Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 394 Luxurious Renovations

How could the Emperor not be angry?

This Imperial Concubine Yi truly is the Marquis of Northwest’s granddaughter; give her a pole and she’ll climb right up it, eager for the whole world to witness how grand her Investiture Ceremony as Imperial Concubine Yi is!

At the palace gates of Qian’an Hall, Imperial Concubine Yi stood waiting with Consort Mu for some time.

But when the Emperor stepped down from the palanquin, their once joyful expressions quickly faded.

The two were not blind; how could they not see that the Emperor was angry?

It’s just that, as for the reason behind his anger, they couldn’t quite figure it out.

"This concubine greets the Emperor, wishing the Emperor eternal well-being."

Lin Wanyi, whose rank was lower than that of the Imperial Concubine Yi, naturally had to pay her respects.

And alongside her, Consort Qian stepped down from the carriage, joining Lin Wanyi in paying respects to Imperial Concubine Yi.

"This concubine greets Imperial Concubine Yi, wishing the Imperial Concubine prosperity."

"Hmm, you may rise."

Indeed, the fame seemed to have gone to the head of Imperial Concubine Yi.

The Emperor hadn’t spoken yet, but she had already taken the lead in uttering such words.

Therefore, the Emperor’s gaze towards her carried a hint of mockery. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Afterward, he entered Qian’an Hall without uttering a word.

Then he gave Dong Yuzhong a meaningful look, and naturally, Dong Yuzhong understood.

"Madam, His Majesty experienced a strenuous journey today and is not in a good mood. Perhaps it’s best to postpone the welcoming banquet for a couple of days."

He said this to Imperial Concubine Yi.

Lin Wanyi discerned the true meaning behind these words.

But it wasn’t her place to interject here, so she maintained her usual low-key demeanor.

It was Imperial Concubine Yi who furrowed her brow, watching the Emperor’s gradually receding figure and Dong Yuzhong standing at the entrance, blocking the way with some displeasure.

She then turned and took her frustrations out on Lin Wanyi.

"How exactly are you all attending to the Emperor? Why is it that everything was fine before going to the traveling palace, yet he’s so displeased now? Did you do something to upset him?"

Lin Wanyi was speechless, unsure whether Imperial Concubine Yi was deliberately speaking sarcastically or truly hadn’t realized the Emperor’s mood.

But right now, it was inappropriate to challenge Imperial Concubine Yi at the palace gates.

She had no choice but to temper her response.

"Madam, you misunderstand. The summer heat is unbearable; perhaps His Majesty is truly fatigued, which might explain this."

Dong Yuzhong also spoke up to mediate for Lin Wanyi.

"Indeed, Imperial Concubine, do not be upset. This weather is truly oppressive; perhaps you might want to return to the palace to rest first. Once His Majesty is settled, we’ll send someone to report to you."

Imperial Concubine Yi considered this. Since the Investiture Ceremony was only a couple of days away, it would be best not to offend anyone, so she eased her temper.

She cast a sidelong glance at Lin Wanyi and then spoke dismissively.

"The Imperial Concubine should exercise caution; now, you alone serve by His Majesty’s side daily. Be wary of unpleasant gossip outside."

Lin Wanyi understood well but chose not to dispute with Imperial Concubine Yi.

Better to retreat into the cool shade of Yihua Palace, rather than bicker under the blazing sun.

So she lowered her head and said nothing.

Seeing Lin Wanyi remain silent was a rare occasion, which inflated Imperial Concubine Yi’s sense of self.

It was instead Consort Mu who stood beside her, smilingly said.

"This concubine entered the palace alongside the Imperial Concubine. Now with our sisters scattered and fallen, only the two of us remain in the palace. Yet, I’m not as favored as you, sister. If you have the time, do share with me how best to serve the Emperor to earn his warmth."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi suddenly felt uncomfortable.

This was as good as accusing her publicly of beguiling the Emperor, wasn’t it?

She recalled the many times Consort Mu had tried to win her over in the past, only to act as a pawn under Princess Consort Ying.

Now, seeing Princess Consort Ying lose favor, how swiftly she had aligned herself with Imperial Concubine Yi.

Speaking without reservation like this was evidently meant to undermine Lin Wanyi’s reputation as a means to endear herself to Imperial Concubine Yi, wasn’t it?

Lin Wanyi could tolerate Imperial Concubine Yi’s mockery, as she didn’t wish to stir up trouble.

But that didn’t mean she would allow a mere Consort Mu to step all over her and flaunt her arrogance—that would be self-deprecating.

So she smiled and retorted.

"That is not difficult; my sister is simple-minded and focused solely on serving His Majesty as if he were the sky itself. Naturally, His Majesty, seeing this unchanging demeanor, has a mind to guide her more. Yet sister, with keen perception and wide observation, swims through the harem like a koi in water, surrounded by allies and moving freely—such insights, His Majesty surely sees your cleverness, thus sparing less thought in guiding you."

"If you wish for more recognition from His Majesty, I can tell you this: perhaps if you appeared a little more simple-minded, you would earn His Majesty’s favor."

These words, on the surface, sounded self-deprecating.

In truth, they were a criticism of Consort Mu’s duplicity.

Aligning with one person today and another tomorrow.

People in the palace could clearly see through such scheming, couldn’t they?

Consort Mu was angered, but mindful of Lin Wanyi’s status, she dared not directly rebut.

She glanced at Imperial Concubine Yi, hoping for her intervention.

Yet, to her surprise, Imperial Concubine Yi’s mocking grin indicated that she also found Lin Wanyi’s words truthful.

Thus, Consort Mu could only admit defeat, unwillingly saying.

"This servant thanks Madam for your guidance."

Speaking with such people only disgusted Lin Wanyi.

So she made an excuse of being fatigued from travel and bid farewell to Imperial Concubine Yi.

Consort Qian was always like a shadow in the palace, never experiencing much confrontation or opportunity for confrontation.

Thus, she too found an excuse to depart.

Imperial Concubine Yi was now solely concerned with her grand Investiture Ceremony, so she didn’t dwell on trivialities.

Soon after, she too left Qian’an Hall.

Once back at the familiar Yihua Palace, Lin Wanyi relaxed.

After settling the children, she entered the main hall.

But as soon as she entered the sleeping quarters, she found the Emperor lounging on her bed.

Lin Wanyi felt somewhat helpless.

"Your Majesty, didn’t we agree to be more restrained upon our return to the palace? If you continue to stay with me daily, won’t people outside start to speculate wildly again?"

The Emperor did not respond directly, but instead asked.

"Why did you return so late? Did Imperial Concubine Yi make things difficult for you?"

Lin Wanyi shook her head.

"Imperial Concubine Yi wouldn’t go that far, but her Consort Mu did try to rebut me a few times, only to be put in her place by me."

"Consort Mu? Wasn’t she previously close with Princess Consort Ying?"

"Precisely, now that Princess Consort Ying is convalescing at the traveling palace, she naturally seeks new alliances."

The Emperor snorted.