Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

104 Sister Mei's Thousand Miles of Friendship

【Forbidden City】

(Shuangrui Hall)

There was a layer of faint melancholy on Shen Meizhuang's face, and her expression was intertwined with unspeakable helplessness and faint regret, and seemed to be mixed with some subtle complex emotions.

She stood quietly at the threshold, her eyes passing through the scenery before her and looking into the distant and vague distance, as if she was expecting something.

"The autumn wind is gradually rising. I think the emperor will be able to return to the palace soon." Shen Meizhuang sighed softly, with a hint of thought in her eyes.

"Yes, I heard that he will set off for return at the beginning of next month." Caiyue responded with a certainty in her tone.

"In this way, Sister Jingfei will also return with the emperor, and the palace will be more lively again." There was a hint of relief and anticipation in Shen Meizhuang's tone.

"Empress Jing is indeed returning, but Empress Xi..." Caiyue's words were tinged with regret, as if she didn't want to mention the regrettable news.

"What did you say?" Shen Meizhuang's face suddenly changed when she heard that, and she looked at Caiyue in disbelief.

"Your servant...your servant has been hesitating whether to tell you, fearing that you would worry. Because Concubine Xi accidentally offended the emperor, she has been demoted to seclusion in Penglai Island." Caiyue's voice was full of worry.

"Penglai Island? That place is desolate and sad, even worse than the Cold Palace. It's just like a cage." Shen Meizhuang frowned, her eyes full of sympathy and worry for Zhen Huan's situation.

"That's right. I heard that the emperor is about to return to the palace, but no one is interested in Suiyuxuan, and no one cares about the cleaning. I'm afraid that Concubine Xi will find it difficult to return to the palace this time." Caiyue said, feeling worried about Concubine Xi's experience.

She looked at Shen Meizhuang worriedly and continued, "The queen is alone in that remote palace, with nothing and a miserable situation. I really don't know how she is doing now. I am really worried about her."

Cai Yue noticed the worry in Shen Meizhuang's brows, so she suggested softly, "Young Master, how about we find an opportunity to ask someone to send something to show our concern?"

After hearing this, Shen Meizhuang smiled bitterly, but her tone was a little stubborn: "She was so glorious in the past, she probably had all the treasures in the world, why would she be interested in our things?"

However, her eyes softened as she changed the subject, revealing her true feelings: "I am just thinking about Hongzhou. He was so young and had already experienced all these changes."

Seeing this, Caiyue hurriedly comforted him, "Don't worry, young lady. I just heard that the Seventh Prince has been arranged to stay with Concubine Rou, who will take good care of him. Concubine Rou has a gentle temperament and will definitely give the Seventh Prince proper care and love."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang's brows relaxed slightly, and she repeated softly, "Is that so... In this case, I feel a little relieved."

【Old Summer Palace】

(Penglai Island)

Zhen Huan was sitting leisurely by the lake at this moment. Surrounded by peace and tranquility, she looked particularly comfortable and relaxed.

At this moment, Huanbi came over and said, "Madam, I have carefully prepared crucian carp and tofu soup. You have not eaten it since you got up early. Now please move to the inner room and eat some."

Zhen Huan smiled and declined, "I'm not hungry at the moment, let's talk later."

Upon hearing this, Huanbi nodded slightly to show her understanding.

Suddenly, tiny ripples appeared on the lake, attracting everyone's attention.

Huanbi turned her head and saw Su Peisheng, Xiao Xiazi and others riding in a small boat, slowly approaching the shore, adding a bit of liveliness to the tranquil scene.

"Eunuch Su." Zhen Huan called softly.

Su Peisheng quickly bowed and saluted, "Greetings to the Queen."

He went on to say, "Your Majesty, the weather is getting colder as autumn arrives. You haven't prepared enough autumn clothes yet. Concubine Hui has specially sent someone from the palace to deliver them to you, along with many other items, to show her concern."

Zhen Huan heard this and smiled gently, "It's really rare that Sister Mei still cares about me even though she is in the deep palace."

"Oh, look at this Concubine Hui. She is really harsh in her words, but softer than anyone else in her heart. She said that Caiyue sent the gifts because she was thinking about Huanbi, but in fact, there were four gifts in it. Which one does not show her deep concern for you, Your Majesty?" Su Peisheng said with a smile, with a bit of teasing and respect.

Then, he turned to Zhen Huan and asked with concern, "How are you these days, Madam? The Emperor has been thinking about you all the time."

Zhen Huan nodded gently, her tone calm and gentle: "I am fine, thank you for your concern, eunuch. Please tell the emperor for me, so that he can rest assured."

"Yes." Su Peisheng agreed respectfully, secretly admiring Zhen Huan's gentleness and propriety.

"How is the emperor doing?" Zhen Huan asked with concern.

Su Peisheng quickly replied: "The emperor is in good health and everything is fine."

Zhen Huan's eyes showed more tenderness, and she continued to ask: "Where is Hongluo? And Concubine Rou, are they all right?"

Su Peisheng smiled and comforted her, "Don't worry, your majesty. The Seventh Prince is alive and well, and Concubine Rou is also doing well. Concubine Rou even asked me to tell you that the Seventh Prince is doing well in the palace, so you don't need to worry."

Zhen Huan heard this, and her worries immediately dissipated. She nodded gently and said softly, "That's good. I feel relieved."

"Your Majesty, I have come here to convey a message that the Emperor will be returning to Beijing soon." Su Peisheng reported respectfully.

Zhen Huan heard this, a trace of worry flashed across her brows, "The situation in the capital is unclear, please take good care of the emperor and ensure his safety."

Su Peisheng nodded in agreement, and continued, "I will be leaving tomorrow, but please rest assured, Your Majesty, I have arranged everything. My apprentice, Xiao Xiazi, is smart and reliable. From now on, he will be responsible for delivering items for Your Majesty."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes, "If there is really any change in the capital, I hope that the eunuch can send someone to inform me in time, so that I will not be unaware of it in a remote place."

Su Peisheng sighed and explained, "The Emperor was worried that the Empress would be the first to be affected, so he arranged for the Empress to stay out of the spotlight. The Emperor is always concerned about the Empress's safety."

Zhen Huan sighed softly, her eyes full of tenderness and determination, "All I ask is that the emperor can be safe and sound."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. This will be done." After Su Peisheng finished speaking, he said no more. After bowing, he turned around and stepped onto the boat.

As the boat slowly sailed away from the shore, it gradually disappeared from Zhen Huan's sight.

Zhen Huan looked at the sailing ships and prayed silently for the emperor's safety and the peace of the capital.

-

Huanbi and Liuzhu were busy carrying out a few quilts from the house, intending to dry them in the sun while the weather was fine.

As they were busy, they chatted softly, their faces filled with everyday warmth and harmony.

At this moment, Zhen Huan and Cui Jinxi were standing not far away. Their eyes inadvertently swept across the lake and they saw a small boat slowly approaching with several strangers standing on it whom she had never met before.

"Your Majesty, please look over there." There was a hint of urgency in Cui Jinxi's voice, gently waking Zhen Huan's attention.

Zhen Huan followed her gaze, a trace of solemnity flashed in her eyes, and then she calmly clenched the dagger hidden in her sleeve. It was a self-defense weapon given to her by Yinzhen out of his concern and protection for her.

Cui Jinxi's heart tightened when she saw this, and she quickly asked with concern: "Madam, what are you planning to do?"

Zhen Huan sighed softly, her tone firm and resolute: "The Emperor has repeatedly told me to stay alert in the face of the unknown and danger. If evil prevails over good, I will not sit idly by and wait for death."

"Your Majesty..." Cui Jinxi's voice was filled with worry, her eyes fixed on Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan turned her head slightly and met Cui Jinxi's gaze. Her tone was calm but revealed an unquestionable determination: "If the emperor really encounters an accident, how can I, as his concubine, stay safe and protect myself? By then, I will be imprisoned and suffer humiliation and torture. I would rather not live like that."

"So, I have already made up my mind that if that day ever comes, I would rather die than allow my dignity and innocence to be tarnished in the slightest."

As she spoke, Zhen Huan tightened her grip on the dagger, as if it was the only support in her heart.

-

As the boat slowly approached the shore, Cui Jinxi instinctively protected Zhen Huan behind her, and Huanbi and Liuzhu also reacted quickly, blocking Zhen Huan on the left and right, forming a solid line of defense.

Amid the tense atmosphere, the boat finally docked steadily at the shore, and Xiao Xiazi's familiar figure came into view.

He quickly jumped off the boat and knelt steadily in front of Zhen Huan, a joyful smile on his face.

"Xiao Xia, how is the emperor doing? Is he safe and sound?" Zhen Huan asked anxiously, with a barely perceptible tremor in her voice.

Xiao Xiazi quickly replied: "Don't worry, your Majesty, the emperor is fine and healthy. Moreover, your Majesty, our plan was successful!"

His tone was full of excitement and pride.

Upon hearing this good news, Zhen Huan couldn't help but cry for joy. Tears welled up in her eyes and finally turned into two lines of tears that slid down her cheeks.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiazi hurriedly comforted her, "Don't cry, madam. This is a happy occasion! The emperor has specifically ordered me to come and welcome you back to the palace. We have to pack up and get ready to leave."

There was a hint of urgency and expectation in his words.