After Long Yelin ascended the throne, he had not forgotten this former consort of his. It was said that he had originally intended to make her Noble Consort, but Empress Jian's opposition had put an end to that plan. Still, he had made her a Consort of Brilliant Deportment, placing her directly below the empress and the four senior consorts. A single step separated them, yet their standing was as far apart as heaven and earth. Since ascending the throne, the emperor had never once visited Lingyu Hall, much less favored Lin Wan with his presence in her bed.
And so Lin Wan, once a favorite, could only lean against the pillars of Lingyu Hall, her heart full of resentment, gazing into the distance until her eyes ached with longing.
When Hu Xiaotian arrived with the gift, Lin Wan was admiring the plum blossoms in the courtyard. A palace maid led him before her, and he said respectfully, "This humble servant pays his respects to Consort Lin."
Lin Wan wore a dark blue cloak and stood with her back to him, her left hand holding a flowering plum branch. At the sound of Hu Xiaotian's voice, she released it. The branch sprang back and swayed through the air, scattering yellow petals on the wind. A few landed on Hu Xiaotian's face, and he raised his sleeve to wipe them away.
Lin Wan slowly turned around. She was indeed a stunning beauty, with features as lovely as a painting and a seductive charm. But after the pearl and jade that was Wen Ya, Consort Lin seemed to lack a little allure by comparison. Compared with Baobao, she seemed to lack a little personality. Beauty really did need comparison to reveal its measure. Still, Hu Xiaotian had his own preconceived notions. Lin