Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 395 Dissatisfaction in the Heart

"The Imperial Concubine Yi truly is like a commander without generals, sending a mere cook to the battlefield. Can she really need someone who abandons an old master?"

One must admit, the Emperor’s words are sharp!

But sharpness aside, the meaning is quite clear.

As a ruler, who would appreciate someone whose loyalties shift as easily as changing camps?

Consort Mu clearly is in a desperate situation, trying anything she can think of.

She doesn’t even consider who still holds a stable position in the palace today.

Either it’s the Imperial Concubine Yi, whose family wields immense power.

Or it’s Consort Yin Ning, occupying all of the Emperor’s thoughts.

Or it’s Consort Qian, who has kept a low profile for decades.

This says a lot.

Neither too high nor too low.

If she were willing to live peacefully in the palace like Consort Qian, she might still have some hopes for her future.

But now she’s left such an impression on the Emperor, and the idea of advancing any further is nearly impossible for her in this lifetime.

Lin Wanyi understood the Emperor’s intentions; she could have spoken a few good words for Consort Mu.

Yet, the person is really quite heartless.

To reach for the high branch of Imperial Concubine Yi, she turned against her.

Clearly, they had no previous quarrels, but Lin Wanyi was disheartened at the moment.

She only said lightly.

"Perhaps it’s because life in the palace is difficult for her."

The Emperor was silent, then after a moment he sneered and said.

"Since it’s difficult, let me send her out of the palace. After all, there are plenty of estates outside the Imperial City. Walking through the fields might clear her mind."

Consort Mu probably did not expect this outcome, as she had only sought refuge with Imperial Concubine Yi for two months.

And she managed to thoroughly offend the Emperor.

If not for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and the already prepared Investiture Ceremony, her status as a noble might not have been secured.

He Changzai was imprisoned in the traveling palace, so there were only four of them at the Investiture Ceremony.

Leading, naturally, was Imperial Concubine Yi.

Today’s grand Investiture took place in Qian’an Hall, with the Central Palace without a mistress, and all honors belonging to Imperial Concubine Yi.

Clad in auspicious clothes with a golden phoenix design, she exuded an unparalleled dignity.

Even though her appearance was not extremely striking, at that moment she was the most dazzling person in the entire Imperial City.

The Five Phoenix Hairpin on her head made her appear even more majestic.

The Emperor, seated high, could glance from afar at the glittering "Imperial Concubine Yi."

Behind her stood Lin Wanyi, Consort Qian, and Consort Mu.

The three of them seemed to have agreed to be very low-key.

This was to avoid drawing attention.

At such a time, who would dare oppose the mighty Imperial Concubine Yi?

Evidently, Imperial Concubine Yi was very pleased with their conduct.

Even Lin Wanyi, whom she feared the most, received a couple of compliments from her.

"Sister, you’re stunning; if you dressed up properly, you’d surely be the most beautiful woman in Da Wei."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I dare not take such praise, as I’m but a humble willow."

Imperial Concubine Yi’s eyes flashed with pride at her self-deprecation.

Then she glanced at Consort Qian and Consort Mu, who also bowed and offered blessings.

"Your Majesty glows like the bright moon, far beyond our reach."

"Sisters, you sure have sweet mouths. Let’s go, we shouldn’t delay the auspicious time."

The four of them, dignified and elegant, proceeded toward Qian’an Hall.

The Emperor sat high on the Dragon Chair, watching the four kneeling below, with emotions inexplicable.

Dong Yuzhong stood by, reading out their investiture edicts one by one.

It was nothing more than phrases like virtuous and gentle, diligent and obedient, dignified and reserved, adept at domestic affairs, and so on.

When Imperial Concubine Yi knelt on the ground, she couldn’t hide the joy in her eyes and at the corners of her brow.

It wasn’t until the royal concubine’s treasure book and court beads fell into her hands that her back straightened quite noticeably.

The Emperor coldly watched Imperial Concubine Yi’s demeanor, a hint of a sneer playing in his heart.

Some are ruthless for high positions, while others are reluctant.

This inevitably made the Emperor prone to comparisons.

Yet his relationship with this Imperial Concubine Yi had always been a typical political marriage.

There was no emotional foundation, so there was no talk of like or dislike.

But her face full of desire for power was comparable to that of the Marquis of Northwest.

No wonder she’s from the Liu Family.

So he raised his voice and said.

"The investiture is complete, from now on, let the affairs of the palace rely on Imperial Concubine Yi quite a bit."

"This concubine thanks you, Your Majesty, for your great favor and will not disappoint Your Majesty’s trust."

"Hmm."

With her status now legitimate, Imperial Concubine Yi held her head higher than before.

Then she said.

"Your Majesty, I have already arranged the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, and I invite you to move to the side hall."

Mid-Autumn Festival, a day of full moon and family gatherings.

Lin Wanyi initially thought it would just be some Imperial Family members attending, yet she never expected such a large scene.

Officials of the fourth rank and above and their families were all waiting in the side hall.

Just as they entered, the cheers for the Emperor’s long life drowned them.

One must say, Imperial Concubine Yi’s effects in staging events surpassed even those of former Lin Guifei.

The Empress Dowager disliking inconvenience, did not want to trouble herself with the return trip, so she stayed in the traveling palace.

Princess Ming Ruo, being filial, voluntarily accompanied the Empress Dowager.

Hence, only Lin Wanyi’s five children returned, along with the Third Prince who had always been in the palace.

Lin Wanyi had always thought the Second Prince grew quickly, but now it seemed the Third Prince had outdone him.

He’s a year younger than the Second Prince but stood half a head taller.

This didn’t quite fit with the Liu Family.

After all, looking at Imperial Concubine Yi and the Marquis of Northwest, neither was particularly tall or strong.

It seemed the Third Prince took after the Emperor.

He was now the son of a Royal Concubine; in terms of status, none of the palace children could match him.

Even the Second Prince, who was already titled, was three steps behind him.

Perhaps having gained position young, the arrogance in his expressions mirrored that of his mother, Imperial Concubine Yi.

He also relished the congrats from the courtiers.

The Second Prince was unassuming, the Fourth Prince didn’t understand, but the Fifth Prince loved to join in the fun.

Clapping hands intermittently, he kept laughing non-stop.

He had everyone’s attention on him, which made the Third Prince somewhat disgruntled.

So adept at stealing the spotlight at such a young age, what would happen when he grew older?

Hence, he cast a sidelong glance at the Fifth Prince before coolly saying.

"No wonder everyone says Fifth Brother is clever; his ability to create scenes here surely makes Father favor him a bit more."

Words with a subtle edge from such a young age.

Seeing this, the Second Prince immediately stood up and said.

"Third Brother, you’re overthinking. Fifth Brother’s rambunctious nature can be quite a bother. Father likes tranquility, as you know. With Fifth Brother like this, sometimes even Mother Consort finds him annoying."