Chapter 245: Chapter 245: New Year’s Eve Palace Banquet
"Princess Consort Ying’s words make sense, so Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning, please make the trip. Don’t let the title granted to you by the Emperor go to waste. Yi Ning means to have the ability to resolve matters peacefully, doesn’t it?"
At this point, Lin Wanyi could not refuse Princess Consort Yi’s words.
Fortunately, the Emperor had always looked at her differently; otherwise, she would not have complete confidence in poking the tiger’s whiskers at this moment.
She could only brace herself and go forward.
She stood up to take her leave, took a deep breath, and headed toward the main hall.
Her resolute figure left those present with a sense of amusement, as if they were watching a spectacle.
It was Concubine Qian who glanced over, finding it somewhat inappropriate, yet her low status and light words made it unbecoming to stand opposing so many people rashly.
Adjacent at the table, nobles Ming and Bai remained outwardly quiet.
Since being released from confinement, Ming felt a tinge of anxiety daily.
Afraid that this Noble Lady Bai would harbor resentment from previous affairs and cause trouble again.
But now, Bai’s eerily quiet demeanor made Ming even more apprehensive.
Who knows what malicious intent she might be brewing secretly.
Since the matter of the selection was settled, she would wholly focus her attention on gaining the Emperor’s favor.
Five years was enough for her to rise to the position of head of a palace.
Her heart was filled with motivation, so her hand moved to adjust the step-shaking ornament by her hair.
Unbeknownst to her, this action caused Noble Lady Bai’s face to grow even darker.
A flash of hatred passed through her eyes.
Lin Wanyi found the main hall empty, unable to locate anyone.
After inquiring around, she learned that the Emperor was at Wen’s former residence.
Then Lin Wanyi hurried over there.
Upon seeing Dong Yuzhong at the entrance, he gave a smile and said.
"Your Highness, you finally arrived, the Emperor has been waiting for you for a long time."
Lin Wanyi was puzzled. Could it be that the Emperor had anticipated they would trouble her and orchestrated this series of actions on purpose?
But even with suspicion, it was useless, she still had to go inside.
The winter’s cold wind left no trace in Wen’s former residence.
The place was heated with floor dragons, making it as warm as if they were still in Ruiyang Pavilion.
Lin Wanyi, dressed in regal attire, entered Wen’s former residence only to see the Emperor, in his usual dress, seated by a rosewood table with the mutton hotpot from Ruiyang Pavilion laid out before him.
With a smiling expression, he said.
"I do not wish to see them; therefore, for the New Year’s Eve palace banquet, let us dine alone."
Lin Wanyi was both amused and exasperated. So the Emperor caused such a scene just to dine alone with her?
To think she had worried and fretted before coming over.
"Your Majesty, this doesn’t seem appropriate. The sisters of the harem are waiting in the side hall; if you and I don’t go for a long time, I’m afraid..."
"Hmph, since they dared summon you, they naturally had an ulterior motive. Wouldn’t you know? Since they are of ill intentions, why should I care about them?"
Only then did Lin Wanyi understand, was the Emperor deliberately testing them?
If she didn’t come, he would eventually go.
But if she came, it was clear that the concubines were intentionally causing trouble.
What they aimed for was for the Emperor to be enraged enough to send Lin Wanyi into the line of fire!
Upon realizing this, Lin Wanyi stopped prevaricating.
In truth, spending New Year’s Eve with so many people made Lin Wanyi uncomfortable.
But given their status, staying long at the traveling palace wouldn’t do either.
That’s why she returned with the Emperor.
"But the Second Prince and the Second Princess..."
"Rest assured, I have already informed Nanny Du to have the Princes and Princesses dine first and then return."
"That’s good."
Upon hearing the Emperor’s efforts in arranging this, Lin Wanyi could not deny her feelings of being moved.
Actually, when the Emperor suddenly appeared at the traveling palace, she felt slightly shaken.
Or perhaps it wasn’t shaken but rather a willingness to open her heart a bit more to accept the Emperor.
Indeed, in this lifetime, it was impossible for him to be only with her, but to go to such lengths did indeed move Lin Wanyi.
So she said.
"I’m dressed so ornately; if it gets scented, I’m afraid the other sisters would notice. Does Your Majesty have any usual attire here? I could change into that."
If it were in the past, the Emperor would have been startled by her imaginings that bordered on flights of fancy.
But now, he could distinctly feel Lin Wanyi’s increased trust and occasional coquettishness since returning from the traveling palace.
This was a good development.
Therefore, anything she proposed could be accommodated.
Wen’s former residence was, after all, where he slept regularly, so usual attire was naturally available.
These were still made by Lin Wanyi herself.
Behind the screen, she slipped out of her ornate attire and donned the Emperor’s usual clothes, rolling up the sleeves and pant legs before putting them on.
Though nothing was revealed, to the Emperor, it evoked more imagination than if everything were exposed.
Upon emerging, the Emperor couldn’t help but chuckle gently.
"Your hairstyle doesn’t match your attire at all. When you have time, make a few sets of usual attire for yourself, both men’s and women’s."
"Why do we need that?"
"Naturally, there’s a purpose. For instance, to accompany me on incognito visits sheathed as commoners."
Upon hearing the four words ’incognito visits’, Lin Wanyi’s eyes sparkled.
It felt like going back to the days when she traveled around with her grandfather’s family.
The utmost freedom and leisure.
Those days, to prevent her identity from being exposed, they also pretended she was a boy.
Being young, her gender traits weren’t apparent.
So she appeared as a delicate, well-favored young master, exploring mountains and waters with her family.
"Is Your Majesty serious?"
"Of course."
"In that case, I’ll make a few sets for myself, and... make a few for Your Majesty too, using some inconspicuous fabrics. Otherwise, the grandeur of the material would instantly reveal our identities, and it wouldn’t be safe at all."
Her planning was swift, entirely missing the Emperor’s amused frustration on his face.
Then the two of them sat down and started eating the mutton hotpot.
This time, it tasted even better than the last.
In Wen’s former residence, the two spent a warm and even sweet time together.
Meanwhile, the poor harem consorts in the side hall.
Each grew anxious from waiting; why hadn’t Lin Wanyi returned after going?
Just as Princess Consort Yi was wondering whether to send someone to check, Dong Yuzhong hurriedly came over.
He hurriedly paid respects to Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying.
"This servant, Dong Yuzhong, greets Princess Consort Yi, Princess Consort Ying, and all the esteemed ones."
Seeing Dong Yuzhong show his face, everyone turned toward the outside, yet didn’t see the person for whom they hoped.
Princess Consort Yi, seated high at the forefront, was also filled with curiosity.
So she spoke and asked.
"Mr. Dong, why have you come?"
"Returning to Your Ladyship, the Emperor’s affairs are yet to be completed, so he will not be coming to the New Year’s Eve banquet. He specifically decreed for the Imperial Kitchen to prepare more festive dishes for all the esteemed ones, and wishes everyone to enjoy them at leisure."