CHAPTER 342: CHAPTER 342: SHEEP INTO THE TIGER’S MOUTH

"Why can this thing detect earthquakes, Uncle?"

"Father said it’s because inside there’s a copper column hanging, thick at the top and thin at the bottom. Around it there are eight horizontal bars connected to dragon heads. We’re far from the epicenter, so we naturally can’t feel it, but the hanging copper column can. If it’s hit by the earthquake’s waves, the copper column will fall towards the direction of the earthquake, causing a dragon head to push out a copper ball into the mouth of a toad."

This explanation from Lin Muzhi was also what Mr. Lin had told him.

Since it hadn’t been verified, he didn’t know if it was true or not.

The Second Prince understood some parts, others he didn’t, but couldn’t quite figure it out.

So after looking at some other things, he simply left with Lin Muzhi.

By the time they reached the front hall, Lin Xingzhi was almost about to be teased in his wedding chamber.

He had drunk a lot today, and his face was quite flushed.

But looking at Jiang Huanqing and Dong Keli, both had already admitted defeat.

And Feng Qi appeared a bit scattered as well.

Inside, only the Fourth Prince was cheerfully shouting for more!

While others got weaker the more they drank, he only got more vigorous, overshadowing the younger warriors.

The Second Prince had never seen the Fourth Prince behave like this before and clicked his tongue twice.

He said with great admiration.

"Fourth Granduncle is truly formidable!"

Lin Muzhi burst into laughter at once.

"You better not learn from him, or you’ll end up like that in the future."

He then pointed towards Jiang Huanqing and Dong Keli, who were completely unconscious.

His eyes were full of amusement.

"Hehe, rest assured, Uncle. At worst, I’ll be like Father and won’t get drunk!"

He was thinking long-term, and Lin Muzhi didn’t say much more.

Smiling, he walked up to his big brother Lin Xingzhi and said.

"Big Brother, you should drink less. Sister-in-law is still waiting. Besides, we haven’t teased you yet! Isn’t that right, everyone?"

At this mention, everyone became lively and enthusiastic again.

Those who were drunk were naturally left out, while those slightly tipsy escorted Lin Xingzhi into his new room.

Lin Muzhi and the Second Prince followed to join the fun.

This little bit of fun lasted for almost half an hour.

After the Emperor woke up from his nap, he looked around.

The unfamiliar surroundings and unfamiliar bed made him uneasy in sleep.

After coughing twice, Dong Yuzhong, who was waiting outside, came in.

"Your Majesty, you’ve awakened? Would you like some tea to soothe your throat?"

"Hmm, bring it."

"Yes."

Soon the warm tea was down his throat, clearing it considerably.

"What time is it?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it’s just past 3:00 PM."

"Time does fly. Where is Princess Consort Yi Ning? Still talking with the Dong Family elders?"

"Yes, ever since you left, they haven’t come out."

This attachment is truly extraordinary.

No wonder Lin Wanyi always had so much to say whenever she mentioned her maternal family.

Thinking of this, he spoke.

"In that case, let’s wait another hour. We’ll have dinner before returning to the palace."

"Yes, I will send someone to inform the consort."

Dong Yuzhong was about to exit but stopped and asked.

"Would Your Majesty like to go over?"

"Forget it, my presence would make the elders uncomfortable. It’s rare for them to have this opportunity to meet, let them talk more."

"Yes."

Dong Yuzhong sent someone to deliver the message to Lin Wanyi, and everyone present heard it clearly.

Especially Mrs. Dong, who only spoke after the messenger left.

"The Emperor truly treats you well."

Hearing her mother’s words made Lin Wanyi a bit shy.

But shyness aside, it was true, so she admitted it.

Just at this moment, the Second Prince returned with Lin Muzhi, full of cheer with his rosy face.

As soon as he saw Lin Wanyi, he briskly walked over.

Excitedly, he narrated what he had just seen and heard.

Finally, he exclaimed.

"Aunt really is beautiful! When Uncle lifted the veil, his eyes were glued!"

This honest remark from the prince was made without ulterior motives.

But everyone present found it amusing and intentionally teased him saying.

"Who’s prettier, your mother or your aunt?"

When asked this question, the Second Prince tilted his head and thought for a moment.

Then, with great seriousness, he said.

"Today is Uncle and Aunt’s big day, so Aunt is prettier. But on other days, Mother is prettier."

His words brought everyone into fits of laughter.

Truly, a clever little one.

With this statement, he offended no one.

Lin Wanyi was so amused by him that she couldn’t stop laughing, feeling as if more wrinkles had formed at the corners of her eyes.

The Second Prince chatted with everyone for a while before they all joyfully had their meal.

Finally, with some reluctance, he returned to the palace with the convoy from the Imperial City.

Along the way, escorted by five thousand elite guards, nothing major happened.

However, not long after returning to the palace, they heard that Lin Guifei had fallen ill.

Lin Wanyi, quite displeased, pondered how someone fine yesterday could suddenly fall ill today.

Coincidentally, on her brother’s big day, was this deliberate bad luck?

With this thought, she unabashedly said.

"The Imperial Concubine really goes to great lengths; Your Majesty should have the Imperial Physician take a good look at her, to understand what ailment causes her to fall ill today of all days."

Lin Wanyi’s discontent was evident.

The Emperor could hear it and see it.

Recalling some behind-the-scenes manipulations, he didn’t say much more.

He consoled Lin Wanyi softly.

"Don’t let such things upset you. Look, our Second Prince has been chattering non-stop since coming back; the next time there’s a chance, we should let him go out more."

With the topic shifted to the children, Lin Wanyi didn’t dwell further.

She merely instructed Chunqi to send each child a bowl of ginger soup to prevent catching a cold.

After a day of hustle, Lin Wanyi was utterly exhausted.

In terms of walking around, she basically hadn’t left her brother Lin Muzhi’s courtyard.

Perhaps the tension had finally snapped, which left her feeling very tired at the moment.

Noticing her discomfort, the Emperor suggested.

"How about a bath? A soak in hot water will help you sleep better later."

"Hmm."

Lin Wanyi had worn makeup today, so a proper wash was necessary.

She instructed Xia An to prepare the water, but who could have guessed the Emperor would add another line.

"Prepare a larger tub, I want to soak in hot water too."

Instantly, Lin Wanyi’s face turned as red as a ripe fruit.

With a slight pout, she glared at the Emperor, as if to say that his suggestion was quite inappropriate.

Unfortunately, the Emperor’s skin wasn’t so thin as to be embarrassed by a simple glare from her.

So, in the end, the Emperor got his way.

And Lin Wanyi once again fell into his clutches~