CHAPTER 60: CHAPTER 60: NEWLY PROMOTED CHANGZAI

The Emperor won’t come over tonight, it’s obvious why.

There’s another concubine in the palace now, who is to bear him a child, so it’s natural for him to reassure her properly.

Thus, with good temper, she replied.

"Mr. Lao, please go and tell His Majesty that everything here is fine. Everything should be prioritized at Noble Princess Consort Ying’s place."

"Your generosity is noted, master," the servant replied.

He was about to leave, but then stopped, as if remembering something, and continued speaking.

"By the way, Lady Chu in the back palace has been demoted to a concubine. The Emperor ordered her to move to the side palace of Changning Palace, leaving the back palace empty. Your status now qualifies you to move there, would you like to do so?"

The rise and fall in Yihua Palace has indeed made it lively.

The demotion of Lady Chu didn’t bring Lin Wanyi any happiness or unhappiness.

As long as her father continues to serve Da Wei, reinstating Lady Chu is only a matter of time.

Right now, it’s just a temporary setback.

She’s not so foolish as to go looking for trouble with Lady Chu.

"I’m used to living here at Xianyi Palace. Moving around while recovering is troublesome—thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Dong."

Dong Yuzhong smiled, already knowing how Lin Wanyi would answer before he even asked.

When handling matters in the palace, there’s never a harm in asking one more question.

"Thus, I will inform the Chief of the Imperial Household to only manage Changning Palace."

After finishing, he slowly retreated and then turned to leave.

Qiu Ming and Xiao Luzi were guarding outside, one taking care of brewing medicine, the other guarding the door so nobody could sneak in at the moment.

Chunqi and Xia An raised the curtains and hung them appropriately, especially Chunqi, whose excitement was obvious.

"Master, have you become a Changzai? I remember that Du Changzai has been in the palace for several years, and only got promoted during a festival. I didn’t expect your promotion to be so smooth! Truly blessed by the Bodhisattva!"

She was in a great mood, initially unhappy about Noble Princess Consort Ying’s pregnancy, but now she felt thankful for it.

"Among newly promoted concubines, aside from Ming Changzai, it’s only you, master. Indeed a great event to celebrate."

Even Xia An was delighted, though less overtly than Chunqi.

Lin Wanyi didn’t share their happiness.

A tree that stands tallest in the woods will be toppled by the wind.

Not to mention, there’s always Lin Guifei watching like a tiger.

Though she’s advanced a rank, and her brother has shown his face among the nobility, it’s good for the main house. The problem is if the West Wing tries to cause trouble for her mother, that would be troublesome.

"Please call Mr. Qiu in for me."

"Yes."

Qiu Ming came in following Xia An, and then bowed respectfully.

"Master, what are your instructions?"

"Mr. Qiu, I’ve been in the palace all this time without contact with my family. I’m worried my mother might be sick with longing. Do you have any way for me to send a couple of words out?"

Lin Wanyi could have asked Nanny Fan from the satin warehouse to help send a letter when going out, but she thought it’s best to use that option sparingly.

Right now, people in the palace don’t know her relationship with Nanny Fan. She didn’t want to court unnecessary trouble.

That’s why she’s seeking Qiu Ming.

Qiu Ming, having served at the imperial court, naturally knows more ways than a newly inducted concubine like her.

Most importantly, doing it through him leaves some trace with Mr. Dong, so if anyone tries to stir up trouble, she can prove herself.

Qiu Ming thought for a moment and respectfully replied.

"Every month, the Inner Court Department has procurement tasks to be done outside the palace. If you just want to send a message home, you could trouble Mr. Qin to arrange it—it would be much smoother than doing it ourselves."

Lin Wanyi has intended this method, but hearing it from Qiu Ming’s mouth made it even more suitable.

"Indeed, very good, then let Xiao Luzi handle it and take some of the tea His Majesty rewarded to Mr. Qin. We’ve troubled him many times since entering the palace."

"Yes, I’ll arrange it right away."

After Qiu Ming left, Chunqi gave a long sigh.

"When I saw the eldest young master today, I felt a bit saddened. How people we used to see daily now can’t exchange a word or message across palace walls."

"Red walls block the sky, green moats obscure the smoke; it’s the most helpless thing."

The master and the attendant lamented together.

But Chunqi wasn’t one to grief too long, and she spoke with some pride.

"Humph, let Chu Daying act arrogantly and bully the master; now her rank is below the master’s. Let’s see how she can flaunt now!"

Her words spoke the truth, and Xia An felt the same, though she wasn’t as quick to speak.

"Chu Daying is not an easy person to deal with. You all better be careful, especially if there’s talk of moving palaces. Stay in more during these days; otherwise, who knows what might happen if you encounter her!"

"Don’t worry, master; it’s just talk. With Mr. Qiu around, how would I dare cause trouble!"

Chunqi glanced sideways, saw Qiu Ming wasn’t around, then lowered her voice.

"I don’t want to copy palace regulations, a thick stack is headache enough to memorize, let alone copy."

Lin Wanyi was amused by her, and all her little aches and pains seemed to ease.

Three days later, Changning Palace was ready.

When the servants came to invite Chu Daying to move, she threw a huge tantrum.

Since entering the palace, nothing went her way.

After the initial summoning by the Emperor, it was as if he forgot her in the harem.

No matter how she sent messages or food to Qian’an Hall, there was no response, so she resented Lin Wanyi for capturing the Emperor’s attention just after entering the palace.

Looking at the luxurious decor in the rear hall of Yihua Palace, she couldn’t help but feel more enraged.

She smashed things to pieces and cursed at Xianyi Palace.

Yue Jian, who entered the palace with her, had already been sent to Yeyou Court, long gone for support, and Yue Pei and Yue Bai, were punished with sticks. Their bodies had not healed when they returned to serve her.

But there was constant dissatisfaction from Chu Daying, and she would beat them up.

Life was full of fear, but cries went unheard, and pleas unheeded.

Looking at the broken porcelain all over the floor, An Hui, the Chief Maid at Changning Palace, looked on with disdain.

Another hot-tempered yet brainless master.

It was the Emperor who ordered the move, and here she is, breaking plates and throwing bowls. Who was it for?

If someone reported this to the imperial court, what good could she expect to come of it?

Utterly laughable.

So she spoke with a cold face.