It had only been a short while since the green card was delivered, and yet the response had come so quickly. Lin Wanyi found herself a little speechless.
But then she remembered: she had entered the palace to help Concubine Lin consolidate her favor. Naturally, the sooner she slept with the emperor, the quicker the rumors inside and outside the palace would be quieted.
Thinking this way, she felt at ease.
"Thank you, Eunuch Qin, for delivering the news. Xia An, serve tea to Eunuch Qin."
Although she was a ninth-rank concubine and Qin An was technically a servant, as the Deputy Chief Steward of the Inner Court—a seventh-rank official—he held real influence. He frequently appeared before the emperor, and it was only proper to show him respect.
"You're too kind, my lady. The sleeping nanny will come by shortly to explain the protocols. Just follow the steps as instructed."
"Many thanks, Eunuch Qin."
Qin An nodded approvingly. This newly promoted concubine was impressive. She understood how to behave with dignity, knew when to advance or yield, and was polite to all. In a place like the palace, even the most sycophantic servants preferred dealing with someone who treated them decently.
"These two must be Miss Chunqi and Miss Xia An?" he asked, glancing at the two maids. "If there's anything lacking in the harem, send word through Xiaoluzi. He's my apprentice—diligent and dependable. I've assigned him to run errands for Lady Lin personally."
He gave a subtle signal, and a young eunuch with delicate features stepped forward.
"Servant Xiaoluzi greets Lady Lin Wanyi."
He bowed deeply. Though it might seem improper to assign a young eunuch to a concubine of Lin Wanyi's rank, Qin An clearly had his reasons.
If she were promoted, seeing Xiaoluzi daily would remind her of the inner court's early support. If not, it would be easy enough to transfer him elsewhere—his file remained with the inner court.
As expected, the old foxes of the palace knew how to hedge their bets.
Lin Wanyi maintained her gentle smile. She showed no arrogance, but her calm demeanor was hard to read.
"In that case, thank you for your kindness, Eunuch Qin."
"You're most welcome, my lady."
After leaving Xiaoluzi behind, Qin An took his leave. Since Xiaoluzi would return to the Inner Court Department at night, no special accommodations were needed.
New to this role and unfamiliar with Lin Wanyi's temperament, Xiaoluzi knew it was best to speak less and do more. So when Chunqi mentioned needing to fill the water tank in the side room, he eagerly volunteered.
Watching him scurry back and forth, Chunqi beamed with pride.
"My lady, this Xiaoluzi is quite the worker. If it were up to us, we'd be sweating for half an hour. But look—he's nearly done."
"Be careful with your words," Lin Wanyi reminded her gently. "He has backing in the palace. Don't risk the bigger picture over small things."
"Understood, my lady. Don't worry."
Chunqi was lively and a bit free-spirited, but she never bullied the weak and always had a quick wit. Lin Wanyi trusted her.
Not long after the water jar was filled, the bedroom nannies arrived.
Four of them stood neatly before Lin Wanyi, dressed in dark blue robes with perfectly arranged hair. The leader, a round-faced and gentle woman, was clearly seasoned. Perhaps used to nervous and bashful concubines, she seemed quietly impressed by Lin Wanyi's serene poise.
She explained the evening's arrangements in a soft tone:
"At 5 p.m., a sedan will arrive to escort you to the side hall of Qian'an Palace. After your bath, you will be led to the inner chamber. There, you will await His Majesty."
She handed over a slim palace affairs manual.
Chunqi received it and passed it to Lin Wanyi, who glanced through a couple of pages before blushing.
She was still a young woman, after all—embarrassment was natural.
The nanny, having seen many such reactions, reassured her kindly.
"This is a matter of continuing the royal lineage, my lady. No need to be shy."
Lin Wanyi composed herself and nodded. "Thank you, Nanny."
The nanny took note of her grace and steadiness. Those who fussed and flustered rarely lasted. But this young woman—elegant, composed—might have a long road ahead.
She made sure to serve her with extra care.
That afternoon, the sedan arrived to take Lin Wanyi to Qian'an Palace. Chunqi and Xia An stood at the entrance, eyes filled with both excitement and worry.
In contrast, Xiaoluzi remained composed. Scenes like this were nothing new to him.
Qian'an Palace was the emperor's residence, and even its side halls dwarfed the entire Yihua Palace. Inside, seven or eight palace maids stood in quiet formation, bowing as Lin Wanyi entered.
"Greetings, Lady Lin Wanyi."
The lead maid was none other than the nanny who had briefed her earlier. Lin Wanyi acknowledged her with a nod, then stretched out her arms to be helped undressing.
As hot water filled the bath, her black hair was pinned high, and floral-scented oils—prepared by the Imperial Medical Bureau—were added to the wooden tub. The faint aroma was carefully chosen to please the emperor. With one inhale, Lin Wanyi understood the formula.
Embroidery, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, incense blending—these were skills she had learned since childhood as a noblewoman's daughter. Though rarely flaunted, her talent was undeniable.
Being stared at by so many people while bathing, Lin Wanyi naturally felt embarrassed, but this was an unavoidable process, so she simply closed her eyes and let them bath her.
These maids had served in Qian'an Palace long enough to spot who might win favor. And even among women of great beauty, Lin Wanyi caught their attention.
Her most striking trait wasn't just her youth or looks—but the rare, calm and quiet temperament she carried.
And so, among whispers and quick glances, they silently agreed: among the newcomers, Lin Wanyi was the one to watch.
After some time, with her cheeks warm from the bath, Lin Wanyi was finally lifted out of the tub.