CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182: RELOCATING THE PALACE AND RENEWING

After learning of this, Lin Wanyi felt reluctant to leave Huifang Courtyard, but she had no choice but to agree to the relocation.

But given her status, moving into such a large courtyard might be somewhat inappropriate.

Before she could voice her concerns, Qin An spoke up to reassure her.

"Don’t worry, my lady. I’ve arranged Ruiyang Pavilion to be quite similar to Huifang Courtyard, only more spacious. The backyard is divided into two, so even if the Second Prince and the Second Princess move in together, it won’t feel crowded."

With Qin An handling the arrangements, Lin Wanyi felt assured.

However, he misunderstood the situation, and Lin Wanyi did not plan to explain.

Everything would have to wait until the Emperor arrived to discuss.

Wasn’t the decision supposed to be made after October?

Why the sudden arrangement of new accommodations? Could it mean they’re departing for the palace earlier than planned?

Lin Wanyi speculated for a while, but it was just speculation.

She refocused her thoughts and instructed Qin An.

"Mr. Qin has put in great effort. There’s no need to move many things from this courtyard; just pack up the luggage we brought and move it over."

"I’ll follow your instructions to the letter."

Qin An truly had an eye for talent.

He had placed his bet on Lin Wanyi from the start, and she indeed lived up to it.

She rose to the position of Changzai within just a few months of entering the palace.

Now with a move and new residence, it seems her promotion decree will soon follow.

It remains to be seen how many people will be envious.

But none of this is his concern; how to attend to Lin Wanyi and the Second Prince and Second Princess calmly and efficiently is his top priority.

"I’ll go make preparations. Please inform me once you’re done packing, and we can immediately move to the new palace."

"Thank you, Mr. Qin."

"You’re too kind, my lady. It’s an honor to serve."

It’s all courtesy talk, which Lin Wanyi was accustomed to hearing.

It wasn’t until the evening when the Emperor arrived that she understood the sudden move.

"Prince Zhan submitted a report stating a wondrous sight has appeared at Taishan, concerning Da Wei’s fate. We can’t be careless; I plan to go personally, starting preparations in the palace tomorrow."

No wonder Qin An hurriedly informed her earlier to move to Ruiyang Pavilion.

"But wasn’t there a plan to hold a feast at Wanhe Building during the Mid-Autumn Festival? I heard Princess Consort Yi put considerable effort into it."

"That’s out of the question now; I’m here to brief you on some matters."

Lin Wanyi nodded, seeing the hidden excitement and imperial grandeur in the Emperor’s brow.

Evidently, this sighting was incredibly important to the Emperor.

That’s why he planned to go personally.

"The trip will take several months; Princess Consort Yi will manage the Six Palace Affairs, and she must return to the palace. As for other concubines, they’ll go back too. Since moving the Second Princess is not advisable, you’ll stay at the traveling palace to care for her and the Second Prince."

"I’ll leave Qin An here, along with the selected servants. Nanny Du and Nanny Ji will be here to protect you as well."

"I’ve sent orders to the Dong Family; Second Madam Dong will visit the palace every half-month for the Second Princess’s treatment. If your mother wishes to accompany her, she can inform Qin An in advance."

"I’ve also left Doctor Dou to help care for the Second Prince and Second Princess."

The Emperor detailed much, and each item was closely tied to her.

Lin Wanyi felt moved by the Emperor’s careful arrangements.

But she was also clear that there’s more to this than meets the eye.

For instance, not once did Lin Guifei’s name come up in the conversation.

Lin Wanyi wasn’t foolish; since this "wondrous sight" was reported by Prince Zhan, naturally it benefits Lin Guifei.

Perhaps this expedition will lift her confinement.

Indeed, after settling the matters, the Emperor solemnly stated to Lin Wanyi.

"I’m taking Lin Guifei along for the Taishan trip."

He was candid, not hiding a thing.

Lin Wanyi wasn’t surprised.

After all, the Emperor never issued an order to revoke all of Lin Guifei’s honors.

She remained Da Wei’s most esteemed woman at present.

Accompanying the Emperor to Taishan was logically sound.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty; I’m not one to act petulantly. I will certainly uphold the responsibilities at Ruiyang Pavilion, caring for the Second Prince and Second Princess."

"Very well."

The Emperor understood the discord between the Lin Family’s main branch and the second branch.

Yet, a frozen lake takes years to form; despite favoring Lin Wanyi, he couldn’t disregard the influence behind Lin Guifei.

Therefore, he provided Lin Wanyi the best within his limits.

But severing Lin Guifei’s path entirely due to mere discord was not possible.

She and Princess Consort Lan were different.

Though the Lan Family produced a scholar, their influence in court wasn’t comparable to Prime Minister Lin and Prince Zhan Mansion.

Moreover, her issue arose during childbirth, and the problematic person was sent into the palace by the Lan Family.

Even if the Lan Family harbored resentment, they couldn’t blame anyone else.

At most, she would be honored after her death.

Thinking about this, the Emperor added.

"I’ve finalized the Second Princess’s name; it will be Xiruo."

The character Xi implies good meaning.

It embodies the vigor of dawn and a promising future.

After all the Second Princess has been through, this name indeed carries good intentions.

"Princess Xiruo will surely like this name."

The Emperor nodded, musing over the name, feeling it was apt.

He then embraced Lin Wanyi, speaking no further.

This rare tranquility between them was the final moment of warmth.

Early the next morning, Lin Wanyi awoke to help the Emperor with grooming and dressing. Once everything was ready, she too tidied and dressed up.

This time, they didn’t avoid suspicion.

Together they went from the West Garden.

All the palace concubines were already waiting there, including the heavily pregnant Noble Princess Consort Ying.

Witnessing Lin Wanyi accompanying the Emperor, everyone couldn’t help but take notice.

Princess Consort Yi was particularly gentle and courteous today. After greeting the Emperor, she turned to Lin Wanyi and said.

"I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you on the joy of relocating to the new palace. The decree for your promotion to a noble, will be issued once His Majesty returns from Taishan. In the meantime, take care and recover; the Second Prince and Second Princess will need your attention."

Her comments, like a bombshell, shocked everyone present.

Relocation!

Promotion!

Care for the Second Prince and Second Princess!

Stay at the traveling palace!

Any one of these could be astounding news.

Let alone all four at once.

There’s no denying Lin Wanyi’s rapid ascent in ranks was astonishing.

If Bai Pin were present, she might have had some sarcastic comments.

But among those present, none dared to speak out impulsively, even if they were displeased, they had to endure.