The newcomer turned out to be Eunuch Jiang Heqing, the Chief Eunuch beside the Imperial Concubine. Lin Wanyi had seen him once at home.
At that time, he was ordered to deliver the Imperial Concubine's personal gift of fine wine from the Western Regions—truly a man who knew how to handle things and speak sweetly.
"Miss Lin, you've finally entered the palace. The Imperial Concubine has been eagerly awaiting your arrival for days now."
Indeed, they all say that you don't hit someone who's smiling. Besides, in the palace, this Eunuch Jiang's skills are exceptional. Yet, he still remained courteous when facing Lin Wanyi, who had just entered the palace as a concubine.
"My thanks to the Imperial Concubine for her concern. I've long wished to pay my respects to her."
"We are family sisters after all, thinking alike. The Imperial Concubine has commanded me to invite you over for a conversation."
"That's wonderful. I trouble Eunuch Jiang to lead the way ahead."
Her attitude, composed and neither servile nor overbearing, indeed made Jiang Heqing take note of this second lady from the Prime Minister's Mansion.
She was dressed in a snow cyan Soft Smoke Luo Flowing Immortal Palace Dress, her serenity enhanced by it. Her ink-like hair was styled into a Flowing Cloud Bun, with several orchid hairpins inserted askew—compared to the charmingly adorned young ladies, she appeared elegantly simple.
Her complexion was pristine and beautiful, skin like jade—a rare beauty.
Carefully looking, beneath her left eye, there was a faint red teardrop mole, adding a touch of allure.
Indeed, the Prime Minister's Mansion was a true treasure of feng shui, raising one surpassingly graceful daughter after another.
The palace may soon have another favored noble.
"Miss Lin, this way please."
Jiang Heqing didn't speak much, guiding Lin Wanyi all the way to the front of Linzi Palace's entrance.
After about two quarter-hours passed, through four palace gates and one majestic palace hall, Lin Wanyi finally beheld the legendary Linzi Palace.
This palace is situated in the upper eastern section among the East Six Palaces, second only in size to the Empress's residence, Chengqian Palace, within the harem.
Even before entering the palace gates, Lin Wanyi could smell the faint fragrance of plum blossoms—such a scent at this time of year was truly unusual.
Following Jiang Heqing into the palace, Lin Wanyi nodded slightly, refraining from looking around, while the two maids behind her kept their heads respectfully low, not looking idly, their etiquette was indeed well-taught.
"This is the residence of the Imperial Concubine, Linzi Palace. Miss Lin should come here frequently in the future. The Imperial Concubine has instructed that visiting here should feel just like home, without formalities."
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi paused her steps a little, then managed to lift her head slightly, her waist also straightening.
Everywhere she looked, Linzi Palace's wealth and splendor filled her eyes.
If Yihua Palace was renovated to gleam, then Linzi Palace was overwhelmingly opulent.
The view captured not only carefully maintained small gardens but also a pool created by a pile of rockery imitating flowing water, not large yet exceedingly exquisite, with a touch of Jiangnan garden style.
Surrounding it were pebbles of uniform size, ensuring that walking on them, even when wet, wouldn't cause slips.
The main hall consisted of seven rooms, in the center hung a grand plaque granted by the emperor, inscribed with: Rou Jia has virtue.
These were the four characters specifically chosen from the decree when the Emperor honored Lin Guifei, crafted into a plaque and delivered, to showcase the grand imperial favor.
This event had been widely proclaimed by the second aunt in the Prime Minister's Mansion, hence Lin Wanyi was well aware of this matter.
Her overlapping hands tightened the handkerchief she held, and Lin Wanyi followed Jiang Heqing up the steps in front of the main hall, only to hear him squeakily announce, "Miss Lin is here."
The palace maids inside immediately lifted the curtains, welcoming her in.
Regarding Lin Guifei, her eldest sister, Lin Wanyi didn't have deep impressions.
Although the two sisters were only four years apart, Lin Guifei entered the palace at fifteen and is now twenty-one. They hadn't seen each other for a full six years.
Moreover, while at home, aside from casual conversations during their greetings at Ronghe Hall, they seldom interacted privately.
Thus, upon entering the inner cabinet of the main hall, before even lifting her eyes to look around, Lin Wanyi placed a hand over her forehead, steadfastly and respectfully bowing on the brocade carpet, meticulously saying.
"Concubine Lin pays respect to the Imperial Concubine, wishing her grace and wellness."
The serene and refined woman, originally reclining on the rosewood table letting the nearby person massage her legs, Lin Guifei, only upon hearing the sound did she slowly open her eyes.
Years of palace life had made her incomparable to her past self.
Now with power in her grasp, naturally, she exuded the dignity of a superior.
Her slender stature; skin whiter than snow; flawless features conveyed an air of nonchalance. With a slight lift of her hand toward the Chief Palace Maid Qin He beside her, she slowly spoke to Lin Wanyi.
"Rise, sister. Though we are in the palace, I am still your elder sister. When no one is around, call me as you used to."
"My thanks for your grace, but I dare not overstep, Your Grace."
Whether genuine or perfunctory courtesy, Lin Wanyi could discern. If she genuinely called Lin Guifei "elder sister," the reputation of being reckless and impudent would soon spread.
Seeing her still observing the protocol, Lin Guifei slightly relaxed the corners of her mouth. Indeed, as grandmother said, she was manageable.
Thinking this, her sincerity increased by threefold.
"Please sit, sister. I've been away from home for years, rarely seeing siblings. How is eldest brother nowadays? Is he still working at the Imperial City Department?"
On the surface, it seemed like casual family talk, but in reality, it was probing.
Lin Wanyi didn't believe, given the Imperial Concubine's position and Princess Rongkang's informant's reports, that she truly wasn't aware of her eldest brother's situation!
Yet, given her own low status, she must be cautious in her replies.
"Responding to your Grace, eldest brother is well; however, he's been at the Imperial City Department for seven years without much advancement, though he's aging and Mother is considering matches for him."
"Oh? Seven years with no promotion?"
Before Lin Wanyi could respond, she continued on her own, "It seems grandfather wishes to temper brother's resolve. As the legitimate eldest grandson of the Prime Minister's Mansion, indulgence without restraint is not advisable."
Indulgence?
This word coming from Lin Guifei's mouth was indeed laughable.
Eldest brother had worked diligently for years without significant position, likely due to the West Wing people's interference behind the scenes, yet their household could only endure the grievance in silence.
Lin Guifei specifically bringing up eldest brother as soon as the conversation begins was nothing but a warning not to seek prominence; otherwise, the outcome would hardly be better than eldest brother's. Hence, Lin Wanyi could only temporarily bow her head, calmly replying.
"What Your Grace says is true."
Seeing her lowering herself like this, Lin Guifei felt reassured threefold.
There's necessity in reprimanding, but if excessiveness scares her witless, that would be undesirable.
After all, given her understanding of the Emperor, a wooden beauty who lacks charm and a timid person who only complies would not earn favor. Since she had been selected to enter the palace, she naturally must be able to retain favor.