Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

148 Double Happiness

(Shuangrui Hall)

The house was carefully kept spotless, even the slightest smell of blood had been completely removed, leaving only a faint sense of freshness and tranquility.

Zhen Huan could not wait to walk to the bedside, tightly holding Mei Zhuang's hand, tears flashing in her eyes, and her voice choked with sobs: "Sister Mei, mother and child are safe, this is really great."

Her heart was filled with relief and gratitude for surviving the disaster. The warmth in her palms made her sure that all this was real - Mei Zhuang was still alive and well, which was more real than anything she could have imagined.

Mei Zhuang was touched when she saw this, but she had to use a hoarse and gentle voice to comfort Zhen Huan: "Huan'er, what's wrong with you? Why are you crying? Look, I'm fine, aren't I?"

Although her smile looked tired, it was full of maternal radiance and strength.

Zhen Huan quickly wiped away her tears, tried to calm down, and smiled: "It's okay, I'm just too happy. I'm so happy that I don't know what to say."

When people around her saw her like this, they all thought she was crying because she was overly worried and was so happy to finally get the good news, and they all looked at her with understanding and sympathy.

However, only Shen Meizhuang was able to keenly perceive the complexity and subtlety of Zhen Huan's emotions, and decided to ask her in private later.

At this time, Yinzhen also came forward, his eyes full of tenderness and relief: "When Mei'er is out of confinement, move to Chengqian Palace. The environment there is quiet and more suitable for you to recuperate. After you recover, you can help Huanhuan manage the affairs of the six palaces."

Shen Meizhuang was filled with gratitude when she heard this, and said softly, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your gift. I wonder what name Your Majesty plans to give to the Eighth Prince?"

Yinzhen hesitated for a moment and said, "Let's call him Hongxian. The word 'Xian' has a profound meaning. I hope he can be upright and famous in the future."

Shen Meizhuang bowed again, her voice full of gratitude and joy: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for giving me the name Hongxian. This name is very good."

"Then I won't disturb you sisters from talking in private. There are still some government affairs to be handled in the Yangxin Palace, so I will go back first." Yinzhen smiled gently, his eyes revealing his care and understanding for the concubines.

"Yes, your servants will respectfully see the emperor off." The concubines responded in unison, stood up and watched Yinzhen leave.

Their faces were filled with gentle smiles, which showed both respect for the emperor and the sisterhood between them.

When Yinzhen's figure disappeared outside the door, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became relaxed.

Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang smiled at each other, their eyes full of tacit understanding and warmth that needed no words.

Other concubines also gathered around, sharing their joy and blessings, and the whole room was filled with laughter.

(Jingren Palace)

Jianqiu hurriedly stepped into the palace, her steps carrying a hint of urgency, but she did not forget to bow and respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, Concubine Hui has safely given birth to a prince, and the emperor personally named him Hongxian."

Upon hearing this, Yixiu gently placed her hand on her forehead, a complex look flashed across her eyes, and she repeated softly, "It seems... Your Majesty has a profound meaning."

She seemed to sense something unusual in the name and pondered it secretly in her heart.

As a woman in the deep palace, Yixiu knew very well that there might be profound considerations behind every decision made by the emperor.

She understood that the word "Xian" not only meant being upright and prominent in the world, but also probably indicated the emperor's expectations and attention to the newborn prince.

At the same time, this also reminded her of the intricate network of relationships in the palace and her own position in this network.

Yixiu sighed slightly, feeling both congratulations to Concubine Hui and a slight worry about her own future.

But she quickly calmed down and regained her usual calmness and composure, and instructed Jianqiu, "Prepare a gift and go with me to Concubine Hui's palace to congratulate her."

She knew that no matter what she thought in her heart, the most important thing at this moment was to maintain superficial harmony and etiquette.

(Chuxiu Palace)

Huanfu Hall.

"My lady, please listen to what I say. The good news about Concubine Hui has spread throughout the six palaces. The emperor must be in a very good mood right now. If you tell the emperor the good news of your pregnancy during this festive occasion, it will be a double happiness. The emperor will surely be very pleased and may even make an exception to promote you." Yue Xin said excitedly, with anticipation glittering in her eyes.

Li Changzai gently shook her head at Li Ying, with a coquettish smile on her lips, pretending to blame: "Girl, you really love to talk nonsense more and more, but..."

She changed the subject, and a hint of expectation flashed in her eyes. "What you said does make sense."

She thought to herself, indeed, this was a rare opportunity.

The Emperor was in a very good mood when Concubine Hui gave birth to a prince. If he learned that he was also pregnant at this time, it would be icing on the cake and he would gain more favor and protection for himself and his unborn child.

"If the emperor really knew that I was pregnant, perhaps he would do as you said and come to visit me every day." Li Ying spoke softly, revealing a bit of shyness and happiness in her words.

Although she did not say it explicitly, her attachment to and expectation for the emperor were evident.

However, the master and servant were so immersed in their own joy and anticipation that they did not notice the subtle figure outside the door.

The figure stood there quietly, as if he had been there for a long time, listening silently to the conversation in the house, with complex emotions flashing in his eyes.

Yanghe Hall.

Noblewoman Guarjia Wen Yuanyu was filled with rage at this moment. She slammed her hand heavily on the table, causing the tea set on the table to tremble slightly.

She shouted angrily, her voice sharp and full of resentment: "What! She is pregnant? This is such a joke!"

Jingtai, who was standing at the side, responded nervously, "Yes, young lady, I heard it clearly. The concubine has been pregnant for three or four months, but she has kept it a secret. She is really scheming."

Wen Yuan was furious when she heard this. Her eyes widened with anger and her voice was almost squeezed out from between her teeth: "That bitch actually dared to seduce the emperor behind my back. She is really going too far! Who does she think she is? How dare she compete with me for my favor!"

Seeing this, Jingtai stepped forward to comfort her: "My dear, please don't be anxious. It's not worth getting sick from anger. We have to think of a solution quickly."

Wen Yuan took a deep breath and tried to calm her anger, but the hatred in her eyes did not diminish at all: "You are right, I must not let her succeed. She is just a concubine with a low status. How could she dream of climbing over my head by relying on her son's status? She is simply dreaming!"

She sneered and continued, "So what if it's the Han army flag? In the Forbidden City, what matters is birth and status. Does she think she can sit back and relax just because she has the emperor's child? Humph, I, Guarjia Wenyuan, will never let her succeed!"

As she spoke, a fierce look flashed in her eyes, and she began to think about how to deal with Chang Zai, who was about to become a thorn in her side.

(Jingren Palace)

"Her Majesty, Concubine Yu is outside right now and begging for an audience." Jianqiu reported softly.

"Lady Yu? Why is she visiting at this time? Just tell her that I'm suffering from a headache and it's not appropriate for me to receive guests." Yixiu responded calmly.

"Your Majesty, I have told you as you said, but Concubine Yu insisted that she had an important matter to report to you in person." Jianqiu reported again.

"In that case, let her in." Yixiu nodded slightly.

"Yes, sir." Jianqiu stepped back and led Guarjia Wenyuan into Jingren Palace.

"I pay my respects to Her Majesty the Queen, and wish Her Majesty long-lasting blessings and good health."

"Get up." Yixiu said in a calm tone.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace." Guarjia Wenyuan stood up to express her gratitude.

"Mrs. Yu, what is the important matter that has brought you here this time that requires you to personally report it to me?" Yixiu asked calmly.

"Your Majesty, my concubine Li Changzai is secretly pregnant but deliberately concealed it. This is indeed a move that shows deep scheming and unpredictable intentions." Guarjia Wenyuan said with indignation.

Yixiu secretly felt disdainful in her heart, thinking that such a big deal could turn out to be so trivial.

She sighed and asked, "How did you get the news?"

"My personal maid Jingtai heard about this by accident. What's worse, they even tried to use their children to ascend to the throne, claiming that if I get pregnant, I can be promoted to the position of imperial concubine by virtue of my child." Guaerjia Wenyuan added more details, and her words made Yixiu frown and look displeased.

"A mother becomes honored by her son? In this palace, which woman doesn't have this dream, yet she doesn't consider her own weight." Yixiu sneered.

"Yes, Queen, a mere maid dares to speak so arrogantly. If you really let her give birth to a prince, wouldn't she be so unpredictable that she would not even take you seriously?"

Guaerjia Wenyuan's words undoubtedly touched the sensitive nerves in Yixiu's heart. The news that Shen Meizhuang had successfully given birth to a child had already made her worried, and Hongshi's academic performance disappointed her. Now Li Changzai's reckless actions added fuel to the fire, giving her a headache.

But fortunately, she was well prepared and everything was under control.

"You may leave first. I already know the situation and will report it to the emperor." Yixiu's voice was filled with unquestionable majesty.

"Yes, I obey your command. I will not disturb the Queen's rest. I will take my leave." After saying this, Guarjia Wenyuan bowed and then slowly left Jingren Palace.

Seeing this, Jianqiu interrupted softly, "Your Majesty, Concubine Yu is so sure about what she said. I'm afraid this is not groundless. Concubine Li is quite confident."

Upon hearing this, Yixiu's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible coldness, and she responded calmly: "As the emperor's concubine, and pregnant with the emperor's heir, it is reasonable for her to have such thoughts. However, people tend to overestimate their own wisdom, covet things that do not belong to them, and end up in disgrace in the end."

Her words revealed a deep insight into and disdain for human weaknesses.

(Hall of Mental Cultivation)

"Your Majesty, the Queen is here." Su Peisheng reported respectfully.

"Let her in." Yinzhen ordered calmly.

"As you wish." Su Peisheng responded and stepped back.

Then Yixiu and Jianqiu walked into the palace and said softly, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. I wish you good health."

"Get up, what's the important matter, Queen?" Yinzhen asked.

"I have seen that Your Majesty has been busy with state affairs these days and is worried, so I have made the old duck soup myself. I hope Your Majesty can take care of his health." Yixiu replied gently.

"The queen is so thoughtful. You should enjoy it too." Yinzhen said gently.

"I obey your command." Yixiu sat down and spoke slowly: "Your Majesty, I have something else to report."

"What's the matter?" Before Yinzhen finished speaking, Su Peisheng hurried in again, "Your Majesty, the personal maid of Li Changzai in Chuxiu Palace, Yuexin, wants to see you. She said she has good news to tell you."

"Let her in." Yinzhen frowned slightly.

"Yes." Su Peisheng responded and stepped back.

Yue Xin then stepped in and bowed, saying, "I am Yue Xin, your servant, I pay my respects to the Emperor and the Empress."

"No need to be polite." Yinzhen said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yue Xin stood up, with a happy look on her face: "Your Majesty, my young mistress is pregnant."

"Are you serious?" Yinzhen showed a happy expression.

"It's absolutely true. Imperial Doctor Xu has confirmed that the young lady has been pregnant for more than four months." Yue Xin said with a smile.

Yinzhen narrowed his eyes when he heard this, "Four months?"

"That's right, Your Majesty. Because my lady had irregular menstruation, she had been taking medicine to regulate her period, so she had not noticed anything. This morning she suddenly felt unwell and summoned the imperial physician to treat her. Only then did she know that she was pregnant. She was extremely happy." Yue Xin explained.

Yinzhen looked at Su Peisheng, who immediately understood. After checking the daily records, he reported in a low voice. Only then did Yinzhen relax his brows.

"This is a great event. Tell your young lady to take good care of her pregnancy. I will visit her during dinner time," Yinzhen ordered.

Yue Xin was overjoyed and quickly agreed: "I will report back to you immediately."

Yinzhen waved his hand, and Yuexin and Su Peisheng left one after another. Yixiu then slowly spoke: "It seems that the emperor already knows what I want to say."

"Could it be that what the Queen said is also about this matter?" Yinzhen asked.

"That's right. I learned from Concubine Yu that Concubine Li was pregnant, but she didn't report it to the emperor in time, so I came to inform you." Yixiu replied.

"She knew she was pregnant but hid it from me?" Yinzhen said in a deep voice.

"I guess that maybe Li Chang is worried and wants to wait until the fetus is stable before reporting." Yixiu explained.

Yixiu's words made Yinzhen's face darken, and a faint chill emanated from his body, and the atmosphere became solemn.

Yixiu observed Yinzhen's words and expressions and knew that he was unhappy at the moment. After all, what he could not tolerate the most was being deceived.

But she still maintained a gentle demeanor and whispered softly, "Your Majesty is kind and virtuous. I hope you won't blame Concubine Li for this. After all, she is a new mother and may have some concerns."

Yinzhen's expression eased slightly when he heard this, and he said, "The queen is right. I will not punish you without reason, but the palace rules cannot be abolished, Su Peisheng."

"I'm here." Su Peisheng responded and stepped forward.

Yinzhen ordered: "Since Li Changzai is pregnant, she needs to be extra careful and have someone take good care of her. She is not allowed to move around without permission to avoid disturbing the fetus."

"Well, I will obey your command and make proper arrangements." Su Peisheng accepted the order. Although he felt helpless, he could only shake his head and sigh, secretly thinking about the difficulties of life in the palace.