After the ceremony of conferment ended, it should have been Lin Wanyi’s turn to pay respects to the Emperor. Unexpectedly, the Emperor couldn’t wait and came over from Qian’an Hall on his own. Even more surprising, he was accompanied by two others. Seeing them, Lin Wanyi felt pleasantly surprised and immediately went to greet them. "This concubine greets Your Majesty, greets Fourth Prince, greets Fourth Prince Consort." "Paying respects to Princess Consort Yi Ning, wishing Your Grace prosperity." Now, Lin Wanyi carried an added air of elegance compared to when she first entered the palace. The old saying goes that festivity nourishes a person, and it is indeed true. At this moment, she was at the peak of her success. Yet her face did not show arrogance, instead, she remained her usual serene self. The auspicious clothes of a concubine fitted her, making her appear dignified and noble. However, Lin Wanyi still preferred her regular attire, as it was more comfortable. For origınal chapters go to 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥 Having met feeling regretful for not knowing each other sooner, the Fourth Prince Consort hadn’t been able to enter the palace to see her since the palace banquet. Finally, her confinement was lifted, so she rushed with the Fourth Prince to the palace to celebrate her promotion. "Your Grace, today is auspicious, so I pleaded with the Prince to bring me to the palace for a cup of celebratory wine. I hope Your Grace doesn’t mind." The Fourth Prince Consort spoke courteously, and Lin Wanyi was very grateful for the things the Fourth Prince Consort sent during her confinement, so she was exceptionally warm. "Having the Fourth Prince and Fourth Prince Consort here is this concubine’s joy. I have a maid whose cooking is exquisite, let’s have her showcase her skills today." "Great, then we won’t stand on ceremony." With laughter and chatting, the group entered the main hall. The main hall was already dazzling, and with the items bestowed by the Emperor, it looked even more lavish. Yet on closer inspection, it was not vulgar, but rather exhibited a sense of refined richness. Observing the abode, one can know the person’s nature. The Fourth Prince Consort evidently gained more favor for Lin Wanyi from the decor of the hall. The Emperor took the main seat, accompanied by the Fourth Prince. Lin Wanyi supported the Fourth Prince Consort to the right-hand seat, showing rare humility. The Fourth Prince Consort was not one to stand on ceremony with Lin Wanyi, so she simply sat down without much formality. "Your Grace looks in excellent spirits, not at all like a woman still recovering from childbirth." "It’s all thanks to everyone’s care, Second Aunt and Chunqi sent soups every day. I thought I would gain weight, but didn’t realize I would slim down unconsciously." Slim as she was, she still possessed the fullness in the right places. A bit more womanly charm than before childbirth, the Emperor’s gaze deepened. He had been abstinent ever since Lin Wanyi became pregnant. Seeing her in such a state now brought him much joy. A few days ago, he had privately asked Second Madam Yun, and as long as precautions were taken, everything else could be as before. At this point, if the Fourth Prince still couldn’t see the Emperor’s partiality and affection, he’d be blind. Being straightforward and cheerful by nature, he couldn’t help but tease. "Now I understand the story of King You of Zhou lighting beacons to amuse a beauty, it’s not just a tale." Though the Emperor wouldn’t be so outrageous, keeping things hidden from them did make the Fourth Prince somewhat "unhappy." The little nephew who used to follow him around asking for hugs had grown up, not bearing the straightforward disposition of his Imperial Brother, but inheriting the Empress Dowager’s depth, making his intentions opaque even to an Imperial Uncle like him. However, reflecting on it, if Lin Wanyi, slim as she was, had fully captured the Emperor’s feelings, she probably wouldn’t have survived until today. The Emperor knew he was being teased on purpose, so he teased back. "I remember when father was alive, he told me to learn from Fourth Imperial Uncle. I’ve kept that in mind, as the deep affection between Fourth Imperial Uncle and Fourth Imperial Aunt is known throughout the land. Now that I’ve finally found someone dear, naturally, I will also treat her with care." These words revealed all the Emperor’s affection. Lin Wanyi blushed at the Emperor’s words. Although she had been a mother for a while, her disposition was still like a maiden easily embarrassed. Unlike the Fourth Prince and Fourth Prince Consort, who had weathered many storms and were unfazed by the Emperor’s teasing. "Good lad, if your father were still around, he would be delighted to see you ." When the words "good lad" left his mouth, the Fourth Prince Consort’s expression turned sour. The Fourth Prince had become a bit too complacent, forgetting that this was not the Crown Prince but an Emperor who had reigned for eighteen years. Just as he was about to rise and apologize, the Emperor waved it off. "In Princess Consort Yi Ning’s company, you are the elders, today we speak as uncle and nephew, not as ruler and subjects." The Fourth Prince Consort let out a long sigh of relief and shot a glance at the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince chuckled in embarrassment; he had indeed spoken too hastily and now felt awkward. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your leniency." Regardless of whether the Emperor pursued the matter, the Fourth Prince Consort still paid her respects appropriately. Seeing the slight awkwardness, the Fourth Prince changed the topic by asking, "Where are the Fifth Prince and Third Princess? Are they asleep? If not, bring them for the old official to see. The Princess Consort has crafted white jade gold locks, and we’ve brought them to add to the children’s joy." Hearing this, Lin Wanyi smiled and instructed Xia An behind her, "Go ask the nanny to bring the children, and also inform Nanny Ji to bring the Second Princess along." After having her own children, Lin Wanyi didn’t forget about the Second Prince and Second Princess. She continued caring for them as diligently as before. Seeing this, the Fourth Prince admired her even more. Not overly humble nor arrogant, treating all the children equally, Lin Wanyi indeed excelled in this regard. Soon enough, the three children were brought to the main hall. The Fifth Prince and Third Princess were still young, naturally wrapped in brocade quilts. However, the Second Princess could now walk steadily. As Nanny Ji led her in, she resembled a little celestial child beneath a Bodhisattva, charmingly sculpted in powder and jade. "It’s only been a short time since I last saw her, and the Second Princess is already walking. Children grow so quickly." The Fourth Prince Consort, being of some age, naturally loved children. Despite having several grandchildren at home, there were no little girls. Seeing the Second Princess so lively and vivacious, she was utterly delighted. The Second Princess wasn’t shy at all, although she couldn’t speak words of greeting. She made babbling sounds, which were crystal clear in intent. Lin Wanyi explained with a smile to everyone, "Our Second Princess is greeting Your Majesty, Fourth Prince, and Fourth Prince Consort." "Good, good, the Second Princess is very well-behaved." The Fourth Prince came to the palace today primarily to present gifts, and he came well prepared. Apart from the white jade gold locks for the two infants, there were also gifts for the Second Prince and Second Princess. The Second Prince’s gift was a gentle and obedient little pony. Perfect for practicing riding and archery.