Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 368: Buried in the Consort Mausoleum
She could manage to let bygones be bygones with Lin Guifei’s death, but she couldn’t raise Ming Ruo herself.
She was different from the Second Princess and the Fourth Prince.
For her own peace of mind and for the safety of the children.
She would not agree to it.
Even if the Emperor himself requested it.
Meanwhile, after fainting from excessive grief, Princess Ming Ruo woke up and immediately rushed over.
When she saw her, Lin Guifei was already dressed in auspicious clothes and lay with a full face of makeup in the coffin.
At such a young age, Ming Ruo had suffered the pain of losing loved ones consecutively.
The former brightness and flamboyance had completely vanished.
Only her swollen red eyes and confusion about her future remained.
In the harem, a child at three could have the wit of a ten-year-old.
Not to mention, she was already six or seven years old.
She had long known many things.
From this day on, she would be a solitary girl in the palace.
Even if raised in the Empress Dowager’s Palace, what difference would it make?
It was still the same when being manipulated by others.
Thinking of these things, she cried even harder, unable to control herself.
Pitifully, by her side was only the former nanny to accompany her; other people she once had were gone.
On the third day after the wake, the Emperor and concubines came to offer incense.
During the process, he said nothing, and his expression made it difficult to tell whether he was grieving or felt otherwise.
Lin Wanyi, dressed in plain clothes, had only an orchid hairpin in her hair, simple and unobtrusive.
Yet everyone could see she was in excellent spirits.
Compared to the industrious Princess Consort Yi, she was living a truly comfortable life.
She lacked nothing that she should have, and even had an overflow of extras.
The worries were none, spending her days happily secluded in Yihua Palace.
An entire demeanor of a recluse uninterested in worldly struggles.
Such a scenario made the accompanying Princess Consort Yi even more wary.
After offering incense, Princess Consort Yi feigned wiping away a couple of tears.
Then, with a sobbing voice, she said.
"Why does Sister Yining not seem sad? I recall Imperial Concubine treated you well during her life. Vying for the selection to enter the palace to serve His Majesty was such grace that truly only family would remember."
Princess Consort Yi’s meaning was clear to Lin Wanyi.
She merely wanted to pin blame on her.
If it could stir Princess Ming Ruo’s hatred toward her, all the better.
Unfortunately, Lin Wanyi did not enjoy provoking others, nor would she completely retreat when others provoked her.
Thus, she replied calmly and counterattacked.
"My emotions have always been kept within, unlike Princess Consort Yi who expresses them outwardly. Your reminder brought back memories of the first time I saw Princess Consort Yi paying respects to Imperial Consort. At that time, you held extreme reverence for her."
Upon her mention, Princess Consort Yi’s eyes flashed coldly.
It was well-known in the harem that Princess Consort Yi and Lin Guifei never got along.
The other concubines present had seen this play in the past.
Thus when Lin Wanyi recalled it, everyone turned to Princess Consort Yi.
Thus making Princess Consort Yi’s tears today appear rather false.
Seeing her mask of hypocrisy unveiled, Princess Consort Yi ceased pretending.
With a cold snort, she remarked.
"Sister Yining is indeed eloquent."
Just as she was about to continue her offense, the Emperor rebuked her.
"Enough, given the complexity of palace matters, Princess Consort Yi ought to return and deal with them."
Turning his gaze to Lin Guifei’s coffin, he further instructed.
"Bring Master Zhiyuan from Baolin Temple to conduct rites, follow the palace regulations entirely."
"Yes, I obey."
Princess Consort Yi dared not disobey the Emperor’s words.
Even if she wished to stay, there was no excuse anymore, only managing a glare towards Lin Wanyi before leaving.
The remaining concubines, having not seen the Emperor for a while, naturally wished to linger in Linzi Palace.
Perhaps the chance of catching the Emperor’s attention, would bring them blessings.
Unfortunately, the Emperor at present had no interest in them.
Instead, he knelt beside Ming Ruo and, with some compassion, asked.
"Do your knees hurt?"
Princess Ming Ruo had thought she no longer had anyone who cared for her.
Yet the Emperor spoke.
A simple "Do they hurt?" reached her heart.
Unreleased tears poured like a flood.
She immediately threw herself into the Emperor’s embrace.
Grievously heartbroken.
"Father... Father... I have no more mother. She’s gone..."
Listening to his child’s heart-rending sobs, the Emperor felt some guilt.
Not thinking there was any wrong in sending Lin Guifei away.
But recalling his own pain of losing a mother, he empathized with Ming Ruo.
The Emperor patted Ming Ruo’s back gently, soothing her.
Just as the late Emperor did with him once.
Finding herself unnecessary, Lin Wanyi silently bowed to the Emperor and departed.
Both concubines left, and the remaining could not linger either.
Their reluctance was apparent, knowing the opportunity would not return.
With Lin Guifei gone, the palace left only two prominent figures.
Mu Changzai could not approach Princess Consort Yi.
She had often clashed with her while under Princess Consort Ying.
But wishing to reach Lin Wanyi was futile.
Thus, no door opened for her.
If she were content, she could follow Consort Qian’s example, focusing on the Empress Dowager.
At least, securing a lifetime of stability.
Yet now, it truly was a predicament.
Thus, looking at Lin Wanyi’s departing silhouette, she grew increasingly anxious.
That day, after crying in the Emperor’s arms, Ming Ruo fell seriously ill.
She became significantly frail, yet the Emperor never discussed sending the child to Lin Wanyi.
In the Empress Dowager’s Palace, Consort Qian meticulously cared for her.
Allowing Ming Ruo, for the first time without a mother, to feel tenderness.
Lin Guifei’s coffin remained in the palace for forty-nine days.
Then it was sent to the Consort Mausoleum.
Aside from inviting Master Zhiyuan for rites, her funeral was not heavily celebrated.
Similarly, no special posthumous honors were granted by the Emperor.
Such a stance showed Lin Guifei was still somewhat affected by the Prince Zhan Mansion’s matters.
Yet, what difference does it make even if known?
They merely whispered about it, then moved on.
Once prominent in the palace, Lin Guifei became history.
Gradually lost in the Da Wei’s historical river, rarely mentioned by future generations.
Even when discussing concubines of the Yuanhe Period, most remembered Consort Yin Ning, not Lin Guifei.
