Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

111 The Deep Meaning of Snow

Yun Xinluo stayed in the palace for a while, and after a warm conversation with Zhen Huan, she stood up, said goodbye, and slowly walked out of the palace.

As soon as her figure disappeared behind the palace wall, Yinzhen stepped into a corner of the deep palace, the Sui Yuxuan.

Yinzhen's steps were a little hurried, as if he had something important to discuss with Zhen Huan.

He stepped into Suiyuxuan and glanced around, inadvertently catching a glimpse of the direction where Yun Xinluo had just left. Although he was a little confused and felt that the figure seemed familiar, he changed his mind and thought that there were many people in the palace, so maybe it was just the family of a palace maid or court official, so he did not pay any more attention to it.

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"The Emperor has arrived!" Along with Su Peisheng's loud announcement, Yinzhen stepped into the hall with steady steps.

"May the emperor be healthy and well." Zhen Huan spread out her skirt slightly and saluted gracefully.

Yinzhen's eyes softened instantly, and he quickly stepped forward, held Zhen Huan's hand, and asked softly, "Huan Huan, how are you these days?"

Zhen Huan smiled and replied, "I am fine, but I am concerned about the health of the emperor."

Yinzhen pulled Zhen Huan over and said softly, "Hurry and sit down."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhen Huan responded with a smile.

"Where is your mother?" Yinzhen asked.

"Upon hearing that the Emperor was coming, my mother took her leave and returned home." Zhen Huan answered gently.

"Oh? I am so intimidating that even my mother-in-law avoids me." Yinzhen said jokingly.

"My mother always said that women from other clans should not meet His Majesty in person, for fear of being impolite. My father also often warned my mother not to stay in the palace for too long, so as to avoid unnecessary rumors," Zhen Huan explained.

"Where did the emperor come from just now?" Zhen Huan asked.

"I just came from Shuangrui Hall." Yinzhen replied.

"The lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake made by Sister Meizhuang is absolutely delicious. Has the emperor ever tasted it?" Zhen Huan asked.

"The lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake is indeed sweet, but the person who made it is not. Every time I went there, she refused me seven or eight times out of ten with various reasons. It was really puzzling that she didn't want to get close to me." Yinzhen said helplessly.

"Your Majesty, please don't vent your anger on Sister Mei. It's all my fault." Zhen Huan explained quickly.

"I have no intention of blaming Mei'er. Why do you blame yourself first?" Yinzhen said softly to comfort her.

"Sister Mei and I have had a deep friendship since childhood. After entering the palace together, she hoped to serve the emperor for a long time. She often worried about the emperor's health, knowing that having too many concubines might have an impact on his health." Zhen Huan said, "Therefore, when she talked to me about this in private, Sister Mei expressed some concerns. Your Majesty has always been more caring towards me and Sister An, so Sister Mei decided to follow the example of the ancient virtuous concubines and focus on taking care of the emperor's health instead of competing for favors in the harem. That's why she avoided me."

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen smiled, "I see. Lady Hui's kindness to me is truly precious."

Zhen Huan said softly, "I know I am not as good as Sister Mei in this matter."

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen asked with a gentle look, "Oh? What do you mean?"

Zhen Huan smiled gently and replied, "I know it is difficult for me to become such a virtuous concubine. What I wish in my heart is to be able to accompany the emperor more and share the joy of family."

After hearing this, Yinzhen was very happy, and the smile on his face became brighter. He said gently: "Although the virtuous concubine is admirable, the tenderness and affection in the boudoir are beyond her reach. You are exactly what I lack and love in my heart."

"A few days ago, Chun'er mentioned that she and Sister An had learned the art of embroidery, and she was planning to sew a sachet by herself to give to the emperor as a token of her love."

Zhen Huan asked gently, "Is Your Majesty interested in seeing the nearly completed scented sachet?"

"Let's wait for a few days. My only wish at this moment is to spend this quiet time with you." Yinzhen responded softly, his eyes full of tenderness for Zhen Huan.

After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled. The tacit understanding and warmth flowed quietly in the night. Then they fell asleep together, sharing this rare peace and warmth.

(Meditation Pavilion)

Cao Qinmo was leading Princess Wen Yi to play in the snow. As Concubine Nian's power gradually declined, Cao Qinmo's outfit became more and more bright and beautiful, like a flower blooming early in spring, attracting attention.

"Sister Cao." Zhen Huan called softly.

"Your Majesty's complexion is becoming more and more rosy." Cao Qinmo smiled back, her words full of compliments.

"How can it not be good?" Zhen Huan chuckled, "Especially for your good day, Sister Cao. It's really the icing on the cake. In the morning, Noble Lady Yu and Concubine Li were newly promoted to the palace and were both placed in Chuxiu Palace. Now our palace is very lively."

"Chuxiu Palace is one of the most magnificent places in the palace. Now that Noble Lady Yu has moved in, it seems even more magnificent. This shows how much the emperor values ​​and loves this new noble lady." Cao Qinmo echoed, with an imperceptible hint of deep meaning in his eyes.

"Noble Lady Yu's Amaguerjia Emin was a meritorious minister in suppressing the rebellion of Prince Dun and the case of Nian Gengyao. The Emperor naturally looks at Noble Lady Yu differently and favors her more because of this." Zhen Huan explained, her words revealing her insight into the palace world.

"That's true." Cao Qinmo nodded in agreement.

Little Wen Yi was throwing snowballs happily, but he stumbled and was about to fall to the ground.

Fortunately, Qi Yuebin, who was standing by, was quick-witted and rushed forward quickly, catching the child steadily and avoiding a small accident.

Yin Xiu, who followed closely behind, saw this and hurried forward, asking with concern and trying to help Wen Yi up: "Little Princess, are you okay? Come on and get up and have a look."

Cao Qinmo hurried over upon hearing the noise, looking nervous, "What's wrong? What's wrong?"

She took Wen Yi into her arms and gently soothed the frightened child. Then she turned to Qi Yuebin and bowed respectfully, "May the Empress Duan live in peace and happiness. Thank you for your help."

Qi Yuebin waved his hand gently. Although his voice was weak, it revealed a kind of gentleness and indifference: "Forget it, as long as the child is fine."

Her eyes were full of love and care, as if she was also relieved that Wen Yi was safe.

"What on earth is going on? You are a bunch of useless things. You can't even take care of a princess. You just slack off all day long. I will report to the Queen tomorrow and punish you severely!" Cao Qinmo's tone was harsh and dissatisfied. It was obvious that he was very annoyed by the negligence of the servants.

"Hurry, why don't you check carefully to see if the princess is injured?" Qi Yuebin said as she slowly stood up. Although her tone was not anxious, it revealed a concern and seriousness that could not be ignored.

Upon hearing this, Cao Qinmo immediately conducted a detailed examination of Princess Wen Yi, leaving nothing out, from the tips of her hair to her toes.

After confirming that Wen Yi was safe and sound, she breathed a sigh of relief and turned to express her gratitude to Qi Yuebin: "Thank you again, Concubine Duan, for your timely help. I am really grateful."

"Xiangpin, you are too kind. As sisters in the palace, we should support each other." Qi Yuebin smiled slightly, her tone calm and humble, as if the little disturbance just now did not leave any trace in her heart.

Zhen Huan nodded to Qi Yuebin and then asked with concern, "Is Concubine Duan okay? Is there anything serious?"

Qi Yuebin shook his head gently and replied, "It's okay. The princess was just naughty and accidentally slipped. I got her in time, so she should be fine. But for peace of mind, it would be safer to ask the imperial physician to take a look."

Upon hearing this, Cao Qinmo immediately ordered, "Your Majesty is right. Yinxiu, go and get the imperial physician here."

Yinxiu responded and left in a hurry.

Then, Cao Qinmo turned to the maids around her and said gently, "All of you, stand up. Don't kneel down."

Upon hearing this, the maids all stood up, their expressions showing a mixture of awe for Cao Qinmo and lingering fear from what had just happened.

Qi Yuebin played intimately with Princess Wen Yi for a while, but seemed to be concerned about her health, so she said goodbye to everyone and returned to the palace to rest on the grounds of feeling unwell.

Seeing this, Cao Qinmo also ordered her servants to take Princess Wen Yi away to rest. A trace of worry and helplessness flashed in her eyes, and she sighed softly: "It's a pity that my family has fallen into poverty. Although I have barely become a concubine, it is difficult to ensure a bright future for Wen Yi. If I could be like you, my lady, as a noble concubine, then there would be no need to worry about Wen Yi's future."

At this point, Cao Qinmo seemed to realize the inappropriateness of her words, and quickly turned her gaze to Zhen Huan, explaining: "I was just feeling emotional at the moment, and I just said it casually. Your Majesty, please don't mind it, and don't take it to heart."

"Of course, sister, you are so thoughtful and not selfish. You are planning for the princess's future. As the princess's stepmother, I am very pleased. I hope that the princess can find a good match and marry into a prominent family. Then, as her stepmother, I will be able to share the glory and joy." Zhen Huan said gently.

"That is really a blessing from your Majesty's words." Cao Qinmo bowed slightly to show respect, "How dare I compare myself with your Majesty? Your Majesty is deeply favored by the emperor, and your father has made outstanding contributions to the court recently. He has won the trust of His Majesty. Isn't it just around the corner for you to be promoted to the position of Imperial Concubine in the future? By then, I hope your Majesty can take good care of Princess Wen Yi. Her future well-being depends entirely on your protection and love."

"The word 'Xiang' means to assist and help. The emperor specially chose this word as the title for my sister. The deep meaning behind it is thought-provoking." Zhen Huan said gently.

"I am aware that my attainments in literature are shallow, so I beg Your Majesty to enlighten me and explain the meaning of this in detail." Cao Qinmo continued humbly.

"My sister was promoted to the position of concubine for a reason. It happened that the rebellion of Nian Gengyao in the previous dynasty was quelled, and the power of Concubine Hua in the harem also needed someone to stand up to set things right. My sister came at the right time, so the emperor bestowed the title of 'Xiangpin' on her, which means that my sister assisted the emperor in the palace and stabilized the overall situation." Zhen Huan said slowly.

Then he changed the subject, "But unfortunately, to this day, Nian Shilan is still the concubine. The emperor may not be too harsh on her because of their old relationship."

After saying this, Cao Qinmo said softly: "I still need to go back to look after the princess, so I will take my leave now. Take care, Your Majesty."