Xiao Che left Kunning Palace with a satisfied heart, carrying his significant research findings on the "remarkable effect of bringing good luck in marriage".
The moment he left, the air that had been frozen in the side hall instantly thawed, and the entire Kunning Palace came alive.
The palace maids and eunuchs, who had been terrified and kept silent, were now flushed with excitement. Although they dared not speak loudly due to the rules, the frantic glances they exchanged revealed the turbulent emotions surging within them.
Especially Lin Wanwan's personal maid, Ruolan, was so excited she almost jumped up on the spot.
She deftly directed everyone to tidy up the side hall, then strode over to Lin Wanwan's side, her bright eyes sparkling with the light of "Come ask me! I have some incredible gossip here!"
Lin Wanwan was amused by her appearance. She picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and asked leisurely, "Judging from your expression, have you heard something interesting again?"
"Your Majesty!" Ruolan's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. She took a step closer, lowered her voice, and said in a tone that was both mysterious and excited, "This is more than just something new; it's the hottest news in our palace, no, the entire imperial palace right now!"
"Oh? Tell me about it." Lin Wanwan became interested.
“Your Majesty, you don’t know,” Ruolan’s words quickened, “now, throughout the entire palace, from our Kunning Palace to the most remote laundry department, there is no place that is not talking about the wonderful story between you and His Majesty!”
"A beautiful story?" Lin Wanwan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. How could her chaotic relationship with Xiao Che become a beautiful story?
“That’s right!” Ruolan nodded vigorously and described it vividly, “Now everyone in the palace is saying that His Majesty dotes on you to the core. A day apart feels like three autumns, and he can’t bear to be apart from you for even a moment.”
She paused, a knowing smile playing on her lips, and continued, "They also said that when His Majesty comes to our Kunning Palace, those seemingly strict 'inspections,' such as testing your calligraphy or complaining about the imperial kitchen's pastries, are actually... not really being picky at all!"
"What is that?" Lin Wanwan asked knowingly, her smile deepening.
“It’s romance!” Ruolan said decisively, her face flushed. “They all say it’s a romance that’s unique to the Emperor and Empress! It’s His Majesty expressing his love for you in his own special way! Even ordinary couples have their playful banter, so it’s naturally even more special between the Emperor and Empress.”
Lin Wanwan nearly spat out her tea upon hearing this romanticized interpretation from the palace servants.
Romance?
Immediately, images of the cute handwriting on Xiao Che's head, along with the "Actor-level" performance he put on to save a plate of pastries, flashed through her mind.
Okay, if we look at the result, calling it "fun" isn't entirely wrong... It's just that the process of this "fun" was far more ridiculous than what others imagined it to be.
Seeing that Lin Wanwan only smiled and remained silent, Ruolan assumed that she had tacitly agreed, and spoke even more enthusiastically: "And another thing, Your Highness! This servant also heard a rumor, and it's been spread like wildfire!"
She looked around to make sure no one was around before leaning close to Lin Wanwan's ear and whispering, "Everyone outside is saying that His Majesty's health has improved day by day, and he has shaken off his former sickly appearance, all because of you!"
"Because of me?"
“Yes!” Ruolan’s eyes sparkled, filled with admiration and pride. “They all say that you are a lucky star ordained by heaven, with a noble destiny, and are born to bring good fortune to your husband! As long as you are by His Majesty’s side, His Majesty will be healthy and the country will prosper! That’s why His Majesty can’t live without you and wants to be with you all the time!”
This "husband-boosting theory" made Lin Wanwan unable to suppress her laughter, and she chuckled softly.
She shook her head, feeling both amused and touched.
The palace servants had such vivid imaginations. They were unaware that she possessed a special ability to see emojis, and even less aware that behind those so-called "inspectors" lay the awkward yet endearing sincerity of a proud emperor. They could only rely on those subtle clues, using their simplest and most beautiful wishes to weave and interpret everything they saw.
Thus, the strictness of the examinations became an expectation of "deep love and strict discipline".
His sharp tongue, so critical of food, became a symbol of his domineering attitude, a belief that "only I can say it, no one else can."
The absurd statement that "the effect of a marriage to bring good luck is remarkable" was interpreted by them as the emperor's highest recognition of a predestined relationship, and the strongest proof of a "match made in heaven".
These "love stories," imagined by the palace servants and far removed from the truth yet strangely fitting, are spreading at an astonishing speed to every corner of the palace.
Lin Wanwan knew what this meant.
This means that her position as the empress who was brought in to bring good fortune has become more secure than ever before. This stability no longer depends solely on Xiao Che's protection, but rather stems from the "popular support" of the entire palace.
In the eyes of the palace servants, she was no longer a pawn from the Lin family who could be sacrificed at any time, but an indispensable empress who could bring good fortune to the emperor and make the relationship between the emperor and empress harmonious.
This recognition is more solid than any reward or title.
"Your Majesty, you see, everyone's words are truly insightful." Ruolan looked at her mistress and proudly concluded, "Now, who doesn't look at the people from our Kunning Palace with higher regard? Everyone says that just by seeing how frequently His Majesty visits us, you can tell how stable our Great Xia's empire is!"
While this statement is exaggerated, it does reveal some truth.
The emperor's will determines the direction of the harem.
Lin Wanwan smiled and shook her head, not bothering to correct Ruolan's beautiful misunderstandings. The truth was certainly interesting, but the feeling of being blessed and favored by everyone was equally comforting.
She waved for Ruolan to leave, then slowly walked to the window, her gaze fixed on the distant imperial study.
The golden glow of the setting sun cast a warm halo over the majestic palace.
She could almost picture Xiao Che sitting behind a mountain of memorials, absentmindedly reviewing them while racking his brains for answers—
What new excuse should I use to "inspect" Kunning Palace again tomorrow?
Should we be concerned about the weight of the palace cats, or should we discuss the feng shui of the stone lions in front of the palace?
A gentle and sweet smile slowly curved the corners of Lin Wanwan's lips.
She thought that perhaps the palace servants were right.
This kind of understanding without speaking out, quietly appreciating his clumsy attempts to find reasons to get closer, watching him perform a one-man show...
Indeed, it was a unique kind of "fun" that belonged only to the two of them.
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