CHAPTER 481: CHAPTER 481: WHERE TO RETURN

Perhaps it’s the familiar smell.

The Sixth Prince hadn’t yet let out a cry, but his little hands began to wave.

That little figure, visibly excited.

"Mother concubine, mother concubine, mother concubine..."

The children all crowded in front of Lin Wanyi.

Lin Wanyi patted each of their little heads.

Then she turned to look at the Sixth Prince, reaching out to take him.

Feeling his mother’s scent, the Sixth Prince softly snuggled into her embrace.

No longer fussing, not moving around.

Acting like a well-behaved child.

In the eyes of others, who wouldn’t be happy seeing this?

"Alright, have you eaten since waking up?"

"No, nanny called for someone to bring it."

The Second Princess answered first.

"Alright then, remember to wash your hands before eating, okay?"

"Rest assured, mother concubine, I wiped them clean."

She then extended her small hand for Lin Wanyi to see.

Her fair and tender hand had two small gold bracelets hanging.

Originally, the Emperor wanted them to be made of solid gold, to show their majesty.

But Lin Wanyi felt the children were still young, and heavy jewelry would cause their hands to hurt.

So the bracelets were made of twisted gold threads, looking complex, but actually very lightweight and exquisite.

Each child had two.

Though the designs differed.

The Inner Court Department was also quickly crafting them for the Sixth Prince, perhaps in a month’s time, they could deliver.

But Lin Wanyi planned to wait until he could walk and jump.

Otherwise, with something on his wrist, he would probably lick it every day.

Which would not be good.

"Alright, our Second Princess is the most obedient, and takes good care of her younger siblings."

The Second Princess, feeling praised by Lin Wanyi, felt sweetness like honey in her heart.

Being the Second Princess’s little follower, the Fourth Prince naturally crowded forward too.

Although his left ear was impaired, Lin Wanyi insisted on speaking everyday common words softly beside his right ear.

Thus, over time, the Fourth Prince’s speech became quicker.

Though he couldn’t express himself as fluently as the Second Princess.

But he had no problem forming sentences.

"Mother concubine, they’re clean."

His voice, soft and tender, sounded even more pleasant than the Third Princess’.

Every time Lin Wanyi heard him speak, her heart filled with joy.

So she lovingly looked at him, pulled up his small hand, and kissed it.

The other children, seeing this, didn’t vie for Lin Wanyi’s kisses.

Instead, the Fifth Prince and Second Princess took hold of the Fourth Prince’s hand and planted a kiss on it.

As if to imitate whatever Lin Wanyi did.

This showed their "maturity" to others.

Making the Fourth Prince giggle along.

The Third Princess quietly watched from the side, she wasn’t fond of being lively.

If she could read now, she would likely prefer quietly reading books.

Watching her siblings’ clingy behaviors, she seemed quite "dismissive".

After a bit of playful fuss, Lin Wanyi read them some books.

All kinds of myths and folk tales.

Easy to listen to.

Just as they were engrossed in listening, Qiu Ming came in.

"Imperial Concubine, the Emperor is here, waiting in the main hall, wanting to see you."

"Oh? Why didn’t he come over here?"

"Probably the Emperor has some important matters to discuss with you."

After Qiu Ming’s words, Lin Wanyi glanced at him again.

Soon, she caught the implication.

The Second Princess and others, upon hearing the Emperor was here, naturally wanted to go out happily.

But Lin Wanyi steadied them.

She explained softly.

"Father Emperor and Mother Concubine have matters to discuss. Wait until it’s over to see you, okay? Play nicely here, don’t bicker, understand?"

"Okay~"

The children responded in unison.

Nanny Zhuang stepped forward and said.

"Imperial Concubine, please go at ease, this old servant will take good care of the Princes and Princesses."

Lin Wanyi nodded. In Yihua Palace, there was no one she didn’t trust.

Anyone slightly suspicious had been sent away by Qiu Ming under various excuses.

Those remaining were all loyal and steadfast.

Following the corridor, Lin Wanyi returned to the main hall.

She expected only to see the Emperor, but unexpectedly, she also saw Consort Qian, whom she hadn’t met for a long time.

Lin Wanyi paused, but still moved steadily into the main hall.

"This concubine greets the Emperor."

"Rise, you went to see the children?"

"Yes."

Though their exchange was simple, Consort Qian couldn’t help feeling envious as she listened.

They seemed heart-connected, living like a proper couple in the harem.

Yet she pitied herself, having to take the Third Prince far away.

She initially thought the Empress Dowager’s journey to the traveling palace would mean less oversight.

But unexpectedly, the Emperor sought her early today.

Opening his mouth, he asked nothing else, but straight away "When will you depart?"

It’s clear the Empress Dowager had arranged everything.

The Emperor came to confirm a specific date.

What else could she say?

Like before, she endured, smiling, saying her illness had mostly recovered, and she planned to depart in ten days.

Before leaving, she wished to see the Imperial Concubine for a farewell.

The Emperor knew little of what Consort Qian had done.

But judging by the Empress Dowager’s actions, he understood somewhat.

Surely she did something intolerable to the Empress Dowager, thus being sent with her son to Ce State.

This choice of Vassal King land was made wisely.

Saving the Emperor and the future successor, the Fifth Prince, from many concerns.

Her desire to see Lin Wanyi made the Emperor uneasy.

So after consideration, he personally accompanied her.

Consort Qian stepped forward, saluted Lin Wanyi.

Then solemnly said.

"This concubine wishes the Imperial Concubine well."

"Please stand, no need for such formality."

Upon hearing, Consort Qian shook her head, then looked at Lin Wanyi, carrying a sense of calm indifference, said.

"Since entering the palace, nearly twenty years have passed, and thanks to the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s care, I hold today’s position. The matter of the Third Prince, though I was kept in the dark, meeting yet being unrecognized, bringing deep sorrow to my heart, thus, today especially I come to bid farewell to the Imperial Concubine, this concubine will take the Third Prince to Ce State."

Finishing, she smiled.

"Afraid there’s no chance to meet again in this life, though not close friends with the Imperial Concubine, during these years in the palace, this concubine admires the Imperial Concubine’s temperament, wishing both you and the Emperor health, harmony, and love forevermore."

Then she gracefully bowed to the Emperor and Lin Wanyi.

Her sincere attitude made Lin Wanyi somewhat ashamed.

She had minimal contact with Consort Qian.

Thus, was undeserving of such a remark.

Meanwhile, she pondered, after Consort Qian and the Third Prince left, the situation would grow ever clearer.

What it would become, was still uncertain.