Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Concentrated Fire
Princess Consort Yi originally intended to persuade the Emperor not to change the selection time of the concubines lightly.
Unexpectedly, her words came out rather harsh.
The Emperor’s face immediately darkened as he looked at Princess Consort Yi, clearly displeased.
"What do you mean by recklessly changing the system? Does Princess Consort Yi want to talk to me in detail about the Marquis of Northwest’s strong plea for reforming the military back then?"
Startled by the Emperor’s reaction, Princess Consort Yi’s complexion turned bad.
She immediately knelt down and said.
"I misspoke, Your Majesty, please forgive me."
Back then, her grandfather fought tooth and nail with the Emperor over the military reform of Da Wei.
She didn’t know much about the specific reasons.
But after this affair, her grandfather never returned to Shengjing City, which was indisputable.
Therefore, when the Emperor brought up this matter now, it was clear he was angry.
She regretted her impulsiveness, wondering why she didn’t think before speaking.
Seeing Princess Consort Yi’s submissive demeanor, all the concubines followed suit and knelt down.
None dared to make a sound.
Suppressing his anger for a long time, the Emperor finally left with one sentence.
"Do as I say regarding this matter!"
Then he turned on his heel and left.
Everyone exchanged looks.
Today was both New Year’s Eve and a good day for the harem’s ceremonial bestowment, yet provoking the Emperor at such a time was indeed...
Since the troublemaker was Princess Consort Yi, no one dared to speak a word against it.
They could only obediently wait where they were and listen to Princess Consort Yi’s arrangements.
Perhaps having lost face in front of everyone, Princess Consort Yi also looked upset.
But she still spoke patiently.
"I apologize for making a spectacle, but since the Emperor has decreed, the concubine selection for the coming years shall be canceled."
After some thought, she spoke again.
"Everyone has been busy all morning, so let’s take a rest. Before the palace banquet begins, I will send someone to inform you all."
"Thank you, Your Highness, concubine bids farewell."
This is Qian’an Hall; they bid farewell, and so did Princess Consort Yi.
She wasn’t the Empress and didn’t have the privilege to stay here.
Displeased but helpless, she could only leave with her entourage.
Lin Wanyi sighed at the situation, unsure what had provoked the Emperor; perhaps it would be wise to avoid him in the coming days.
To prevent trouble from affecting herself.
At dinner time, all the concubines waited early in the side hall.
Unfortunately, after waiting for nearly an hour, there was still no sign of the Emperor.
Princess Consort Yi’s facade was hard to maintain; wasn’t this just a way to embarrass her?
Just because she displeased the Emperor that morning, he chose to make things difficult during the New Year’s Eve banquet.
For instance, the time was long past, yet there was still no sign of him.
He hadn’t arrived, and everyone couldn’t start eating ahead, so they sat idly, waiting.
Even though Lin Wanyi had been promoted, she remained quiet as before.
Today, the Second Prince and Second Princess were also present, but not seated with her.
Nearby the side hall were other halls, with places designated for feeding and nursing the Second Princess, so no worry about her starving.
Today was her first formal meeting with the concubines.
Her demeanor was different from her usual self at Ruiyang Pavilion and Yihua Palace, very quiet.
Princess Consort Yi glanced at her, feeling a bit regretful.
It was indeed Princess Consort Lan’s whim that harmed the child; otherwise, a child of this age should be lively, which is normal.
Why is she so quiet?
Recalling how the Lan Family still hoped to send new concubines into the palace, and also to reclaim the Second Princess.
Now it seems like a futile effort.
So she spoke.
"Is the Second Princess still unwell? Why hasn’t she spoken a word?"
"To Your Highness, during winter the Second Princess sleeps a lot, so she doesn’t make much noise."
Children sleeping a lot is normal.
But children at this age should be energetic, yet she seems less intelligent.
Lin Wanyi also felt curious.
Clearly, upon arrival, the Second Princess was lively, but once inside the side hall, she became sluggish.
She glanced towards the Second Prince, also sensing trouble.
The complexion was as gloomy as ever, as if he had suffered a silent loss.
What’s wrong with this brother and sister?
Both seem dispirited.
Lin Wanyi wanted to ask, but felt the occasion was inappropriate.
She decided to wait until returning to inquire.
Unexpectedly, Chu Daying spoke up, targeting Lin Wanyi.
"I’ve been confined for days, haven’t had the chance to congratulate Noble Consort, congratulations on your rise."
After speaking, she rose to give Lin Wanyi a formal salute.
Seemed much more proper than before.
Yet to Lin Wanyi, this appeared dangerous.
Who knows what her intentions are!
So she smiled and responded.
"Thank you, Chu, you’re too kind."
Nothing further to say; she belonged to the category of saying much invites trouble, doing much invites trouble.
Better not to say or do anything.
Seeing her unfazed, Chu Daying smiled and devised another plan.
She spoke to Princess Consort Yi.
"Your Highness, the time for the palace banquet has long passed, could the Emperor be delayed by state affairs? Shouldn’t someone be sent to invite him?"
Princess Consort Yi frowned, displeased with Chu Daying’s insensitive suggestion.
Unexpectedly, she continued.
"I think among our sisters, Noble Consort would be most suitable to invite him, being the foremost among the newly promoted concubines, surely favored by the Emperor. So, would Noble Consort be willing to go and invite the Emperor for New Year’s Eve celebration?"
Her words stirred laughter among many.
Knowing the Emperor was in a foul mood, she wanted Lin Wanyi to go invite him?
This was clearly making trouble for her.
Moreover, everyone knew how she gained her position.
There was no particular favor shown by the Emperor, so everyone waited to see Lin Wanyi’s embarrassment.
It must be said, releasing Chu Daying, as Lin Wanyi foresaw.
Her provocation was late but sure to come.
With an appearance of surprise and concern, she spoke.
"Chu, you overestimate me, though I’ve just become a Noble Consort, compared to Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying, I’m insignificant. Even for inviting His Majesty, shouldn’t it be them, not me?"
The trouble shifted back to the two high-ranking consorts.
Princess Consort Ying smiled modestly.
"Lin, you flatter me, everyone in the palace knows you’re the Emperor’s favorite now. Lin Guard’s life-saving act led to your current status, isn’t that justification for you to go?"
All the focused attention indeed fell on Lin Wanyi.
Princess Consort Yi and Princess Consort Ying stood united, applying pressure with smiles.