"This child pays respect to the Empress Dowager, and wishes her peace and well-being." The Emperor folded his hands and leaned forward, his attitude very respectful. Soon, a kind voice emerged from the palanquin, replying calmly yet firmly. "Emperor, you need not be overly courteous, everyone may rise." "Thank you, Empress Dowager." When Lin Wanyi stood up, Xia Anxu helped her. Yet everyone’s attention was on the Empress Dowager’s palanquin, and no one noticed. The gauze curtain lifted, revealing a lady clad in a bright yellow garment adorned with the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix. This was the first time Lin Wanyi saw the Empress Dowager. Perhaps due to her many years of prayer and cultivation at Wutai Mountain, the Empress Dowager exuded a serene aura that others lacked. With each step, she gracefully walked towards the Emperor. The Emperor, accompanied by concubines and Prince and Princess, moved forward to greet her. As they approached closer, Lin Wanyi realized that the Empress Dowager indeed looked young. Logically, the Empress Dowager should be over fifty, yet she appeared so young that Lin Wanyi felt she seemed like the Emperor’s elder sister. Previously, she thought Princess Rongkang maintained herself well. But compared to the Empress Dowager, Princess Rongkang paled in comparison. It is not merely looking young that is commendable. Rather, it’s the Empress Dowager’s composure and the aura of majestic authority she exudes. Regarding exquisite features. Princess Rongkang had carefully maintained hers, while the Empress Dowager seemed blessed by the heavens, youthful from both inside and out. "Mother, thank you for your hard work." "What are you saying, Emperor? Praying for Da Wei is this widow’s wish, thus there is no talk of hardship. But this widow heard while at Wutai Mountain that Taishan presented a wonderful spectacle, a most auspicious omen, indicating you govern Da Wei well." "It’s all because of mother’s excellent teaching; this child dares not claim credit." "Is the Emperor being modest?" Saying this, the mother and son exchanged a smile. Previously, Lin Wanyi heard Nanny Du speak of Consort Xian, so she assumed the Empress Dowager would be as calculating as Lin Guifei. But now, she appeared very kind. Perhaps sensing Lin Wanyi’s gaze, the Empress Dowager also looked over. As their eyes met, the Empress Dowager’s gaze took on a scrutinizing quality. Indeed, it was scrutiny. Lin Wanyi maintained a calm demeanor, unafraid. Standing confidently and respectfully in place, allowing the Empress Dowager to observe. Yet Princess Consort Yi felt a bit dissatisfied having the limelight stolen by Lin Wanyi and stepped forward to say. "Empress Dowager, after such a long journey, perhaps it’s best to rest at Cining Palace first." Upon hearing her voice, the Empress Dowager withdrew her gaze. She glanced at Princess Consort Yi, her expression tranquil, and spoke. "How filial, let’s proceed." "Yes, Empress Dowager." Then, kindly walked to the Empress Dowager’s side, taking the place of the nanny originally supporting her. Previously, it was Empress Xu standing here, but with the absence of Lin Guifei, Princess Consort Yi became the most prominent figure in the palace. Thus, with the Emperor on one side and her on the other, her position improved and solidified substantially. Everyone was speculating that if Lin Guifei did not return, Princess Consort Yi might draw closer to the phoenix position. Next followed Princess Consort Ying, then Lin Wanyi. The rest of the concubines followed according to their ranks. The Prince and Princess were positioned similarly to Princess Consort Ying. Within Cining Palace. Everything was as refined and elegant as before the Empress Dowager left the palace, not losing grandeur while presenting an ethereal atmosphere. Perhaps due to years of devotion, the whole Cining Palace was scented with sandalwood. Lin Wanyi had liked this scent before. But after becoming pregnant, she abandoned all fragrances, finding the smell a bit stifling now. Discreetly, she wiped her nose with a handkerchief, bringing a refreshing sensation. The stuffy feeling largely dissipated. The Empress Dowager, with sharp eyes, noticed her gesture immediately. Uncertain whether displeased, suddenly pointed her out. "I haven’t seen this one before; is she newly accepted by the Emperor?" "Yes, she is Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning, entered the palace last April." "Oh? Not part of the selection list?" Selected ones entered in March; she came in April, a month late with reasons naturally involved. The Emperor pondered, carefully responding. "During the selection, the noble consort was ill, so later introduced by Lin Guifei personally." "No wonder, so quickly a noble consort, with a double-character title; it seems the Emperor is quite fond." The Empress Dowager’s tone was plain, without any particular emphasis. But to the Emperor, it sounded like a warning. Ascending to a noble consort in one year is unprecedented. Moreover, a double-character title was unheard of, making the Empress Dowager’s intent clear. Lin Wanyi remained respectfully composed. She could not control the Empress Dowager’s favor or disfavor towards her. At this moment, the Emperor and Empress Dowager were conversing; it was inappropriate for her to interject. Hence, she remained neither awkward nor anxious to explain, standing quietly in place. For more chapters visit novel✶fire.net This composed demeanor earned the Empress Dowager a higher regard. Princess Consort Ying secretly hoped the Empress Dowager would make trouble immediately, observing with interest. Nowadays, she was less restrained than before, emotions increasingly displayed openly. The Empress Dowager gave her a glance, and with a cold hum, remarked. "Enough, everyone may leave, let the Emperor talk with this widow." Her order left the others no choice but to comply. Thus, everyone respectfully spoke. "We humbly take our leave." After everyone exited one after another, the Empress Dowager relaxed her shoulders. With her eyes, she gestured to the seat beside, so the Emperor also sat. Though not biological mother and son, they had been together for over twenty years. Their mutual understanding was profound. After dismissing the attending Palace Attendants, the Empress Dowager spoke without reserve. "Does the Emperor favor her?" Such bluntness caught the Emperor off guard for a moment. However, shortly, the Emperor chose not to conceal. "She is chosen by this child, not merely favored but treasured in the heart." His words caused the Empress Dowager to furrow her brows slightly. For an Emperor, being emotionless is ideal. Thus, all can benefit equally, connecting the imperial court and harem. Yet to have emotions is to possess a weakness. In her view, Lin Wanyi appeared poised and serene, but... Far from being worthy of the Emperor’s wholehearted affection. Seeing the Empress Dowager’s silence, the Emperor did not rush to explain. Instead, he remarked. "She is now four months pregnant, with twins. If a boy and girl, it will be an auspicious sign for our dynasty; if... two Princes, I have arrangements to ensure their well-being."