CHAPTER 70: CHAPTER 70 PALACE BANQUET OF VICTORY

Lin Wanyi and her are sisters of the same lineage, so Bai Pin’s resentment naturally extends to Lin Wanyi as well.

Thinking of this, she then chuckled lightly and said.

"In the future, I’ll surely have to spend more time with Lin Changzai, so don’t find your elder sister troublesome then."

Though her words sounded pleasant, the disdain and scheming in her eyes were evident to all.

Lin Wanyi, even without direct eye contact, understood that this was essentially a challenge.

So she looked up at Bai Pin, her gaze fearless.

As the two exchanged glances, Lin Wanyi recognized her beauty for the first time.

The Jiangnan region has been known for producing beauties since ancient times.

Most are characterized by a gentle and delicate temperament, like a jade.

Yet this Bai Pin was naturally seductive, with an oval face, fox-like eyes, a petite nose, and red lips with white teeth, reminiscent of the Nine-tailed Fox Fairy from picture books.

Standing together with her, Lin Wanyi did appear somewhat less striking.

Primarily because Bai Pin’s beauty was so ostentatious, it easily overshadowed everyone around her.

Whereas Lin Wanyi’s beauty was subtle, requiring time to appreciate.

So in comparison, Bai Pin was undoubtedly the most beautiful person in the palace, a fact even Lin Wanyi did not deny.

She smiled and said.

"If Lady Bai appreciates me, then I shall greet you with a clean sweep!"

Seeing the tension between the two intensifying, Princess Consort Yi, having enjoyed enough of the spectacle, finally said slowly.

"Look at me, engrossed in speaking with Little Sister Bai, I almost forgot Lin Changzai is still crouching. Stand up now."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Lin Wanyi had crouched for a long time, and when she stood up, she took a deep breath.

Even though she felt slightly dizzy, she refused to show any weakness.

Princess Consort Yi had no intention of lingering at the doorway with Lin Wanyi for too long, lest rumors spread of her bullying the younger ones.

Once they all went inside, Lin Wanyi immediately released her held breath and quickly retreated.

She shook her head vigorously, pressing her fingertips firmly on her temples to relieve her discomfort.

"My Lady..."

Xia An’s eyes were full of concern, yet she didn’t know how to comfort her.

Suddenly, she remembered when My Lady was punished to kneel in the courtyard of Ronghe Hall back at the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

The sun was so harsh that her cheeks turned red, and she was drenched in sweat.

But even when her face turned pale, Lin Wanyi never begged for mercy.

She waited until the allotted time for kneeling was over, then stood up and walked away with a straight back.

She collapsed only after reaching the East Cross Courtyard to meet the lady of the house.

This speaks volumes of her resilience.

Since My Lady was determined to attend this palace banquet, she must have her reasons, so persuasion was futile.

Instead, she took out a pungent cooling oil and had her sniff it, which invigorated Lin Wanyi.

"Let’s go, we should head inside too."

"Yes."

This was Lin Wanyi’s first time seeing Qin Xian Hall.

It was identical to the palace’s Qian’an Hall, built with white marble and featuring an imposing nine-bay structure.

However, surrounded by numerous trees, the place exuded an otherworldly aura.

Following the palace maid who was leading the way, they reached Shengjing Building.

The three-story building was capped with lapis blue glazed tiles, with bell-adorned roofs of Xieshan style.

Surrounding it were corridors, with various levels exquisitely planted with pine and cypress trees, and strategically placed rare stones.

From a distance, it looked like a celestial pavilion.

No wonder it was named Shengjing Building.

Indeed, it was like a fairyland.

Today’s palace banquet was set on the second-floor terrace, with the flanking halls serving as the dining rooms, the aroma of food wafting heavily through the air.

Because of her headache, Lin Wanyi had no appetite at all.

She found a secluded spot to sit down and rest.

There was a red pillar blocking her from view in the front, making her position inconspicuous.

However, by slightly tilting her head, she could see people gradually coming in.

The highest-ranking person present was naturally Princess Consort Yi, so every concubine entering had to pay their respects to her first.

She inevitably caught sight of Bai Pin and Lady He behind her.

Bai Pin was already a renowned favored concubine in the palace, and with her captivating beauty, it was natural for her to draw attention.

However, Lin Wanyi was curious about Lady He, who was following Princess Consort Yi.

As the granddaughter of the Marquis of Northwest, with considerable prestige, why would she associate with someone of merchant family background like Lady He?

The previous person by her side was the daughter of a general.

So, Lin Wanyi’s gaze at Lady He was tinged with curiosity.

She was so absorbed that a tap on her shoulder startled her.

Turning around, she saw two people, both wearing smiles.

"Why is Sister Lin hiding here? I’ve been looking for you!"

The speaker was Mu Lanchun, who was as charming as ever.

With her big round eyes looking at Lin Wanyi, there was a hint of mischief.

"You’re kidding, how could I be hiding?"

Then she turned to greet Noble Princess Consort Ying standing beside Mu Lanchun, speaking softly.

"I have met the Noble Consort, wishing Your Highness health and blessings."

"Sister, there’s no need to be so formal; you are my lifesaver!"

As she spoke, she gestured warmly for Lin Wanyi to rise.

Today’s outfit of Noble Princess Consort Ying was rather ornate, aligning more with her newly elevated status compared to her previously modest and humble demeanor.

Expecting a child and having just been promoted.

Seeing as the child in her womb was soon to be born, a concubine title was within reach, making her an object of envy.

Her figure was slender enough that even with a five-month pregnant belly, it was not immediately noticeable.

"You look well, Noble Consort, evidently enjoying your meals and restful nights."

Lin Wanyi never harbored any animosity towards Noble Princess Consort Ying.

Perhaps because she had never targeted her, or perhaps because they were both thorns in Lin Guifei’s side, arousing a sense of sympathy.

Noble Princess Consort Ying, too, felt an involuntary closeness towards Lin Wanyi.

Taking her hand affectionately, she said.

"Thank you, Sister, for your concern. The child is behaved, so I’m comfortable."

She smiled gently, emanating a maternal glow.

Standing between the two, Mu Lanchun naturally had to join the conversation.

She playfully linked arms with Noble Princess Consort Ying, saying.

"Sister Lin wouldn’t know, but the Noble Consort has quite the appetite. She can eat seven or eight dumplings in one go. If not for the Imperial Physician’s advice to eat less but more frequently to avoid the royal child becoming too large and difficult to deliver, the Consort would probably finish a large bowl as big as the sea."

Just as Mu Lanchun finished speaking, she was "scolded" by Noble Princess Consort Ying.

"You, always telling people I can eat! Watch out, I might not let you into the Yao Yue Palace’s doors next time, let’s see how you will tease me then!"

"Good Consort, good Consort, I won’t dare to say such things again."