Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 320: Embarrassment Resolved

So he raised his hand and lifted a cup of wine, speaking to Lin Xingzhi.

"I toast this cup to your joyful marriage celebration."

The Emperor led the gesture, who would dare not raise their cup?

Lin Xingzhi respectfully lifted the cup of wine at hand and joined in the toast.

Seeing this, the others began to interact with Lin Xingzhi, making the situation lively.

The Dong Family and Lin Family’s disputes, Marquis of Northwest had never seen before.

Having witnessed the drama today, his somber gaze seemed contemplative.

He had controlled the Liu Family and Northwest Army for years, naturally not being a pushover.

The Emperor’s apprehension towards him and Prince Zhan was longstanding, so in his view, perhaps the Emperor wasn’t genuinely fond of this newly favored Princess Consort Yi Ning.

The reason for such strong support was likely with the intention to act against the Prince Zhan Mansion.

Their Liu Family lost a grandson, and the Prince Zhan Mansion followed with a year of bad luck.

These might well be orchestrated by the Emperor behind the scenes.

Thinking of this, a vigilance sparked in his mind.

Seeing Lin Wanyi and Lin Xingzhi had captured the limelight, Princess Consort Yi’s dissatisfaction had long been bubbling, so she spoke up.

"The Emperor has bestowed honors upon the Dong Family today, reminding me of something. Recently, the Third Prince wrote a policy paper about the taxes of impoverished commoners. I don’t quite understand it, but the Grand Tutor said it wasn’t bad."

The Third Prince is only about six years old, what policy paper could he write?

Princess Consort Yi was merely unhappy that the spotlight was taken by Lin Wanyi and her children.

Hence, she intentionally said this, solely to showcase the Third Prince’s uniqueness.

Everyone present understood.

Today is the hundred-day feast for Lin Wanyi’s two children, bringing up the Third Prince’s achievements now, who knows what chord Princess Consort Yi struck?

The Emperor’s face visibly darkened, looking at Princess Consort Yi without speaking.

The pressure in his eyes made Princess Consort Yi feel exceedingly awkward.

The Third Prince’s face was also full of embarrassment, his policy paper merely a handful of words.

The Grand Tutor only remarked it as passable.

If Father truly made him speak in front of everyone, wouldn’t he be digging his own grave?

In an instant, he was anxious.

Seeing the Third Prince’s expression, the Empress Dowager understood clearly.

In the past few days, the Second Prince and Third Prince had paid respects in her palace.

In her view, while the Third Prince had some talent, he was exceedingly eager for achievement, falling into arrogance.

Compared to the steadiness of the Second Prince, he was rather flamboyant.

But ultimately, still a child. If truly humiliated too gravely before everyone, it might be overly damaging.

So she rarely smiled, coming forth to smooth things over.

"Truly the Third Prince’s talent. Next time, bring the Third Prince to Cining Palace, and I’ll take a look at his policy paper."

With just a word, she gave Princess Consort Yi an exit, also allowing the Third Prince to sigh in relief.

Both of them looked gratefully at the Empress Dowager, filled with gratitude.

They respectfully stood up and addressed the Empress Dowager.

"I obey Your Majesty’s command."

"Grandson obeys Your Majesty’s command."

Thus, the minor scramble for favor came to a close.

With the music rising, the palace banquet resumed.

Compared to banquets from earlier days, there wasn’t much difference this time.

The music played was celebratory, the dance joyful.

Everyone watched happily, eating and drinking at ease.

Yet Lin Wanyi noticed an issue, that is, the musicians and dancing girls this time were quite attractive.

Probably knowing the Emperor’s harem had many vacancies, each one gave it their all.

Thinking of this, she naturally glanced at the Emperor.

Undeniably, such talent and power, who wouldn’t find it appealing?

But the Emperor was unaware of Lin Wanyi’s thoughts, thinking she was simply self-assured.

Immediately, he returned a gentle gaze, slightly embarrassing Lin Wanyi.

The concubines were all seated together, and when the Emperor’s gaze swept over, everyone noticed it was directed at Lin Wanyi.

Instantly, envy arose, as did admiration.

Lin Wanyi felt it but did not retreat.

Sitting upright with a decorous smile on her face.

For this palace banquet, the Emperor was more cheerful than anyone, drinking without refusal.

Though he had a good alcohol tolerance, dozens of cups were too much.

Soon, his face flushed red.

Lin Wanyi saw this and felt some concern, glancing at Xia An.

Xia An bowed immediately, asking softly.

"What are your orders, Your Ladyship?"

"Tell Chunqi to prepare some sobering soup for Mr. Dong, let him serve the Emperor and sober him up."

"Yes, Your Ladyship."

Overindulgence is never good, not only is it uncomfortable for oneself, but also prone to making a spectacle.

The Emperor, as the sovereign leader, if once branded with a reputation for excessive drinking, that wouldn’t be favorable.

Lin Wanyi paid close attention to this matter.

Xia An discreetly retreated, unnoticed by anyone.

Song and dance continued, and the toasts and exchanges at the palace banquet didn’t cease.

Several children became restless, so Lin Wanyi instructed Nanny Du to take them to the side hall to rest.

As they left, she asked the Third Prince and Princess Ming Ruo.

Alas, both of them sat upright, unmoved by Nanny Du’s suggestion.

Nanny Du glanced but didn’t insist.

Then took the children from Yihua Palace away.

Not long after Nanny Du left, Xia An returned, nodding slightly at Lin Wanyi.

Lin Wanyi took a sip of wine and glanced at Dong Yuzhong.

Dong Yuzhong understood quickly, moving to the Emperor’s side, speaking softly.

"Your Majesty, let me guide you to drink a bowl of sobering soup, excess wine is harmful."

The Emperor’s awareness began to blur, but he didn’t refuse.

Dong Yuzhong exerted some effort to assist the Emperor down, and seeing the Emperor leave, many concubines were eager to act.

If at such a time the Emperor might favor one, life could vastly improve.

Thus, one after another began pretending to be drunk.

The Empress Dowager looked coldly at these concubines, feeling disdain within.

If ancestral rules were not in place, she would be unhappy about the multitude of concubines.

So many women vying for one man, not fighting would be fantastical.

With a somber expression, she commanded.

"Imperial wine intoxicates, send them to their respective palaces to sober up."

"Yes."

The Empress Dowager’s command was absolute.

Pity those concubines with ambition, their flames extinguished by the Empress Dowager.

Yet Consort Qian looked at the Empress Dowager, departing from her usual reticence.

Standing and bowing, she spoke.

"Empress Dowager, let me escort you back to rest, last time the Imperial Physician said your health hasn’t completely recovered, prolonged sitting isn’t advisable."

The words quieted the atmosphere significantly.