"Really?"
Lin Wanyi's eyebrows arched as she nodded at her, watching Mu Daying almost excitedly spin in place.
"In that case, I won't stand on ceremony, sister."
The delight of a young girl's heart was completely evident. Though Lin Wanyi was only two years older than her, her calm demeanor was worlds apart.
In the left side hall of Yihua Palace.
When Chunqi saw her mistress return with two unfamiliar faces, she was momentarily curious.
"Your servant Chunqi wishes you health, Miss. Who might this be?"
There was no need for Lin Wanyi to speak up, as Mu Daying straightforwardly introduced herself.
"I am Mu Daying from the right side hall. I followed sister here to have a bowl of longevity noodles."
So that's how it is.
Chunqi then bowed respectfully, "Your servant greets Mu Daying, wishing her well."
"Please rise, I am not one for strict rules. I often got chided by my mother back home."
Bringing up her own youthful antics, she instantly bridged the gap between them.
Speaking of which, Mu Daying's innate friendliness caught Lin Wanyi and her two servants off guard.
"Chunqi, have Xiao Luzi check if the Imperial Kitchen has fresh noodles and bring some over."
"Yes, your servant obeys."
"Xiao Luzi? Did sister get a new little eunuch here?"
Being a concubine herself for over a month, besides the maid Ying'er who accompanied her, she was only allocated a rough-task third-class palace maid. No little eunuch to be seen, hence she curiously asked.
"Not really, he was sent by the Inner Court Department to run errands, but he's still part of the Inner Court Department."
"Oh, I see."
Mu Daying had a look of innocence, leaving one to wonder if her naivety was genuine or just well-concealed.
Lin Wanyi watched her for a while, unable to fully discern.
Upon entering the inner hall, Mu Daying appeared even more surprised.
The three rooms were interconnected. The central hall had a yellow pearwood desk with two matching armchairs on either side. Upon close inspection, the carvings on the armrests and backrest resembled crabapple flowers.
There were silk flower cushions on them, softening the heavy look of the yellow pearwood.
The side rooms were separated by four-panel screens; one side depicted the seasonal colors of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, while the other side featured elegant motifs of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The choice of materials enhanced the rooms' refined atmosphere.
"Sister, this left side hall is beautifully set up. It's similar in size to my right side hall, but the interiors are vastly different. You have someone looking out for you, so naturally, the palace staff tend to you with care."
After speaking, a hint of sadness showed in her eyes.
Lin Wanyi didn't respond because it was the truth.
When she first arrived, she too thought the room was well-decorated.
But seeing Xiao Luzi's indifferent reaction upon arrival, she knew it must have been arranged by the Inner Court Department in advance.
Whether it was because of Lin Guifei or the Prime Minister's Mansion, she wasn't sure.
One's origin is beyond their control.
To outsiders, she was just the second daughter of the Prime Minister's Mansion, holding a noble identity.
But the sufferings inside were not for outsiders to see.
"The longevity noodles aren't ready yet, Mu, you should have some tea first."
Xia An always remained somewhat cautious of this suddenly appearing Mu Daying.
So when she brought up the hall's decor, Xia An intentionally stepped in to steer the conversation away.
Mu Daying took the tea, sipped it gently, still wearing a smile, but shifted the topic elsewhere.
"This side hall and the rear and main halls are separated by a walkway, plus a Moon Gate. If sister wants peace, just close the Moon Gate! It's almost like having a separate courtyard."
Lin Wanyi hadn't noticed this before.
Since entering the palace yesterday, she had been busy without time to explore her courtyard.
Listening to Mu Daying, satisfaction welled up in her heart.
Others aside, it was better to keep minimal contact with the rear hall.
Otherwise, if Lady Chu had nowhere to vent her anger and fixated on the left side hall, Lin Wanyi's peaceful days would be over.
She replied with a smile.
"That's wonderful. Back home, I didn't like moving around, preferring to stay in the courtyard for peace."
"I'm afraid sister can only dream of that."
Her eyes twinkled with a slightly comical expression and gesture.
"Why do you say that?"
"Didn't the Imperial Concubine say yesterday after your night with the Emperor, you've deeply earned his favor? So, the Chengen sedan chair will likely visit more often."
Hearing her suddenly bring this up left Lin Wanyi speechless.
A blush crept onto her cheeks, rendering her too embarrassed to mention it.
Even though Mu Daying was two years younger, she seemed quite at ease with this topic.
Noticing Lin Wanyi's discomfort, Mu Daying covered her mouth with a handkerchief and giggled.
As the two chatted, they saw Chunqi walk in with longevity noodles.
The broth was clear, with distinct noodles and sprinkled with finely chopped green onions, looking appetizing.
Mu Daying smiled as she picked up the chopsticks upon seeing it.
"Thank you, sister, thank you, Miss Chunqi. These longevity noodles taste just like the ones back home!"
She picked some up with chopsticks to taste, finding the flavor indeed pleasant.
Seeing her enjoyment, Chunqi was delighted and quickly said.
"Mu, be careful not to burn yourself."
"Mm."
The noodles were made in a small portion, just a small bowl.
Mu Daying quickly finished them and looked at Chunqi with longing, praising.
"Miss Chunqi's cooking is superb, much tastier than those from the Imperial Kitchen."
When she said this last part, she deliberately lowered her voice, amusing everyone present.
"I'm glad Mu enjoyed it. If you ever crave it, just come to me and I'll make it for you."
"Rest assured, I won't hesitate to bother sister in the future."
Their camaraderie was such that outsiders would never guess they had only met two hours ago.
Lin Wanyi was still sipping her tea when someone called from outside.
"Miss, His Majesty has sent someone with gifts."
His Majesty?
Sent gifts?
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces displayed varied expressions.
Lin Wanyi was a bit flustered, Chunqi was delighted, Mu Daying curious, and among them, Xia An's expression remained relatively composed, but her hands rubbing together revealed her anxiety.
"Quickly, let them in."
"Yes!"
Regardless of her wishes, since the Emperor sent gifts, she had to courteously accept them.
Thus, everyone stood before the table and saw none other than Mr. Dong Yuzhong, the Chief Eunuch beside the Emperor, entering.
This was Qian'an Hall's top eunuch, and being sent with gifts was indeed the highest honor!
As Mr. Dong entered and saw the group, he was exceptionally affable, greeting Lin Wanyi and Mu Lanchun.
"Your servant Dong Yuzhong greets Miss Lin and Miss Mu, wishing you both well."