Wrapped in soft gauze, Lin Wanyi recalled the rules the bedroom nanny had explained earlier. Though her face was composed, her heart was heavy with discomfort. Being carried naked into the inner hall, wrapped only in a brocade quilt, might be seen as the highest honor by others, but to her, it was a blow to dignity.
Unexpectedly, the bedroom nanny returned with a set of snow-white palace robes made of tribute satin and began to help her dress.
"Mammy, didn't you say—"
Before she could finish, the nanny interrupted with a hint of admiration in her eyes.
"His Majesty has specially granted you the honor of serving in palace attire. This is an extremely rare favor. My lady is truly blessed."
Lin Wanyi smiled faintly but said nothing. To others, this was heaven's grace; to her, it was the kind of attention that easily bred jealousy.
The emperor's favor—whether for Prime Minister Lin or Concubine Lin—was unlikely meant for her personally. Yet being made the vessel of such favor would make her a target nonetheless. Still, it was not her place to protest. She let the maidservants dress her quietly.
Nanny Siqin had intended to apply makeup, but Lin Wanyi's natural beauty needed no adornment. A light application of moisturizing balm sufficed.
"A lotus emerging from clear water—no need for embellishment," someone whispered in awe.
Soon, she was escorted to the inner hall of Qian'an Palace.
This inner hall was even grander than the side hall. Everything—furniture carved from rare nanmu wood, soft carpets, ornate bronze incense burners—spoke of imperial majesty. The faint scent from the gilt bronze qilin incense burner lingered like a silent reminder of who lived here.
Nanny Siqin led her to the eighteenth table before retreating. Alone at last, Lin Wanyi looked around with cautious curiosity. The style was impeccable. In the Wei Dynasty, bright yellow and black belonged solely to the emperor. Even a noble like Concubine Lin could only use softer tones like chrysanthemum yellow.
But here, in Qian'an Palace, the golden hues blazed boldly. The wide dragon bed behind the swastika-patterned nanmu doors was shrouded in layers of bright yellow gauze, as delicate as cicada wings, hiding yet revealing.
Just as she was absorbing the scene, footsteps echoed from outside—slow, steady, each one striking her chest like a drumbeat.
Her heart, which had remained calm all day, suddenly pounded in her chest. She swallowed to steady herself.
"Lin Wanyi greets His Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace."
She rose and stepped forward quickly before kneeling gracefully on the round flower-patterned brocade cushion. She followed the rules, even if they chafed.
Soon, a pair of black boots embroidered with golden dragons came into her view. She hadn't looked up earlier, so she had yet to see the emperor's face.
"Rise," came a calm voice.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
She nodded slightly and kept her eyes down, respectful and silent.
"Don't be so restrained. Raise your head—I want to see you."
At his command, she lifted her head slightly, eyes still lowered, her demeanor as gentle as a spring breeze. Her beauty was quietly astonishing—so much so that even the emperor, accustomed to exquisite women, couldn't help but pause.
"The Prime Minister's household must have good feng shui," he said casually.
Lin Wanyi didn't know how to respond. Though they were only a few steps apart, it felt like a screen of mist separated them.
According to the nanny's instruction, this was the time to show warmth and charm. But Lin Wanyi's legs felt rooted, her tongue heavy. She simply stood quietly, letting the emperor take her in.
"How old are you this year?"
"I will be seventeen come June."
"What do you enjoy doing?"
"My mother is skilled in embroidery, so I've learned a little from her."
"Can you read?"
"A few characters, Your Majesty."
Each question was answered plainly, like a student reciting to a tutor—no coquettishness, no artifice.
"I recall that when Concubine Lin entered the palace, her tongue was very clever. You two are sisters, yet you're rather dull."
He chuckled softly. Lin Wanyi couldn't tell if he was teasing or testing her.
She knew: between a concubine and an imperial consort, the distance was vast. To live peacefully, one had to be quieter, dimmer, less everything.
She thought for a moment, then answered sincerely:
"Your Majesty is correct. Compared to the imperial consort's elegance, this servant is far inferior."
The emperor fell silent.
Dong Yuzhong, the chief eunuch, stepped forward and spoke in a low voice.
"Your Majesty did not eat much earlier. Should I have something sent?"
"No. I'm not hungry."
As he spoke, his eyes caught Lin Wanyi's hands, gently pressed against her stomach.
Of course he wouldn't be hungry, but Lin Wanyi had only eaten two pastries since morning. Her stomach ached faintly, yet she dared not speak.
Still, the emperor seemed to notice.
"Never mind. Let the imperial kitchen bring some light porridge."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
A moment later, a white porcelain cup was brought in. Even before lifting the lid, a rich aroma wafted out.
The palace staff withdrew discreetly, leaving only Lin Wanyi and the emperor.
She stepped forward to serve the porridge, just as she had been taught.
"Are you hungry? Would you like some?" the emperor asked.
Her hands froze. The porridge looked perfect—tender fish flakes floating in clear broth—but the rules never mentioned sharing a table.
If she accepted, would it be a breach of etiquette?
She bowed slightly and answered with care.
"I haven't eaten dinner yet, so I am a little hungry… but I am of humble status and dare not dine with Your Majesty."
"You're honest," the emperor said, his tone softer now. Lin Wanyi thought she heard the trace of a chuckle—but she couldn't be sure.