This green card was just delivered, and there's already a response. Lin Wanyi was truly a bit speechless.
However, upon reconsideration, she realized that she was brought into the palace to help Lin Guifei secure favor, naturally needing to serve in bed early to calm the hearts of those inside and outside the palace.
With this thought, she felt at ease.
"Thank you, Mr. Qin, for coming to inform me. Xia An, serve tea to Mr. Qin."
In terms of rank, she was merely a Ninth Grade concubine, while Qin An, though a servant, was a seventh-rank Vice Director within the Inner Court Department.
Moreover, he moved within the imperial court, so it was appropriate to offer a bit more courtesy.
"There's no need for such formalities, my lady. Later, a Sleeping Nanny will come to explain the rules of serving in bed; just follow them accordingly."
"Thank you, Mr. Qin."
Chief Manager Quan was right; this newly appointed concubine is indeed formidable, not only maintaining her composure but also being exceptionally courteous and kind in her interactions.
In the palace, servants often show respect to the higher-ups; however, no one comes with that expression from birth. When encountering someone courteous, they would give an extra bit of face.
"These two must be Miss Chun Qi and Miss Xia An. If anything is needed in the palace in the future, just call on Xiao Luzi. He is my apprentice, diligent and reliable; I specially sent him to run errands for you."
After saying this, he signaled to the back, and soon a handsome little eunuch stepped forward.
"Servant Xiao Luzi, greetings to Lin Daying."
As soon as he finished speaking, he made a big bow, appearing very sincere.
Based on Lin Wanyi's status as a concubine, she didn't qualify for a little eunuch, but Vice Director Qin still sent Xiao Luzi, revealing the Inner Court Department's intentions.
If he supports her, she will think of the good of the Inner Court Department whenever she sees Xiao Luzi in the future, achieving a win-win situation.
If he doesn't successfully support her, it doesn't impact anything; they can find an excuse to transfer him away since Xiao Luzi's file is still with the Inner Court Department, so technically, he doesn't belong to Lin Wanyi.
These old foxes certainly have their calculations finely tuned.
On her serene face, Lin Wanyi always carried a gentle smile, not aggressive yet hard for others to read.
"In that case, thank you for your kindness, Mr. Qin."
"You're welcome, my lady."
Leaving Xiao Luzi behind, Vice Director Qin took his leave.
During the day, Xiao Luzi would serve here but return to the Inner Court Department at night, so there was no need to particularly arrange accommodations for him.
Newly arrived, Xiao Luzi did not yet know Lin Wanyi's temperament but figured saying less and doing more wouldn't steer him wrong.
So when Chunqi mentioned wanting to fill the water tank in a small side room, he volunteered to do it himself.
Watching his busy figure, Chunqi couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
"My lady, this Xiao Luzi works pretty fast. If we palace maids fetched it, it would probably take at least half an hour, yet look at it now; the tank is almost full."
"This Xiao Luzi has connections in the palace, so be respectful and avoid causing unnecessary trouble."
"Rest assured, my lady, I understand."
Chunqi, though straightforward, was never one to bully the weak; quick-witted and easy to get along with, so Lin Wanyi wasn't worried about her.
Soon after the water tank was filled, the Sleeping Nanny, as expected, arrived in the palace.
They stood in line, four of them, properly positioned in front of Lin Wanyi.
Clad in greyish-blue long gowns with their hair neatly styled.
The leader had a round and kind face, likely accustomed to seeing the nervous and coy expressions of palace concubines during these sessions, seemed somewhat taken with Lin Wanyi's calmness and composure.
Thus, she spoke gently, explaining the rules of serving in bed.
"At the right hour, a soft sedan will come to escort the lady to the side hall of Qian'an Hall. After a full bath, someone will guide you to the inner hall, and by then, you can peacefully await His Majesty."
After speaking, she handed over the palace affairs book in her hands.
Chunqi took it and gave it to Lin Wanyi, who blushed upon flipping through only a couple of pages.
After all, being a palace concubine yet untouched, seeing such materials naturally brought shyness.
Conversely, the Sleeping Nanny, with her seasoned bearing, comforted her.
"This concerns the important matter of continuing the imperial lineage, no need for shyness, my lady."
Suppressing her inner embarrassment, Lin Wanyi accepted the booklet and then addressed the Sleeping Nanny.
"Thank you, Nanny, for your guidance."
Observing her unconstrained demeanor, the Sleeping Nanny felt reassured internally.
More often than not, those too coquettish and nervous beforehand did not fare too well in the end.
In contrast, those calm and graceful tended to advance further in their journey.
No need to mention others, this concubine in front of her just carried herself well, surely destined for a good future given time.
With these thoughts in mind, her service became even more meticulous.
At the right hour, the soft sedan came to fetch Lin Wanyi to the side hall of Qian'an Hall. Spring Qi and Xia An stood by the palace gates, hesitant to leave, both anxious and a bit excited.
Meanwhile, Xiao Luzi beside them remained calm, having seen many such scenes and felt there was little to ponder.
Regarding Qian'an Hall, as it's where the Emperor resides, even a side hall there was larger than Lin Wanyi's entire living quarters by half.
Just upon entering, she saw seven or eight palace maids inside, who curtsied slightly and greeted Lin Daying.
"We greet Lin Daying, my lady."
The head among them happened to be the same Sleeping Nanny who previously discussed the rules, to whom Lin Wanyi nodded before taking a deep breath and extending her arms to have her robes removed.
In hot water, her black hair was elegantly piled up.
The wooden tub was infused with essential oils prepared by the Imperial Hospital, intended to leave a delicate floral scent on the bather.
Without needing to be told, Lin Wanyi quickly figured out how it was concocted, knowing it must be a scent the Emperor favored; otherwise, it wouldn't be used for new concubines selected for the bedchamber.
Embroidery, tea art, flower arranging, incense knowledge—these were skills required of noblewomen from influential families that Lin Wanyi had learned from a young age.
Though she never showed off publicly, the talent was there, leading her mother, Mrs. Dong, to secretly be pleased, claiming her daughter to be smarter than others.
Being watched while bathing was naturally awkward for Lin Wanyi, but it was part of the unavoidable process; she closed her eyes, allowing them to handle everything.
These palace maids had served at Qian'an Hall for years, and could gauge nearly with certainty whether a concubine would gain favor.
Even though they'd encountered countless beauties, they found it hard to look away upon first seeing Lin Wanyi.
Compared to the favored dames in the palace, the greatest edge of this lady wasn't just her youth and beauty, but her rare serenity for her age.
Reflecting on the new concubines who had served recently, everyone still favored Lin Wanyi.
Upon realizing it had been quite some time with her cheeks flushed, the palace maids finally lifted her from the water.