Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

139 Wen Yuan Provocation

At this time today, Empress Yixiu specially invited all the concubines in the palace to go to Qingyin Pavilion to drink tea and watch opera to enjoy the elegant fun of the palace.

At this time, Zhen Huan was pregnant and was about to give birth, so she politely declined Yi Xiu's invitation.

Yixiu, with a smile on her face, showing her magnanimity and gentleness, opened her red lips and gave Zhen Huan a few words of considerate care and advice, her words showing her elegance.

(Qingyin Pavilion)

The melodious tune of the opera flowed slowly, lingering in the Qingyin Pavilion. All the concubines had beautiful faces and were smiling.

Empress Yixiu sat in the center, looking extremely noble. The empty seat next to her was originally set for Zhen Huan, but it remained vacant because Zhen Huan was unwell.

On the left, Concubine Jing Feng Ruozhao, Concubine Rou An Lingrong, Concubine Hui Shen Meizhuang and Concubine Zhen Chunyi sat down in turn. They were either gentle, dignified or lovely, each showing their own charm.

On the right side, Concubine Yu Guaerjia Wenyuan and Li Chang were sitting in front and behind Li Ying. This scene inadvertently revealed the subtle and clear distribution of power in the palace.

Jiang Fuhai quickly and steadily handed the heavy playlist to Empress Yixiu, his face filled with respect and caution, and said softly: "Please choose a play to entertain you today, Your Majesty."

Yixiu took the play list, glanced at the titles of the plays, and had already made up her mind.

She smiled slightly, and said in a calm and dignified tone: "Let's watch "The Golden Rule of Persuading Good Deeds". This play is both entertaining and educational, and can serve as a warning to the world. Add "The Jade Terrace" to it, and it will be filled with fairy spirits and have a unique flavor. As for the rest, let the concubines of each palace choose for themselves to see what kind of style they prefer, so that today's banquet will be more lively and perfect."

Following Yixiu's instructions, Jiang Fuhai immediately wrote down the selected plays and arranged for someone to notify the troupe to prepare.

Afterwards, several accompanying concubines also ordered a few of their favorite operas, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the palace became more lively.

However, Yixiu did not indulge in this joy for too long. She raised her hand slightly, signaling everyone to stay calm, and then began the main topic of the day.

Her voice was gentle and powerful, and every word was clearly heard by everyone present: "Today is not only to watch the play for fun, but also to promote the friendship between the sisters in the harem and discuss palace affairs. I hope that everyone can be open and honest, share the worries of the emperor, and contribute their own strength to the harmony and stability of the harem."

As Yixiu finished her words, the hall instantly became quiet, and everyone's eyes were focused on her, ready to listen to her teachings and instructions.

And Yixiu also began her careful planning and arrangements of harem affairs as queen.

"There are fewer and fewer beauties in the palace. I think it's time to find a few suitable ones for the emperor. What do you think?" Yixiu spoke first, her words carrying deep meaning.

Shen Meizhuang smiled softly upon hearing this, and continued, "Your Majesty is right. Now, I and Concubine Xi are both pregnant, Concubine Yu and Concubine Li have not been favored by the Emperor, and the others are either sick or deceased. The palace really needs new people to comfort the Emperor."

After she finished speaking, she seemed to feel that something was wrong, and added: "My words may be inappropriate, I hope the Queen will forgive me."

After hearing this, Yixiu forced herself to smile and said, "You are too kind, Huipin. As you said, the emperor does not want to hold selections too frequently, so I will have to take the trouble to arrange this matter."

"I really like the things that the Empress gave me a few days ago. I am so grateful that I can't express it in words. It is really the grace of the Empress that allows me to rest assured and take care of my pregnancy." Shen Meizhuang turned her eyes slightly and glanced at Yixiu lightly. Although her face was respectful, there was no gratitude in her words.

Empress Yixiu looked calm and responded calmly, "I am only trying to do my best. I will pray for the item in Baohua Palace for 49 days before it can be delivered to you. I hope it can protect you and give birth to a dragon heir safely."

"When I visited Sister Mei a few days ago, I had the honor of seeing the Hehe Ruyi screen. It was so fragrant, exquisite and breathtaking." An Lingrong whispered.

When Yu Guiren Guaerjia Wenyuan heard this, she raised her lips with disdain and said lightly: "The gift given by the Queen is extraordinary and naturally excellent."

Wen Yuan's words were accompanied by a provocative look, which was directed straight at An Lingrong. Her eyes seemed to reveal an inexplicable sense of superiority, as if she was the one who received the reward. This situation was really puzzling.

However, An Lingrong just smiled gently. That smile seemed to contain thousands of words, but it eventually turned into a light breeze.

She glanced back at Wen Yuan lightly, then turned her head gracefully, focusing all her attention on the wonderful opera being performed on the stage, as if all the troubles around her had nothing to do with her.

At this time, Concubine Jing Feng Ruozhao noticed the tense atmosphere and quickly spoke up to ease the tension: "Your Majesty, your favorite play Yaotai has already begun, so let's just concentrate on enjoying the show."

After saying that, everyone turned their eyes to the stage in front of them.

Yixiu smiled slightly and responded, "Okay, then let us immerse ourselves in the beauty of this opera together."

Then, her eyes fell directly on the stage, as if all her thoughts were rising and falling with the performance on the stage.

(Hambok Palace)

After the play, Concubine Jing Feng Ruozhao and Concubine Hui Shen Meizhuang returned to Xianfu Palace hand in hand. When they stepped over the threshold, Caiyue and Ruyi quietly retreated tacitly and closed the door gently.

The room was quiet. Feng Ruozhao sighed softly, his tone full of helplessness: "Sister, your words and actions in Qingyin Pavilion today were really ill-considered. Fortunately, the Queen thought of your pregnancy and did not blame you, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."

Shen Meizhuang's face darkened when she heard this, and she said in a cold voice, "Sister, you know what was mixed in the pregnancy-protecting gift she gave me that day. You and I both know it. She also said that she prayed for blessings in Baohua Hall for 49 days. I'm afraid that the gift has already been marinated with her thoughts."

After she finished speaking, a barely perceptible cold light flashed in Shen Meizhuang's eyes, revealing her deep vigilance and dissatisfaction with the Queen's actions.

"The truth of this matter has not yet come to light. At this moment, Imperial Concubine Xi is about to give birth. It is really not appropriate for her to worry about these trivial matters, lest she disturb the fetus. That would be a loss. Sister, please listen to me first and be patient. When the time is right and the evidence is conclusive, we will deal with it later." Feng Ruozhao consoled her earnestly.

Shen Meizhuang's expression eased slightly after hearing this, and she nodded, "Sister, what you said makes sense. I was indeed too impulsive today and almost ruined everything. As for Huan'er, please keep it a secret for her and don't let her worry about it."

Feng Ruozhao patted the back of Shen Meizhuang's hand and gave her a comforting look, "Relax and focus on taking care of the baby. As for the rest, I will take care of it."

After saying that, Shen Meizhuang smiled slightly and changed the subject, "In that case, I won't disturb you to rest. Princess Xiyou should be awake by now. As your mother, you should also fulfill your responsibilities as a mother."

Hearing this, Feng Ruozhao's face was filled with a gentle smile, "Yes, Xiyou is a well-behaved and sensible child. I like her very much. Let's go see her now."

The two smiled at each other. There was no need for words to express their friendship.