This opportunity came very quickly.
The imperial family held a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet every year to celebrate the prosperity and flourishing of the Qing Dynasty.
On that day, court officials would usually bring their wives and children to the banquet as a sign of respect for His Majesty.
The daughter has the status of a county princess, which means she has a rank, so regardless of her status, she must attend this Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.
Looking at Lin Daiyu, who had grown quite a bit taller since arriving at the Lin residence, Qingyin's eyes softened as she carefully instructed her on the etiquette at the banquet and the intricate relationships with the various officials and princes.
A hint of clarity flashed in the little girl's clear eyes. She nodded seriously, knowing that her father was doing it for her own good. She was not bothered by these complicated words; instead, she had her own thoughts and composure.
Although she looks like a naive young girl, a closer look into her eyes reveals a certain maturity. She is calm and composed, unlike her peers, yet she is not weak or incompetent. Like the winter sun, she is gentle yet assertive.
You can tell at a glance that she's no ordinary girl.
Seeing Lin Daiyu's serious expression, Qingyin couldn't help but chuckle, gently pinching her daughter's still-chubby cheeks. "Little girl, there's no need to be so serious. Those things are for adults, you don't need to worry about them. Just know that it's enough. Even if someone dares to provoke you, don't be afraid. Be bold, Daiyu, your father will protect you."
"Mmm." The little girl, whose cheeks had been pinched, was extremely well-behaved and didn't move at all. Only a beautiful blush appeared on her face, clearly indicating that the little girl was shy.
Looking at the shy Lin Daiyu, Qingyin couldn't help but rub her soft head. Sigh, it's not good for a daughter to be too obedient. Sometimes when I tease her, I feel guilty. I really can't bear to do it.
Thinking this, Qingyin ruthlessly ruffled her daughter's hair again. Hmm, if she doesn't get close to her good daughter now, is she going to leave her for some bad boy later? Thinking of that brat next door who often harassed her daughter, Qingyin suddenly had a strong urge to punch him.
The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet came quickly. Emperor Kangxi specially arranged a luxurious carriage for the father and daughter. Qingyin originally wanted to refuse, but the emperor ignored her refusal and let it go.
Therefore, Lin Daiyu truly realized the Emperor's favor and attention towards her father. Not only were all the accessories and furnishings in this carriage exclusive to the royal family, but the pastries and food were also prepared by the imperial kitchen, and the aromas were extraordinary.
The carriage was specially scented with a light fragrance, making it feel spacious and not cramped at all; rather, it resembled a slightly narrow room.
The young girl who went in was a little stunned. She sat awkwardly next to Qingyin. Since returning to the capital, she had usually been going out through the streets and alleys. This was her first time visiting the palace, so she was naturally not used to such a nice carriage.
Seeing the little girl's expression, Qingyin understood immediately. She casually picked up a pastry and placed it in the little girl's hand. "Try it and see how this osmanthus cake differs from the ones at your residence."
The little girl looked at the delicate pastry in her hand, which was even shaped like an osmanthus flower, and hesitated for a moment. Under Qingyin's encouraging gaze, she took a bite. "It tastes similar to the ones in the manor, maybe even more fragrant."
Although the shape was exquisite, Lin Daiyu couldn't really taste anything different from it, and she looked at her father with some doubt.
“Yes, all osmanthus cakes are the same.” Qingyin smiled meaningfully.
But the little girl seemed to understand something, and became more composed, no longer as nervous as when she first entered the carriage.
Qingyin's smile deepened as she realized her daughter had come to her senses.
The banquet was held in the spacious Hall of Supreme Harmony, and only a limited number of the imperial concubines could attend. Fortunately, Consort Mu was able to attend the banquet thanks to her son's good fortune. Along the way, Consort Mu held tightly to the chubby little boy who wanted to run away. After walking for a while, the little boy asked the same question again, "Mother, when is Master Lin coming?"
From the initial joy to the current indifference, Consort Mu has automatically blocked out the voice of her chubby son. Anyone who is woken up by their "filial son" at three or four in the morning would feel the same way.
Consort Mu, who hadn't had a proper rest since morning, looked somewhat haggard. She really wanted to give her chubby son a good beating, but unfortunately, the occasion wasn't convenient, especially since she had run into her "plastic best friend"—Consort Yuan—on the way. Consort Mu had subconsciously completely concealed her haggardness and put on a faint smile.
"You've arrived quite early, Consort Yuan?"
"So it's Consort Mu! I was too far away to see her clearly. Why did you come so early today?" Consort Yuan, also known as Jia Yuanchun, was no longer as plump as when she first entered the palace. Instead, she had become extremely thin. She had ingratiated herself with one of the emperor's eunuchs and, having heard that the emperor preferred slender waists, she deliberately starved herself to win his favor. However, this had also greatly affected her health.
The hardships she endured were not something she could tell Consort Mu in front of her. She was no longer as naive as before and had come to understand more underhanded tactics. She had indeed learned many lessons from Consort De.
Therefore, she became increasingly envious and jealous of Consort Mu. She had entered the palace with Consort Mu, but she had to rely on Consort De to stay. Although she had the Emperor's favor, the person in front of her had gained influence in the Emperor's eyes because of her child. Thinking of how much Consort Yuan had schemed for this banquet, she found Consort Mu in front of her to be extremely irritating.
She lowered her head, trying to conceal the jealousy in her eyes. But although Consort Mu opposite her was calm, she was not simple-minded and had already figured out the ill intentions of the person in front of her.
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