CHAPTER 75: CHAPTER 75 DIRECTOR OF THE ASTRONOMICAL BUREAU

Therefore, listening to the Emperor’s orders obediently is the most important task.

Within the traveling palace, due to Lin Guifei’s extensive search of the palace, everyone was disturbed and worried about being implicated.

However, the Huifang Courtyard in the west appeared exceptionally quiet at that moment.

When Lin Wanyi woke up, she was already lying in her own courtyard.

Upon opening her eyes, she saw Chunqi and Xia An fiddling with something quietly behind the screen.

"Cough, cough, cough, cough."

Upon hearing the commotion inside the bedroom, the two quickly rushed in.

Chunqi rushed forward in a single step and knelt before her, crying pitifully.

"My lady, my lady, you finally woke up. If anything happened to you, what would I do?"

She wept sorrowfully, and Xia An, feeling guilty, also began to shed tears in sadness.

Their appearance made Lin Wanyi feel extremely guilty.

"It’s alright, I’m fine."

Seeing that they continued to cry, Lin Wanyi had to clear her throat and say.

"I’m terribly thirsty. How about letting me have a drink of water first before we talk?"

"Does my lady want water? I’ll get it right away!"

Chunqi had stewed rock sugar pear water for her in the small kitchen, knowing she felt nauseous, so drinking it would be more comfortable.

After Chunqi hurried away, Xia An immediately brought out a pill and handed it over.

She spoke urgently.

"My lady, this is the antidote for the Silver Soul Pill, please take it quickly."

Lin Wanyi nodded, and without using water, she placed it in her mouth to dissolve.

The antidote was not bitter at all; in fact, it felt a bit refreshing, so after dissolving it, her originally hoarse voice felt much better.

"Luckily there’s an antidote, otherwise even death could not absolve my blame!"

Lin Wanyi, knowing she was worried, forced a smile, weak by a third.

"Don’t worry, if there wasn’t an antidote, I wouldn’t dare to poison myself casually."

Xia An nodded, though her eyes still showed lingering fear.

"What’s happening outside?"

"I heard from Xiao Luzi that the Imperial Concubine was furious, thoroughly inspected all the concubines’ courtyards, and examined today’s food one by one. The outside is still in a state of alarm; my lady can rest assured and take a good rest."

Lin Wanyi closed her eyes and sighed deeply.

If she had a choice, she wouldn’t want to alarm or implicate so many people.

But cornered as she was, she had no alternative but to resort to this desperate measure.

Thinking that if Lin Guifei knew she had a cold disease, making it difficult to conceive, she might abandon her as a pawn.

If she was useless, perhaps her parents and brothers wouldn’t be so controlled by others.

Taking into account the Emperor’s temporary favor, it probably wouldn’t be too difficult for her.

Finding an opportunity, she should have her grandfather find a way to take her brother out of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Otherwise, staying in the Prime Minister’s Mansion, there might not be a way out; even life might be hard to sustain.

Shortly after waking up, Lin Wanyi kept thinking about these matters.

Thinking too much, her body started to protest.

Her head ached terribly.

After drinking the rock sugar pear water Chunqi brought, she felt much more comfortable.

The burning sensation reduced significantly, and with the effect of the medicine, she began to feel drowsy again.

Seeing her eyelids drooping, Xia An softly spoke.

"My lady should rest more. After this ordeal, you’ll need a few months of quiet recuperation."

"Mm."

Her breathing gradually calmed, and Lin Wanyi gradually fell into a deep sleep.

Xia An lowered the curtains and quietly walked out.

Just after closing the room’s door, Qiu Ming came over, looking worried.

"How’s my lady?"

"Still asleep."

"And the medicine Doctor Dou prescribed?"

"We’ll give it to her after she wakes up. It’s good she’s able to sleep now."

Qiu Ming nodded, agreeing with Xia An’s words.

After thinking it over, he spoke again.

"At my lady’s place, you should comfort her more. I discreetly consulted Doctor Dou, and while it may be difficult, it’s not impossible for her to conceive. After her body recovers, it can be managed slowly. There’s no rush at this moment."

Hearing this, Xia An developed more respect for Qiu Ming from the bottom of her heart.

By rights, a concubine unable to bear children would have little future.

With Qiu Ming’s status and prospects, staying in Xianyi Palace seemed a waste of his talents.

It was thought that perhaps there would be other possibilities.

Perhaps, Qiu Ming might be transferred away.

Unexpectedly, not only did he remain steadfastly at Huifang Courtyard, but he also sincerely cared for my lady.

Xia An smiled, gave him a formal salute.

"Rest assured, Mr. Qiu, we will take care of my lady with all our efforts."

"That’s good."

In Qin Xian Hall, the Emperor looked at the two kneeling before him with a somewhat weary expression.

"Minister Jin Shixi, Director of the Imperial Observatory, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

"Minister Lin Guangzu, Chief of the Imperial Observatory, pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

"Rise."

"Yes."

This Jin Shixi was one whom the Emperor had promoted, so naturally, he was frequently in the Emperor’s presence.

He appeared about forty, tall, with a resolute face, a mustache, and seemed very composed.

But Lin Guangzu, standing beside him, appeared somewhat nervous and uneasy.

It was his first time meeting the Emperor, and because of his many connections, he was especially reserved.

The Emperor also noticed and calmed himself before speaking.

"Chief Lin, there’s no need to be nervous. According to the common people, I should call you father-in-law."

As soon as he said this, Lin Guangzu’s forehead began to sweat finely.

Even though it was midsummer, he felt a chill down his spine.

He immediately replied modestly.

"I dare not assume such a title."

"No need for formalities. Lin Changzai often speaks of her family, missing her parents and brothers greatly. Now that she is in the palace, I should take care of them for her."

Jin Shixi stood by, with an expression like a placid lake.

As if he hadn’t brought his ears, standing there respectfully, listening to the Emperor and Lin Guangzu discussing family matters.

The Emperor asked casually, and Lin Guangzu answered cautiously.

Though the exchange went back and forth, and Lin Guangzu was still a bit restrained, he seemed more composed than at the beginning.

Noticing that his shoulders slightly relaxed, the Emperor changed the subject.

"How have the constellations been lately?"

Jin Shixi immediately replied respectfully.

"In response to Your Majesty, the heavens are peaceful; however, I observed that the stars and moon in the west seem to be obscured by mist. It might trap some Imperial Consorts."

"Oh? In what way?"

"The West is associated with metal, which overcomes wood. In the harem, if any Imperial Consorts have a surname or name with a wooden component, they should be cautious."

Upon hearing this, Lin Guangzu frowned at Jin Shixi.

He was also knowledgeable in astrology, so how had he not noticed the celestial event that Jin Shixi mentioned?

The Emperor looked at Jin Shixi and then slowly asked.

"How should this be resolved?"