Lin Yu returned to the Zhui Xia Palace. After bathing and changing, she gently lay on the familiar carved wooden bed, but she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
Everything that had happened tonight felt like an unreal dream, a beautifully enchanting dream.
The Emperor's gentle gaze, his caring words, and his admiration for her talents filled her with immense happiness and sweetness.
This feeling was akin to stealing a jar of honey as a child; the sweetness lingered from her tongue all the way to her heart, refusing to fade away.
"Inverse Light, do you think this is real? Does the Emperor really like me?" Lin Yu softly asked the System in her heart, her tone filled with the confusion and anticipation of a young girl in love, as if she were a schoolgirl inquiring of her best friend whether her crush had feelings for her too.
"Of course it's real! Host, when has this System ever lied to you? The Emperor's favorability towards you has skyrocketed! It's faster than a rocket launch! Right now, in his heart, you are the apple of his eye, his cherished one! More precious than Xi Shi or Diao Chan!" the System declared confidently, its tone brimming with assurance and a hint of pride, as if it were responsible for this outcome.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Lin Yu exclaimed excitedly, her voice filled with joy, akin to someone who had just won the lottery or a student who scored full marks on an exam, eager to share this happiness with her family.
"However, host, don't celebrate too early. The harem is not a good place. On the surface, it seems calm, but underneath lies a turbulent current filled with wolves and tigers, venomous beauties. You must be careful not to get devoured by them! The women in this palace have more schemes than coal briquettes and more cunning than scorpions; you need to be on high alert!" the System warned earnestly, its tone filled with concern like a worried mother afraid her child would suffer.
"I know; I'll be careful," Lin Yu replied confidently. She was no naive little rabbit waiting to be slaughtered. She had crossed over from modern times; what storms had she not weathered? How could she fear these ancient women?
The next morning, Lin Yu woke from her dreams. As she groggily opened her eyes, she realized she was no longer in Zhui Xia Palace.
She looked around in confusion and found herself in an unfamiliar room.
The room was decorated extravagantly—golden and resplendent, with intricately carved beams and painted rafters—far more luxurious than Zhui Xia Palace.
Famous calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls; rare antiques were displayed on the table; Persian carpets covered the floor; and a faint scent of ambergris filled the air. Everything appeared so noble and elegant that it dazzled her senses.
"Where is this? How did I end up here?" Lin Yu asked curiously, rubbing her eyes as she doubted whether she was still dreaming.
"Host, congratulations! You have been promoted by the Emperor to Jing Pin. This is your new sleeping quarters—Zi Chen Palace," the System explained in its characteristic electronic voice, brimming with excitement like a chattering magpie delivering good news.
“Jing Pin? Zi Chen Palace?” Lin Yu exclaimed, her voice trembling with surprise and filled with joy. She never expected to be promoted to a Consort, let alone reside in the Zi Chen Palace. It felt like winning a grand prize, utterly unbelievable.
It was important to note that the Zi Chen Palace was the closest palace to the Emperor's sleeping quarters, typically reserved for only the Emperor's most favored consorts. This palace was not a place just anyone could inhabit; it symbolized status and identity, a dream destination for countless palace maids.
Clearly, the Emperor truly favored her, and deeply so. Otherwise, why would he allow her to live in the Zi Chen Palace? What an honor this was!
With this thought, Lin Yu's heart swelled with sweetness and happiness, as if she had consumed honey, filling her with warmth. She felt as though she were floating on clouds, light and blissful to the point of almost fainting.
At that moment, a gentle knock echoed from outside the door, reminiscent of a kitten scratching at it, stirring her curiosity.
“Come in,” Lin Yu said, her tone brimming with anticipation. She could hardly wait to discover who had come to bring her a surprise.
The door opened softly, revealing a palace maid dressed in a pink gown. She entered gracefully, carrying an exquisite tray that held a bowl of steaming Bird's Nest Porridge. The maid appeared quite young, around fifteen or sixteen years old, with delicate features and rosy lips—clearly a beauty in the making.
“Your servant greets Consort Jing,” the palace maid said as she approached Lin Yu, bowing respectfully. Her voice was sweet like that of a nightingale.
“No need for formalities,” Lin Yu replied. Now that she was a Consort, she naturally had to maintain some decorum. Her tone was gentle yet carried an air of authority.
“Your Highness, this is the Bird's Nest Porridge that His Majesty specifically instructed the Imperial Kitchen to prepare for you. Please enjoy it while it's hot,” the palace maid said respectfully as she carefully placed the porridge on the table, cautious not to spill a drop.
“Please thank His Majesty for me,” Lin Yu said gratefully. The Emperor was incredibly thoughtful to remember to prepare breakfast for her; it truly touched her heart.
The palace maid nodded and quietly retreated from the room, closing the door behind her.
Lin Yu gazed at the Bird's Nest Porridge on the table, feeling warm inside. The Emperor was so considerate; he even had the Imperial Kitchen prepare this delicacy for her. Bird's Nest Porridge was known for its nourishing and beautifying properties—something most people could not afford. It seemed that the Emperor genuinely held her in high regard.
She picked up the bowl of Bird's Nest Porridge and gently scooped a spoonful into her mouth. The porridge was fragrant and sweet, melting instantly on her tongue and leaving her wanting more. The flavor was exquisite—far better than any bird's nest dish she had tasted before.
After finishing the Bird's Nest Porridge, Lin Yu felt invigorated and refreshed, as if she had been reborn. She felt completely renewed and full of energy.
She got up and walked to the window, pushing it open. A rush of fresh air greeted her, carrying a faint floral fragrance. Outside, the sun shone brightly, and the sounds of birds chirping filled the air, creating a vibrant scene. The flowers in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom, showcasing a riot of colors, each vying for attention in their beauty. A few butterflies danced among the blossoms, as if welcoming her arrival.
"Your Majesty, thank you," Lin Yu silently expressed in her heart, her tone filled with gratitude. She knew that all of this was given to her by the Emperor; it was he who had allowed her to live such a wonderful life.
In the following days, the Emperor visited Zi Chen Palace almost every day to see Lin Yu, his visits more punctual than a work clock.
They chatted together, discussing everything from poetry and philosophy to national affairs and daily life, as if there were endless topics to explore. They strolled through the Imperial Garden, admiring the flowers and the moon, watching fish play in the water, and listening to birds sing, savoring this rare time alone together. They shared meals, with the Emperor personally serving Lin Yu dishes filled with her favorite foods, showing an attention to detail that was truly heartwarming. Life felt sweeter than that of immortal lovers; they were like a couple in love, inseparable and envied by others.
The Emperor's exclusive affection for Lin Yu was like a bombshell that exploded in the calm palace, making her the object of envy and jealousy among all the other consorts.
They could not understand how Lin Yu, who had never been favored before, suddenly gained the Emperor's exclusive love and was even promoted to Jing Pin, moving into Zi Chen Palace. It seemed more impossible than reaching for the heavens!
In this palace, which consort wasn’t beautiful and talented with an illustrious background? They used every means at their disposal to vie for favor and flatter him but could hardly win his attention. Yet Lin Yu had done nothing and effortlessly received it all—how could they accept this?
Rumors about Lin Yu began to circulate in the palace like wildfire, spreading to every corner. Some claimed she was a seductress who bewitched the Emperor using underhanded methods; others said she employed sorcery to control him, leaving him entranced. There were even whispers that she was a monster in disguise sent to wreak havoc in the palace—these tales were told with such conviction that they sounded almost true.
These rumors spread rapidly through the palace like a plague, reaching every consort's ears and even making their way to the Empress Dowager.
The jealousy and hatred among the consorts towards Lin Yu deepened like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment. While they maintained a facade of harmony on the surface, behind closed doors they began plotting against her, preparing to teach Lin Yu a lesson.
A storm was brewing in the palace… while Lin Yu remained blissfully immersed in the Emperor's affection, completely unaware of the approaching danger.
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