Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 375: The Heart Turns Dark (Added for Collection)
With a determined look in her eyes, she spoke.
"I am foolish, unable to discern who is a towering tree and who is but floating seaweed in this palace before. That’s why I chose the wrong side. I implore Your Highness to spare me this time. From now on, I shall be your devoted servant, loyal and unwavering."
"What a joke. Why should I trust a vile woman who ran away from Princess Consort Ying with unwavering loyalty? Do you think I’m foolish?"
Before coming here, Consort Mu was already mentally prepared.
Judging by the usual demeanor of Imperial Concubine Yi, she was certainly not a benevolent person.
To put it bluntly, she herself had betrayed Princess Consort Ying to turn to her, so being scolded seemed reasonable.
Thus, she spoke with sincerity in her eyes.
"I know I’m worthless, but to Your Highness, I’m just a suitable knife. Now that the harem no longer has a triadic division, it’s only you and Consort Yin Ning competing as equals. Although you are currently above her, she has numerous children under her name. One must not be careless."
"If Your Highness would accept me to serve you, I would give all my loyalty and devotion without hesitation!"
One must admit, Consort Mu knew how to persuade others.
With just a few words, she changed Imperial Consort Yi’s dislike into a certain appreciation for her understanding of the situation.
So she raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying.
"Throughout history, whenever someone surrenders, they must present an offering of allegiance. Your sudden words, how could I believe them?"
Consort Mu was certainly prepared.
Thus, she presented a paper from her sleeve.
"Consort Yin Ning’s advantage lies merely in her numerous children and her maternal family’s favor. To make her lose the Emperor’s heart, these two aspects must be targeted. The medicinal ingredients listed here are distributed by the Dong Family’s Benefit People Medicine Bureau to the populace. These are useful yet inexpensive things. If we find someone to tamper with them, the Dong Family’s good days will soon end."
Upon hearing this, Imperial Concubine Yi indeed found genuine interest in her.
Thus, her smile held a degree of indifference.
"It’s surprising, considering your past camaraderie in the same palace with her, that you’d turn your back so easily. I’ve truly underestimated you."
"Your Highness flatters me."
Consort Mu, after entering the palace, had few desires.
Mainly seeking the Emperor’s favor, giving birth to a child or two so she could rely on them for her later years.
Also hoping to benefit her family, ensuring a prosperous future for the Mu Family.
At that time, she had no conflict with Lin Wanyi, so she naturally didn’t scheme.
But now things are different. Seeing that if she doesn’t act, there will only be one path for her—dying of old age in the palace.
Therefore, standing in opposition to Lin Wanyi became something she must do.
The human heart darkens gradually like this.
Even if others never harmed you, if they block your way, they’re as good as dead!
Imperial Concubine Yi looked at the young yet deep-thinking person in front of her and smiled slightly.
There’s a saying she noted.
"A suitable knife, wasted if unused."
But when using it, one must be cautious, lest one be hurt by the blade.
Thus, she said.
"I entrust this matter to you. Whatever needs doing, inform Ruan Ming."
"Yes, Your Highness."
With Consort Mu’s ability, she could offer ideas at most.
Trying to extend her influence outside the palace was simply impossible.
So, to accomplish this task, assistance from the Liu Family was essential.
In this regard, no one was more capable than Ruan Ming!
When Consort Mu left Yuexiu Palace, she was no longer the same as when she arrived.
No one could predict what kind of storm she might stir behind.
At the traveling palace, Lin Wanyi returned to Ruiyang Pavilion after a year away, feeling immensely satisfied.
To her, Ruiyang Pavilion and Yihua Palace were both home.
No matter where she stayed, she felt comfortable.
At Ruiyang Pavilion, everything was prepared early.
Therefore, when they arrived, everything felt as smooth as before they left.
This time, however, there were three little ones.
Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Third Princess.
The Second Princess, who would turn two in a month, acted like a host, holding the Fourth Prince’s hand and looking around.
She now walked steadily and spoke fluently.
Occasionally, she could reply to Lin Wanyi’s questions sentence by sentence.
This filled Lin Wanyi with a sense of maternal pride.
"Walk slowly, don’t let brother fall, understand?"
"I know, I know!"
The Second Princess replied with a crisp young voice to Lin Wanyi, while holding the Fourth Prince’s hand as they wandered farther.
The two were close, which made Lin Wanyi both pleased and worried.
"The Second Princess really is lively. If she could make the Fourth Prince more spirited, that would be great."
Xia An spoke from the side.
Lin Wanyi smiled and then sat down. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
"I fear she might be too spirited, causing trouble with her brother—that would be troublesome."
Though she said this, deep down, Lin Wanyi felt a sense of pride.
That child, once diagnosed by the Imperial Physician as unlikely to survive, now filled the courtyard with laughter and joy.
Sometimes, Lin Wanyi even felt the Second Princess was a lark in her past life.
That’s why she’s so charming and beloved now.
Every time she sees her, all worries seem to vanish!
As the two spoke, Qiu Ming entered.
"Your Highness, the Prince and Princesses’ quarters have been arranged. The Second Prince and Second Princess remain in their original places; the Fourth Prince resides in the room between the two. As for the Fifth Prince and Third Princess, they’re housed in the right wing. The left wing is cleared out, with soft cushions laid, estimating that upon returning from the traveling palace, the Fifth Prince and Third Princess will be able to walk."
Talking about these two kids brought warmth to Lin Wanyi’s face.
Nothing else need be said, for the Fifth Prince certainly will walk soon.
At just ten months old, he can already take a few steps holding onto furniture.
Every step brings him immense joy.
The encouragement from others is music to his ears.
So, of course, he proudly shows off.
Though he always ends up with a small crash to the ground.
But the Third Princess is steady.
She’s also adept at crawling, but she never shows off.
Always sitting steadily to play and watching the Fifth Prince stumble.
"You’ve thought of everything; let’s arrange it so."
"Yes."
After arriving at the traveling palace, the abundant trees and ponds made it very cool.
Even the need for ice reduced greatly.
After settling the Empress Dowager, the Emperor moved directly into Ruiyang Pavilion.
This time he didn’t even find an excuse, yet outsiders could do nothing.
After all, Lin Wanyi was now Consort Yin Ning, with numerous children in Ruiyang Pavilion.
The most important thing is.
