CHAPTER 340: CHAPTER 340: RED AURA NOURISHES PEOPLE (ADDITIONAL UPDATE FOR RECOMMENDATION VOTES)

In the past, the wives and young ladies that Mrs. Dong had never met were all introduced by Mrs. Feng, and they greeted each other, becoming somewhat familiar.

It is true that she was born a merchant, but now no one dares to look down on her.

Not to mention that both her son and daughter are favored by the Emperor, she herself holds an imperial decree.

Moreover, her temperament is gentle, and she knows how to speak lively words.

So among the noble ladies, she fits in very well.

Perhaps it is the rosy fortune, she looks far more vibrant today than she did in the past.

She could easily pass for a lady in her twenties.

The front hall was bustling, but Lin Muzhi’s courtyard was somewhat silent.

Old Master Dong and the old madam, although of high seniority, are still subjects before the Emperor.

Moreover, they had not interacted much with the Emperor before, so there was a bit of restraint.

Fortunately, the Fourth Prince Consort is perceptive and capable.

With her talking, the atmosphere quickly livened up.

"I had heard from the Princess Consort about how amicable her maternal family was. Seeing the two elders today, they are indeed kind people, both in appearance and spirit."

"Fourth Prince Consort, you over-praise us. Now that we are grandparents, we must stay sensible and not behave like household heads."

Old Master Dong’s jest made everyone laugh.

The Fourth Prince Consort replied in banter.

"Oh? You old elder are still very sensible and sound, I can’t quite see how."

Lin Wanyi chimed in with a jest.

"Grandfather is still in good spirits, the whole family hopes that both you and Grandmother live to a ripe old age, making our family even livelier."

Speaking of liveliness, among the grandchildren, only Lin Wanyi and Lin Xingzhi are married.

It is still uncertain when Lin Xingzhi will have children, so the eldest great-grandchild now is the Second Prince.

This is Old Master Dong’s second time seeing these children.

The seriousness on his face now exudes benevolence.

He then spoke with self-deprecating humor.

"To talk about liveliness, we have to look at the children. If I truly live a hundred years as the Princess Consort wished, I want to personally witness the birth of my great-great-grandchildren!"

The Second Prince, who had mostly interacted with the Second Madam Dong and Mrs. Dong, knew little about this great-grandfather.

Yet some people naturally exude a sense of warmth.

Making one feel fond right upon meeting them.

This great-grandfather of the Dong Family is such a person.

Thus the Second Prince with a smile said.

"Do not worry, great-grandfather, I will grow up fast, get married soon, and let you hold your great-great-grandchildren!"

Hearing this, everyone laughed.

A seven or eight-year-old child, in ordinary families, would know little of such matters.

But in the Imperial Family, at eleven or twelve years old, one starts to arrange for maidservants, and at fourteen or fifteen, talks of marriage begin.

Therefore, even Nanny Ji had mentioned planning for the Second Prince to start seeing which of the maids could serve him after the new year.

They must be both obedient and good-looking with excellent character.

It is not easy to find.

Need to prepare in advance.

Wherever there are children, there won’t be silence.

With laughter and jokes, the time passed quickly.

The Emperor, showing warmth intentionally, noticed the Dong family’s elders were still a bit tense and considered leaving to give everyone some breathing room when someone else arrived.

Crossing the veranda, Mr. Lin and Mrs. Dong approached.

Following behind was their youngest son, Lin Muzhi.

His appearance bore a strong resemblance to Prime Minister Lin, looking like the Prime Minister in his youth.

The Emperor, momentarily dazed, quickly regained his clarity.

The Second Prince, upon seeing Lin Muzhi, couldn’t hide his excitement.

All three approached immediately, knelt to pay their respects and said.

"Your servant greets the Emperor, greets the Princess Consort, greets the Fourth Prince Consort."

"The servant’s wife greets the Emperor, greets the Princess Consort, greets the Fourth Prince Consort."

"This commoner greets the Emperor, greets the Princess Consort, greets the Fourth Prince Consort."

The whole family was extremely respectful, and the Emperor hadn’t felt anything unusual before, but with Lin Wanyi speaking beside him, she said.

"Today, let’s not bother with ranks and titles, let’s just talk about family matters, Mr. Lin and Mrs. Lin need not be too formal."

Lin Wanyi did not wish her parents and brother always had to kneel to her, it felt inexplicably distant.

"Yes, I understand, Your Majesty."

Mr. Lin replied and then continued.

"The table is ready, I have had it sent over, would His Majesty care for a drink? Today the house is prepared with the finest folk wines, though not as exquisite as palace jade liquor, they still have their charm."

Hearing Mr. Lin, the Emperor merely hummed in response.

Though not a drinker, he had seldom had the chance to sample folk wine.

So he planned to try it.

As his voice fell, maids entered in line, bringing out dishes.

Everyone had a red ribbon tied like a festive dumpling at their waists.

"I hope Your Majesty doesn’t mind the simple fare."

The Emperor gave a light smile and then said.

"No problem."

Dong Yuzhong, as usual, stepped forward to sample each dish for poison.

Only after doing so did he start serving the Emperor.

This meal was perhaps only delightful for the Emperor.

Those accompanying apart from the Fourth Prince Consort and Lin Wanyi were somewhat unsure of how to begin eating.

Seeing this, the Emperor stood up.

"I left the palace early today, is there a courtyard where I can rest?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Lin immediately nodded and replied.

"Yes, yes, we have prepared courtyards for His Majesty and the Princess Consort in advance; I will escort you there."

The Emperor waved a hand, randomly pointed to someone, and said.

"Let him lead the way, Princess Consort Yi Ning hasn’t reunited with her family in a while; you all should chat more."

"Yes."

The named young attendant was astute.

Promptly leading the way.

"Farewell to His Majesty."

As the Emperor left, those present finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Wanyi recalled the promise made earlier to the Second Prince.

She then addressed her brother Lin Muzhi saying.

"The Second Prince wants to play in the front hall, brother, do accompany him, but remember not to go to crowded places."

"Alright! Don’t worry, sister."

Lin Muzhi took the Second Prince’s hand and left the courtyard, followed by Nanny Ji and Xiao Luzi.

With a few competent guards accompanying them, Lin Wanyi was not overly concerned.

Meanwhile, the other children had been sent for their afternoon rest.

The Fourth Prince Consort, seeing the family wanting to converse, found an excuse to head to the front hall.

At last, Lin Wanyi sat with her family, united, chatting leisurely.

"Grandfather and Grandmother, have you eaten enough? Perhaps I should have them bring more hot dishes?"

Lin Wanyi noticed the restraint in everyone not eating their fill.

Thus she suggested it.

Mrs. Dong agreed, sitting with the Emperor made it hard for anyone to eat comfortably.

Furthermore, in the cold weather, despite the charcoal brazier in the room, the food had still gotten cold.