Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Night Observing the Stars
If she were really sent away, then her endless life would have nothing to look forward to.
One would have thought that Lin Guifei was crying genuinely at this moment, but unexpectedly, she was filled with scheming.
The Emperor looked at the splendor of Yao Tai Pavilion, devoid of warmth, and said to Dong Yuzhong.
"Imperial Consort, evil energy has invaded your body, and your head ailment has flared up. From today, focus on recuperating at Yao Tai Pavilion. As for the chores of the Six Palaces, let Princess Consort Yi, Princess Consort Lan, and Noble Princess Consort Ying manage them together. If anything cannot be handled, report it to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I obey."
After saying this, the Emperor left Yao Tai Pavilion without looking back.
Leaving Lin Guifei kneeling on the ground in a daze, without the energy or mind to cry.
After the Emperor left, Qin He and Qin Liu immediately came forward to support Lin Guifei.
But she waved them away with one hand.
"Lin Wanyi! Mrs. Dong!"
She called their names with utter hatred, wishing she could devour their flesh and drink their blood!
If she had a knife in hand, Lin Wanyi might have been stabbed full of holes by her.
Before Lin Wanyi entered the palace, the second branch had always suppressed the first branch.
How come in just two or three months, Grandfather’s thoughts changed as well?
The Emperor’s favor shifted too?
Where exactly was the mistake that led to their second branch now finding every step tough?
Seeing Lin Guifei in a somewhat deranged state, Jiang Heqing’s expression was extremely grave.
If Lin Guifei falls now, wouldn’t all the servants following her be in dire trouble?
For the sake of his own life and career, he must offer more comfort to Lin Guifei.
So, after thinking for a moment, he immediately said.
"Imperial Consort, as long as the green mountains remain, there will never be a shortage of firewood. Although we’re in a dilemma now, Ming Changzai is there; everything has been arranged long ago. When she rises, we will naturally have ways to resolve this predicament."
Suddenly mentioning Ming Changzai, Lin Guifei regained vitality.
"Yes! Yes! Quickly send someone to inform Ming Changzai, make sure to strike decisively during the Qixi Festival. I want to see how long that wretch Lin Wanyi can continue this!"
Her terrifying expression made a few Chief Palace Maids glance at each other.
They all displayed worried expressions.
Meanwhile, as the Emperor left Yao Tai Pavilion, he headed straight to Huifang Courtyard.
By the time he arrived, the moon had risen.
The stars were visible everywhere, covering the sky.
In the gentle summer breeze, she sat under the porch, gazing upward, tranquil.
When the Emperor arrived, he happened to witness this scene.
Originally somewhat furious, his mood gradually calmed down.
Lin Wanyi here indeed had the ability to bring peace.
As he walked over, Lin Wanyi was so entranced that she didn’t notice the Emperor’s arrival.
Instead, it was Chunqi and Xia An standing beside her who first saw the Emperor.
They immediately knelt to greet.
"Servant Chunqi pays respects to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty well."
"Servant Xia An pays respects to Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty well."
This greeting startled Lin Wanyi, making her respond.
Slightly surprised, she stood up and slowly saluted.
"Servant greets Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty well."
"Mm, get up."
The Emperor spoke as he came over and held her hand.
No matter how hot the summer, it was still cold.
So he frowned and said.
"When the body hasn’t adjusted, why are you blowing cold wind outside?"
Upon hearing this, the servants remained silent, observing discreetly.
This is the weather of July, where is the cold wind?
But the Emperor is the sovereign, if he says there’s wind, then there is.
How dare the servants casually comment on the Emperor’s words?
Ordinarily, Lin Wanyi would find the Emperor somewhat exaggerated.
But ever since her mother visited, she felt gratitude mixed with some guilt.
The poisoning incident was something she was forced to do.
Yet the Emperor’s actions made her feel guilty since, ultimately, she used some tactics to deceive him.
Therefore, while facing his meticulous care, she always felt she owed the Emperor.
"Hmm, next time I will remember to wear more clothes."
The Emperor was silent; he thought Lin Wanyi would say she wouldn’t go out next time.
However, the summer night sky was indeed beautiful.
Unwittingly, he also raised his eyes to look.
"Servant’s father always liked to observe these stars since childhood, hence became deeply knowledgeable. When I was still at home, my siblings and I enjoyed sitting on the stone stools in the courtyard, listening to father telling us stories while eating fruits."
As she spoke, Lin Wanyi pointed to the brightest star in the night sky.
"Your Majesty, look, that one is Tian Dong."
"Tian Dong?"
"It is summer now, so the brightest is Tian Dong. But in autumn and winter, the brightest becomes Vega, and after the new year, it becomes Sirius."
"Oh? Is there such a saying?"
"Of course."
Afterward, Lin Wanyi pointed out the position of the Beidou Seven Stars, explaining to the Emperor bit by bit.
"Your Majesty, look, these Beidou Seven Stars are Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alkaid, Kaiyang, and Shaking Light, with Shaking Light pointing to Tian Dong, which is said to be the dragon’s horn, hence the brightest."
The Emperor followed her finger and looked.
Among the galaxy, indeed, Tian Dong was the brightest.
"Your Majesty might have thought the brightest star in the night sky during different seasons is always the same one?"
"Indeed, before you mentioned it, I thought so."
"Then Your Majesty should read more books, otherwise one day if the servant surpasses Your Majesty, it will be embarrassing."
Lin Wanyi finally talked about something the Emperor seldom knew, naturally planning to boast a bit.
While speaking beside his ear, she intentionally lowered her voice.
After all, if such remarks were overheard, it would be disrespectful.
But Lin Wanyi, for some reason today, just wanted to tease the Emperor a bit.
Only to see his gaze upon Lin Wanyi, as bright as a starry river.
He embraced Lin Wanyi into his arms.
The two sat quietly under the porch.
One spoke endlessly, while the other listened quietly.
There was a distinct sense of harmony.
Dong Yuzhong and the others discreetly retreated ten steps away, considering the atmosphere.
Qiu Ming somehow walked to his side, and softly said.
"Master, Lin Changzai sought out Your Majesty today."
"Oh? That’s surprising."
"Upon learning that His Majesty went to Yao Tai Pavilion, his expression wasn’t good. Probably related to family matters, right?"
Qiu Ming hadn’t heard the conversation between Lin Wanyi and Mrs. Dong.
But he wasn’t blind.
Although Mrs. Dong had thick powder on her face, he still noticed some bruises.
Her steps when she arrived were heavy, but upon leaving, she walked lighter.
One glance was enough to see that something must have been left behind.
Smuggling personal items into the palace violates palace regulations.