Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 387: Hands-on Approach

Although the Emperor was somewhat displeased about being interrupted, he didn’t say anything.

"Hmm, come in and assist with washing up."

"Yes."

Soon, the Emperor and Lin Wanyi both were tidied up.

When they returned to the main hall, the children were already waiting there.

As soon as the two entered the door, the children bowed.

"The Princes and Princesses greet Your Majesty and the Empress."

Though the nanny said these words on their behalf, happy expressions hung on each of their faces.

The main stars today were the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess.

Therefore, the two of them wore clothes particularly festive in color.

These outfits were specially prepared by Mrs. Dong for the children’s birthday celebration, so they looked especially elegant.

The Fifth Prince proved to be a robust person; he could stand steadily by his first birthday and took quick steps toward Lin Wanyi’s arms.

His sturdiness brought great comfort to the Emperor.

However, with the other children present, it wasn’t appropriate to solely praise him.

So, he merely looked on with smiling eyes and delight, without saying much more.

"Mother, mother..."

His memory was indeed good; he had called out a few times before, and now he knew to address Lin Wanyi as "mother concubine".

Lin Wanyi bent down and picked him up.

The hefty weight made it a bit difficult for her to handle.

So she jokingly said,

"You, look at that chubby belly, how much have you eaten?"

The Fifth Prince seemed to understand, chuckling in response.

Then, he patted his belly with his hand, his little plump hand creating dimples, making Lin Wanyi shake her head.

Then she turned her gaze to the Third Princess.

Compared to the Fifth Prince, the Third Princess seemed more like a typical toddler.

She appeared much more docile and gentle, even her smiles carried a sense of modesty.

Compared to when she was first born, she had grown quite a bit, and her features increasingly resembled Lin Wanyi.

She was a spitting image of a tiny Lin Wanyi, thus the Emperor showed her extra favor.

He spread his arms and said,

"Bring the Third Princess here to me."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Over these days of daily interactions with the children, the Emperor had grown quite experienced.

Therefore, the way he held the Third Princess was quite comfortable, as if diving into the embrace of a doting father.

The Third Princess was very pleased.

However, her joy wasn’t like the Fifth Prince’s boisterous laughter; instead, it was just a subtle curve of her eyes and mouth.

Even so, the Emperor was utterly charmed. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Today is their one-year birthday, so I called for the Fourth Prince Uncle’s family, the Lin Family, and the Dong Family to come and celebrate together."

Lin Wanyi wasn’t aware the Emperor had made such a decision beforehand, so she was a little surprised.

But after the surprise was joy.

Within the Royal Family, a complete family gathering was always a luxury.

Yet Lin Wanyi felt that family had always been her source of confidence.

Therefore, while she lived well, she also hoped the children would have the same familial affection and family love that she had in her childhood.

The Emperor’s gesture undoubtedly sent a signal to the outside world.

What if he shows favoritism?

Who could object?

Thinking of this, Lin Wanyi asked Xia An to bring out a box.

Inside were items Lin Wanyi had personally prepared for an upcoming birthday ritual, previously used by the Second Princess, meant for the two children to continue using.

However, some items were added inside, totaling over twenty different kinds.

"I initially thought about having the children perform the ritual in the morning, but since Your Majesty has invited guests, let’s wait until everyone arrives to make it festive."

The Emperor replied with a hum, as that was indeed his intention.

Now, it was Lin Wanyi who was slightly worried.

She hadn’t anticipated so many people would come, so when preparing the steamed crab roe meatballs, she didn’t make enough.

If there weren’t enough to go around, it might be a bit embarrassing.

So she instructed Xia An,

"Have Chunqi prepare more dishes quickly; with so many people, we need to add another table in the dining hall, tell Qiu Ming to hurry with the preparations."

"Yes, Empress."

These were mere trivial matters, really, without Lin Wanyi’s instructions, they would still be done.

But for Lin Wanyi, family matters were never small; being fully prepared was the only way to put her mind at ease.

Now that the Lotus Pond had withered, to see the summer lotus again, they would have to wait until next year.

So Lin Wanyi prepared something else for the children.

When the items were brought to the left wing, the children clapped their hands in excitement upon seeing them.

It turned out there were more than twenty dough figures of different sizes and colors.

Neatly lined up on a lacquer tray, the children rushed forward in delight.

"This color won’t stain their hands, will it?"

The Emperor felt a bit worried, but Lin Wanyi shook her head.

"I had them use edible dyes, like red is from watermelon juice, green from Chinese mugwort, and yellow from pumpkin, so there’s no harm."

The Emperor smiled and said,

"Indeed, you are always more attentive than others when it comes to matters concerning the children."

"Your Majesty flatters me, it’s just a little creativity. However, I’m not skilled at making dough figures, so the children will have to learn themselves."

"That’s nothing, I can do it."

The Emperor’s words surprised everyone present.

Including Lin Wanyi, as she had never seen the Emperor display such skill.

But Dong Yuzhong suddenly realized this, then smiled warmly at Lin Wanyi and explained,

"When the late Emperor was alive, he often accompanied His Majesty in playing Cuju and riding fine horses. I’ve seen his handy work of making dough figures twice, and the craftsmanship was truly remarkable."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi understood.

"No wonder, then since that’s the case, why not have Your Majesty set an example for the children, and let me see how this skill compares with the outside craftsmen?"

After saying this, she gave a mischievous smile.

How could the Emperor not know that Lin Wanyi was waiting to see him make a fool of himself?

Thus, without saying much, he got straight to work.

No explanation needed in the face of absolute strength; instead of saying much, why not show her?

As a result, the Emperor’s seemingly large and strong hands played with the dough as if they had a life of their own.

Lin Wanyi hadn’t even clearly seen how it happened.

A little rabbit was already completed.

He even used red dough to add eyes to it, making it lifelike.

Lin Wanyi said nothing, but inwardly she thought, even if the Emperor were to fall on hard times one day, he could probably make a living with this skill.

After all, who could resist a handsome man who was also skilled with his hands?

No need to guess, his stall’s business would surely thrive!

Thinking about it, she chuckled.

But before she could react, she saw the Emperor had already crafted a lotus flower.