CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142: FORTUNE AND MISFORTUNE

"The love of beauty?"

"Indeed, whether it’s Bai Pin’s Fallen Flower Flowing Water Dance or Ming Changzai’s Western Region Hu Girl Dance, I find them both to be very beautiful. Careful choreography is naturally exceptional."

Lin Wanyi spoke with candor.

Yet the Emperor felt displeased after hearing this.

"Do you truly think so?"

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty."

As she said this, Lin Wanyi felt a bit guilty.

After all, she had poisoned herself, something she dared not tell the Emperor.

So, it could be considered deception.

The Emperor did not miss the flicker of guilt in her eyes.

Thinking she was being stubborn.

Thus, his mood immediately improved.

Then he explained to Lin Wanyi.

"I looked at Ming Changzai more because she bears a remarkable resemblance to an old acquaintance."

"An old acquaintance?"

"Yes."

"Your Majesty means..."

"Empress Xu."

"Empress Xu?!"

Lin Wanyi was very surprised upon hearing this.

Not to mention, Empress Xu passed away only three years ago; logically, all but the new concubines should have seen her.

How was it that Ming Changzai had never garnered their attention before?

After all, resembling Empress Xu even slightly should have been utilized by someone.

Why did she only emerge after Lin Guifei’s decline?

The Emperor understood this point as well.

Thus, he explained.

"After the grand ceremony, I took the Empress to inspect Taishan. Passing through Dengzhou, the Xu Family sent over a set of Hu clothing, which Ming Changzai wore today with little difference. Even her dance resembles that of Empress Xu back then."

So, that was it.

Unexpectedly, Empress Xu was also skilled in dance.

This, other concubines probably did not know.

Otherwise, how could it be touched so easily?

"So, Your Majesty suspects Ming Changzai is supported by the Xu Family from Dengzhou?"

"Yes. Besides the Xu Family, I can think of no others."

"But if the Xu Family wanted to send someone into the palace for the sake of the family’s future, why choose an outsider? Couldn’t they choose from within their own clan?"

Hearing Lin Wanyi say this, the Emperor gave her a deep gaze.

It was this gaze that made Lin Wanyi realize she had overstepped.

A mere Changzai like her, how could she rashly comment on the once prominent Duke Xu’s family?

So she immediately bowed her head and said.

"I spoke out of turn, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"No matter, I permit you to speak."

Then the Emperor spoke his thoughts.

"The Xu Family does not send women into the palace selection; it was Empress Xu’s dying wish."

A dying wish, who would have thought...

This former supreme Empress must have seen through many worldly affairs.

Entered the palace at a young age, just coming of age, becoming the most noble woman of the Great Wei Dynasty.

To be a model for the empire, and to manage the harem.

Unfortunately, heaven did not grant her longevity.

The eldest prince passed away, and Duke Xu also succumbed to illness.

These successive blows caused Empress Xu’s health to deteriorate.

Leading to her eventual demise.

Probably not wanting the women of her clan to follow in her footsteps, hence her dying wish.

Lin Wanyi sincerely sighed.

"To be a relative of Empress Xu is indeed their fortune."

Unlike herself, treated as an object sent into the palace.

From then on separated from her family by thick palace walls, even meeting became a longing not easily fulfilled.

Thinking about this, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but feel a bit sad.

The Emperor was wise and naturally saw her thoughts.

But he did not agree.

For the first time, he held her shoulder, forcing her to look at him, and said word by word.

"Had you not been a relative of Lin Guifei, perhaps I never would have met you."

The implication, though not mentioning fortune or misfortune.

Nonetheless, Lin Wanyi felt the deep affection.

Under the moonlight, the Emperor’s eyes were filled with determination.

Neither tender with sweet affection, nor understanding like gentle jade.

More of an audacious claim of owning the world.

This was perhaps how the Emperor expressed his feelings.

Lin Wanyi looked back at him, not as resolute as the Emperor, but accustomed to his supreme dominance.

Thus, after thinking, she still said.

"My fortune is being the person in Your Majesty’s heart. Even if affection fades in the future, having had it is good."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor furrowed his brows.

He was obviously older, why did Lin Wanyi speak such poignant words?

He always believed Lin Wanyi was devoted entirely to him.

But now it seems there’s still reservation behind this tenderness.

He planned to speak further.

But when the words came to his lips, he found them useless.

Only day by day companionship can make Lin Wanyi’s spoken affection endure.

He was confident he could achieve it.

Thus, he said no more.

"Hmm, let’s return."

"Alright."

Under the moonlit night, the shadows of the two were drawn long by palace lanterns.

Slowly overlapping.

One handsome, one delicate.

Yet harmonious and fitting.

Back at Huifang Courtyard, they saw the Second Prince waiting in the courtyard.

Probably not expecting the Emperor would also return, thus slightly surprised.

But still, he properly bowed and greeted.

"Your son greets Father Emperor and Lady Lin."

"Why aren’t you asleep so late?"

The Emperor frowned, naturally displeased seeing him wandering outside at this hour.

But the Second Prince had progressed compared to the past.

Facing the Emperor’s "rebuke," he did not show fear, but spoke openly.

"Thank you, Father, for your concern. I napped during the day, so I am not yet sleepy and just practiced some calligraphy sheets to show Lady Lin."

Calligraphy sheets?

That indeed wasn’t a useless task.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor relaxed his stern expression and spoke to the Second Prince.

"Let me see, and check your progress."

"Yes."

Then the three of them entered the main room together, where many lights made it bright.

The Emperor carefully reviewed the calligraphy sheets the Second Prince handed over.

Though still not flawless, it was clear he had put effort into them.

So he didn’t discourage him but soothed his tone and said.

"Not bad, practicing calligraphy requires calmness, and you can focus on this, which is progress."

"Thank you for the praise, Father. I will strive hard."

When the Emperor finished, Lin Wanyi also took a look.

Indeed as the Emperor said, he, at a young age, could focus on practicing, which was commendable.

So she smiled and replied.

"Second Prince, working so hard, is there anything you wish? If I can help you achieve it, I surely will!"