In the backyard, the wood Qin An brought had already been sawed, and even the joints for assembly had been prepared, only needing to be put together.
Xiao Luzi followed the craftsman, knocking and hammering, and soon the swing frame took shape.
The shade of crimson wasn't appropriate for Lin Wanyi's status, so the wood wasn't varnished; it was just polished and soaked in oil for a long time, showcasing the wood's natural color prominently.
The mortise and tenon joints were well made, seamlessly fitting together with no visible seams.
As if it was naturally flawless and complete.
Xiao Luzi carefully inspected it, confirming its safety, before they began constructing the canopy.
The swing was placed directly opposite the pavilion, making the canopy easy to set up.
Using the wall as a backing, half the yard was framed with wood, and fine vertical and horizontal strips were added, quickly finishing the canopy's top.
It looked bare and somewhat unattractive now, but once the vines grow next year, it will become beautiful.
This was not a concern for Chunqi.
She sincerely said to Mr. Qin.
"Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Qin, if possible, could you please find us some grapevine seeds?"
"It's a simple matter, I'll have someone send them over later."
"Thank you, sir."
After speaking, she performed a half-curtsy to Mr. Qin.
"No need for that, Miss Chunqi, you're too polite."
Chunqi truly hadn't expected that they would meet someone like Mr. Qin and Xiao Luzi in the palace, fearing they might encounter servants who looked down on them, but they were so easy to talk to.
On reflection, it was probably because the mistress was the most likely to gain favor.
But after seven or eight days passed with no news from Qian'an Hall, she wanted to ask but feared causing trouble for the mistress, so she kept silent.
Ultimately, Mr. Qin noticed.
He smiled and said to her.
"Rest assured, Miss Chunqi, the mistress is favored greatly."
With a single sentence, it seemed ambiguous but made perfect sense to Chunqi upon hearing it.
Excitement filled her eyes, unable to hide her expression, fearing a mistake, she quickly spoke.
"Please wait a moment, sir, I made some sweet soup in the small kitchen, I'll bring two bowls for everyone to taste."
Before Mr. Qin could respond, he saw her already turn and leave briskly.
Indeed, she was warm-hearted.
Hopefully, this sincerity could be maintained.
The carpenter was still meticulously building the canopy, while Mr. Qin pulled Xiao Luzi aside, speaking in a low voice.
"How's your service going? Getting used to it?"
"Yes, the mistress has a kind temperament, never scolding, and the two sisters with her are easygoing as well. Sister Chunqi makes food for me daily, and Sister Xia An constantly thinks of me, giving me many good things."
Upon hearing this, Qin An nodded with relief.
It seemed sending him over was the right decision.
He patted Xiao Luzi's shoulder and said.
"Very good, then serve earnestly. I see that Miss Lin is not an ordinary person, she is bound for great fortune. Serve her with dedication and loyalty, and when she advances in status, you can naturally remain here."
"That's right, I know what to do."
With a fond glance at Xiao Luzi, Mr. Qin quickly composed himself.
When Chunqi brought over the sweet soup, everything had returned to normal.
Mr. Qin was still observing from the side, while Xiao Luzi and the carpenter's canopy construction was nearly complete.
After roughly half an hour, both the swing and canopy were finished.
Mr. Qin bowed to Lin Wanyi and took his leave.
After they left, Lin Wanyi brought Xia An to take a look.
The swing was small, only enough for one person, but appeared sturdy and besides, an empty spot on the side was perfect for bringing over a rocking chair to lie comfortably during the summer.
Regarding the canopy, it was open-style.
Using the terrain and wall, it covered half the yard while avoiding the rear window of the sleeping quarters.
This way, even if vines grow thick, they won't block sunlight, and with the breeze, you might even catch the scent of grapes—a win-win situation.
"Mr. Qin indeed handles matters thoroughly, choosing such skillful people."
Lin Wanyi sincerely praised, though with the intent for Xiao Luzi to overhear.
Though young, Xiao Luzi had served in the palace for years, naturally understanding the implications behind the words.
He hurriedly knelt down to plead.
"Please punish me, mistress."
At his kneeling, Xia An didn't react, but Chunqi furrowed her brows.
Why ask for punishment when he did a good deed?
Upon looking at the mistress, who remained composed.
Xiao Luzi realized the usually good-natured mistress hadn't said a word, understanding his careless mistake.
He quickly spoke.
"I shouldn't have presumptuously conveyed the mistress's words to Mr. Qin, unintentional but it's disloyal, and should I harbor any malice towards the mistress, may I face a fate worse than death!"
After speaking, he banged his head down, looking decisively at Lin Wanyi with tears in his eyes.
Seeing this, Chunqi understood.
Xiao Luzi was not one of their palace people; his true master was Mr. Qin.
But with days of companionship, they had let their guard down and forgot this fact.
Luckily, it was only about building a swing frame; if it had been something treasonous, Lin Wanyi wouldn't know how she'd meet her end.
Thinking of this made her shiver.
She now looked at Xiao Luzi with more complexity and caution.
A gentle breeze blew, the sun already hanging high.
The originally warm sunshine shone on Xiao Luzi, but he felt no warmth.
His kneeling knees numbed, until Lin Wanyi calmly spoke.
"Stand up."
"Thank you, mistress."
Struggling to rise, as fortunately there were no small stones on the ground, otherwise bleeding from kneeling wouldn't be surprising.
Yet he remained uneasy, as the mistress hadn't absolved his wrongdoing; his future here depended on her pardon.
Thus, he gritted his teeth and anxiously said.
"Mistress, I've served since entering the palace at six, eight years now, enduring all sufferings, seeing all kinds. Without Mr. Qin's support transferring me from treasurer to his side, I wouldn't have the fortune to serve you. This mistake was my rash decision, please forgive me, I won't dare again."
His words were sincere, and Lin Wanyi didn't doubt them.
But loyalty can't be divided; a servant cannot serve two masters. If he truly wishes to remain, he must understand this clearly.