February 15th has arrived in the blink of an eye. Today is the day to pay our respects to the Empress.
The morning sunlight shone through the thin mist onto the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, casting a golden glow.
The concubines all got up early, dressed up, and prepared to go to Changchun Palace.
Lin Yun was no exception. Just as dawn was breaking, Chunlan and Xiahe quietly came in to help her with her washing and grooming.
"My lady, would you like to wear this light purple cheongsam today? It's both dignified and elegant," Chunlan asked, holding up a dress embroidered with subtle patterns.
Lin Yun nodded, her gaze sweeping over her reflection in the bronze mirror. The person in the mirror had exquisite features and snow-white skin; though she wore no heavy makeup, she possessed a refined and ethereal beauty.
She gently touched the pearl hairpin in her hair and said calmly, "Let it be like this, no need to be too ostentatious."
As Xia He straightened her clothes, she muttered under her breath, "Now that the mistress is favored, even if she dresses plainly, no one will dare to look down on her."
Lin Yun shook her head and chuckled: "Whether we are favored or not, it's all a favor from the Emperor. We know it in our hearts, so why flaunt it?"
She has worn all sorts of clothes and jewelry before; there's no need for her to flaunt them in the depths of the palace.
After finishing her toilette, Lin Yun rose and walked out of the inner room. The palace maids and eunuchs of Yanxi Palace were already waiting in the courtyard. Upon seeing her, they all bowed in greeting. Lin Yun nodded slightly and, accompanied by Chunlan and Xiahe, slowly walked towards Changchun Palace.
Along the way, they encountered the sedan chairs of other concubines. When they saw Lin Yun, they all stopped to pay their respects, their eyes filled with both envy and curiosity.
Lin Yun smiled and returned the greetings one by one, her expression unchanged, neither arrogant nor deliberately humble.
Upon arriving outside Changchun Palace, many concubines were already waiting outside the hall.
Upon Lin Yun's arrival, everyone's eyes turned to her, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Lin Yun seemed oblivious and walked straight to her seat.
"Consort Yun, you look radiant today. It seems the Emperor's recent favor has truly been nourishing." A soft, alluring voice came from beside her. Lin Yun turned her head and saw Consort Mao, Song, smiling at her.
Lin Yun smiled faintly: "Sister Maopin is joking. I just slept more soundly last night."
Consort Mao covered her mouth and chuckled: "Sister, you are too modest. Who doesn't know that the Emperor has been summoning you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation lately? This honor is something that even Consort Nian back then couldn't match."
As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding concubines exchanged subtle glances. Lin Yun remained calm and said indifferently, "His Majesty is busy with state affairs every day, and when he occasionally summons concubines, it's only to relieve his boredom. If Consort Mao is interested, she can also visit the Emperor more often."
Consort Mao was momentarily speechless. Just as she was about to say something more, the palace gates of Changchun Palace suddenly opened, and Wang Mama, the Empress's attendant, came out and announced loudly, "Her Majesty the Empress summons all the ladies to the palace."
Everyone quickly composed themselves and entered Changchun Palace in order of rank. Lin Yun followed in the procession, her steps composed, as if the little incident from earlier had never happened.
Upon entering the hall, Empress Ulanara sat regally on her phoenix throne, her crimson phoenix robe accentuating her regal bearing. All the concubines bowed in unison: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
The Empress slightly raised her hand: "Rise, all of you."
Everyone thanked the Empress and rose to their seats. The Empress's gaze swept across the hall, finally landing on Lin Yun, lingering for a moment before moving away.
"Recently, palace affairs have been quite complicated, and I am very pleased with the concerted efforts of all my sisters." The Empress's tone was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.
Consort Qi, Lady Li, replied with a smile: "Your Majesty works hard managing the six palaces; we are merely doing our duty."
The Empress nodded and looked at Lin Yun with a kind expression: "How have you been lately, Consort Yun? I heard that the Emperor often summons you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I suppose you have a better understanding of the Emperor's preferences now."
The hall fell silent, all eyes fixed on Lin Yun. Lin Yun rose and bowed respectfully, replying, "Your Majesty, I am but a foolish concubine. It is only because of His Majesty's favor that I am summoned here occasionally. As for His Majesty's preferences, I dare not presume to know."
The Empress chuckled lightly: "Sister, you are too modest. The Emperor is aloof by nature, so to win his favor, you must have something special about you."
Lin Yun lowered her eyes and said humbly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise."
Seeing her respectful attitude, the Empress's coldness eased slightly, and she turned to chat with the other concubines.
If Consort Yun were that arrogant and domineering, she wouldn't have any qualms about taking action. What a pity…
The atmosphere inside the hall gradually became lively. Everyone chatted amongst themselves, appearing to be having a good time, but each harboring their own thoughts.
After paying their respects, the concubines gradually left Changchun Palace. Just as Lin Yun reached the palace gate, Consort Mao approached again, lowering her voice to say, "Consort Yun, Her Majesty the Empress has been particularly 'kind' to you today."
Lin Yun glanced at her and said calmly, "Her Majesty the Empress is a model of virtue for the nation, and she treats everyone equally."
Consort Mao smiled meaningfully: "I hope so." After saying that, she left with her maids.
Chunlan stamped her foot angrily, "Your Highness, Consort Mao's words are loaded with meaning; she's clearly trying to sow discord!"
Lin Yun shook her head: "No need to pay attention to it. There are plenty of rumors in the palace. If you take everything to heart, you'll only be putting yourself at a disadvantage."
Xia He said worriedly, "But Her Majesty the Empress's attitude today is indeed somewhat different..."
Lin Yun sighed softly, "Let's go, let's go back to the palace first."
She didn't want to get entangled with these women anymore; her goal was her man and the stars!
Thinking of the Emperor, who she still needed to prepare soup for him today, she quickened her pace...
Back at Yanxi Palace, she instructed the servants to prepare the ingredients; she wanted to cook and deliver them herself.
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