The Fourth Prince Consort, being one who doesn’t follow the conventional path, particularly enjoyed maintaining connections with the "fallen concubines" who were under house arrest. The Fourth Prince also approached, speaking to Lin Wanyi with considerable satisfaction. "In that case, you can call me godfather in the future. Let’s see who dares to bully you!" He raised an eyebrow, his mustache twitching! The look was both intimidating and somewhat adorably amusing. Lin Wanyi chuckled, not refusing any further. "Daughter thanks godfather and godmother for their protection." "Good, good, you’re a good child." The palace banquet was now dispersed, and it was not good for the Fourth Prince Consort and Fourth Prince to remain in the palace for long. Exchanging a few idle words with Lin Wanyi, they noticed someone waiting outside. The Fourth Prince Consort frowned, whispering a reminder in her ear. "That’s someone from Empress Dowager’s side. Be careful. Huiyue may not be favored by her, but after all, she’s still the daughter she bore for ten months. So, it’s possible she’ll stand up for her. If it gets too difficult, just faint." Lin Wanyi nodded, feeling immensely grateful to the Fourth Prince Consort. Though they had just met less than a quarter of an hour ago and exchanged only a few words. It felt as if they had known each other for a long time, given the thoughtful reminder, Lin Wanyi was touched. "Rest assured, godmother, I will handle it." Seeing Lin Wanyi’s calm demeanor, the Fourth Prince Consort truly felt relieved. What could be said, she just had a way of earning people’s trust. Sure enough, after the Fourth Prince and Consort had left, the eunuch came over. "Noble Consort, the Empress Dowager summons you." Xia An, behind Lin Wanyi, was somewhat worried, but she didn’t fear at all. She had to pass the Empress Dowager’s hurdle sooner or later, so going now was not a problem. After all, the worst outcome was already known; she couldn’t possibly be both confined and beaten. "Eunuch, please lead the way, I’ll follow you." Lin Wanyi’s composure earned her a higher regard from the eunuch; she seemed not frightened at all. She had quite some courage. Lin Wanyi thought the Empress Dowager’s summons would take her to Cining Palace, but unexpectedly, it was in the side hall of Qian’an Hall. Coincidentally, it was the place where Lin Xingzhi had recuperated. Only now all the furniture had been replaced with new ones, the styles even differed. There was probably some palace taboo, thus the significant change. Inside, there was only the Empress Dowager and her personal nanny. Everyone else had been dismissed. The Empress Dowager now wore a mostly angry expression, looking at Lin Wanyi without showing any emotion. Lin Wanyi, however, unhurriedly knelt and greeted. "This concubine greets the Empress Dowager." "Humph, you alone have stirred discord between the Emperor and Princess, and disharmony among the clan. You indeed have a talent." Hearing the Empress Dowager’s sharp remarks, Lin Wanyi did not plead on her knees. Instead, she deliberated, stood upright, and spoke. "This concubine thanks the Empress Dowager for her care towards me and the children." Upon hearing this, Xia An frowned behind her. Could her mistress be scared silly, thanking the Empress Dowager’s care at this moment? She hadn’t seen where this care was coming from. While her mind struggled to comprehend, she heard the Empress Dowager above softly laughing. Gone was the sternness and anger, replaced by a gentle and benevolent demeanor. "Clever, indeed, no wonder the Emperor holds you dear. Originally, I intended to test you, but from what I see, you’re quite good. You’re poised, understand propriety and gratitude, and most importantly, you won’t cause trouble for the Emperor. That’s commendable." "The palace isn’t short of affectionate and favored concubines, and Da Wei doesn’t need a Queen who mourns and concerns herself only with self-preservation, understand, Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning?" For the Empress Dowager, she didn’t particularly like Lin Wanyi. In fact, there was a certain apprehension. She had witnessed the late Emperor’s deep love for Consort Xian. She didn’t harbor much jealousy or resentment, just felt it was a pity. Such a fine empire easily abandoned, so the Empress Dowager didn’t favor an overly affectionate Emperor or concubine consumed by trivial love affairs. At present, it seemed Lin Wanyi had taken the blame, providing a way out for those present. Though the Emperor was not pleased, he still maintained good self-control. In this respect, neither failed the Empress Dowager’s indirect intentions. Thus, Lin Wanyi left a good impression with the Empress Dowager. "This concubine understands, during the days of confinement, I will take good care to nourish my pregnancy and ensure the birth of a healthy offspring for the Emperor." Whether it be a Princess or Prince, they will be her cherished treasures. Most importantly, confinement will help shield some hostility. For instance, from Princess Consort Ying, who was somewhat difficult since learning of her pregnancy, or from Princess Huiyue, who harbored a vengeful mindset. And after the pregnancy news spreads, from the scheming in the shadows. All these can be kept at bay due to confinement. It’s just that meeting with the Emperor will be somewhat troublesome. Thinking of this, she felt a twinge of sadness. However, everything should be considered for the greater good. At least her confinement appears as a punishment on the surface, but in fact, it’s a form of protection. So Lin Wanyi believed the Emperor would understand. She then spoke to the Empress Dowager. "This concubine has a request..." "You want me to coordinate with you in spreading the news of your pregnancy?" Talking with clever people saves a lot of trouble. "My foundations in the palace are not strong, though surrounded by trusted people, caution is necessary. If this child is not favored by the Empress Dowager, it might reduce some of the envy." "I see, you know how to use people better than the Emperor." The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but jest. Previously, Lin Wanyi didn’t know what kind of person the Empress Dowager was. But after today, she understood something. For the Empress Dowager, nothing was more important than the royal power of Da Wei. Her careful guidance of the Emperor, the stringent control over her clan, the severe treatment of the concubines, and her conciliatory approach towards the royal relatives and powerful ministers. All these actions stemmed from the desire to stabilize the royal power of Da Wei. From this standpoint, Lin Wanyi felt deep admiration. And also a bit grateful. Fortunately, she wasn’t the type deeply mired in love affairs. Otherwise, in the Empress Dowager’s eyes, she might truly be labeled as an evil concubine bringing calamity to the nation. The two reached a private understanding, and soon the play unfolded. At Qian’an Hall, in Wen’s former residence. The Emperor wore an unhappy expression. Googlᴇ search novel·fire·net Sitting on the couch, listening to Dong Yuzhong’s detailed report. His fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly. If not for the mutual understanding with Lin Wanyi, knowing most of this was an act, he couldn’t help worrying at some critical points.