Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 323: The Congratulatory Envoy

"In my opinion, we ought to add to the incense money, and Qianqian’s palace must not be neglected. She currently masters a palace, and when dealing with the eunuchs and palace maids, surely more is required. Better prepare some small silver notes for her, otherwise it would be troublesome if those below don’t obey."

Madam Dong immediately nodded as well. Without money in hand, one stands three points lower, especially when Lin Wanyi is still a palace master.

She was about to go to the account room to see how much to send in.

But Lin Xingzhi stopped her and smiled helplessly.

"Uncle and Aunt, no need to be busy. Qianqian’s palace is already filled with the Emperor’s rewards, and sending money there may not have much use. Rest assured, the people serving in the palace now are the Emperor’s trusted ones, and money surely won’t buy them."

"What then? It’s not good to do nothing at all."

Mr. Dong chimed in.

The Second Madam pondered beside him and then proposed.

"How about when I enter the palace, I will check everyone’s health. Anyway, we have plenty of pills in our household, treat the sick and strengthen the healthy."

As she said this, everyone mulled it over, feeling the idea was good, and all began to nod.

"Yes, this idea is good. Sister-in-law, why don’t I prepare what you need, as my token of appreciation?"

Madam Dong was not one to sit and wait, especially after receiving such a great favor from Lin Wanyi, any help is a bit.

The Second Madam nodded, never being polite with her sister-in-law.

While everyone was talking, Old Master Dong was not idle either.

"These are small matters. What’s most important now is Xingzhi’s marriage. The Emperor and the Fourth Prince both intend to come. Once the news spreads, your family and the Feng family might have their threshold broken."

His gaze turned to Mr. Lin and his wife, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

This is a grand favor. If handled well, it’s an unparalleled honor.

But mishandled, it could be a matter of losing one’s head.

Therefore, not a single error can be tolerated.

Also, Old Master Dong understood the ways of the world.

The Emperor gracing the occasion of a wedding, who wouldn’t want to join the excitement?

The Lin Family, the Feng Family, all would be the same.

Ordinary folk are easy to deal with. By the time the news reaches them, it would likely be old.

Something casually discussed over tea.

But it’s different for those well-informed in the court. These days, they might openly or covertly seek marriage ties with the Lin Family.

Realizing this, Mr. Lin and Mrs. Dong exchanged a glance, feeling a bit of a headache.

Earlier in the palace, the couple was just happy, for such honor isn’t something anyone can have.

But they overlooked these underlying matters.

In contrast, Lin Xingzhi remained composed, like someone accustomed to storms.

Comforting everyone, he began to speak.

"Grandfather, rest assured, the Fourth Prince mentioned when I left the palace that from now, there will be a complete lockdown around the house. Half a month later, the Imperial Guard will divide some forces to stealthily surround us, so except for close relatives and friends, no one else can approach."

Indeed, where the Emperor travels, how could anyone be allowed to join the excitement?

Else, the Fourth Prince and the Imperial Guard would be troubled, right?

Hearing Lin Xingzhi’s confident reply, everyone felt relieved.

"That’s good, that’s good."

Without any worries, the family rejoiced.

With less than a month left till Lin Xingzhi’s wedding, everyone continued to busy themselves.

Each took on their duties, leaving Lin Xingzhi, the groom-to-be, aside.

After some leisurely days, Lin Xingzhi suddenly became busy.

The reason was the arrival of the Second Prince of Xidi, Sang Deng, with Princess Consort Yu Wenjie and two young princes, along with Xidi’s envoys and attendants at Shengjing City.

Their place of stay was the post station, which had been previously repaired and arranged, with the Imperial Armor Army in charge of its full lockdown and security.

Feng Qi was at the forefront.

As a crucial commander in the Imperial Armor Army, he was most suitable for this task.

Jiang Huanqing was also involved, taking on a task.

Lin Xingzhi had to transmit messages between the post station and the Imperial City while guarding the Emperor.

Thus, he was rather busy.

That day, Shengjing City saw a heavy snowfall.

After resting for three days, the weary travelers from Xidi finally received an audience with the Emperor.

The group carried gifts for the court to the hall.

In the court, the Second Prince of Xidi, Sang Deng, brought Princess Consort and two children, along with the envoy team, and performed Xidi’s highest courtesy towards the Emperor, loudly declaring.

"Long live the Emperor of Da Wei!"

Today, they wore unique Xidi attire, wrapped in thick furs.

Seemingly adorned with quite a few embedded gems.

Luxurious with a strong exotic flair, contrasting sharply with the ministers standing in the court.

The Second Prince, Sang Deng, just turned forty, with a full beard making him look older than his actual age.

He couldn’t compare to the Emperor’s refined looks, nor even when standing beside his father-in-law, Prince Zhan, looking more like brothers.

Xidi, a long-standing ally of Da Wei. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The two countries have had diplomatic relations for nearly a hundred years; hence exchanging princesses is quite common.

Not only within the imperial family, but the border cities see many Xidi and Da Wei citizens inter-marrying.

Thus, the friendship between the countries is deeply intertwined with their bloodlines.

But there exists an unspoken rule: those ascending to the throne have always been of pure native blood.

Therefore, this Second Prince was early excluded from Xidi’s path to kingship.

Beside him stood Princess Consort Zhan Mansion’s first daughter, Yu Wenjie, who once took the place of the princess.

Elegantly poised, with a serene beauty.

She resembled Princess Consort Zhan immensely; both mother and daughter exuded a peaceful grace.

Sporting a Xidi noblewoman’s attire, different from her newly-wedded appearance.

Perhaps the Xidi hardships scattered her former timidness, now replaced by a resolute gaze.

As for the two accompanying young princes, they stood properly behind her.

Neither arrogant nor sycophantic.

Clearly well-taught.

The Emperor, feeling nostalgic, spoke.

"Xidi has always been a friendly ally to Da Wei. I am comforted by your visit. No need for formalities, Second Prince."

The Emperor spoke politely, and the Second Prince respectfully replied.

"Indeed, Emperor of Da Wei, to express Xidi’s intentions, my visit here was commanded by my father. We have brought several gifts, and please, Your Majesty, accept them graciously."