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 appreciation for her talents filled her with immense happiness and sweetness.
This feeling was like when she was a child and stole a jar of honey; the sweetness lingered from her tongue all the way to her heart, refusing to fade away.
“Inverse Light, is this real? Does the Emperor really like me?” Lin Yu quietly asked the system in her heart, her tone filled with the confusion and anticipation of a young girl in love, as if she were asking her best friend whether her crush felt the same way.
“Of course it’s real! Host, when have I ever lied to you? The Emperor’s affection for you has skyrocketed! Faster than a rocket launch! Right now, in his heart, you are his precious jewel, his beloved! More valuable 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 get too ahead of yourself. The harem is not a good place. It may seem calm on the surface, but there are undercurrents everywhere—wolves and tigers lurking around, beautiful but venomous women. You need to be careful; don’t let them devour you! The women in this palace have more tricks up their sleeves than coal briquettes and are more poisonous than scorpion tails. You must stay alert!” the system warned earnestly, its tone filled with concern like a worried mother afraid for her child’s safety.
“I know; I will 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 be afraid of these ancient women?
The next morning, Lin Yu woke from her slumber. 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 lavishly decorated—golden and resplendent—with intricately carved beams and painted rafters that showcased extreme luxury, far more opulent 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 in bewilderment, curiosity evident in her voice as she rubbed her eyes, doubting whether she was still dreaming.
“Host, congratulations! You have been promoted by the Emperor to Consort Jing. This is your new palace—Zi Chen Palace,” the system explained in its characteristic electronic voice, excitement bubbling over as if it were a joyful magpie chattering away.
“Consort Jing? Zi Chen Palace?” Lin Yu exclaimed, her voice trembling with surprise, filled with joy. She never expected to be promoted to a consort, let alone reside in Zi Chen Palace. It felt like winning the grand prize, almost unbelievable.
It is important to note that Zi Chen Palace is the closest palace to the Emperor's sleeping quarters, typically reserved for the Emperor's most favored consorts. This palace is not a place just anyone can inhabit; it symbolizes status and identity, a dream location for countless women in the imperial harem.
Clearly, the Emperor truly favored her, and deeply so. Otherwise, why would he allow her to live in Zi Chen Palace? What an honor this was!
With this thought, Lin Yu's heart swelled with sweetness and happiness, akin to having consumed honey, filling her with warmth. She felt as if she were floating on clouds, light and dizzy with joy.
At that moment, a gentle knock echoed from outside the door, reminiscent of a kitten scratching at it, stirring anticipation within her.
“Come in,” Lin Yu said eagerly, her tone brimming with expectation as she could hardly wait to discover who was bringing her this surprise.
The door opened softly, revealing a young palace maid dressed in pink attire, carrying an exquisite tray with a steaming bowl of bird's nest porridge. The maid appeared quite young, around fifteen or sixteen years old, with delicate features and rosy lips—a true beauty in the making.
“Your servant greets Consort Jing,” the maid said respectfully as she approached Lin Yu, bowing deeply with a sweet voice like that of a lark.
“Please rise,” Lin Yu replied. Now that she was Consort Jing, she had to maintain her dignity. Her tone was gentle yet authoritative.
“Your Highness, this bird's nest porridge has been specially prepared by His Majesty’s kitchen for you. Please enjoy it while it's hot,” the maid said respectfully as she carefully placed the porridge on the table, cautious not to spill any.
“Please thank His Majesty for me,” Lin Yu said gratefully. How thoughtful of the Emperor to remember to prepare breakfast for her; it truly touched her heart.
The maid nodded and quietly retreated, gently 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 had even instructed the kitchen to prepare this special dish for her. Bird's nest porridge is a nourishing delicacy that most people cannot afford. It seemed clear that the Emperor held her dear in his heart.
She picked up the bowl and gently scooped a spoonful of porridge into her mouth. The sweet and fragrant taste melted instantly on her tongue, leaving her wanting more. This flavor was simply exquisite—better than any bird's nest she had ever tasted before.
After finishing the porridge, Lin Yu felt invigorated and refreshed, as if she had been reborn. She felt entirely renewed.
She got up and walked to the window, pushing it open. A rush of fresh air greeted her, carrying a faint scent of flowers. Outside, the sun shone brightly, and the sounds of birds filled the air, creating a vibrant scene. The flowers in the Imperial Garden had bloomed, displaying a riot of colors that competed for attention, a sight to behold. 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 granted to her by the Emperor; it was he who had given her such a wonderful life.
In the following days, the Emperor visited Zi Chen Palace almost daily to see Lin Yu, his visits more punctual than clocking in for work.
They chatted together, discussing everything from poetry and philosophy to national affairs and everyday matters, as if there were endless topics to explore. They strolled through the Imperial Garden, admiring the flowers and moonlight, watching fish play in the water, and listening to birds sing, savoring this rare time alone together. They shared meals where the Emperor personally served Lin Yu her favorite dishes, showing meticulous thoughtfulness. Life felt sweeter than that of celestial beings in love; they were like a couple in the throes of romance, inseparable and envied by others.
The Emperor's exclusive favor was like a bombshell that exploded in the tranquil harem, making Lin Yu 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 received such exclusive attention from the Emperor and was even promoted to Consort Jing, moving into Zi Chen Palace. It seemed more difficult than reaching for the heavens!
In this harem, which consort wasn't beautiful and talented with an illustrious background? They had all tried their utmost to win favor and curry favor with the Emperor but had struggled to gain his affection. Yet Lin Yu had done nothing and effortlessly obtained everything; how could they accept this?
Rumors about Lin Yu began to circulate in the harem like wildfire, spreading to every corner. Some claimed she was a seductress who bewitched the Emperor using unspeakable means; others said she practiced sorcery to control him and make him infatuated. There were even whispers that she was a monster disguised as a human, sent to wreak havoc in the palace—these tales were so vivid they seemed almost real.
These rumors spread like a plague throughout the harem, reaching every consort's ears and even reaching the Empress Dowager's attention.
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 secretly to teach Lin Yu a lesson.
A storm was brewing in the harem… while Lin Yu remained blissfully immersed in the Emperor's affection, completely unaware of the impending danger.
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