Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 396 Brotherly Harmony

"I don’t see it that way. Isn’t Second Brother clearly favoring Fifth Brother? What? Afraid I might say something wrong and make him upset? Would Consort Yin Ning then come after you?"

The disdain was clear in the eyes, obviously trying to stir trouble between the Second Prince and Lin Wanyi.

Always saying that he, as an "adopted" one, could never compare to those "biologically born."

The Second Prince had been receiving enlightenment education for many days. How could he be swayed by just a few words?

Moreover, how Lin Wanyi treated them was something he always kept in mind.

Thus, he spoke with a faint smile.

"Mother Consort has always treated our siblings equally, never uttering a word of reproach. However, it’s poor Fifth Brother who constantly gives Mother Consort headaches, leading to many reprimands from Father. Yet he’s thick-skinned and doesn’t fear scoldings."

"So, as his older brother, I must protect him somewhat. But if Third Brother can really help Mother Consort correct Fifth Brother’s temperament, Mother Consort might be happier, and if Mother Consort is happy, I believe Father will be happy too. Wouldn’t that accomplish many things at once?"

The Second Prince’s words clearly hit the soft spot of the Third Prince.

Wasn’t this plainly telling the Third Prince that their Father favored not the Fifth Prince, but Consort Yin Ning?

The Fifth Prince displeased Consort Yin Ning, hence the reprimands from Father.

So, it’s unimportant to upset the Fifth Prince; if you upset Consort Yin Ning, it’s equivalent to upsetting their Father.

That would be a grave mistake.

He was now seven, and had started receiving education earlier than the Second Prince.

Naturally, he was more adept at weighing pros and cons than anyone else.

He could only resign himself to bad luck, closing his mouth and saying no more.

He felt quite disdainful of the Second Prince’s sycophantic actions.

Now it seemed, in the future, any good fortune would likely not fall upon the Second Prince.

Such wholehearted support for the Fifth Prince was simply hoping to gain a share of benefits in the future, wasn’t it?

The little one’s mind already had other plans.

He lifted the clear water beside him and took a sip, hiding many thoughts beneath his brows and eyes.

The Fifth Prince was too young to know anything, but the Second Prince’s emotions began to stir.

Looking at him, there was inevitably a bit more worry in his gaze.

Thus, he silently resolved in his heart to protect his younger brothers and sisters, repaying Mother Consort’s nurturing grace.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn feast, Imperial Concubine Yi enjoyed herself the most.

The Emperor’s mood was not high, but it didn’t hinder Imperial Concubine Yi from gleefully accepting congratulations from the ministers.

After the third round of drinks, the Emperor pretended to be drunk and got up to leave.

As he left, he conveniently took the "poor drinker" Lin Wanyi with him.

Though one returned to Wen’s former residence and the other to Yihua Palace after stepping out of the side hall’s door.

However, this was all for show.

Just as Lin Wanyi was about to leave Qian’an Hall, Dong Yuzhong approached, saying to Lin Wanyi.

"Madam, Your Majesty has bestowed you imperial wine; let this servant deliver it to Yihua Palace to cheer you up." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Drinking wine again in the middle of the night, just hearing it was clearly an excuse.

No need to think; the Emperor would surely sneak over in a while.

Lin Wanyi felt helpless, but she could not stop it.

The children also gradually left the feast and returned to Yihua Palace. After paying respects to Lin Wanyi, each was led away by the nanny to rest.

The sleeping quarters were particularly quiet.

Lin Wanyi was almost done freshening up when she saw the Emperor emerge from the secret passage again.

Although it was no different from "thievery," Lin Wanyi was still quite happy to see the Emperor.

The two sat by the window, leaning against each other.

The candles in the room had long been extinguished, relying only on the brightness of the moonlight to share their hearts.

"Your Majesty, I don’t enjoy such occasions. Let’s return to the traveling palace in a few days; it’s more comfortable at Ruiyang Pavilion."

Lin Wanyi spoke first, and the Emperor embraced her, naturally sensing her aversion to the Imperial Palace.

Thinking it over, he then said.

"Hmm, I also find it rather tiresome. Now that everything in the palace is managed by the Imperial Concubine, I can enjoy leisure, accompanying you and the children to the traveling palace to idle away one or two years should be no problem."

"One or two years?"

Lin Wanyi obviously didn’t expect the Emperor to speak so.

Thus, she asked, somewhat puzzled.

"So, we’re not coming back?"

The Emperor paused, then smiled and said.

"If there’s no urgent matter, we won’t return. Before coming here, I also asked the Empress Dowager, and she too prefers staying at the traveling palace over the Imperial Palace. So, let’s arrange it this way."

Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but glance at the Emperor sideways.

"Is this suitable? Won’t outsiders comment on Your Majesty?"

It seemed Lin Wanyi had yet to hear of the Emperor staying long at the traveling palace. If this spread outside, wouldn’t the ministers and commoners criticize?

But the Emperor appeared nonchalant.

That demeanor bore striking resemblance to a dandy seducing a maiden.

"Aren’t outsiders saying you’re the Evil Concubine causing ruin? You might as well show some skills and ruin me～"

While they were discussing serious matters just a second ago, Lin Wanyi found herself amused and exasperated.

However, when she saw the flash in the Emperor’s eyes, she understood a bit.

She wasn’t foolish; the Emperor surely had his reasons for doing this.

He wasn’t a foolish, incompetent Emperor indulging in pleasures.

Perhaps he was doing it to show someone something.

Thinking it over, Lin Wanyi asked.

"The Marquis of Northwest has been on the frontier for many years. He must have seen all kinds of schemes and plots. Does Your Majesty think he’ll really believe this?"

Seeing Lin Wanyi being direct with her words, the Emperor no longer hid it.

He lifted her up, his expression becoming more serious than before.

There was a resolve in his eyes that had never appeared before.

"I’m doing this not only for him. Judging by his actions these days, I know this old fellow still sees me as the Little Emperor of old. Hmph, then let him watch carefully and see how I take down the Liu Family, rebuild the Northwest Army, and stabilize the court!"

The Emperor’s tone held a hint of enthusiasm.

Lin Wanyi didn’t understand much about court affairs.

So, she could offer little advice.

She could only hold the Emperor’s hand back, her tone and attitude equally firm, saying.

"If this is so, then I will accompany Your Majesty."

"Good."

Then Lin Wanyi deliberately assumed a charming demeanor, proactively wrapping her arms around the Emperor’s neck, smiling and saying.

"If Your Majesty truly intends to be an incompetent ruler, then I can help you. This title of Evil Concubine shouldn’t be carried in vain."

The Emperor had rarely seen Lin Wanyi act this way.

Naturally, his interest was piqued as well. He teasingly lifted her chin and kissed her.

While kissing, he breathlessly said.

"It’s my fortune that the Imperial Consort is so considerate of me."