Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 442: Warm Reunion

The children were not very articulate, so it was Nanny Ji, who was beside the Second Princess, who answered on their behalf.

She smiled and respectfully replied.

"To the Second Prince, the Second Madam has entered the palace to check the pulse for the Imperial Consort’s well-being. They are all inside now."

The Second Prince nodded and immediately proceeded to enter.

Before leaving, he asked.

"Would you four like to come in together?"

The Second Princess shook her head like a rattle drum; she had finally gotten to play and wasn’t about to give it up easily.

Seeing this, the Second Prince did not insist.

Knowing her temperament, he went to the main hall to greet Lin Wanyi.

As he reached the entrance of the main hall, Qiu Ming raised his voice and said.

"Your Highness, the Second Prince has arrived."

A delighted voice responded from inside, unmistakably Lin Wanyi’s.

"Oh? Quickly let him in."

"Yes."

Shortly after, Xia An drew back the curtain, smiling broadly, and stepped out to welcome the Second Prince.

The temperature inside the room was entirely different from outside.

Once the Second Prince entered, Xia An used the horsetail whisk to brush off the light snow on him.

Then she helped him remove his cloak and handed him a warm towel for washing his hands and face.

Once everything was done, the group bypassed the rosewood Qilin Sending a Child screen and saw Lin Wanyi and the Second Madam inside.

Lin Wanyi was dressed in a goose-yellow shawl with rabbit fur, paired with a pleated skirt of the same color.

She looked much more spirited. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The Second Prince approached and knelt with one knee, saying.

"Your son pays respects to Mother Consort, and also to Second Aunt Grandmother."

"Second Prince, you flatter me too much, this cannot be."

With the current status of the Second Madam, she could not accept such pleasantries from the Second Prince.

Though she was of a calm temperament, she understood propriety.

The Dong Family had just gone through a calamity, necessitating extra caution at this time.

But Lin Wanyi took her hand and smiled reassuringly.

"No need for Second Aunt to worry; in my quarters, we follow familial customs."

"What Mother Consort says is true; Second Aunt Grandmother need not worry."

Unable to refuse, the Second Madam eased her mind and said.

"Since that is so, I shall dispense with formalities."

Comforting herself for a moment, she took her seat.

The Second Prince already knew of Lin Wanyi’s pregnancy, so he used the occasion to inquire about her health when he encountered the Second Madam in the palace today.

"How is Mother Consort’s health?"

Lin Wanyi appreciated his concern and answered with a gentle smile.

"Much better. I’ve been resting well these past few days and can eat more. Don’t you see how I’ve gained some weight?"

In the sunlight, the Second Prince gave her a thorough look.

Indeed.

Compared to when he last saw her, Mother Consort Lin Wanyi looked much improved.

Not only had she gained some weight, but her complexion and mood seemed much more stable.

"That’s good; Mother Consort should take more care of your health. Your son is hoping you will soon give me another adorable brother or sister."

At this, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but laugh.

Her smile held both the tenderness of a mother and a trace of uncertainty.

This pregnancy was very quiet.

In her previous pregnancies at this stage, the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess were quite active in her womb.

They would often kick her a few times, making their presence known.

But this time, it was different.

The movements were minimal.

Lin Wanyi had asked the Second Madam about it.

After receiving assurance that the pulse was stable and strong, she felt relieved.

Perhaps this child has a calmer disposition and thus doesn’t move much.

With that thought, she placed a hand on her belly.

Compared to before, it seemed even more prominent.

Only Lin Wanyi, as a mother, could feel this.

Understanding Lin Wanyi’s thoughts, the Second Madam spoke to reassure her.

"Your Highness, please rest assured. With me here, you can be certain of a safe and stable delivery."

Hearing Mrs. Yun’s words, Lin Wanyi looked at her in gratitude.

Her eyes were full of trust.

"With Second Aunt here, I am very reassured."

She then turned her thoughts to the Second Prince, asking with some curiosity.

"How have you found time to come today? Weren’t you practicing calligraphy?"

At this time every day, the Second Prince was usually practicing calligraphy.

That’s why Lin Wanyi asked.

The Second Prince did not want the matters outside to disturb Lin Wanyi’s peace while she was nurturing her child, so he hid the truth.

"It’s a bit stuffy in the room, and I wasn’t writing smoothly, so I thought of coming to see Mother Consort and the little siblings. They are quite amusing!"

With this, the three of them laughed together.

"The Second Princess and Wu keep pestering me to have snowball fights. I’ve become afraid of their demands. However, listening to the joyful laughter outside every day does lift the spirits."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Yun chimed in.

"It’s good for children to move a lot, beneficial for their health. Your Highness, rest assured, I will check their pulses one by one later."

"That would be great. There’s nothing to fear except for them catching cold. Especially the Second Princess and Fourth Prince, having experienced difficulties, we must be careful they don’t fall ill again."

"Alright, I will examine them carefully later."

As they were talking, someone arrived outside.

Qiu Ming drew back the curtain, and it was Qin An who entered.

His visit at this moment was a bit unusual.

Therefore, it was Xia An who first spoke to ask a question.

"Mr. Qin, is there something the matter?"

"This servant greets the Imperial Concubine, greets the Second Prince, and greets the Second Madam."

Having said that, he lifted his head and continued with a smile.

"The Emperor has issued a decree, ordering me to deliver some items for the Second Madam to take back, saying that the Second Miss of the Dong Family will soon be married. Therefore, he specially commanded the Inner Court Department to craft a complete set of Yellow Flower Furniture to add some joy to the occasion."

Mrs. Yun was evidently surprised by this.

A dowry personally ordered by the Emperor was a significant honor indeed.

Could it be that since the Dong Family had entirely withdrawn from court, the Emperor was worried that Qiuyue might face difficulties at the Dou Family and thus took this action?

Lin Wanyi also thought along those lines and couldn’t help but smile slightly.

She felt quite happy about the Emperor’s meticulous consideration.

The initial intention was for only Master Dong to remain in office until Dong Qiuyue was married before making further plans.

But after the Liu Family’s scheming, they all resigned from their positions.

Even though they had left their mercantile status, in truth, they were not equal to the Dou Family in status.

With Doctor Dou in the family, the Second Miss of the Dong Family wasn’t likely to be looked down upon.

However, petty remarks between sisters-in-law were unavoidable.

That’s why the Emperor gifted this imperial set of furniture for the dowry, clearly signaling to the Dou Family.

Do not bully the Second Miss of the Dong Family, or there are those in the palace who will support her.

This way, she would be able to live more comfortably at the Dou Family.

Lin Wanyi smiled, then spoke to Qin An.