Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 318: Different Gifts

"A small token of appreciation, as a congratulatory gift for the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess, I request that the nanny accept it on their behalf."

The jade pendant is entirely green, with excellent transparency.

Even the materials used by the Inner Court Department may not be better than this.

Moreover, looking at this jade pendant, it seems to be from a single piece of jade with intricate carvings, evidencing its extraordinary value at a glance.

The Dong Family, being of merchant origin, presented this jade pendant, and even the nannies were amazed.

Turning around, they glanced at the Emperor and saw him nodding in approval.

"After all, as the legitimate great-grandfather, he spares no effort, making my gift seem inferior."

The speaker was Prime Minister Lin, who had been silent until now.

Lin Wanyi’s previous impression of him was not much.

In fact, the number of times they met was fewer than with Princess Rongkang.

However, when he spoke, everyone’s attention turned towards him.

He pulled out a box from his sleeve, not large, but exquisitely crafted.

Upon opening, there were two sachets.

Simply made, they appeared to be folk items.

"This Leng Jiao Package is a custom from my hometown, containing autumn-harvested rice, signifying the hope that the children will have warm clothes and enough food. I have also included a handwritten copy of the Peace Sutra, wishing the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess to grow up safely and healthily."

Upon hearing this, everyone had to admire.

Such is Prime Minister Lin, silent until making his presence felt remarkably.

Comparing with the Imperial Family’s valuables, it seemed Old Master Dong made a misstep.

It’s Prime Minister Lin’s simple yet meaningful personal item that highlights sincerity.

Those unaware looked at Prime Minister Lin, touched by his affection for the two children.

Yet only Lin Wanyi looked towards Old Master Dong, her eyes filled with infinite gratitude.

Others might not know, but she knew.

The jade pendant was a Dong Family heirloom, not even received by her two uncles before.

Originally intended to be passed down through generations.

Yet it was given to her two children.

The sentiment in this is far more valuable than the jade pendant itself.

Conversely, Prime Minister Lin’s gift seemed hypocritical.

In the past, he never cared about the lives of the entire Lin Family. Now he puts on a show of "warm clothes and enough food," for whom is this performance?

The Empress Dowager, with her discerning eyes, upon looking at the situation, had a general understanding.

She had presided over the court for decades, and during the Emperor’s rule, had much interaction with Prime Minister Lin.

For someone as astutely calculating as him, how could he willingly overlook a granddaughter and great-grandsons who could bring glory to the family?

With this thought, her eyes became clear.

The Emperor, having interacted with Lin Wanyi for days, naturally understood the depth of feeling Lin Family and Dong Family held for her.

So as not to make the Dong Family feel awkward, he changed the subject and said.

"In a month’s time, Lin Guard will also be marrying, how are the preparations going?"

Lin Xingzhi, upon being named, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and respectfully replied.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. All preparations are in place."

"That’s good, I’ve yet to witness a commoner’s wedding, I’ll visit the Lin Family when the time comes to join in the celebration, and Princess Consort Yi Ning and several children should also go, adding to your joy."

At the Emperor’s words, everyone’s focus immediately shifted from comparing gifts to the fact that the Emperor would leave the palace to attend a wedding.

Some frowned, some were delighted, and naturally, some voiced objections.

"Your Majesty, being the ruler of the nation, attending an ordinary guard’s wedding banquet may lead to public discussions, I kindly urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

It was Prince Zhan speaking naturally.

The news of the Lan Family’s downfall was old news, signifying the matters of Empress Xu and the Eldest Prince had settled.

The matter surrounding the Taishan spectacle he had also taken care of.

Since the Emperor allowed his return to the capital, he naturally would not reopen the old cases.

Hence, Prince Zhan put on the visage of sincerely advising the Emperor, counseling him with earnestness.

Unfortunately, his absence from Shengjing City for a year had seen many changes in the court.

The old ministers gradually retired, and the newly appointed naturally aligned with the Emperor.

Their entrenched relationships had largely dissolved.

If Prince Zhan intended to sway the Emperor, backlash was inevitable.

"Prince Zhan overthinks, today’s Imperial Guard is revitalized, no longer the incompetent of the past. Just a day out of the palace to witness a joyous occasion, nothing so grand as national affairs."

Still, Prince Zhan persisted, dragging others into the conversation.

"Prime Minister Lin, the Emperor intends to visit your mansion for the celebration, shouldn’t you express something?"

Upon hearing Prince Zhan’s attempt to stir trouble, Prime Minister Lin gave a slight chuckle.

"Prince, you misunderstand, Xingzhi is marrying outside, not at the Prime Minister’s Mansion. These old bones of mine can’t take the trouble anymore, let the youngsters handle it."

What he said was as if he said nothing.

Apart from distancing himself and the Prime Minister’s Mansion from the matter, he did not address the Emperor’s attendance at the celebration.

Neither opposing nor agreeing.

Leaving Prince Zhan to play the lone disagreeable voice.

Seeing his predicament, the Fourth Princess Consort felt delighted.

One who disregards his own wife isn’t worth much, so she nudged Fourth Prince beside her with her elbow.

Fourth Prince immediately stood up expressing.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I too will attend to share in the festivities. Bring more Imperial Guards, to ensure Your Majesty’s safe return to the palace."

These words were to the Emperor’s liking, and so Prince Zhan was set aside.

The Emperor said to Fourth Prince.

"With Fourth Uncle present, I am reassured."

Then glancing at the Lin Family and the Dong Family, he said.

"Second Madam Dong has a benevolent healer’s heart, without her intervention, the Second Princess’s illness wouldn’t have recovered so promptly. Communicate my decree: appoint Old Master Dong as the Benefit People Medicine Bureau Ambassador, the Dong family brothers as Deputy Ambassadors, and Second Madam Dong to enter the Department of Imperial Hospital specializing in women’s and children’s medicine. She needs to serve once every three days without a fixed position."

The Benefit People Medicine Bureau is a people’s pharmaceutical department established by Da Wei.

Its purpose is to ensure that even the impoverished have access to medical treatment, responsible for consultation and medication delivery.

It is managed by the Imperial Hospital.

The ambassador holds a seventh-rank position, and deputies an eighth-rank.

It’s not a significant official title.

But it truly holds power to benefit the people.

The Dong Family, having built its fortune on medicine, was immensely honored to partake in this endeavor.

Old Master Dong understood that, using the excuse of his daughter-in-law treating the Second Princess, the honor was bestowed upon the family for Lin Wanyi’s sake.

Thinking of this, he felt deeply moved.

Immediately, he led his wife, sons, and daughters-in-law to kneel.

"Your Majesties, thank the Emperor for the grand grace, long live Your Majesties."

Before the feast of a hundred days began, Lin Wanyi’s maternal family received an honor.

Who wouldn’t be envious of such glory?

Yet none could find fault.