Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 502: Wandering the Streets

The illustrious Son of Heaven is to live such a simple life with her.

Lin Wanyi said she wasn’t moved, which was certainly not true.

Even if it couldn’t be realized at this moment, Lin Wanyi was still full of hope.

She spoke up with a smile.

"Alright, since Your Majesty has thought so clearly, I shall follow where you lead."

Hearing this, the Emperor furrowed his brow.

Pretending to be fierce, he gave her a playful pat on the backside.

"What chicken and dog! I am the Emperor, the true dragon! You are marrying a dragon to follow a dragon!"

Lin Wanyi probably didn’t expect the Emperor to fuss over this.

So, like coaxing a child, she smiled and said to him.

"Alright, I am marrying a dragon to follow a dragon, and I will bear dragon sons and grandsons. Is Your Majesty satisfied?"

"Hmm, teachable indeed."

He mimicked an old scholar, pretending to stroke his nonexistent beard.

His smooth face showed only a faint hint of stubble.

The two exchanged a smile, understanding each other without words.

"Alright, stop teasing you, change your clothes, and I’ll take you for a stroll in the streets."

"Alright."

After all, it was still early, and the children were being cared for by the nannies.

Thus, Lin Wanyi was not worried.

Previously, she and the Emperor had left the palace twice.

Once to have Lotus Leaf Chicken at BaBao Building, and once for an outing and short stay at Qinglong Temple.

But there were always many people around them.

Such a genuine walk on the streets was a first for them.

Although it was not yet lunchtime, the sun was already quite warm.

Fortunately, the Emperor was considerate and prepared an umbrella for Lin Wanyi.

She made Xia An hold it for her the entire time when they went out.

It’s not that she was that delicate.

It’s just that the sun could easily make one dizzy.

Along the way, the two were like any ordinary couple.

Buying some food at one moment, visiting jewelry and clothing shops at another.

The things naturally weren’t as exquisite as in the palace.

But they were rare to the two.

Plus, the street vendors had sweet tongues, so they returned with a full load.

When crossing a bridge, the Emperor noticed the crowd was a bit much.

So he led her to stand beneath the willow tree by the bridge, waiting quietly.

The dappled light fell on the Emperor.

For a moment, Lin Wanyi felt she hadn’t married the Emperor.

But an ordinary man.

A reasonable mother-in-law, an ambitious husband, and smart and adorable children.

It seemed all the happiness in life had befallen her.

The sunlight shone on him like this.

As if bestowing a golden glow upon him.

At the same time, a light of redemption.

Recalling her first entrance into the palace to see the Emperor felt like a long time ago.

Yet, it had only been three years.

She hoped the coming days could be like now.

Calm, stable, and like a steady stream.

Thus, without caring for their surroundings any longer.

She stepped forward and held the Emperor’s hand, smiling more genuinely and happily than ever.

The Emperor was clearly startled by this sudden hand-holding.

After all, they had never been so intimate in public before.

So, he raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Aren’t you afraid of what others might say?"

"Not afraid, if anyone says anything, then I... I would just say back to them, ’you can’t buy my willingness with a thousand pieces of gold!’"

Her declaration warmed the Emperor’s heart.

The sadness of the Empress Dowager’s departure was significantly lessened.

So he smiled joyfully.

Then said.

"Alright, I understand your intentions, no need to express them so ostentatiously, let’s go, have a stroll for another half hour, and then return home."

"Hmm!"

Despite saying so, the Emperor never let go of Lin Wanyi’s hand.

From start to finish, from beginning to end, he never let go.

That day, the Emperor took her to many places.

The commoners probably never guessed who they brushed shoulders with was the ruler of the Great Wei Dynasty.

And the legendary, mysterious Imperial Concubine, beloved by all.

On the fourth day of the eighth month.

It was the birthday of the Crown Prince and the Third Princess.

They were turning two years old today.

Especially for the Fifth Prince.

It was his first birthday after being named Crown Prince.

Imperatively, it was the palace’s top priority.

Thus, Nanny Wang and Nanny Zou arose early, consistently grooming them.

The Crown Prince wore a specially prepared Python Robe.

Each thread and stitch made with utmost care by the Inner Court Department’s embroidery workshop.

Thus, walking under the sun, it was as dazzling and eye-catching as the Emperor’s Dragon Robe.

Plus, his naturally tall stature made it seem hard to believe he was just turning two.

His usual cheerful demeanor had changed to a serious expression.

Following the Emperor into the court hall.

This was his first formal public appearance as the heir to the throne.

No room for the slightest mistake.

After the Emperor led him onto the high platform.

He waved his hand and seated him on the Dragon Chair, symbolizing the paramount authority.

At this point, the ministers shouted.

"Long live the Emperor, long live His Majesty, may the Crown Prince live a thousand years."

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The grandeur of the scene made everyone apprehensive.

Worried the young Crown Prince might be frightened.

But unexpected to many.

The Crown Prince quietly sat beside the Emperor, watching the ministers kneeling and standing.

No trace of fear showed.

Instead, he seemed inexplicably thrilled.

Seeing the Crown Prince’s performance comforted the Emperor greatly.

Clearly, compared to his former self.

The Crown Prince was more capable of adapting to the high position.

Thinking of the future, the Great Wei Dynasty entering a new era under the Crown Prince’s guidance.

He couldn’t help but anticipate eagerly.

The tempestuous shouts of "Long live" already sounded ordinary to him.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince looked at everyone below with curiosity.

But he did not speak rashly.

Throughout the court session, the Crown Prince remained exceedingly composed.

Occasionally frowning along with the Emperor.

Who wouldn’t feel invigorated seeing that demeanor?

Even though he was only two, everyone felt hopeful about the nation’s future.

Some people truly are born rulers.

Although, at this moment, the Crown Prince had no knowledge of the ministers’ thoughts.

He simply remembered the words Zeng Konghou had spoken to him over these days.

"Calm the mind, cultivate the body, nurture the spirit."

It wasn’t until after the Emperor concluded court and returned to Yihua Palace with him.

Did he finally relax, then in his childish voice asked.

"Father, why do they say ’long live’ to you?"

"Those words are merely a form of respect; Father will not actually live that long."

"Oh, do they know that too?"

"They do."

"Then why do they lie to you?"

The Emperor clearly didn’t expect.

A child’s statement pointed out the intricacies of monarch and courtiers’ interactions.