This time, after paying her respects, Lin Wanyi was finally able to get a proper look at the emperor's face.
His brows were sharp and well-defined, his nose straight and prominent, but his eyes were cold, and his lips were thin.
Lin Wanyi suddenly recalled something her mother once said when they visited her eldest brother's home to evaluate a potential wife.
"People with thin lips tend to be cold. If you choose a wife for your eldest brother, pick someone with fuller lips."
By that standard, the emperor standing before her might not pass her mother's test. What a shame.
Dressed in a bright yellow robe, he looked imposing and majestic—but perhaps due to recent overwork, his once-broad frame had grown slightly thinner.
Lin Wanyi, still appearing virtuous and reserved, chose to show a bit more initiative this time.
"Are you tired, Your Majesty?"
Judging from the dark circles under his eyes and the faint crease in his brow, it was clear that court affairs had been demanding—and perhaps vexing.
"Mn. Have you eaten?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Did it suit your taste?"
"I enjoyed the three-vegetable stew—it was delicious."
"I like that one too. I'll have the imperial kitchen send you more dishes next time."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Lin Wanyi didn't quite know how to react. Two visits to serve the emperor, and she'd been gifted food both times. Anyone unaware of the situation might think she was obsessed with eating. She sighed inwardly, but kept a serene expression.
The emperor had no idea what she was thinking. He simply spread his hands and said casually:
"Help me change."
The inner hall was now cleared of others, and Lin Wanyi naturally stepped forward to assist.
His robe had only a few buttons, and she undid them quickly. Beneath, he wore bright yellow nightclothes embroidered with golden dragons, which shimmered faintly in the lamplight.
The richness of the fabric and the skill of the embroidery made Lin Wanyi's fingertips pause. She gently traced the stitching and marveled at the craftsmanship.
The emperor noticed her reaction.
"Didn't you say last time that you learned embroidery from your mother?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Then embroider a nightgown for me. The ones from the needlework room give me headaches."
Lin Wanyi was momentarily speechless.
This emperor really knew how to pass along work in the gentlest of tones. So quick to assign her a task.
She muttered inwardly but didn't dare show a hint of displeasure.
"I will follow your order."
The emperor had already bathed, so once dressed, he sat on the dragon bed.
Lin Wanyi remained standing at the bedside, unsure what to do next. He glanced up and patted the seat beside him.
"Come sit."
He spoke faintly, massaging the bridge of his nose, weariness etched into every gesture.
Something about his appearance made Lin Wanyi speak up without thinking.
"Would Your Majesty like a head massage? I can help."
The words had barely left her mouth before she regretted them.
This was only her second time serving him—would this seem overly forward? Like she was trying too hard to please?
But before she could second-guess herself further, the emperor gave a soft nod.
She climbed onto the bed and, perhaps too hastily, ended up falling right into his arms, startling herself so much that she didn't dare move.
She forced herself to calm down. Still, the intimacy of it made her a little nervous.
Sensing her subtle tremble, the emperor—who had closed his eyes—opened them again and glanced at her.
"Didn't you say you'd help press my head? Why haven't you started?"
He had ruled for long enough that even casual words sounded like commands.
Lin Wanyi composed herself and began. Thankfully, she often massaged her mother's head and knew the acupoints and proper pressure. Her hands were light but firm.
Perhaps he was truly exhausted, or perhaps her technique was unusually soothing—but before long, the emperor's breathing deepened, and he fell soundly asleep.
Lin Wanyi looked at him—so peaceful and unguarded—and sighed inwardly.
Everyone dreamed of being sovereign, but how many understood the weight behind the golden throne?
To be emperor was not just to enjoy glory and favor. If you didn't care for the nation, you couldn't hold the throne securely.
She recalled something her second uncle once said during a visit to her maternal grandfather's estate:
"To be a ruler, one must first serve the people. If you harm them for personal ease, it's like cutting your own thigh to feed your stomach—you may fill yourself for a moment, but your body will ultimately perish.
"To rule the world, you must first govern your own heart and actions. No man with a crooked soul casts a straight shadow."
Now, with her hands lightening their touch, Lin Wanyi massaged him more gently. The emperor slept more soundly.
Midnight came.
Eunuch Dong, not hearing a sound for some time, gently called, "Your Majesty?"
Receiving no reply, he stepped inside.
He was greeted by an unexpected sight.
The emperor—normally a light sleeper—was fast asleep, and Lin Wanyi sat leaning quietly by the bed, also dozing.
A faint smile touched Eunuch Dong's lips.
Indeed, he had not misjudged her. This Lady Lin—her future would not be ordinary.
Still, the rules for the emperor's nightly visits remained strict. If she stayed the night in Qian'an Hall, it would surely stir unrest in the harem.
He approached quietly and called out softly, "My lady."
Lin Wanyi was a light sleeper and woke quickly. Upon seeing Eunuch Dong, she immediately understood.
She gently shifted the emperor's head off her lap.
Eunuch Dong swiftly placed a pillow under him and drew the quilt over his body, then whispered:
"My lady, it is midnight. I will have someone escort you back to Yihua Palace."
"I trouble you, Eunuch."
She tried to stand, but a sharp numbness shot through her legs. She had remained still too long.
Noticing this, Eunuch Dong extended his hand respectfully.
"My lady, take my arm. The sedan chair is waiting just outside."
Lin Wanyi hesitated at first, but in the end took his hand with a grateful nod.
"Thank you, Eunuch Dong."
She stepped carefully into the night, into the waiting chair, and returned to Yihua Palace.
Chunqi and Xia An were still waiting at the gate. When they saw her descend, they immediately stepped forward, supporting her on either side and slipping silver into the hands of the chair-bearers.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Back at the side hall, Lin Wanyi didn't even have the strength to wash.
Xia An noticed something off about her gait and asked worriedly, "My lady, what happened to your legs?"
"It's nothing. His Majesty fell asleep with his head in my lap—they just went numb."
Hearing this, Chunqi was thrilled. Her lady had clearly earned favor tonight.
But she also felt a pang of regret—such a good opportunity, and yet they hadn't actually shared a bed.