hot-tempered as the military generals in tales.

At worst, he would be a bloodthirsty figure with a towering bear-like physique.

Yet, surprisingly, the renowned Marquis of Northwest turned out to be a small, fragile old man.

His brow furrowed with years of worry, forming many deep wrinkles.

His gaze was dark yet sharp.

He looked at everyone as if observing prey, full of acuity.

Lin Wanyi calmly accepted the Marquis of Northwest’s scrutiny, just as she had when facing the Empress Dowager.

But deep inside, she felt a bit more cautious and apprehensive.

After all, Princess Consort Yi’s Third Prince is the Liu Family’s hope and strength.

And the three princes around her may not seem as capable, but still pose some threat.

She tried her best to exhibit the presence befitting an imperial consort and then heard a notification from outside.

"The Empress Dowager arrives, the Emperor arrives, Lin Guifei arrives, Princess Consort Yi arrives."

Lin Wanyi rose, followed by the others.

Compared to Lin Wanyi, those who just arrived were truly of higher rank.

Naturally commanding more respect.

The Emperor and Empress Dowager entered side by side, Lin Guifei and Princess Consort Yi trailing closely behind.

Following them were the Third Prince and Princess Ming Ruo, along with other concubines.

A grand procession entered the palace hall, quickly filling the previously spacious area.

"We greet the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years."

"We greet the Empress Dowager, may the Empress Dowager live long."

"We greet Lin Guifei and Princess Consort Yi."

A chorus of salutations ensued, with Lin Wanyi and the children deeply embedded among them.

After the Emperor and Empress Dowager sat, the rest remained kneeling.

The Emperor waved his hand broadly and spoke.

"Today is a joyful event, everyone feel free and rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

When Lin Wanyi rose and looked up, she first noted the Emperor appeared somewhat excited.

Seeming quite pleased with everything he saw.

He glanced warmly in her direction, sending a comforting smile across.

Instantly putting Lin Wanyi at ease.

"Today marks the Hundred Days Celebration for the Fifth Prince and Third Princess. Everyone should enjoy themselves."

"As Your Majesty commands."

Then he looked toward Lin Wanyi’s direction.

"Children, have the nannies bring them here for everyone to see, see this auspicious pair born of dragons and phoenixes."

His words contained not a hint of politeness.

Upon hearing this, Princess Rongkang must have felt the most displeased.

If her eyes could emit fire, Lin Wanyi would have been reduced to ashes long ago.

She, who usually masked her emotions well, made an embarrassment of herself at such a pivotal event.

Ultimately, the root cause was her rivalry with the Fourth Prince Consort.

The appearance of Princess Consort Zhan prompted Princess Rongkang, already in a foul mood, to start hurling insults.

Intended to vent her frustration, not expecting the Fourth Prince Consort to rise in defense.

Her status was not as high as the Fourth Prince Consort, nor was her verbal prowess.

After being rebutted, she was so furious she could hardly breathe.

Thus, as she looked at Lin Wanyi, she made no attempt to hide her disdain.

So, when she heard ’auspicious pair born of dragons and phoenixes’, she felt no small amount of scorn and hatred.

Clearly, these honors should have belonged to her granddaughter Lin Guifei, but instead, they were stolen by Lin Wanyi, the cursed heroine of the Lin Family.

How could she be reconciled to that?

The two nannies holding the Fifth Prince and Third Princess took a step forward, knelt before the Emperor and Empress Dowager, and said,

"The Fifth Prince pays respects to the Emperor and Empress Dowager."

"The Third Princess pays respects to the Emperor and Empress Dowager."

Seeing the two children looking adorable and clever, the Emperor’s paternal affection overflowed.

"Very good, stand up and bring them for everyone to see."

Lin Guifei had never seen him smile so unguardedly, feeling somewhat bitter inside.

But Princess Consort Yi cared little for the Emperor’s inclinations.

Her gaze fell on the tiny yet perceptively clever Fifth Prince, displaying a hint of dissatisfaction.

Anyone who posed a threat to the Third Prince’s position, in her eyes, must be eliminated.

Even if not killed, they must be forever barred from the Venerable Emperor’s throne, like the Fourth Prince.

As for the other concubines, their expressions were opaque.

They had pondered the word ’envy’ thoroughly; this was not their moment, so they held their smiles and observed everything before them.

"Last time I saw them, the children were bundled tightly in swaddling clothes. Now they’ve grown quite a bit and are increasingly clever, truly raised well by Princess Consort Yi Ning." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The Fourth Prince’s words were directed at Lin Wanyi.

Everyone present understood his stance.

And Lin Wanyi was sincerely grateful for his direct support, so she responded with a smile.

"Thank you for your praise, Fourth Prince."

At such moments, humility was futile.

Those who despise her won’t change their feelings despite her humility.

Might as well gratefully accept it, lest she appear vulnerable and easy to bully.

The Lin Family and Dong Family members sat further back.

When the children approached them, they were filled with joy and excitement.

Especially the men.

The women, Mrs. Dong and Second Madam Yun, had already seen the children, but it was the first time for them.

Old Master Dong couldn’t hide his delight, his nose a bit sore.

Now a grandfather with great-grandchildren, he felt immense happiness.

He hastily took out a pair of jade pendants from his pocket and handed them over.