Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 426: The Struggle for Position
"We pay our respects to the Imperial Concubine and the Third Prince."
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Imperial Concubine."
The thunderous acclaims greatly pleased Imperial Concubine Yi.
The Third Prince beside her also lifted his head proudly.
Their gaze fell upon the place where the Second Prince was seated with his younger siblings.
Unfortunately, though he wished to flaunt, those people had no mind to pay attention.
Because the Second Princess and the Fifth Prince were preoccupied with eating, while the Second Prince was busy mediating between them.
They had no time to bother with the Third Prince’s display.
The Third Prince’s eyes were filled with disdain, and he couldn’t help but think to himself.
Perhaps they knew they had no chance, so they played dumb.
If he ascends the throne in the future, as long as these siblings behave, they’ll have their share of food.
But if anyone harbors ill intentions, he wouldn’t care for familial bonds.
The first he’d deal with, naturally, would be the loud-mouthed Fifth Prince.
A hint of disgust flashed across his young face.
Lin Wanyi saw this too, and when she turned back to the Third Prince, her gaze was as cold as ice.
There probably isn’t a mother in the world who could tolerate threats against her child.
A child so young but already intolerant; who knew what kind of person he would become.
Judging from this, Lin Wanyi believed that such a position of power was not suitable for him!
Looking aside at the scornful gaze of Imperial Concubine Yi, Lin Wanyi suddenly found her pitiful.
Recalling the words the Emperor spoke to her that night, she silently prayed in her heart.
Hoping that Imperial Concubine Yi would soon meet her ruin!
So that the injustice of the Dong Family might be redressed.
But for now, as the Emperor said, it’s best for her to keep her distance.
Yet the old saying goes.
When one tries to avoid misfortune, misfortune may not avoid them.
Everyone was well aware of the current state of affairs inside and outside the palace.
Those who needed to take sides had already done so.
As for the wavering ones, they began to have thoughts of their own.
All because of the improper arrangement of seats at today’s banquet.
The Emperor having no Empress, the Empress Dowager attended.
Thus, naturally, the seats for the Emperor and Empress Dowager were the most prominent.
As for Imperial Concubine Yi, she should be behind them, akin to Consort Yin Ning’s seat, perhaps just slightly ahead.
Yet now, Lin Wanyi’s seat was moved to the same row as Consort Qian’s.
While Imperial Concubine Yi’s seat was moved forward.
To be in line with the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
If it wasn’t clear what this meant, those present might as well give up their official careers.
And evidently, this wasn’t arranged by Imperial Concubine Yi.
Because even she seemed momentarily shocked upon seeing it.
But she quickly understood, and her smile grew wider.
Having finally found an opportunity, Imperial Concubine Yi naturally wanted to flaunt a little.
Stepping confidently, she came before Lin Wanyi.
Looking down at her, she smiled with a dash of mockery and said.
"Sister Concubine, you’ve been wronged today. Originally, this seat was arranged in the front for you by this palace, but perhaps some servant didn’t hear clearly, and thus you were seated with Consort Qian."
Her words not only undermined Lin Wanyi but also looked down on Consort Qian.
However, with Consort Qian holding a rank but no real power, she could only swallow her pride.
Pretending as if she hadn’t heard anything.
Lin Wanyi, maintaining composure, curtsied slightly and replied.
"Thank you for your kindness, Imperial Concubine, but I prefer conversing with Consort Qian, so I requested to be moved."
"That’s good to hear. After all, Consort Qian has been in the palace for many years, mastering many skills. Her greatest being deaf and mute, which has now made her a noble consort, so sister, you should learn from her. It might come in handy in the future!"
Imperial Concubine Yi was truly blinded by her wealth and power.
Her arrogance today far exceeding the past.
Even someone as good-natured as Consort Qian couldn’t help but feel irritated.
Showing a momentary look of discomfort.
Yet given all she’s endured in the palace, she managed to swallow it down.
Keeping her head bowed, silent.
Clearly, Imperial Concubine Yi was quite satisfied with this attitude.
Lin Wanyi’s hand tightened and loosened repeatedly within her sleeve, but eventually, she let go.
An old saying goes, "When the heavens wish to destroy someone, they first drive them insane."
Recalling today’s grand play by the Emperor, Lin Wanyi held back.
So she replied.
"I will heed your teachings, Your Highness, I understand."
Seeing Lin Wanyi’s submissiveness, Imperial Concubine Yi became even more arrogantly triumphant.
She cast a cold glance over the Emperor’s withered harem, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
This was all quite good.
Even if more young beauties were chosen later, they wouldn’t threaten her or the Third Prince’s positions.
With this thought in mind, she addressed the concubines and palace attendants.
"Tonight is the New Year’s Eve banquet, perform your roles diligently for this palace. Should anyone disrespect the nobles, it will not be this palace’s fault if they are punished according to palace rules. Understood?"
"By the Imperial Concubine’s orders."
Seeing everyone once again submit to her, this power intoxicated her even more.
Utterly oblivious to any resentful looks or silent accusations among them.
Just as Imperial Concubine Yi finished speaking, the eunuch outside loudly announced.
"The Emperor has arrived."
"The Empress Dowager has arrived."
"Princess Ming Ruo has arrived."
With their arrival, everyone’s attention shifted.
"Long live the Emperor."
"Long live the Empress Dowager."
"Peace to Princess Ming Ruo."
Everyone’s demeanor was respectful and courteous, all bowing low to the ground.
Lin Wanyi was, of course, no exception.
As the Emperor walked into the hall, his gaze deliberately swept over her.
Even though she was merely a bowed back, she appeared fuller than before.
With her belly protruding, she still had to kneel, which was quite difficult.
But after today, she would no longer have to suffer such grievances, with this thought.
The Emperor felt at ease.
He then spoke in a steady voice.
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Lin Wanyi’s seat was placed at the back, as instructed by the Emperor.
Knowing what would happen today, he naturally wanted Lin Wanyi to stay away from Imperial Concubine Yi.
Avoiding any harm that might arise from her madness would be best.
With this in mind, he continued walking.
Standing beside the Emperor was the Empress Dowager.
She hadn’t been fond of such occasions before, which is why she later retreated to Wutai Mountain for spiritual cultivation.
But today, she had to make an appearance, though her attire was relatively modest and elegant.
Thus, when the Emperor and the Empress Dowager saw Imperial Concubine Yi’s outfit, there was a hint of mockery at the corners of their lips.
