"It seems that Sister Yingpin is not going to give me face."
Yingpin, still kneeling, swallowed hard. Faced with the pressure of the imperial concubine, she was visibly frightened.
But fear alone wasn't enough to sway her. She gripped the handkerchief tightly in her hand, steadied her breath, and forced herself to continue.
"Your Highness has misunderstood me. How would I dare to disrespect you? I truly lack the capability. If I were to ruin the banquet, it would tarnish your name, and I could not bear that guilt."
Incapable?
Concubine Lin's eyes narrowed slightly. That excuse wouldn't hold.
Her father was the Minister of Rites—he had raised her in the strictest traditions. Banquets and rituals were second nature to her. If she was avoiding this task, there had to be a deeper reason.
With that in mind, Concubine Lin shifted her tone, exchanging her earlier sternness for a warm, almost teasing manner.
"I was only joking with you, Sister. If Concubine Ying isn't suited to oversee the banquet, then…"
Her gaze swept over the other concubines seated below. Some straightened with anticipation; others lowered their eyes, hoping not to be called upon. A few simply looked on with curiosity.
"Let Concubine Ye and Du Changzai manage it together. You've both served His Majesty for years and know the protocols well. Especially Concubine Ye—if I recall correctly, you once served in the Inner Court. You've overseen many banquets, haven't you? I trust you'll handle it with grace."
Though spoken gently, it was clearly an order, not a request.
Du Changzai was delighted. Her gamble in clinging to Concubine Lin was finally paying off. If she could win the Emperor's notice again through this event, her days in the harem would become far more comfortable.
She stepped forward quickly, bowing deeply.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will handle everything with care and will not bring shame to your name."
With Du Changzai accepting so readily, Concubine Ye had no way to decline. She rose slowly and gave her thanks, albeit without much expression.
Lin Wanyi glanced at her, thinking back to how Concubine Ye had spoken up for her earlier. She had seemed calm then, and now—though she agreed—there was no joy in her eyes. She was clearly someone who kept her true thoughts hidden.
Why would someone like that speak out in her defense?
As she was pondering this, Mu Lanchun, standing nearby, caught her eye and gave a subtle thumbs-up. Lin Wanyi suddenly realized that her earlier interpretation might have been wrong.
Mu Lanchun must have thought this was all part of Concubine Lin's scheme—to elevate her status and let everyone see that Lin Wanyi was not to be trifled with.
First, Concubine Chu had been punished for offending her. Then, Concubine Ye, who had defended her, was given the banquet responsibilities. On the surface, it all looked like favor and goodwill.
But Lin Wanyi felt a chill in her heart.
If even Mu Lanchun had seen it this way, then so had the others.
To them, she was now marked as someone under Concubine Lin's wing. That might offer protection for now—but at what cost?
Favor was never given for free.
First, Concubine Lin dangled her elder brother's future. Now, she was using her to build her own prestige.
It was all too calculated.
Even though Lin Wanyi saw through it, she had no choice but to wait and see what Concubine Lin's next move would be. Whether she could handle it would depend on her own skill and adaptability.
Concubine Lin issued a few more instructions for the Dragon Boat Festival, then casually dismissed the others. But as Lin Wanyi turned to leave, she was stopped.
"Stay behind," the concubine said lightly. "I have a letter from your home. We can read it together."
Mu Lanchun leaned over and whispered before leaving, "I'm off to watch Chunqi make green plum pastries. Don't let her take advantage of you!"
Her voice was light, teasing. She didn't seem worried at all.
But Lin Wanyi knew better. Whatever Concubine Lin wanted to say now would not be something light.
Once everyone had left, Qin He ordered the attendants outside, leaving only the two of them inside.
Lin Wanyi stiffened slightly. This kind of privacy usually meant serious matters were about to be discussed.
Sure enough, Concubine Lin didn't hesitate.
"Concubine Ying is four months pregnant, yet no one in the harem knows."
Lin Wanyi was startled. Why would a concubine hide such news?
Seeing her confusion, Concubine Lin explained, "She's been in the palace for so long without a child—of course, she'd be cautious. I imagine she's just waiting for the safest time to make it public."
She paused, then continued, her tone turning sharp.
"But now, with two concubines suddenly pregnant—both of considerable rank—if they give birth safely, they'll surely be promoted. The palace can only accommodate so many elevated titles."
A cold weight settled in Lin Wanyi's stomach.
To have two imperial concubines of equal standing? That would be unprecedented.
Concubine Lin didn't let her thoughts rest there.
"I won't be coy with you. I was injured when I gave birth to Mingruo and haven't conceived again, no matter how many years I've spent recuperating. So, I suspect you already understand why you were brought into the palace."
The room fell quiet.
Lin Wanyi looked down. She had guessed, but hearing it said so bluntly still shook her.
Concubine Lin's voice lowered, as if remembering something far darker.
"Even if a child is conceived, it's uncertain whether it can survive in this palace. Look at the Eldest and Second Princes."
The names dropped like stones in water.
"The Eldest Prince, born of Empress Xu, was His Majesty's favorite. But he died of illness at six. The Empress never recovered. She died a year later."
"The Second Prince, born of Concubine Su, was born after a three-day labor. The boy lived, but was born weak, and his mother died of blood loss. Concubine Lan later adopted him."
Lin Wanyi's hands grew clammy.
Concubine Lin watched her closely, her voice cold and steady.
"Only the Third Prince, born of Concubine Yi, is strong and healthy. Talented, too. Everyone in the palace boasts about him."
She nearly spat the word "boasts."
Lin Wanyi noticed the bitterness. That boy must be a real thorn in her side. No wonder Concubine Yi was so protective.
"If both these new pregnancies yield sons… then we'll have a Fourth and Fifth Prince. The palace will be quite lively."
Concubine Lin's gaze drifted as she spoke. She seemed lost in thought.
Lin Wanyi remained quiet. She didn't dare speak or offer opinions—better to observe, to stay underestimated.
After a moment, Concubine Lin returned her gaze to her.
"You've got good momentum, even if you entered late. But don't let something like last night happen again."
Lin Wanyi's heart tightened.
She knew exactly what she meant.
Only accompanying the Emperor—without sharing his bed—was a wasted opportunity. And now, that weakness had been laid bare.