Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 501 Private Residence

On the day the Empress Dowager left the palace for Wutai Mountain.

The Emperor specially brought Lin Wanyi out of the city to bid farewell.

The sky was clear and bright, the wind gentle and the sun warm.

Yet, the Emperor couldn’t feel happy.

Regarding this outcome, although he had long known it was unchangeable.

When this day truly arrived, the Emperor still felt very sorrowful.

In these days, he frequently recalled many things from his childhood.

What once seemed taken for granted, he now felt was thanks to his mother’s care.

Otherwise, given the circumstances and his capabilities at the time, he would have been devoured by court officials and enemy states down to the bone.

There wouldn’t be these prosperous and peaceful days as there are now.

It’s a pity.

This meritorious minister of the realm had to leave Shengjing City, heading to Wutai Mountain.

Even though he knew it was the Empress Dowager’s heartfelt wish.

He felt unwilling to let go.

If it hadn’t been for the issue with Hui Xian, the Empress Dowager probably wouldn’t have left so early.

Now in such a hurry, she didn’t even plan to stay in the palace for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

One can imagine her disappointment.

Watching the Empress Dowager and her entourage gradually move further away.

The corners of the Emperor’s eyes became somewhat moist.

With this departure, it’s unknown when they will meet again.

The most terrifying thought was that the Emperor felt this farewell might be forever.

Thinking of this, he felt even sadder.

Lin Wanyi stood quietly at his side, saying little.

Letting the Emperor fully express his emotions.

As an Emperor, he couldn’t vent his emotions openly, couldn’t give others a chance to see through his thoughts.

But the Emperor is also human, keeping things bottled up for a long time.

The body would also suffer.

Therefore, she thought it best not to disturb.

Giving him enough space to face and vent it alone.

At the end of July, even in the early morning,

standing for a while, one would feel the heat rising from the ground.

After half an hour, Dong Yuzhong wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.

And asked someone to find an umbrella.

Just about to open it for Lin Wanyi,

he heard the Emperor slowly speak.

"Let’s go."

"Alright."

Lin Wanyi thought they would return to the palace.

Yet, unexpectedly, instead of heading for the imperial carriage, they approached a common carriage parked not far away.

Around them stood over a dozen imperial guards disguised as house servants.

This was only on the surface; there must be more in hiding.

Despite her curiosity, Lin Wanyi followed onto the carriage.

The sound of the wheels started up gradually, with the Emperor sitting inside, eyes closed in rest.

The carriage moved smoothly for quite some time.

Lin Wanyi gradually began to hear some hubbub, as if from a lively street.

Just as she was pondering, she felt the carriage turn into an alley.

There was little sound around this alley, and entering it seemed to isolate the carriage from the outside heat.

Unable to understand, Lin Wanyi asked.

"Your Majesty, what is the purpose of this?"

The Emperor opened his eyes with a gentle smile, the earlier sadness seeming to have vanished.

Gazing at Lin Wanyi, there was only deep affection and love.

"You’ll know soon, we’re almost there."

The Emperor’s words increased Lin Wanyi’s curiosity, eager to see immediately.

Before long, the carriage stopped at the entrance of a courtyard.

Dong Yuzhong’s voice rang from outside.

"Sir, we’ve arrived."

"Hmm."

The Emperor then said to Lin Wanyi.

"Let’s go, go down and take a look."

Lin Wanyi nodded, then extended her hand to the Emperor.

The Emperor took her hand, and they alighted the carriage together.

Looking up, she saw a small courtyard facade.

It appeared somewhat new.

It seemed recently refurbished.

Lin Wanyi glanced sideways at the Emperor, asking with some curiosity.

"Sir, what does this mean?"

The Emperor remained silent, leading her straight through the gate.

This courtyard, amidst the bustling city, was serene.

Beyond the alley, there was a lively market.

But once inside the gate, the outside noise was perfectly isolated.

Though not large, consisting only of two yards,

the layout inside was very comfortable.

Upon stepping inside, Lin Wanyi felt a sense of déjà vu.

After taking a careful stroll, she realized this place was quite similar to Ruiyang Pavilion in the traveling palace.

With large amounts of greenery planted, the courtyard appeared very vibrant.

Additionally, a grapevine was added in the middle of the courtyard.

Lin Wanyi could well imagine.

The comfortable shade it would offer in the summer.

Pushing open the door, Lin Wanyi was even more pleasantly surprised.

The interior arrangement was very similar to that of the hall in Yihua Palace.

All the furniture and decorations were identical to those in Yihua Palace.

Even the carvings were more exquisite.

Only now, they still looked very new.

In a few days, once the wood settled, it would look much more pleasant.

Lin Wanyi felt her nose sting slightly.

Turning, she asked with a slight sob.

"Your Majesty, is this residence meant for me among the common folk?"

The Emperor shook his head.

Lin Wanyi was still curious.

If not for her, why was it made to resemble her residence so closely?

But soon she received the answer.

"It’s not solely for you, but for both of us."

Lin Wanyi’s mouth opened slightly, clearly startled by these words.

And after glancing around, the Emperor also found it satisfactory.

Then he said,

"The Inner Court Department’s Qin An did a commendable job."

Then turning to Lin Wanyi, he continued to explain.

"Now, the children are still young, and we cannot stay long outside the palace with them, so I chose a small courtyard. When in future the Crown Prince is ready to rule, I’ll take you out of the palace to live a tranquil life here."

These words from the Emperor deeply moved Lin Wanyi.

Typically, a prince starts ruling after marrying at sixteen.

The Crown Prince was almost two years old now.

This implied that in fourteen years, the Emperor planned not to remain Emperor anymore.

But what of his ambition?

His devotion to the kingdom?

Could he truly let all that go?

Lin Wanyi was unsure.

But the Emperor’s thoughtfulness made her very happy.

She stepped forward, gently tugging the Emperor’s hand, saying.

"It’s alright, I am willing to accompany Your Majesty, wherever you are, there I will be."

The Emperor naturally understood Lin Wanyi’s intent.

But his resolve was firm.

"My entire life has been lived for the country, ever since I became a Crown Prince at six, then an Emperor at eight, constantly laboring mentally and physically. Now, at thirty, as I reach the age when one stands firm. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I’ll be nearing the age of understanding Fate. Why stay confined in the palace then?"

His tone was full of reflection.

"I don’t wish to remain, nor want to. So, you’ll accompany me, and if my health allows, we’ll travel more. If not, we’ll enjoy a peaceful life in this courtyard."

"And this place is close to both your family and the Dong Family, so visiting each other will be convenient."

When the word ’visiting’ slipped from the Emperor’s mouth.

Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Silently gazing at the Emperor, she remained speechless for a moment.