Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 503: Banquet Preparation

The Emperor knew he would not live forever, and the ministers also understood that the Emperor would not live forever.

Yet, the Emperor calmly accepted the ministers’ congratulations, while the ministers felt there was no deceit in their words.

It seemed that since ancient times, it was implicitly understood that there would be an insurmountable barrier between subjects and the monarch.

This was something the Emperor had never considered before.

He was momentarily lost in thought, then smiled and gently patted the Crown Prince’s head.

He explained good-naturedly.

"When you grow up, my child, you will understand that in a conversation between adults, some people have a sweet mouth but a malicious heart, yet remain upright, and some have a malicious heart but a sweet mouth, full of treachery. You need a pair of eyes that can see through their words to understand their hearts, so you will not be deceived."

These words were evidently somewhat beyond the grasp of the Crown Prince.

He might not understand, but he had no problem remembering them.

So, he nodded heavily.

His round eyes full of determination.

"I will listen to Father Emperor."

Then he added.

"And also Mother Consort."

He then raised a smiling face.

His innocent and lively demeanor also amused the Emperor, who couldn’t help but laugh along.

"Good, good child."

Being with the children always made the Emperor particularly happy.

The imperial carriage arrived at the gate of Yihua Palace.

The Crown Prince, upon seeing this, excitedly stood up.

"Father Emperor, I will go find them to play first."

The Emperor intended to carry him down, but who knew the Crown Prince was so agile.

With a leap, he jumped down.

Although the height was not enough to cause injury, it still startled Dong Yuzhong into a cold sweat.

He chased after him while shouting.

"Little Ancestor, slow down, slow down!"

Leaving the Emperor momentarily forgotten.

Seeing this, the Emperor could only shake his head with a helpless smile.

Just now, he appeared calm and composed in the court.

How come he reveals his true nature upon returning to Yihua Palace?

This child’s temperament is neither as steady as his nor as serene as Lin Wanyi’s.

One really cannot tell who he takes after.

His energy is always so abundant.

The Crown Prince was soon out of sight.

The Emperor slowly walked inside.

Seeing someone was about to announce his presence, he waved his hand.

Every time he came to Yihua Palace, he preferred not to be announced.

Partly to surprise Lin Wanyi.

Partly because it does not make sense for a husband to be announced when returning home.

So, he prohibited such announcements.

The eunuchs all bowed their heads, and wherever the Emperor went.

There was silence.

By the time he reached the main hall, the Crown Prince had already gone to the garden to play with his brothers and sisters.

Therefore, there was no one here.

But the surprise he intended for Lin Wanyi went unanswered.

"Where is the Imperial Consort?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, Her Ladyship is arranging things in the side hall."

A young maid stepped forward and replied.

The Emperor then understood.

The birthday banquet for the Crown Prince and the Third Princess was originally to be held in the Purple Light Hall.

But Lin Wanyi felt, given that Princess Hui Xian had just passed away and the Empress Dowager had left the capital with a heavy heart.

Celebrating lavishly at this time would be hurtful.

So they canceled it.

Only inviting familiar faces for a gathering in Yihua Palace.

Today, besides them, naturally, there were others to attend.

The Fourth Prince and his wife, the main branch of the Lin Family, the entire Dong Family, even the Feng family, the Dou Family, and Rongchang Marquis Mansion and Zeng Family were also invited.

With such a crowd, the garden hall would obviously be insufficient.

Fortunately, the side hall was spacious enough.

Setting up five or six tables was not a problem.

Therefore, Lin Wanyi was there ahead of time directing Qiu Ming in arranging things.

The Emperor stepped into the side hall but still did not find Lin Wanyi.

Instead, he saw Qiu Ming.

Qiu Ming immediately stepped forward and said.

"The servant greets Your Majesty and wishes You peace."

"Hmm, rise, where is the Imperial Consort?"

"Her Ladyship went to the small kitchen, would Your Majesty like to wait here, or shall the servant guide you there?"

The Emperor, eager to see Lin Wanyi, responded.

"I will go take a look too, it’s a busy day, and everything must go smoothly."

Although he stated a different reason, Qiu Ming understood his true intent.

Quickly leading the Emperor there.

Thus, after taking a long detour, the Emperor finally "caught" Lin Wanyi on the way to the small kitchen.

Seeing the Emperor approaching.

He was still wearing his court attire, so it was clear he had come directly after the court.

Hence, Lin Wanyi quickly walked a few steps forward, smiling as she spoke.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty."

"Hmm, why are you so busy, I’ve been looking for you for a while."

Lin Wanyi replied with a smile.

"Isn’t it because there are many guests today, so I am concerned and decided to have a look. When did Your Majesty arrive, why didn’t anyone inform me in advance?"

Then glancing around him, she asked.

"Where is the Crown Prince?"

"He ran off to play with the other children."

"This child..."

As they headed towards the main hall, Lin Wanyi talked about family matters on the way.

"This concubine made a new set of regular clothes for Your Majesty, shall we change out of the court attire later?"

"Hmm. The Crown Prince’s should be changed too."

"Alright."

Although he is the Crown Prince, there are some differences with his brothers and sisters.

But the Emperor and Lin Wanyi do not want this difference to be cultivated from such a young age.

The bond between siblings should not be distanced because of this.

Arriving at the sleeping quarters in the main hall, Lin Wanyi helped the Emperor change into the regular clothes.

Then she changed into a set herself.

Although the design was not complex, the patterns at the hem and the dark patterns on the Emperor’s regular clothes were identical.

The Emperor noticed this.

He naturally realized this was a thoughtful gesture from Lin Wanyi.

He immediately commented.

"I really like these clothes, make more of them in the future."

However, he quickly added.

"But there’s no rush, and don’t work on them at night."

Though the words were simple.

Lin Wanyi felt sweetness in her heart.

"This concubine understands."

After both of them finished changing, the children had just been brought back by the nanny.

As they entered, each was dressed cool and comfortably.

Only the Crown Prince in his Python Robe was hot to the point of dizziness.

He came up tugging at his clothes, wanting to change out of them.

Lin Wanyi had Xia An bring the prepared regular clothes, and Nanny Wang took him to change.

When he came out again, much of his sweat had been wiped away.

He felt completely refreshed.

"Comfortable."

He didn’t yet know how to express it, but his body was more honest than his words.

The clothes Princess Hui Xian wore had the same color as Lin Wanyi’s.

Both in light purple, enhancing her serene temperament.

Meanwhile, the Second Princess and Fourth Prince both chose red without prior discussion.

Festive and eye-catching.

They looked like two flames, lively and bright.

"Mother Consort, do I look nice?"

"You look nice, very nice, our Second Princess is the prettiest."

After having just turned three not long ago, the Second Princess began taking an interest in appearances and fashion.

Nanny Ji considered this a good thing.

As she is a Princess of Da Wei, she will represent Da Wei in the future.