If others had heard this, they would have been frightened out of their wits.
After all, Dong Yuzhong was the chief eunuch serving at the emperor's side. In the vast imperial palace, even Quanfu, the head eunuch of the inner court, had to tread carefully around him—let alone someone like Xiao Luzi, who had no official rank. But Xiao Luzi looked overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying earnestly:
"Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Dong. I will remember it well."
Dong Yuzhong gave him another look, thinking he was a promising seedling.
But it was still too early.
He hadn't even secured a position directly by Lin Daying's side, let alone taken any further steps. Even if Dong Yuzhong wished to promote him, the timing wasn't right, so he simply offered a kind reminder:
"Study hard. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Xiao Luzi understood instantly.
No wonder the master placed him by Lin Daying's side—following her might truly lead to a good future. His loyalty toward Lin Wanyi deepened further.
Inside the room, Chunqi and Xia An were busy dressing Lin Wanyi and had no time to care about what was going on outside. Lin Wanyi glanced at their serious expressions and felt they were treating it like a battle.
She spoke gently to ease the mood:
"I'm just going to accompany the emperor—not attending a banquet. Dress me as usual, there's no need to be so anxious. Eunuch Dong is still waiting outside."
"But, my lady," Chunqi insisted as she carefully combed Lin Wanyi's hair, "you used to serve the emperor in his bedchamber, with only candlelight around. Who knows if His Majesty ever saw you clearly?"
"The sun is so bright today," Xia An added, already picking out a brighter palace dress. "If you don't dress up now, when will you?"
But Lin Wanyi shook her head with a smile.
"As you said, the sunlight is dazzling. If I wear golden or bright colors, won't I be blinding to look at? Don't forget—what His Majesty dislikes the most."
She pointed at the nightgown in progress. Chunqi paused and nodded in agreement.
"Alright then, I'll go with a simpler hairstyle. The young lady is naturally beautiful—she looks good no matter what she wears."
Lin Wanyi smiled. This girl always knew what to say.
"Take out the outfit I wore when I first entered the palace. And fetch the jewelry box my mother made—I'll choose something myself."
"Yes, I'll find it now."
Xia An set down the clothes and headed to the back cabinet. The box was specially made by Lin Wanyi's mother. It wasn't large, but full of surprises.
Three layers in total—the top two held simple yet elegant hairpins and earrings, and the bottom was stacked with small-denomination silver notes. Carrying valuables in the palace wasn't convenient, but having some funds ready for rewards was a must.
Lin Wanyi selected a pair of shell-and-conch dragonfly hairpins, matched with delicate earrings. They looked ordinary at first glance, but in the sunlight, the shell surface shimmered in a kaleidoscope of colors—bright, but never excessive. She avoided gemstones on purpose to keep the light just right.
She dusted her cheeks with peach blossom powder, traced soft ink around her eyes, dabbed on a touch of jade lip balm, and stepped outside.
Dong Yuzhong saw her elegant and refined appearance and felt even more admiration.
The previous emperor had died young, and the current emperor ascended the throne at just eight years old. After marrying Empress Xu at sixteen, concubines began to fill the harem—some stunning in beauty, others unmatched in talent.
But Lin Wanyi was the first to appear like a lotus blooming in clear water—elegant and untouched by dust.
He stepped forward respectfully.
"My lady, please come this way."
"Please lead the way, Eunuch Dong."
Outside Yihua Palace, a sedan chair had already been prepared for Lin Wanyi—four bearers stood at each corner, with a rattan seat in the center.
Lin Wanyi paused and frowned slightly.
Only concubines of rank and above were entitled to a sedan chair. If she sat in it, the gossip would spread through the palace like wildfire.
She hesitated for a moment, then spoke up:
"Eunuch Dong, let's walk. I walk fast—no need for the sedan."
"This is a gift from His Majesty," Dong Yuzhong said gently. "There's no harm in sitting."
"I thank His Majesty for his grace, but I am of low rank. It's not appropriate to overstep palace protocol. I hope Eunuch Dong understands."
Dong Yuzhong nodded, appreciating her caution.
"In that case, please follow me. Fortunately, it's not far—we'll be there soon."
"Thank you, Eunuch Dong."
"Please, my lady."
Yihua Palace was close to Qian'an Hall, and in no time, they arrived. The last two times Lin Wanyi had come here, it was already nightfall. Now, under the blazing sun, she saw the hall's full grandeur.
The glazed roof tiles sparkled, every stone and wall meticulously maintained. Nine bays wide and five deep, with a base of white marble—it radiated imperial authority from every inch.
This was the emperor's main audience hall, where officials were received and court matters discussed. Concubines were not allowed in unless summoned.
Dong Yuzhong led her to the adjacent side hall—used by the emperor for reading and reviewing memorials.
As she stepped past the beaded curtain, a faint scent of sandalwood reached her nose.
Sandalwood?
That was usually reserved for elderly men with Buddhist habits—what was it doing here?
Before she could think further, a deep voice rang out from within:
"Has Lin Wanyi arrived?"
Dong Yuzhong guided her inside, bowing as he announced,
"Your Majesty, Lady Lin has arrived."
"This concubine greets Your Majesty."
It was the third time she had met the emperor, yet her gaze instinctively fell on the flower-woven carpet beneath her feet.
"Mm, rise."
Once Dong Yuzhong got up, he quietly withdrew.
The emperor took a sip of tea and spoke slowly.
"I have a headache. Come and rub it for me."
A headache?
Didn't he summon her to admire a calligraphy scroll?
Why was he asking for a massage right away?
Though puzzled, Lin Wanyi dared not refuse. She stepped forward and said softly:
"I washed my hands just before coming. Would Your Majesty prefer to lie by the bright window?"
The imperial desk was covered in memorials. It wouldn't be proper for her to approach casually.
If something went wrong, she'd bear the blame.
Better to use the couch by the window.
The emperor glanced at her, surprised by her thoughtfulness. But seeing how she kept her head down, modest and deferential, he understood.
"You've learned your manners well."
Much better than those concubines who clung to him for favor.
He stood up, moved to the couch, removed his shoes, and lay down—then beckoned her over.