She could only bow her head, quietly enduring the lecture.
"The Lin family may seem glamorous now, but it's only because my grandfather still holds power in the court, and my grandmother remains a princess with some residual influence. However, if we want to ensure the stability and reputation of the Lin family for future generations, it will take the combined efforts of you and me, my sister."
"Getting pregnant early is the only way forward for the Lin family—understand?"
Lin Wanyi's heart twisted with a sneer. After all that talk, the underlying message was clear: continue to serve the emperor well, and—most importantly—give birth to a son.
And it must be a prince.
By then, her fate would likely mirror Su Bin's—reduced to a tool in this game.
She understood it clearly, but she didn't allow it to show on her face.
Concubine Lin had deliberately laid out her intentions, confident that Lin Wanyi could see through them. The repeated mention of the Dragon Boat Festival was not just a casual remark; it was a subtle reminder that her elder brother's future—and her younger brother's—hung in the balance. She had no choice but to yield.
Concubine Lin was the granddaughter of Princess Rongkang, raised in the same ruthless tradition. There was no subterfuge—just swift, accurate strikes, knowing exactly where to hit to get what she wanted.
Lin Wanyi felt a surge of helplessness. Whether she wanted to or not, she had already walked down this path. The way out seemed unclear.
"I understand."
Lin Wanyi couldn't remember how she left Linzhi Palace. All she could feel was the oppressive weight of being at the mercy of others. It was a kind of pain she could scarcely put into words.
Xia An, accompanying her, noticed the shift in her demeanor and asked with concern.
"Young lady, what happened? What did the imperial concubine say?"
Lin Wanyi shook her head, not willing to confide in Xia An. Since Concubine Lin had ensured no one else was present, it was clear she didn't want the matter to be known. It was safer for Xia An to remain in the dark.
"I want to take a walk in the Imperial Garden," she said quietly. "I don't want to go back to the palace just yet."
At this moment, she needed space to think. If she returned to Yihua Palace, Mu Ying might sense something was wrong and question her. Better to avoid that confrontation.
Xia An, knowing her young lady's habits, agreed without hesitation.
When Lin Wanyi arrived in the Imperial Garden, it was starkly different from the last time she visited, accompanied by the lively chatter of Mu Lanchun. Now, the garden felt eerily quiet, even though the spring colors bloomed vibrantly around her.
The paths were lined with smooth pebbles, each symbolizing happiness, wealth, longevity, and joy. Yet, Lin Wanyi walked past them in a daze, heading straight to an ancient tree in the corner. The sight of its towering, lush branches brought a sense of comfort, reminding her of her childhood.
In her memories, there had been a similar tree at the east wing of the Prime Minister's mansion, a locust tree that provided shade and coolness during summer. It had been her refuge when her illness flared up, a place where she found solace from the heat. Those years at her grandfather's house had been filled with warmth and love.
Now, here she stood, in a palace full of intrigue and manipulation. She wondered what her family outside must think of her situation.
The breeze whispered through the leaves, and for a long time, Lin Wanyi stood there, lost in thought. Half an hour passed before she finally returned to her senses.
Her emotions had quieted, and she turned to Xia An with a small smile.
"Let's go back to the palace."
"Yes, young lady."
The two made their way back, but neither noticed the pair of eyes watching them closely from the shadows, studying Lin Wanyi's retreating figure with a calculating look.
When they returned to the Left Hall, Mu Lanchun had already gone. But Chunqi rushed out, anxious, pulling Lin Wanyi aside to check if she was unharmed.
"Young lady, you've been gone for so long! I was worried sick."
"I just went for a walk in the Imperial Garden," Lin Wanyi reassured her. "Nothing to worry about."
"It's almost time for lunch! If you didn't come back soon, I would've gone to Linzhi Palace to look for you."
Chunqi's sincere concern warmed Lin Wanyi's heart. At least here, in the midst of the palace's turmoil, there were people who cared for her. She couldn't afford to let them down.
Changing the subject, she smiled and asked, "Has the green plum pastry been prepared? Did Mu Ying agree to come get it?"
"Don't worry, young lady. I've packed a large portion for Ying'er to take, but there's one left for you and Xia An to enjoy."
Chunqi called Xiao Luzi, who entered with the plate of green plum pastries, handling it with care. Since his earlier "lesson" in the pergola, he had been much more reserved, making sure to stay out of Lin Wanyi's way and avoid any potential gossip.
Before he left, Lin Wanyi called him over, offering him a piece of the pastry.
"You haven't tasted this yet, right? It's Chunqi's specialty. Pair it with fragrant tea, and it's truly delicious."
Xiao Luzi was flattered, uncertain whether he should accept the gesture after the last incident. His surprise was evident, but he held back his excitement and simply said in a quiet voice, "Thank you, young lady."
Chunqi chimed in with a smile. "Save it for the afternoon. We'll be having lunch soon, and you don't want to spoil your appetite."
"I can eat a lot! Even if I finish this, I'll still be able to eat two bowls of rice," Xiao Luzi joked, his mood lightened.
Lin Wanyi smiled, appreciating his sincerity. Even in this palace full of hidden motives, it was nice to have simple, unguarded moments.
Soon after, lunch arrived—a meal from the imperial kitchen, including a hearty stew of three fresh ingredients. As Lin Wanyi glanced at the dish, she suddenly remembered something.
She slapped her forehead in mild frustration. "I promised the Emperor I would sew pajamas for him yesterday... I almost forgot."
Chunqi widened her eyes in mock horror. "My lady! How could you forget such an important thing?"
Lin Wanyi flushed with slight embarrassment. "I'll go find the material right away. His Majesty's pajamas must be perfect!"