Chapter 526: Chapter 17: Informing About Ear Disease

Regarding this favored concubine Lady, she knows very little.

Just feels that someone in the harem who can be favored for so many years must not be simple.

Therefore, she gathered all her spirits and went to pay respects to the Imperial Consort.

Mindful of the distinction between men and women, Prince Pei went to the garden.

Inside the entire main hall, only Lin Wanyi and Xia An, who has served her for almost twenty years, were waiting.

When Li Wan’er entered inside, she felt a sense of peace.

Probably related to the calming incense being burned.

Thus, her previous worries and nervousness relaxed quite a bit.

According to protocol, she appropriately paid respects to Lin Wanyi.

"This humble servant Li Shu Wan’er pays respects to the Imperial Consort, may the Lady be blessed."

"Rise."

"Thank you, Lady."

Li Wan’er slightly lowered her head and did not look directly at Lin Wanyi.

This bit of etiquette, she understood.

But seeing her demeanor, Lin Wanyi’s favor for her increased somewhat.

Tender, composed, gracious, appropriate.

She indeed seemed suitable, just unsure if she and Little Four had marital fate.

After thinking, she spoke to Li Wan’er.

"Sit down, there’s no need for formalities here."

"Thank you, Lady."

After Li Wan’er took her seat, Xia An served fragrant tea.

It smelled quite refreshing, so Li Wan’er took the opportunity to speak.

"Lady, is there lotus seed in this tea?"

"Oh, you have a sharp nose."

Li Wan’er smiled slightly, adding some tranquility to her expression, and then explained.

"I have an affinity for lotus, so I’m quite familiar with everything about it. I apologize for displaying my knowledge before the Lady."

"You and I seem to have a connection."

Lin Wanyi also loved lotus, and thus was completely familiar with everything about it.

The large lotus leaves can shield from sun and rain, the lotus flower is fragrant and noble. In summer, picking a few branches and placing them indoors is very pleasing.

The subsequent lotus seeds and lotus roots are also treasures.

They can be used medicinally, or in cooking, and consuming them is greatly beneficial to health.

Therefore, her love for lotus was quite evident.

Today, adding some lotus seeds was just to drink with a bit of bitterness.

But the bitterness had its own charm.

The two spoke about the lotus for a little while.

Gradually, Li Wan’er relaxed.

Seeing this, Lin Wanyi felt the timing was right, so she didn’t shy away and straightforwardly spoke.

"The reason for summoning you into the palace today, I believe you understand, so I won’t beat around the bush. I intend to match you with Prince Pei as a princess consort. Do you agree?"

She added another sentence.

"Of course, this is only spoken here first, it’s not set in stone. If you are not willing, just tell me, I will not force you to marry."

Li Wan’er was still somewhat surprised.

After all, when she entered the palace gates, she thought the position of Crown Princess Consort was firmly secured.

Who knew now the conversation was about the Princess Pei.

Though Prince Pei was young and talented, he was ultimately just a vassal king.

Compared to the Crown Prince, who would control the power of the realm in the future, there was still quite a gap.

She, including her family, set sights on the Crown Prince.

As for Prince Pei, she hadn’t really paid attention to him.

She only knew that though he wasn’t born of the Imperial Consort, the Imperial Consort had favored him since childhood.

Thus, the other princes’ territories were quite distant.

On the contrary, Prince Pei’s location in Changzhou was the closest to Shengjing City.

This shows Prince Pei’s favor exceeds that of other princes.

If indeed married into Prince Pei Mansion, she could have a smooth and stable life.

Thus, Li Wan’er was silent.

Lin Wanyi did not relentlessly pursue the question, giving Li Wan’er time to think.

The princess consort she sought for Prince Pei was akin to the Han Prince Consort, who could harmonize with Han King throughout life.

Rather than a resentful couple, unwillingly living their lives.

Major life decisions must allow a young lady some time to consider.

Therefore, Lin Wanyi just quietly waited without urging.

After a moment of thought, Li Wan’er spoke somewhat boldly.

"Lady, this matter cannot be decided solely by me. May I return home to discuss this with my parents before deciding? Honestly, before the selection for the palace, my family and I all thought I would be part of the Eastern Palace. Suddenly hearing this, I feel a bit unsettled."

She was candid, not using other excuses to dodge Lin Wanyi.

This point made Lin Wanyi even more gratified after hearing.

"That’s good. Though pairing with Prince Pei, both he and I share the same intent, we won’t force you or the Duke Mansion. Also, there’s another matter Prince Pei specifically asked me to inform you in advance."

Li Wan’er furrowed her brows slightly, then nodded and said.

"Please speak, Lady."

"When Prince Pei was young, he fell into water and had a severe fever, leading to deafness in his left ear, which hasn’t fully healed to this day. Though outwardly indistinguishable, his right ear has been trained to be very sharp over the years. But regarding his ear condition, he doesn’t want to hide it from you, nor from the Duke Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Li Wan’er’s expression showed more surprise.

This surprise differed from earlier.

Earlier was unexpected, but now it was completely beyond expectation.

She was unaware of Prince Pei’s ear condition. After all, throughout these years, his demeanor before others was always polite and well-mannered.

Unexpected indeed, truly unexpected.

No wonder Prince Pei receives such love from the Emperor and the Imperial Consort.

It turns out there’s such a secret behind it.

Li Wan’er felt a moment of compassion.

Regarding Royal Family matters, her understanding wasn’t comprehensive.

But since young, she was cultivated to enter the palace as a concubine.

Though somewhat powerless, she also understood the significance of harem women to the family.

Based on today’s Imperial Consort’s words, she roughly understood.

If marrying Prince Pei, she could lead a comfortable life, peaceful and safe.

With Prince Pei’s mindset, the couple could surely harmonize well.

It’s even possible to be solely favored like the favored concubine Lady.

But if marrying the Crown Prince, it would be a thorny path.

Firstly, it’s uncertain if the Crown Prince would be united with her.

Secondly, the harem ladies wouldn’t be few in number.

Today may be selecting the Crown Princess Consort, but certainly, the four treasure books for Crown Prince Consort are ready.

In the Eastern Palace, perhaps just a few.

Once the Crown Prince successfully ascends as Emperor, it could be dozens of people.

Such days indeed bring immense wealth.

But similarly, it’s easy to lose oneself.

Li Wan’er felt momentarily confused, unsure how to respond.

She could only sincerely convey to Lin Wanyi.

"I understand, thank you Lady and Prince Pei for informing me in advance. I will share this with my parents but will absolutely not leak it to a third person."

Her gaze was resolute, which reassured Lin Wanyi.