CHAPTER 157: CHAPTER 157: YOUNGER BROTHER WAKES UP

This speech by Lin Wanyi truly made Nanny Du see her in a new light.

She is indeed a very unique person, living with clarity and naturalness amidst a place of complexity and treachery.

She is not easily bound by love, yet she possesses a sincerity that others cannot match.

"What you said today, Miss, really enlightened this servant. Previously, I only thought you were fortunate to be so favored by the Emperor. Today I realized, having you by his side is also the Emperor’s fortune."

At this point, Nanny Du did not press the matter further.

The concerns of Miss Lin are not something that can be resolved by a few words from a servant like them.

If the Emperor truly decides to share his life with her, he will surely make arrangements.

If the Emperor has other considerations, then maintaining her true self, like Lin Wanyi, might allow her to live more freely in the harem.

That piece of silk eventually returned to Nanny Du’s hands.

It is the only remembrance Consort Xian left for Nanny Du, something Lin Wanyi neither would nor could claim.

However, after Nanny Du left respectfully, her previously clear and open heart began to harbor a faint "greed."

Feelings arise unknowingly, deeply everlasting; the living can die, and the dead can live again.

The relationship between Consort Xian and the late Emperor naturally did not fit within the imperial family.

But if the two were from an ordinary household, it may have been a beautiful and legendary romance.

As for the past of the Emperor and Empress Xu, it was a cherished memory from their youth.

Lin Wanyi wouldn’t touch it, much less be concerned about it.

In fact, she even had some gratitude for Empress Xu’s presence.

She must have supported the Emperor considerably, and in those days of having enemies on all sides, their interdependence must have alleviated many difficulties.

Lin Wanyi was introspective for half a day, and as it approached the evening meal, Mr. Qin from the Inner Court Department arrived.

He brought Lin Wanyi some good news.

"Madam asked me to deliver a message, saying that the Third Young Master has awakened and is recovering. She asks the Miss not to worry."

This was perhaps the most exciting news Lin Wanyi had received in recent days.

Unable to hold back, tears began to fall like gentle spring rain.

Xia An, also very happy, saw her Miss cry and comforted her, saying,

"Miss, this is truly good news."

"Mm, I know."

Then, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, she said to Mr. Qin,

"Thank you, Mr. Qin, for bringing this news. The worry in my heart has finally been lifted. If possible, could I trouble you with a letter to send out? The matters at home are in disarray, and as a daughter, I can’t help in any way."

Qin An smiled and bowed to Lin Wanyi, saying,

"Miss, feel free to write the letter and I will ensure it is delivered. It’s just that any other items may not be able to leave, as they are palace property, and without an imperial decree from the Emperor, it might..."

"Please rest assured, Mr. Qin, I understand this. I will not make it difficult for you. It’s just a family letter, telling my parents not to worry about me, just to take good care of my brother."

"Yes, Miss, indeed."

Then, seemingly remembering something, Qin An added,

"Actually, whether the letter is sent or not doesn’t matter much. Madam and Mr. Lin have long known of your favor with the Emperor and are naturally reassured."

"Favor?"

"Yes, if it weren’t for your request, would the Emperor have sent Doctor Dou to visit in person and awarded so many medicinal materials? He even issued an edict promoting Mr. Lin to Vice Director of the Astronomical Bureau, with a rank of Sixth, which is truly a rare honor."

From eighth rank to sixth rank, her father’s promotion was indeed swift.

However, Lin Wanyi felt there was more to the matter.

According to her understanding of the Emperor during these days, he is not someone who would ignore the kingdom for beauty.

The matter of the family division indeed left the members of the first branch at a disadvantage.

But it wouldn’t be appropriate for the Emperor to intervene directly on their behalf, would it?

Thinking about it, she believed there was likely a greater scheme behind this.

So she indirectly asked,

"Mr. Qin, you are correct, but since my father and the others rashly divided the family, there might be much gossip outside, which is why I thought of writing a comforting letter."

"Miss, you are overthinking it. Now everyone in Shengjing City knows that the first branch of the Lin Family divided for the Prime Minister’s blessing and longevity. With such a noble cause, personally spoken by the Prime Minister, it is naturally praised by all. Rest assured, the reputation of your father in the capital is top-notch."

Blessing and longevity?

And personally said by the Prime Minister.

With such things reported to Lin Wanyi, she found more issues everywhere.

But in front of Qin An, it wasn’t appropriate to investigate further.

So she lightly laughed and said,

"That’s good, thank you, Mr. Qin, for your help these days."

After saying that, she gave Xia An a look.

Xia An immediately stepped forward and presented a pouch, which Mr. Qin gladly accepted with a smile.

After finishing the task, he left the Huifang Courtyard.

Lin Wanyi was left alone, deep in thought.

Sending Doctor Dou and gifting precious medicinal materials.

Though the palace’s items might not compare to what the Dong Family had in storage, it was still a gesture.

Thinking of her brother finally waking up, her worries eased somewhat.

It never occurred to her that the Emperor would do such things privately.

This moved her more than Lin Guifei’s loss of status.

Her Achilles’ heel had always been her family.

Having entered the palace initially to ensure her family’s well-being, she naturally harbored other thoughts for them now.

Reflecting on everything since entering the palace, she found the Emperor’s description of her surprisingly accurate.

Cold-hearted, cold-intestined, and cold-blooded.

Xia An, noticing Lin Wanyi’s melancholy, cautiously asked,

"Miss, what’s wrong today? You’ve been gloomy the whole time."

By all accounts, the Emperor favored Miss so much; she should be happy.

Yet, the Emperor left with a grave expression, and Miss has sat in silence all day.

Could it be they quarreled or argued?

But there were no signs of such.

Facing her most trusted maid, Lin Wanyi naturally spoke candidly and openly.

So she asked,

"What would you do if you received a heavy gift that you couldn’t repay?"

Xia An frowned, thought for a while, and replied without hesitation,

"Naturally, I would return the favor. If the other party is willing to spend such resources, then unless with ill intentions, it’s out of excellent care, so I would find a way to reciprocate with something good."

"And if you couldn’t find something adequate? Or if no matter what you choose, it couldn’t match what the other has in possession?"