Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 505 Meeting the Young Friend

Therefore, he’s seen the world a bit.

Compared to his parents, he wasn’t nervous when facing the Second Princess.

With a bright and easy manner, he clasped his hands and said,

"Wu Chuang, a commoner, pays respect to the Second Princess."

Wu Chuang is the formal name of Xige.

Whenever he introduces himself, he always states his full name.

His attitude, neither humble nor arrogant, made the Second Princess fond of him.

She smiled and said,

"I am called Xiruo, Brother Chuang can call me that."

Hearing "Brother Chuang," Dong Qiulan and her husband both felt a cold sweat.

Given their family’s status, how could they speak on equal terms with a princess?

Therefore, Dong Qiulan hurriedly said,

"Princess, you flatter my son. He is merely a yellow-mouthed youngster, unworthy of being called such."

After all, the only ones the Second Princess calls brother are,

now, only the Second Prince and the Third Prince.

As for Xige’s status, she was very self-aware.

This gathering today, if not for the special instruction from the Imperial Concubine to have their family attend,

she would never have dared to join such an event.

She didn’t want people to think they were trying to climb high branches.

She didn’t wish to put her husband in a difficult position.

Nor did she entertain thoughts of using this opportunity to elevate her family’s status.

So when the Second Princess spoke, Lin Wanyi, who was nearby, also heard it.

She personally walked over, squatted slightly, and patted Xige on the head.

Then she smiled with a squint and said,

"We are all one family. Since the Second Princess calls you Brother Chuang, Xige, should you not agree, okay?"

"Okay, a commoner obeys your command."

The way he clasped his hands in greeting, though young, was very proper in etiquette.

It was evident that he learned this at the Fourth Prince Mansion.

Lin Wanyi’s eyes lit up, and she said immediately,

"As the Fourth Prince Consort said, Xige is clever and well-mannered; even the palace’s etiquette nannies couldn’t teach better."

Being praised like this, Madam Dong was extremely pleased.

While Dong Qiulan and her husband were also happy, they did not dare show it too much.

They quickly said,

"The Imperial Concubine overpraises. The child is still young and needs guidance in everything."

Her humility made Lin Wanyi feel a tinge of pity.

Thinking back to the days she temporarily stayed at her grandfather’s house, this cousin would frequently come to enlighten her.

Her nature was gentle and serene, always bearing a faint smile.

Although, after she got married, their contact was less,

they were still part of the same family.

So, holding Dong Qiulan’s hand, she said,

"Is my dear cousin becoming distant with me? Remove these titles, are we not close family? As your aunt, isn’t it only natural for me to praise my own nephew? Am I right or not?"

Perhaps it was her soothing tone,

that made Dong Qiulan relax considerably.

When she looked up at Lin Wanyi again, her eyes were filled with tears.

The Imperial Concubine spoke like this; if she continued to push it away, it would indeed be her fault.

So she replied,

"What you say, Imperial Concubine, is true. This humble woman understands."

Seeing her mood lighten, Lin Wanyi was also delighted.

Then she turned to Xige and said,

"Let me take you to meet the other brothers and sisters. They’ve heard rumors of a very clever cousin and are curious."

"Alright, alright."

Mentioning the other children, Xige seemed even happier.

He had met some at the Fourth Prince Mansion and now more in the palace,

and disregarding their statuses, they were all humble and kind.

He liked them a lot.

So Lin Wanyi took his hand and led Xige to another table.

Here were the Fourth Prince, the Third Princess, and the mischievous Crown Prince.

They were teasing the son of Eldest Brother Lin, Ying.

He was now nine months old, at the age when he could sit and crawl.

His nature was like that of the Crown Prince, lively and cheerful.

Thanks to the meticulous care of Mrs. Dong and Mrs. Feng, he was robust and healthy.

His fair and tender appearance made the Crown Prince particularly fond.

Compared to his own younger brother,

this cousin clearly matched his temperament better.

Especially with that drooling grin, it was exactly as he was as a child.

He was learning to speak now.

Sometimes babbling "da da da,"

sometimes "ma ma ma."

What he was saying, others couldn’t quite make out.

Only the Crown Prince seemed to have a special connection with him.

Even though he wasn’t that eloquent himself,

he tried hard to interpret Ying’s words.

That demeanor amused many people.

Lin Wanyi saw how well the children got along, she felt at ease.

She glanced at the main hall, hoping her brother would return soon.

She had so much to say.

Before long, Eldest Brother Lin returned.

Whatever he discussed with the Emperor, the others didn’t know.

But Lin Wanyi, having eyes, could see he was much thinner than before.

Even if his complexion was better, everyone could tell he had suffered greatly.

However, as it was for the nation’s affairs,

no one dared to comment.

Lin Wanyi brought Xige and the Second Princess to the Crown Prince and others. After joining the lively group, she invited her brother aside for a talk.

Brother and sister hadn’t seen each other for over half a year.

Seeing her once robust brother in such a state, Lin Wanyi naturally felt pained.

She immediately asked,

"Brother, does this have to do with Princess Hui Xian?"

Eldest Brother Lin paused, but hesitated and nodded.

At that moment, Lin Wanyi understood everything.

The Emperor had once said that Princess Hui Xian gathered human flesh to use as medicine for the Prince Consort.

Her brother must have used himself as bait,

otherwise, it wouldn’t have been resolved so swiftly.

Thinking about this made Lin Wanyi uneasy.

If not for everyone present, she would have cast herself into her brother’s arms to cry her heart out.

She owed her brother too much in this lifetime.

All the wounds he suffered, pain he endured, harshness he faced, were because of her.

If not for her, he wouldn’t have risked his life time and again.

Eldest Brother Lin saw her in such a state.

He felt a pang of pity as well.

So he comforted her, saying,

"It’s all in the past, it’s over. Don’t worry, I am back now, and things will get better."

Lin Wanyi sniffed,

covering her tears.

On such a joyful day, and with everyone present, she didn’t want others to feel sad with her.

"I have nothing else to say, just hope that you take care of yourself; the whole family is worried about you. If something were to happen to you... what would we do?"

Eldest Brother Lin smiled.

Even he felt some fear now.

But at that time, national affairs took precedence, he had no choice, nor did he want to retreat.

Thus, even if he received some blame, it was deserved.

To shift her attention, Eldest Brother Lin mentioned something,

"Your sister-in-law is pregnant again, only a month along, but your second aunt says it is stable. Her health is good, so she should have a safe delivery."