Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 377: Cousin’s Marriage

However, this involved Lin Wanyi.

It couldn’t be said whether it was a step up or not.

Thus, the Dou Family and the Dong Family easily agreed, and the elders decided this matter.

Doctor Dou had known Mrs. Yun, the Second Madam Dong, for quite a while, so the betrothal happened quite naturally.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi truly felt happy for her cousin Qiuyue.

She had such a bright and lovable character that she should marry into a simple family with a clear background.

Regarding this, she felt her grandfather’s decision was correct.

If they had the intention to marry her cousin well, relying on her status as an Imperial Consort, it wouldn’t be impossible.

There were times when the wives of several court ministers and the Fourth Prince Consort inquired about her brother, Lin Muzhi, during their chats.

Therefore, Lin Wanyi was clear-minded.

But such marriages that come during flourishing times may not last long.

If a better opportunity arises in the future, they may leave faster than anyone else.

Therefore, Lin Wanyi was very cautious.

Fortunately, her grandfather’s entire family could understand this.

For the days ahead, it’s best to maintain equal relations.

You know my family’s background, and I understand your social intricacies.

As long as both sides work together towards one direction, life can prosper.

So, Lin Wanyi said to Xia An.

"Go and bring those congratulatory gifts I have prepared. I’ve kept them for a long time, just waiting to add joy to her."

Xia An immediately acknowledged.

Soon, she brought the gifts inside.

One was a pair of pomegranate flower pot made of Jingtai Blue Pink Crystal, a gift for the elder sister-in-law, Mrs. Feng.

The jade was used for the leaves, and pink crystal for the pomegranates, with the base tinged red, resembling the pomegranates just before turning red.

Abundant fruit and lush branches and leaves, most suitable for gifting to Mrs. Feng, who was about to give birth.

Another was a set of six Cordyceps Pattern Bowls with red glass gold paintings, a gift for cousin Qiuyue.

The new bride brings such a set of imperial bestowed bowls into the house.

It’s like bringing provisions to the house; it’s all for good luck and joy.

Regarding cousin Qiulan, of course, gifts had been prepared.

They were a pair of Moon White Silk Bottom Flower Bird Embroidery screens.

The colors were light and elegant, looking lifelike and carrying a hint of bird song and floral fragrance.

Gifted to her to hang in her bedroom, they wouldn’t be obtrusive.

Instead, they added a bit of interest.

Everyone smiled with wrinkles when they saw these gifts.

"Imperial Concubine really thought this through; these gifts truly touched their hearts."

Everyone received a different gift, personalized according to their circumstances.

Such thoughtfulness, who wouldn’t appreciate it?

Not only that, Lin Wanyi also specially prepared two smaller screens.

Upon them, she personally embroidered "Continuous Success".

Egrets standing on lotus leaves, with pure white lotus flowers blooming beside them, primarily using green and reeds colors.

Exuding a kind of refreshing and pleasant comfort.

Egrets coincide with "road", lotus with "continuous".

Such auspicious intent naturally hopes that brother Lin Muzhi and cousin Dong Keli will achieve consecutive successes in the upcoming examinations!

Seeing this, everyone sighed with emotion.

Mrs. Dong felt some pity for her daughter and quickly said.

"You need to serve the Holy Emperor and look after the children. Why spend so much effort and care, be careful not to strain your eyes." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Hearing this, Lin Wanyi knew her mother had good intentions.

So she smiled and said.

"It doesn’t matter, fortunately, now the clothes for the children are all made and sent by mother, so there aren’t many needlework tasks at hand. These embroidered screens are just for good luck, and please mother and aunt convey them to the two brothers, wishing them unlimited prospects!"

"Good, good, the Imperial Concubine said it well!"

All present were deeply moved.

They continued to chat for a while, and only after having lunch did they leave the traveling palace and return home.

Traveling back and forth in one day, they had set off before dawn.

Therefore, at this moment, they were exhausted, leaning back in the carriage and resting with closed eyes.

But this exhaustion didn’t matter.

Compared to the imperial bestowed items carried behind the carriage, they were so happy they could laugh even in their sleep.

After sending off her grandmother’s family, Lin Wanyi finally gained some leisure.

With the sun high in the sky outside, nowhere seemed comfortable.

Might as well take a nap inside the room.

When Nanny Du brought people to see her, Lin Wanyi had just awoken.

"Servant greets the Imperial Concubine, wishes the Imperial Concubine well."

Behind Nanny Du stood two palace maids who seemed quite young, both lowering their heads, respectfully following the suit.

Looking at them, Lin Wanyi suddenly understood.

These were probably chosen as the personal maids for the Second Prince, also meant to serve in his rooms.

Thinking that the Second Prince, only eight years old, was already preparing for these, Lin Wanyi felt the distance between mother and son more than ever.

But the palace rules were there, she couldn’t surpass them, nor could the Emperor.

She now hoped that the maids Nanny Du chose would be self-respecting and disciplined, not thinking of anything else, at least not until they were twelve or thirteen.

So she sat up straight and said.

"No need to be formal, Nanny Du, please rise."

"Thank you, Imperial Concubine!"

Yet the two maids, not yet addressed by Lin Wanyi, still knelt respectfully.

Raising their eyes to Nanny Du, they saw her nod.

Such a solemn expression reassured Lin Wanyi quite a bit.

So she said.

"Raise your heads; let me take a look, and tell me about yourselves."

"Yes."

Both raised their heads, neither being of striking beauty.

One was a bit of a jade beauty, revealing elegance, the other dignified and composed, exuding tranquility.

Upon asking their ages, both were roughly twelve years old palace maids.

Having entered the palace three or four years ago, they had been raised under the nannies, learning the rules, without having been assigned tasks.

Therefore, serving the Second Prince was their first duty since entering the palace.

"Servant Yun Qi, greets the Imperial Concubine, wishes the Imperial Concubine gold prosperity."

Yun Qi was the one slightly more like a jade beauty.

Her voice also pleasant, soft and gentle, carrying the charm of Jiangnan.

"Are you from Jiangnan?"

"Indeed, servant’s ancestral home is in Jinling City."

"Jinling City? That’s a fine place!"

This wasn’t intended for Yun Qi to respond, so she remained silent.

After asking about her family, Lin Wanyi turned to the other.

This one was even more gracefully calm.

"Servant Yun Fei, greets the Imperial Consort, wishes the Imperial Consort gold prosperity."

As she spoke, there was a sense of straightforwardness.

So, she asked about her birthplace.

"Servant’s ancestral home is in Shu State."

"Shu State? I’ve visited a few times when I was at home, only the weather was somewhat humid."

"The Imperial Consort is right, indeed."

"But humid weather has its benefits; spending a few months there and returning, one’s complexion becomes quite fair. No wonder people say Shu State produces beauties; you appear fine."

In terms of looks, she naturally wouldn’t be considered outstandingly attractive.