CHAPTER 329: CHAPTER 329 PHOENIX CROWN AND AUSPICIOUS CLOTHES

But the Emperor remained very calm, it seems the choice for the Empress will soon be decided.

Therefore, Quan Fu dared to indirectly inquire.

"I remember that the phoenix crown of Empress Xu was also inlaid with rubies in the past, but mostly used for decoration. I have seen the rubies this time, but they are the size of pigeon eggs. Will they be set whole, or inlaid as the phoenix eyes as before?"

"Let the craftsmen think about this kind of thing, first draw up the design, and once I’ve reviewed it, we can discuss further."

He then added another sentence.

"The materials are rare, just don’t waste them."

"Yes, I understand, Your Majesty."

With these words from the Emperor, Chief Quan Fu already had an idea in his heart.

However, on whose head this phoenix crown will finally rest remains a great unknown.

Lin Guifei, Princess Consort Yi, and Princess Consort Yi Ning all have significant possibilities.

Either of high status and authority, or with influential family background, or with many sons and daughters.

None of whom Quan Fu could afford to offend lightly.

So upon leaving, he instructed.

"Go and summon all those in the Inner Court Department responsible for creating jewelry and garments for me, and have them wait."

"Yes."

This matter is of great importance, and not a single mistake can be afforded.

Although the Emperor only mentioned the phoenix crown, the auspicious clothing for the Empress should also be prepared.

After all, such things cannot be completed in just a day or two.

At the very least, they take a dozen months.

Thus, more preparation will allow for more composure in the future.

The Inner Court Department’s commotion could not be concealed for long.

But everything was still proceeding quietly at the moment, so Lin Wanyi was unaware.

The Fourth Prince Consort’s visit to the palace was naturally to check on Lin Wanyi and the children.

Thus, Yihua Palace welcomed its first visitor since the onset of winter.

Now the weather had become increasingly cold, with snow having fallen several times, so everyone was dressed warmly.

In the harem, methods for warming the rooms included using silver wire carbon or heating the earth dragons.

Both methods were exceedingly wasteful.

During the time when Qin An was renovating Yihua Palace and Zhaochun Palace, Lin Wanyi’s reminder led to significant changes to how the earth dragons were heated.

Warm spring water was introduced around the area, with heating checkpoints placed along the flow of the spring water.

Thus, although the earth dragons burned as usual, they now consumed much less wood than before.

Using warm spring water to aid in heating was indeed a good method.

As the Fourth Prince Consort entered the palace gates, warmth enveloped her, making her much more comfortable.

Walking the path, layers of warmth enveloped her.

This warmth was not stifling but instead added a bit of moisture.

As a result, the winter cracks were greatly alleviated.

Entering the main hall, she lifted the curtains and then jokingly remarked.

"It’s truly comfortable here with the lady, no matter how burdensome the troubles, I feel they all fade away upon coming here."

Lin Wanyi had not expected the Fourth Prince Consort to visit suddenly, nor was there any prior notice given.

She lifted the lambswool blanket covering her and got up to greet her, a few hints of joy on her face.

"Why didn’t you inform me sooner, Godmother, so I could greet you at the door?"

"After paying respects at the Empress Dowager’s Palace, I thought since I seldom come to the palace, I should come to see the lady and the children."

The Fourth Prince Consort was neither formal nor constrained with Lin Wanyi.

Whenever she came to Yihua Palace, it felt like returning to her own Prince Mansion.

Saying this, she took off the cloak she was wearing.

Xia An and her attendants served her by offering a warm towel to wipe her hands, then added some carbon to her hand warmer.

Once she was comfortable, they respectfully wrapped it and handed it back.

The Fourth Prince Consort held it in her hands, and her just-chilled red hands soon felt comfortable.

She finally took a long sigh of relief and said to Lin Wanyi.

"You live such a leisurely life. Everyone in the palace is eager to join the excitement, but your Yihua Palace remains quiet."

This excitement naturally referred to the Second Prince Xi Di’s court visit.

From the days before his arrival in the capital, everyone in the palace, big and small, talked about this event.

However, Lin Wanyi, now tasked with raising several children, had no time for outside affairs.

So she smiled and said.

"Matters of the court are for Your Majesty to handle. I am not well acquainted with the visiting Princess Sangden, and joining this bustle would be quite odd. Besides, I’ve become too lazy to move, so I did not go out."

"Lazy?"

The Fourth Prince Consort was a bit curious.

Seeing her look weary, she was a bit surprised and asked.

"Aren’t you pregnant again? That would not be good for your health at such a rapid pace."

It had only been over a hundred days since she had given birth, and she was still raising the Fourth Prince by her side.

This grand Yihua Palace was dominated by children, and if she were to have more, it might not be good for her health or mental state.

So she was concerned and asked.

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanyi felt warm inside.

She knew the Fourth Prince Consort was being considerate of her well-being and smiled bashfully.

"Godmother misunderstood, I am having my moon cycle now, which is why I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to go anywhere."

Lin Wanyi was not very keen on having more children.

Though she had only given birth to two, having a boy and a girl was sufficient.

Moreover, with other children already in her palace, she was not considering having more in the short term.

Thus, after sleeping with the Emperor, she would take medicine.

That medicine was specially prepared by Mrs. Yun, the Second Madam, to prevent her from becoming pregnant repeatedly and harming her body, which would indeed be troublesome.

"Oh, I thought you were expecting again."

The Fourth Prince Consort laughed with relief, but soon added.

"In a year or two, when the children have grown up, you and the Emperor could consider having a few more. I see the Emperor really likes children."

Hearing this, Lin Wanyi suddenly remembered what he had said when he visited her palace yesterday, blushing instantly.

"Your moon cycle is punctual, on the same day as last month. If we ever want more children in the future, I’ll know how to time it."

The Emperor, who initially planned some mischief, immediately became well-behaved.

Covering Lin Wanyi’s belly with his hand, he did nothing more.

The Fourth Prince Consort, unaware of Lin Wanyi’s thoughts, thought she was just shy.

She chuckled softly, lovingly comforting her.

"You’re already a mother. My husband and I have several children too, no worries, no worries."

Lin Wanyi was a bit overwhelmed by the Fourth Prince Consort’s sudden maternal tone.

Not wishing to dwell on this topic longer, she quickly changed the subject.

"Godmother, with Princess Sangden returning to the capital for a visit, I’m sure Princess Consort Zhan is very happy."

Her diversion indeed shifted the Fourth Prince Consort’s attention.

Thinking it would be a joyous mother-daughter reunion, she was surprised to hear the Fourth Prince Consort sigh.

Lin Wanyi was puzzled, so she asked.

"What happened?"