Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 376: Aunt-in-law’s Request (Bonus Update)
Among the people who came this time, those who wanted to make a scene found it impossible to do so.
Consort Qian was busy taking care of the Empress Dowager and Princess Ming Ruo, while He Changzai was distressed and intent on resolving matters regarding Shen Canghai.
And Ming Pin, whose face was severely disfigured, didn’t leave her quarters and showed no excitement upon hearing the Emperor’s arrival.
Not to mention Princess Consort Ying, who drank medicine daily to stabilize her mood.
Therefore, apart from the courtyard where the Empress Dowager resided, which occasionally echoed with laughter, the rest of the East Garden was lifeless, like still water.
Imperial Concubine Yi did not come, and naturally, the Third Prince also stayed away.
She didn’t trust having her child out of her sight, so she sent double the ice to the Third Prince.
On the other hand, the Second Prince was practicing horseback archery at the traveling palace.
Although there was no autumn hunt this year, he recently became obsessed with horseback archery.
Perhaps because he was too weak in the past and hadn’t experienced the exhilarating joy it brought.
Once he experienced it, it was hard not to enjoy such a feeling.
Fortunately, there was a racecourse in the traveling palace, where the Second Prince practiced early every morning.
He would return to rest at noon,
wake up rested and then read.
His proper attitude even earned a nod of approval from the Emperor, who said he embodied the royal demeanor.
Lin Wanyi also particularly cherished the time she could see the Second Prince daily.
They would have lunch and dinner together, and after his reading session, they would chat about interesting matters.
For instance, the family would sit in the middle of the courtyard.
Eating watermelon, watching the stars, and listening to Lin Wanyi tell stories about heavenly deities.
It was both harmonious and serene.
One day, Lin Wanyi received a letter from her mother and second aunt indicating their visit to the traveling palace.
Now that she held the rank of Imperial Consort, it was only natural for her family to visit.
So, not long after breakfast, they arrived.
Originally she thought only her mother and second aunt would come, but unexpectedly, her grandmother and eldest aunt came along as well.
Lin Wanyi hadn’t seen them since her brother got married last year, which led to a moment of nostalgia.
"Grandmother, you seem to be in great spirits—is it because of some forthcoming good news?"
Lin Wanyi asked with a cheerful smile.
"The biggest joy nowadays is all in your sister-in-law’s belly, isn’t it? Whether a boy or a girl, they’ll be the heart and soul of our family."
"Exactly, exactly."
Mrs. Dong chimed in, smiling with contentment over her grandchild.
She truly had no worries now, and she appeared younger than before.
The only concern was to take good care of her daughter-in-law Mrs. Feng’s health, nothing else mattered.
Now her entire focus was on waiting to care for her grandchild.
But the eldest aunt seemed to have something to say yet hesitated.
Lin Wanyi noticed and asked her directly.
"Eldest Aunt, we’re family, so if you have something to say, feel free; it doesn’t matter."
Hearing this, the eldest aunt glanced at Mrs. Dong, looking a bit worried.
But seeing Mrs. Dong nod, she began to speak.
"It’s like this, your cousin Qiulan has been married and had children for several years now, and her eldest son Xige is already four. He has always been a smart and active child. His father was previously a Scholar, but in recent years, he hasn’t had success in the civil service exams, so he has been staying at home, delaying things. This time he failed the exam again, and who knows when he will advance."
"But Xige’s studies can’t be delayed, so I thought if you could ask around, perhaps find him a better tutor. No matter how much the tuition fee is, our family can afford it! We just hope Xige can learn more!"
"You know, coming from a merchant family, making a hundred or eighty ounces of silver is easy, but finding a teacher is a bit difficult."
After saying this, Madam Dong was a bit embarrassed.
After all, it was for a married daughter, so she had to rely on Lin Wanyi.
The Lin Family and Dong Family had gained some favor at court but not to the extent that everyone would accommodate them.
Moreover, the only in-laws they had were the Feng family.
Being a military family, they truly had no one to ask in educational matters.
Upon hearing the eldest aunt’s words, Lin Wanyi didn’t turn away.
She nodded and said,
"I don’t know much about matters outside the palace, but I can ask my godmother. The sons in the Fourth Prince Mansion are both scholarly and martial, so they must have a private school. I’ll ask for you, and if possible, we’ll send Xige there. This way, our family might produce a fine third-place scholar in the future!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Dong was almost moved to tears.
If he could indeed attend the private school in the Fourth Prince Mansion, his future would surely be bright.
With this thought in mind, she couldn’t help but almost kneel to Lin Wanyi in gratitude.
But Lin Wanyi helped her up.
"Eldest Aunt, you’re too kind. Since we’re at home, let’s keep it informal."
"Alright, alright, I was afraid to speak before coming, worried about troubling Her Ladyship. But as the grandmother, I can’t ignore Xige’s future, that’s why..."
Madam Dong was anxious, worried about this and that.
Lin Wanyi saw through her concerns and comforted her.
"Didn’t I just say? We’re family, and as my cousin’s son, he should call me Aunt."
"Yes, yes, Her Ladyship is right!"
Having an Imperial Consort as an aunt is a blessing not everyone has.
With this in mind, Madam Dong couldn’t wait to rush to her daughter’s house to share the good news.
Seeing the eldest daughter’s problem resolved, Mrs. Dong was also pleased.
She then brought up another happy occasion.
"Her Ladyship will soon be able to enjoy wedding candies again."
"Oh? How so?"
Mrs. Dong then replied with a smile.
"Qiuyue’s marriage is settled. The engagement will happen in September, and the wedding next April, by which time she’ll be over seventeen—just right."
"Has Cousin Qiuyue gotten engaged? When did that happen? To which family?"
Lin Wanyi asked a series of questions, each filled with curiosity.
Mrs. Dong laughed and said,
"It’s a family you know."
"I know?"
Lin Wanyi frowned, thought for a moment, then suddenly thought of someone, and curiously asked.
"Could it be Doctor Dou’s grandson?"
"That’s right! It’s the Dou family."
Since Lin Wanyi entered the palace, the connection between the Dou and Dong families had grown stronger.
Before, Eldest Master Dong and Eldest Master Dou saw each other often due to business, but now, with the impending family union, the two families were as close as one.
The Dou family has been a reputable family for generations and has practiced medicine for three generations.
They have a solid academic background.
Given that the Dong family is in the medicinal herbs business and also manages the Benefit People Medicine Bureau, they are indeed well-matched.
Originally, in terms of background and status, the Dong family would be considered to be reaching above their station with the Dou family.
