The person who arrived was none other than Jiang Heqing, the chief eunuch at the side of the Imperial Concubine. Lin Wanyi had met him once before at home.
At that time, he had come bearing a gift of fine wine from the Western Regions, personally bestowed by the Imperial Concubine. Jiang was a man skilled in navigating situations and delivering flattering words.
"My young lady has finally entered the palace. Her Highness has been looking forward to your arrival for some time now."
As the saying goes, one shouldn't strike a smiling face—especially in the palace, where this Jiang eunuch was known to be quite capable. Still, in front of Lin Wanyi, newly arrived at court, he remained as courteous as ever.
"I appreciate Her Highness's concern. I've long hoped to meet her."
"After all, you're sisters of the same blood. You naturally share the same sentiments. The Imperial Concubine has invited you for a chat."
"That would be my honor. Please lead the way, Eunuch Jiang."
Her calm, composed demeanor made an impression on Jiang Heqing. He mentally noted this second young lady of the Xiangfu.
She was dressed in a snow-blue soft Yanluo Liuxian palace gown, her appearance serene and graceful. Her hair, as dark as ink, was arranged in a flowing cloud bun, adorned with a few magnolia hairpins. Unlike the lavishly dressed ladies of the court, she favored a more understated elegance. Her complexion was fair as jade, her features delicate and lovely. A small, faint red teardrop mole beneath her left eye added an unexpected touch of allure.
Indeed, the Xiangfu seemed to be a place where beauty flourished—its daughters as lovely as spring blossoms.
Perhaps yet another favored noble would soon rise in the palace.
"This way, young lady."
Jiang Heqing said no more and led Lin Wanyi toward the Linzhi Palace.
They walked for nearly half an hour, passing through four grand palace gates and one magnificent hall before reaching the fabled Linzhi Palace.
Located in the upper eastern section of the palace, it was second only to Chengqian Palace, the Empress's residence, in size and splendor.
Even before they reached the door, Lin Wanyi could smell a faint plum blossom fragrance—strange for the season.
Inside, she remained composed, eyes lowered, never letting her gaze wander. The two maids behind her, Chunqi and Xia An, followed suit, heads bowed, observing palace decorum precisely.
"This is Linzhi Palace, Her Highness's residence. You should visit often. The Imperial Concubine says you may treat it as your own home—there's no need for formality."
Hearing this, Lin Wanyi hesitated slightly, then raised her head and straightened her back.
Wherever her eyes fell, the grandeur of Linzhi Palace was unmistakable.
If Yihua Palace was dazzling in refinement, then Linzhi Palace exuded noble dominance.
The small garden outside was meticulously maintained. A delicate rockery and water feature imitated a southern-style garden, its design compact yet exquisite. Smooth pebbles paved the path, preventing slips even near the water's edge.
The main hall consisted of seven large rooms, and hanging prominently above was a plaque with four golden characters: Gentle, Kind, Virtuous, Gracious.
These were hand-picked by the Emperor from the official edict that granted the Imperial Concubine her title—displaying the deep favor she held.
This had long been a point of pride for Lin Wanyi's second aunt, and Lin Wanyi had heard of it before.
Clutching the handkerchief in her hands, Lin Wanyi followed Jiang Heqing up the white jade steps. As they reached the hall, he announced loudly, "Miss Lin has arrived."
The palace doors opened immediately, and several maids stepped out to greet them.
Lin Wanyi had only vague memories of her elder sister, Concubine Lin. Though only four years apart, the elder had entered the palace at fifteen and was now twenty-one. They had not seen each other in six years. Even when they were both at home, their interactions were limited to polite exchanges during visits to Ronghe Hall.
As soon as she entered the hall, without waiting to be acknowledged, Lin Wanyi knelt on the gold-woven carpet and said clearly, hands folded in salute:
"Lin greets the Imperial Concubine. May you enjoy peace and prosperity."
By the window, Concubine Lin was reclining on a rosewood couch, a palace maid massaging her legs. At the sound of Lin Wanyi's voice, she slowly opened her eyes.
Years of favor had transformed her. The once youthful girl now carried the grace and authority of a consort in power.
Her figure was slender, her complexion porcelain-pale, her features delicate yet aloof. With a simple lift of her hand, she signaled her attendant, Qin He, and then spoke unhurriedly:
"Sister, please rise. Though we are in the palace, I am still your elder sister. When no one is around, you may address me as you always have."
"I dare not, Your Highness."
Lin Wanyi could easily distinguish between sincere kindness and calculated politeness. To call her "sister" here would risk appearing presumptuous, and such impressions could spread quickly.
Seeing her adhere strictly to the rules, Concubine Lin's lips curled slightly. Just as Grandmother said—easy to control.
With that thought, her tone softened a little.
"Come, sit down. I've been away from home for so many years, I rarely hear news from my siblings. How is our elder brother these days? Is he still working in the Imperial City?"
It sounded like casual conversation, but Lin Wanyi recognized the probing nature of the question.
She didn't believe for a second that, with her sister's influence and Princess Rongkang's connections, Concubine Lin was truly ignorant of her brother's situation.
Still, with her current status, she had to answer carefully.
"Your Highness, my elder brother is doing well. He's been in the Imperial City Department for seven years now, though he hasn't advanced much. He's getting older, and Mother is already making marriage arrangements for him."
"Oh? Seven years and no promotion?"
Before Lin Wanyi could respond, Concubine Lin added casually, "Grandfather must be testing his resolve. As the eldest grandson of the Prime Minister's Mansion, he cannot be spoiled."
Spoiled?
Lin Wanyi nearly laughed. Her brother had worked diligently for years without reward, likely due to sabotage from the West Wing branch of the family. And yet here was her sister framing it as discipline.
Clearly, this was a warning—don't be too ambitious, or you may end up just like your brother. Lin Wanyi bowed her head and answered evenly.
"Your Highness is wise."
Satisfied with her submissive tone, Concubine Lin was pleased.
It was necessary to intimidate her a little, but not so much that she lost confidence. After all, knowing the Emperor's tastes, he disliked timid or colorless women. Since she had gone through the effort to bring her sister into the palace, she needed her to attract—and hold—the Emperor's attention.