Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Returning to the Palace Again
BaBao Building is in the city, miles away from the traveling palace. To keep the lotus leaf chicken warm on its journey, it was surely kept close to the body.
This thoughtful gesture made Lin Wanyi happier than receiving silk fabrics.
"The young master said this is something you must eat on your birthday every year, so this year is no exception."
"My brother is so considerate."
With that, she picked up another piece, savoring it slowly, her eyes full of emotion.
Outside, the wind and snow intermittently stopped and started, and after a night, the cold intensified.
On the morning of the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, Lin Wanyi, who had been away from the Imperial Palace for half a year, followed the imperial carriage with her children, slowly returning to the palace.
Departing in the morning, by noon, the imperial carriage appeared at the gates of the palace city.
It seems as though even the rare winter sun knew the Emperor was returning home and hung high in the sky.
A group of concubines had also been waiting for some time.
Even though their hands and feet were somewhat cold, their hearts were fervently warm.
Leading the group was Princess Consort Yi, closely followed by the newly promoted Princess Consort Ying, and then Concubine Qian, Ming, Yi Changzai, Mu Changzai, and a number of other palace concubines.
As the Emperor’s figure in yellow gradually approached, everyone beamed with joy.
Completely ignoring, not far behind, Lin Wanyi and the Second Prince and the Second Princess returning together.
"Your concubines greet the Emperor, may Your Majesty live ten thousand years."
"Mm, you may rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As the concubines rose, their gazes toward the Emperor were full of passion, longing, and tears.
After casually scanning around, the Emperor finally fixed his gaze on Princess Consort Ying.
Speaking in a gentle tone, he asked.
"Where is the Fourth Prince?"
"With the snowy wind so strong, your concubine feared the Fourth Prince would catch cold, so I had the nanny keep him at Yao Yue Palace."
"Mm, I will go see him later."
"Thank you, Majesty, for your concern. Your concubine and the Fourth Prince are deeply grateful."
Perhaps due to having given birth and been promoted, Princess Consort Ying was more bright and alluring than before.
Unlike before when she always seemed dormant, even restraining her beauty and demeanor.
Having dressed with care today, when she gazed at the Emperor with emotion-filled eyes, a hint of displeasure flashed across Princess Consort Yi’s face.
Then she interjected.
"Your Majesty, your concubine has prepared food and drink at the Qian’an Side Hall to welcome you back. The Third Prince, having finished his studies, is also waiting there. Since it’s a snowy day, it’s best to return to the palace first."
"Mm, Princess Consort Yi has worked hard, overseeing palace affairs during these times."
The Emperor’s words, though calm, were satisfying to Princess Consort Yi’s ears.
She knew Lin Guifei remained at Taishan Palace, so chances were high that Six Palace Affairs would fall on her shoulders.
Thus, there was a need to showcase herself well.
So, she donned a suitable smile and responded.
"These are the duties your concubine ought to fulfill."
Then finally directed her gaze to Lin Wanyi.
In the wind and snow, the Second Prince and Second Princess were wrapped up thoroughly, making it hard for her to discern much.
Yet Lin Wanyi, having nurtured her health for months, looked even more delicate and radiant than when she first entered the palace.
A subtle, ambiguous look passed her eyes before she spoke.
"Lin Guiren seems to have recovered well."
"Thank you, Lady, for your concern, this maid has recovered much."
When she stayed at the traveling palace, many pitied her.
Now seeing her even more captivating, some hearts felt discontent.
Mu Changzai had known Lin Wanyi was exceptionally beautiful, but was surprised to find her even more so after months apart.
It was impossible not to feel a tinge of jealousy inside.
Thus, raising her voice for all to hear, she remarked.
"The traveling palace truly nourishes, look at us being outshone by Sister Lin."
With that, she put on a seemingly cheerful expression.
Lin Wanyi glanced back but reacted little.
The Emperor, however, shot Mu Lanchun a glance and then said.
"Let’s go."
"Yes."
Following that, everyone gathered around the Emperor and proceeded towards Qian’an Hall.
Lin Wanyi intentionally lagged behind, walking at the very end.
The Second Prince sighed looking at the birds and flowers ahead.
In a low voice next to Lin Wanyi, he said.
"The traveling palace is indeed peaceful."
Lin Wanyi knew what he meant and gently tapped his forehead, advising.
"The palace is crowded with gossip, be cautious not to attract unwarranted comments."
"Understood, Lady Lin, rest assured."
Keeping a low profile, he had these life-saving skills.
With a quick sweep of his face, the once innocent and carefree Second Prince from the traveling palace reverted to his previous somewhat sullen demeanor.
His expression warned strangers not to approach, making Lin Wanyi raise an eyebrow.
She thought, truly the Emperor’s son.
The change in expression was indeed...
Identical!
In the side hall, Princess Consort Yi had already prepared everything. Once seated, food and drink were served one by one.
The Third Prince had long been waiting inside, with Princess Ming Ruo by his side.
"Your son greets Father Emperor, wishing Father Emperor well."
"Your daughter greets Father Emperor, wishing Father Emperor well."
Not seen for a time, the Third Prince appeared increasingly courteous.
Conversely, Princess Ming Ruo had lost her former proud demeanor.
Her complexion wasn’t great either.
The Emperor saw the two children at a glance, naturally noticing their differing expressions.
Seeing his once sole daughter so downcast, he felt a pang in his heart.
Thus he patted her shoulder, saying.
"In a month, the Empress Dowager returns to the capital; once there, follow the nannies at Cining Palace to learn proper etiquette, understand?"
"Yes, Father Emperor."
Then he looked at the Third Prince, eyes filled with admiration.
"On the way here, I heard from Princess Consort Yi about your academic matters, quite commendable."
"Thank Father Emperor for the praise, these are duties your son must fulfill."
"Mm, when spring comes, your second brother will also start studies. His enlightenment was later than yours, so offer help when you can, understood?"
"Your son understands, Father Emperor, rest assured."
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, recalling the Second Prince, who also performed well at the traveling palace, his heart was comforted.
Sitting once more upon the Dragon Chair, he resumed his former imperial majesty.
The Second Prince’s seating was arranged before the Third Prince, being one with the title "Han King" after all.
So both in terms of status and hierarchy, this was as it should be.
Despite the Third Prince’s frequent expressions of goodwill towards him, the Second Prince’s demeanor remained largely unchanged.
Accustomed to the Second Prince’s moody expressions, the Third Prince didn’t mind one bit.
What did it matter if he recovered or began studies?
All he’d missed over the years, the Second Prince couldn’t catch up to him.
Thinking of this, a smugness rarely seen among adults showed on his small face.
Seeing this, Princess Consort Yi also lifted her head proudly.