CHAPTER 76: CHAPTER 76 INGENIOUS RESOLUTION

"That’s not difficult at all."

As he spoke, he calculated something on his fingers, and after a moment, spoke with conviction.

"Just need to relocate the concubines to a place near the water. Moreover, if Your Majesty could provide extra care, the dilemma could naturally be resolved swiftly."

"Indeed, I remember at the time of my birth when the fortune was being divined, a sage mentioned that I am of the water fate."

Nurturing wood with water is indeed a clever method.

Jin Shixi bowed even lower, indicating his agreement with these words.

Having obtained the answer the Emperor desired, a smile gradually appeared on his lips.

"If that’s the case, then arrange it so. Dong Yuzhong, move my sleeping quarters to Qiqing Hall in Zeping State; it is the water source of the traveling palace. Furthermore, with my presence there, the harem will surely be relieved from their troubles."

"Yes, your servant obeys!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Shixi understood.

His guess was indeed correct.

The Emperor’s sudden summoning naturally indicated an important inquiry.

But why include an eighth-rank Chief when he himself could have appropriately handled it?

Hence, it must be related to the Lin Mansion!

Being one whom the Emperor esteemed required not only true ability but also the knowledge of what the Emperor wanted to hear at any given time.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so young to be promoted to the position of Director of the Imperial Observatory.

Past Directors were mostly elderly men with white hair.

As long as it wasn’t deceitful speech, nor actions harmful to the court, celestial phenomena, despite being elusive, could always be explained away.

The only person present who remained puzzled was Lin Guangzu.

He had entered the court at a much older age compared to the young Director, whom the Emperor favored.

Since the official matters were concluded, naturally, private matters would be discussed next.

Thus, the Emperor left Lin Guangzu behind, while Jin Shixi was escorted out by Dong Yuzhong in person.

Once they exited the Qinqian Hall, Jin Shixi chuckled to Dong Yuzhong.

"Many thanks to you, Sir, for your guidance; otherwise, I might have miscalculated this fortune!"

"What is Master Jin saying? This servant merely spoke a few idle words. If you ask me, it’s still the Master who’s sharp-eared and clear-eyed."

Jin Shixi almost felt unworthy of such praise.

"Sir Dong has served the imperial carriage diligently. I have some fresh tea from my hometown, which is quite soothing. I’ll send someone to deliver it to you later."

"Master Jin, you’re too kind; this servant will humbly accept with gratitude."

The two exchanged a smile, understanding silently beyond words.

In the Qinqian Hall, Lin Guangzu found himself facing the Emperor alone, and to say he wasn’t anxious would be untrue.

Especially with the recent mentions of harem affairs.

Lin Guangzu had a feeling it was inextricably linked to his daughter.

He wished to ask but didn’t know how to begin.

It was the Emperor who first broke the silence, addressing Lin Guangzu.

"There are no outsiders here, so I’ll speak plainly."

"Please, Your Majesty."

"Lin Changzai has been poisoned, and the Imperial Physician said that to completely cure it, strong medicine is needed. Such medicine is quite harsh on the body, and I’m afraid she might feel distressed. Therefore, I thought that if a family member could comfort her a bit, it might speed up her recovery."

"What! Poisoned!"

Lin Guangzu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The last time He Song returned from the palace, he reported that she had fallen into the water.

Now he’s come to the traveling palace, only to hear that his daughter has been poisoned.

It seems this Imperial Palace is truly a place that devours people without leaving a trace!

How treacherous!

"Your Majesty, how is Qianqian?"

In his urgency, Lin Guangzu accidentally called out Lin Wanyi’s childhood name.

Realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. In my haste, I misspoke. Is Lin Changzai alright?"

"She is fine but will likely need to rest quietly for several months."

Hearing this, Lin Guangzu wished more than anything to fly to his daughter instantly to check on her.

But he could do no such thing, so despite his urgency, it was to no avail.

The Emperor, seeing his concern, recalled those mundane stories she had shared before.

This family’s affection was truly deep.

"Now that we’re at the traveling palace, the rules are not as strict. So if Mrs. Lin wishes to visit Lin Changzai in the palace, I can certainly arrange that."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you; I will inform my wife immediately."

"Very well. Then Lin, you may withdraw for now. Someone will be sent to escort Mrs. Lin to the palace in due time."

"Your servant obeys."

After the people had been sent away, the Emperor sighed.

Sitting on the Dragon Chair, he leaned his head on his hand, his expression showing a hint of vexation.

Dong Yuzhong entered with a cup of tea and, noticing the Emperor’s unrest, remarked.

"Your Majesty, your servant inquired at Huifang Courtyard, and Miss Lin is sleeping quite soundly. If she learns that Your Majesty has painstakingly arranged for her family to visit, she will surely be happy."

Happy?

The Emperor only felt a tinge of bitterness.

He remembered how, when he was ill as a child, his father would always hold him and comfort him.

Now, even if he wished for it, it was no longer possible.

This was why he had the thought of having Lin Wanyi’s family visit the palace.

He just didn’t know if this compensation would truly be of benefit to Lin Wanyi.

Doctor Dou’s words were etched in his memory.

Even if Lin Wanyi were to have children in the future, it would be a perilous situation, a narrow escape from death.

For a moment, he didn’t know which direction to take.

The moon rose above the treetops, casting a tranquil silence all around.

Lin Wanyi awoke from a dream, seeing two palace lanterns lit outside.

Not too bright, yet enough to dispel the darkness.

After this long sleep, she felt much better.

Yet her hands and feet began to feel cold again, indicating her cold ailment had relapsed.

"Xia An."

She called out, and soon a silhouette appeared behind the screen.

"Miss, you’re awake?"

"Yes, what hour is it?"

"Just past 9 p.m."

Saying so, Xia An handed her a hot water bottle. Lin Wanyi smiled, thankful for her maidservant’s attentiveness.

"Miss’s cold condition makes your hands and feet cold, even in summer. So the servant prepared this early, just waiting for you to wake up."

Feeling the warmth, a similar stream coursed through Lin Wanyi’s heart.

"Would Miss like something to eat? Chunqi has prepared some late-night snacks, just the ones you like."

Lin Wanyi hadn’t eaten much all day and had vomited several times.

Now, she indeed felt hungry.

"Bring it over, I am feeling a bit famished."

"Alright."

She got out of bed, donned an embroidered brocade cape, and sat down at the round Eight Immortals Table. Only then did Lin Wanyi gaze out the window at the scenery.

The moon was so beautiful, serene and gentle.

So different from the sinister schemes within the traveling palace.

Looking at the moon gradually growing rounder, Lin Wanyi finally found a sense of calm within her heart.

After eating the late-night snack, she took her medicine too.

The prescription was reviewed by Xia An beforehand, ensuring no conflict with her cold ailment medicine.

The only inconvenience was the timing of consumption had to be carefully scheduled.

Otherwise, she would end up taking numerous doses of medication.

All medicine is three parts poison; with such concentrated use of strong medicine, even the healthiest constitution wouldn’t withstand it for long!

Having slept deeply, she felt quite energized now.