Chapter 226: Chapter 226: Thoughtful Companionship
Upon thinking of this, a layer of worry veiled Lin Wanyi’s eyes again.
However, she would not open her mouth to ask.
Some matters, if the Emperor does not speak, he has his reasons for caution. A small noble like her mustn’t overstep repeatedly relying on favor, for it could lead to trouble.
She could only heave a sigh and say,
"I understand."
There was a sense of deflated resignation on her face, forcing the Emperor to feel a pang of discomfort.
He quickly changed the topic and said,
"By the way, your brother has also returned with me and is now in the traveling palace. Tomorrow, I will find an excuse to let him see you."
"What!"
Surprise filled Lin Wanyi’s eyes, which quickly turned into delight.
"How come my brother?"
Before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly remembered.
Since the Fourth Prince’s trusted aides escorted the Emperor back, it wasn’t surprising for her brother to be in the traveling palace.
"Your Majesty, may I see him tonight?"
Her voice carried some anticipation, but the Emperor frowned.
"It’s already late, and very few know of my return to the palace. Summoning a guard at night might not bode well for your reputation."
While rumors were unlikely, revealing the Emperor’s whereabouts could spell trouble.
Lin Wanyi nodded, adhering to protocol as she spoke,
"It was impudent of me. I will meet him tomorrow then. Thank you for granting me this favor, Your Majesty."
Compared to Lin Guifei and Prince Zhan being left at Taishan Palace, meeting her brother brought greater joy to Lin Wanyi.
Her improved mood naturally made her more dedicated to tending to the Emperor.
Alas, while she was intent on combing the Emperor’s hair, his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Alright, the hair is thoroughly combed. Do you want to come down and soak together?"
Lin Wanyi shook her head; she wasn’t interested in such romantic play.
Unfortunately, before she could speak, she was already picked up by the Emperor and taken into the water.
When her feet left the ground, she let out a startled cry.
The Emperor looked at her with a silly smile, leaving her clothes drenched and her face blushing.
Outside, Qiu Ming and Xia An, upon hearing the commotion inside, couldn’t help but cough slightly. Though embarrassed, they were used to serving at the imperial court, so they tactfully ignored it.
They just moved a few steps forward to avoid eavesdropping.
The entire Ruiyang Pavilion, even the traveling palace, was now enveloped in tranquility.
Though the lamps were lit, under the vast starry sky, they went unnoticed.
The piercing cold kept everyone indoors, except for necessary palace guards.
Thus, despite the noise at the hot spring, no one noticed.
Lin Wanyi never imagined indulging in playful intimacy, or even serving the Emperor in public spaces.
To her, once outside the bedchamber, it was utter recklessness!
But the Emperor thought otherwise.
He had not touched anyone throughout his journey, making this moment savoringly cherished.
Accompanying him into the hot spring, Lin Wanyi appeared even more enchanting under the steamy mist.
Making his mind restless.
He leaned toward her ear, speaking in a raspy voice.
"Is it alright?"
Lin Wanyi shook her head vigorously like a rattle-drum.
But in front of an Emperor, such resistance was futile.
The breath, heavy with long-suppressed desire, enveloped her. In the end, Lin Wanyi couldn’t break free, and was instead utterly consumed by the Emperor.
It was only long after that the Emperor released Lin Wanyi, showing a look of satisfied enjoyment.
Next to the pool, fresh clothes were laid out.
Lin Wanyi was too exhausted to dress herself, and it wouldn’t do to call Xia An in at this moment.
So she cast a resentful glance at the Emperor.
The Emperor chuckled softly, then moved a step closer, frightening Lin Wanyi into attempting to flee, only to be held at her waist by the Emperor.
"Let me dress you."
His breath lingered at her ear, causing Lin Wanyi to hardly mind the embarrassment.
She looked up at the Emperor in disbelief.
"Really?"
"Mm."
The Emperor leisurely took up his clothes, dressing himself casually before coming to Lin Wanyi.
He lifted her from the water, starting to pat her dry with a cloth.
Lin Wanyi wanted to refuse, though her legs were weak, yet seeing the rising desire in the Emperor’s eyes again, she didn’t want to linger in the hot spring all night.
Else she would surely die of embarrassment the next day.
She then laughed awkwardly as she reached for the cloth, saying,
"No need to trouble Your Majesty, I’ll do it myself."
She reached out, but the Emperor blocked her.
"I said I’ll do it."
His tone allowed no disagreement; Lin Wanyi was shy but resigned to her fate.
Luckily, the lamp around the hot spring didn’t shine too brightly.
This spared them some eye-to-eye embarrassment.
Yet the Emperor, at this moment, was thorough in wiping her clean.
He then dressed her in her clothes bit by bit.
As they both prepared to retire, their attire was kept simple.
Changing into these outside clothes allowed them to lie down directly.
The hair, initially damp and messy, was beyond the Emperor’s skill.
Seeing her neatly dressed, he indeed called for assistance.
Qiu Ming served the Emperor, Xia An attended to Lin Wanyi.
After much fuss for nearly half an hour, their hair was mostly dry, and they wrapped in heavy capes to head back.
The journey back was met with fierce winds and snow. Lin Wanyi, having suffered once from not drying her hair before, was extremely cautious this time.
Covered thoroughly, even if Lin Xingzhi appeared, he might not recognize his own sister.
The front courtyard was orderly arranged by Qiu Ming.
Thus, the way back encountered no troubles.
Once inside, Chunqi quickly brought warm water and hand warmers, dispelling their chill.
"Alright, it’s getting late, rest now, we’ll talk again tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With the Emperor’s words, they dared not linger any longer.
Everything was tidily arranged, and they left.
The heater burned warmly in the room, the bed was already prepared.
They originally felt drowsy, yet the wind and snow woke them up.
"Tomorrow, I’ll have Qin An link the hot spring pool with a room to avoid the hassle of frequent back-and-forth visits."
Lin Wanyi remained silent.
Who soaks in a hot spring at night but Your Majesty!
However, the pool is indeed most enjoyable in winter, transitioning from hot to cold abruptly is easy to fall ill.
So she also saw merit in this idea.
Fortunately, the Da Wei Dynasty is prosperous.
Otherwise, if outsiders knew that they would renovate for the sake of a hot spring, she’d surely be accused of being an Evil Concubine bringing disaster to the country.
Thinking of this, she chuckled.
The Emperor turned to glance at her, then curiously asked,
"What is it?"
"It’s nothing, I’m just happy to see you back."