Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

112 First Suffering Then Suffering

On this day, Concubine Yu, Wen Yuan of the Guwalgiya clan, and Concubine Li, Li Ying, entered Jingren Palace together to perform the morning and evening rituals of visiting each other and talk about their health.

(Jingren Palace)

"Your humble servant, Guaerjia Wenyuan, has come specially to pay respects to Her Majesty the Queen and extend greetings to all the palace sisters present here." Guaerjia Wenyuan bowed lightly, her manners showing gentleness and dignity.

Then, Li Changzai Li Ying also bowed gently, "I, Li Ying, would like to pay my respects to the Empress and all the sisters. I wish the Empress good health."

Upon hearing this, Yixiu smiled warmly, "No need to be polite, my two sisters. Please stand up."

Her voice was soft and majestic, revealing the demeanor of a mother of the country.

"Thank you, Her Majesty, for your grace." Guaerjia Wenyuan and Li Ying spoke almost at the same time.

After they finished speaking, the two of them slowly stood up, their eyes filled with awe and gratitude towards the Queen.

"You are truly beautiful, each with her own charm. Please come forward and let me take a closer look." Yixiu opened her red lips slightly, her tone gentle but with an authority that could not be ignored.

Upon hearing this, Guarjia Wenyuan took light steps and slowly walked in front of the Queen. Her manner revealed the gentleness and dignity of a lady from a noble family, like a peony blooming in spring, graceful and elegant.

Li Ying smiled slightly, bowed gently, then walked lightly to the chair at the end of the hall and sat down gracefully. Although she did not come forward, her temperament as tranquil as a chrysanthemum made people look at her a few more times, like a touch of coolness in the summer night, refreshing the heart.

Lu Yingfeng glanced at him from the side and said softly, "This person has a very outstanding appearance, and the title bestowed upon him is also auspicious and peaceful."

"There have been a lot of celebrations in the palace recently, and it's really been a series of happy events." Zhen Huan added gently.

"Although Concubine Yu is absolutely beautiful, her eyes and brows inadvertently reveal a bit of planning. In comparison, Concubine Li is more gentle and charming, with a variety of postures." Lu Yingfeng commented.

"There are many people in the palace, and their thoughts are naturally complicated and diverse. As a result, the issue of right and wrong becomes more complicated." Feng Ruozhao said with emotion.

"Inside the palace walls, the number of people has only increased and not decreased. This is the norm." Zhen Huan said calmly.

"Hey, why don't you guess which concubine the emperor will summon tonight to accompany him and spend the night together?" Lu Yingfeng said with a joking tone.

"That's not hard to guess. Everyone will have their turn eventually. It's just a matter of order. It won't be just you and me, right?" Cao Qinmo continued with a hint of self-mockery in his words, causing the two of them to look at each other and laugh.

-

Zhen Huan, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong were walking together when suddenly, they heard Guarjia Wenyuan's gentle call from behind: "Empress Xi, how are you?"

Hearing the sound, the three of them stopped and turned around slowly.

Guarjia Wenyuan took a few steps forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully: "Empress Xi is blessed with great fortune, Concubine Rou is as gentle as jade, and Concubine Hui is blessed with good fortune and happiness."

Zhen Huan responded in a calm tone: "Mr. Yu is very polite and courteous."

"Before I entered the palace, my father repeatedly reminded me that Empress Xi's father and my father used to work together in the Censorate. So I came here specially to pay my respects to Her Majesty as a token of my respect." Guarjia Wenyuan explained in a soft voice.

Zhen Huan smiled and replied gently, "I have also heard that your father worked tirelessly and made outstanding contributions in suppressing the Nian Gengyao Rebellion. The Emperor greatly appreciates this, which is truly a blessing for our dynasty."

"Sister Concubine Xi, thank you for your praise. I have just entered the palace and am not familiar with many affairs. If there is anything I have not done well, I hope you will enlighten me." Guarjia Wenyuan said modestly.

Zhen Huan smiled gently, and said, "Since we are old acquaintances, why should we be so polite? If you keep calling me 'my concubine', 'my concubine', it will make us seem unfamiliar."

Guarjia Wenyuan heard this, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and she asked, "If you don't mind my interrupting, may I have the honor to go to your palace and sit for a while?"

Zhen Huan agreed happily: "That would be great, but I'm afraid you are too busy to visit."

-

As night fell, the lights in the palace dimmed.

Tonight, Yinzhen turned over Guarjia Wenyuan's green card and decided to spend the night with her.

In the Sui Yuxuan, An Lingrong was having a long conversation with Zhen Huan. The two of them sat around a table with flickering candlelight, chatting all night long and sharing each other's thoughts and experiences.

The moonlight outside the window is like water, adding a bit of tenderness and peace to this quiet night.

(Jingren Palace)

"You were favored by the emperor last night, and you came here early today and personally dressed me up. That's really thoughtful of you. Thank you for your hard work." Empress Yixiu spoke softly with some approval in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Guarjia Wenyuan immediately bowed and saluted, saying earnestly: "I am fortunate enough to enter the palace, all thanks to the support and care of the Queen. Otherwise, even if I wanted to serve the Queen, I would not have the chance to see her. The Queen's kindness is in my heart, and I am willing to serve her like a dog and a horse."

"After all, it is your father who has made outstanding contributions. The emperor is well aware of his efforts and contributions. Otherwise, even I would not be able to speak for you easily." Empress Yixiu's tone was calm, but it revealed some deep meaning.

Guarjia Wenyuan was so grateful when she heard this: "I was unable to participate in the beauty pageant three years ago, and I have always regretted it. I thought I might have a chance this year, but the emperor suddenly decided not to hold the beauty pageant. Just when I was feeling discouraged, I was fortunate to have your presence of mind and fulfill my wish to enter the palace. I will never forget this kindness."

"I am helping you for the glory and status of the Manchu flag. Just look, except for me and Noble Lady Fucha, this palace has almost become the world of the concubines of the Han flag. It was like this with Concubine Hua in the past and it is also like this with Concubine Xi now. The Han flag is the only one that enjoys the emperor's favor. How can we, the Manchu flag, feel embarrassed?" Empress Yixiu's words revealed a bit of helplessness and unwillingness.

Guarjia Wenyuan's expression became serious when she heard this: "My father also felt the same way. He was also a meritorious official who made great contributions to the suppression of Nian Gengyao. Why was one of them promoted to the Minister of Personnel and the Left Censor-in-Chief, a high position with great power, while my father is still only a Deputy Censor-in-Chief, being inferior to others. It is really hard to accept this."

"There are only two choices in life. One is to taste the sweet fruit first and then experience the bitterness. The other is to experience the wind and rain first and then see the rainbow. Now, the choice is in your hands." Empress Yixiu said earnestly.

Guarjia Wenyuan looked determined and answered without hesitation: "I would like to choose the path of first suffering and then sweetness. I believe that as long as I work hard, I will eventually welcome my own sweetness."

Empress Yixiu nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Very good. If you can think like this, you are already halfway to success. You should know that the reason why others can get promoted and become rich is often because they have a favored daughter in their family. You also have the opportunity to become such a woman. If you want to become a favored concubine, the best way is to carefully observe how those concubines who have been favored by the emperor act, and learn from their experience, so that you can win the emperor's favor."

Guarjia Wenyuan was filled with gratitude when she heard this, and she bowed quickly and said, "I thank the Queen for her guidance and cultivation. I will keep it in mind and live up to her high expectations."