Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

155 The Emperor's Selfishness and Coldness

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"Youth pays his respects to the Empress Dowager." Yinzhen bowed respectfully.

“No need to be so polite.” Wu Ya Chengbi’s voice was filled with the laziness of waking up in the morning, and there was still a hint of sleepiness at the edges of his eyes.

Yinzhen slowly sat down on the soft couch on the other side, gently fiddling with a string of green beads in his hand. His mind seemed to be filled with a myriad of thoughts that were difficult to fathom.

Wu Ya Chengbi spoke slowly, with a bit of concern in her tone: "What has the emperor been busy with these days? Why don't you tell me?"

"My son has been discussing state affairs with court officials in the Qinzheng Hall these days. For a moment, I neglected the etiquette of paying respects to the Empress Dowager. It is truly my fault," Yinzhen answered sincerely, revealing a hint of self-blame in his words.

"These trivial matters are not worth mentioning. I know that you have a lot of state affairs to deal with. I am afraid that you will neglect your diet due to your busy schedule. Therefore, I have ordered the imperial kitchen to carefully prepare medicinal meals. You can stay here and have meals with me." Wu Ya Chengbi said gently.

"Since the Empress Dowager is so kind, then I should respectfully obey your order and taste the delicious medicinal food." Yinzhen responded with a smile, his tone full of gratitude and anticipation.

"Zhuxi, bring the medicinal food up." Wu Ya Chengbi ordered softly.

"Yes, sir." Zhu Xi responded, then turned and gestured to the palace maids waiting on the side.

Soon, a bowl of steaming medicinal food was brought to Yinzhen.

Zhu Xi introduced carefully: "This is a medicinal diet carefully prepared by the Imperial Hospital. It has the miraculous effect of nourishing qi and blood. Please taste it, Your Majesty."

Yinzhen looked at Zhuxi with gratitude in his eyes and said, "Aunt, thank you for your concern. It's such a small matter that you have to take care of it in person."

Zhu Xi quickly responded humbly: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I have been serving the Empress Dowager for many years and I will do my best. I dare not slack off in the slightest."

After Yinzhen tasted the medicinal food, as if the essence of the medicine had taken effect, or for some other reason, his eyes became exceptionally bright and his mind became unusually clear.

He exclaimed: "The medicated diet of the Empress Dowager is truly extraordinary. After drinking it, my son felt refreshed and his body and mind were greatly relieved."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yachengbi smiled with satisfaction. She said softly, "This is all thanks to the great medical skills of Doctor Wen. I just ordered someone to boil it and send it to you. Since you think it is effective, I will ask Su Peisheng to prepare some for you in the future. Taking it regularly will greatly benefit your body."

"I wonder what important matter the Empress Dowager summoned her son to discuss today?" Yinzhen went straight to the point.

A trace of worry flashed across Wu Ya Chengbi's brows. She said slowly, "I have also heard about that incident. After all, the Eighth Prince is just a baby in swaddling clothes. How much trouble can he cause? After all, he is the emperor's own flesh and blood. How could you bear to do that to him?"

Yinzhen's face changed slightly when he heard this. He said in a deep voice, "When my son was young, he also grew up under someone else's lap. At that time, the Empress Dowager never hesitated. Why are you so soft-hearted towards the Eighth Prince now?"

Wu Ya Chengbi felt a pang of pain when she heard this. She hurriedly explained, "I had no choice at that time. I didn't dare to take you back until I finally had some status. How could you fully understand the various hardships? Emperor, can't you understand my feelings?"

Yinzhen's tone was filled with a barely perceptible bitterness. He continued, "Then, please understand me, Empress Dowager. This Qing dynasty can only belong to me. Even if I want to pass on the throne in the future, I have to wait until I am no longer able to steer the ship. This dynasty was not easy to come by. Empress Dowager knows this very well. I am afraid that this foundation will be destroyed in an instant."

"But no matter what, the Eighth Prince is just an innocent baby after all." There was a hint of helplessness and pity in Wu Ya Chengbi's tone.

Yinzhen sighed softly and explained, "That is why I only ordered people to take him to Baohua Palace to pray for blessings, and did not impose any more harsh punishments on him."

Seeing that the matter was settled, Wu Ya Chengbi no longer insisted and instead suggested: "Then let the Eighth Prince be raised here by me. Following me in worshipping Buddha and chanting sutras may help him stay away from the disturbances of the palace."

After Yinzhen pondered for a moment, he nodded and said, "This is a very good arrangement. Let's follow the Empress Dowager's wishes."

After saying this, Yinzhen stood up and prepared to leave. He said with concern: "The Empress Dowager should also take care of her health and work less."

After saying this, Yinzhen turned and left.

Wu Ya Chengbi was left sitting alone on the couch, feeling mixed emotions that could not calm down for a long time.

She looked into the distance, as if she was thinking about something, or as if she was recalling the past.

"Zhu Xi, do you think I really made the wrong decision?" After a long period of contemplation, Wu Ya Chengbi finally spoke, with a bit of confusion and self-blame in his tone.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xi quickly comforted her, "Queen Dowager, what happened that day was a choice you made out of helplessness. It was not your wish. Please don't blame yourself too much."

However, Wu Ya Chengbi's worries did not dissipate. She continued, "But the emperor seems to be unable to let go of that matter, and even implicated the fourteenth prince... This makes me feel very uneasy."

When she said this, her words revealed an indescribable bitterness and helplessness.

Seeing this, Zhu Xi became even more worried and advised: "Queen Mother, you should relax and take good care of yourself. Leave the rest to the Emperor and the ministers in the court. If things don't work out, there is still the Queen."

Wu Ya Chengbi shook her head gently and sighed, "I know my own body well, but I'm afraid that my old bones can't protect the Eighth Prince for much longer." Her eyes were full of uncertainty and worry about the future.

Zhu Xi felt a pang in his heart when he heard this. He tried hard to hold back the tears in his eyes and said firmly, "Queen Mother, you will definitely live a long life. With you here, the Eighth Prince will have one more person to rely on."

Wu Ya Chengbi smiled bitterly and continued, "I already know who is behind this incident, but the funny thing is that I can do nothing about her and cannot seek justice for the crimes she committed." At this point, her tone was full of helplessness and indignation.

Zhu Xi stood silently by and accompanied Wu Ya Chengbi quietly. Although she could not say any words of comfort, her company itself was the greatest support for Wu Ya Chengbi.

(Taohuawu)

Jianqiu hurriedly walked in from the door, bowed respectfully to Empress Yixiu, and then reported: "Your Majesty, there is news from Changchun Xianguan that the Queen Mother has decided to raise the Eighth Prince herself."

When Empress Yixiu heard this, the scripture in her hand slipped away. She raised her head, her face full of confusion and puzzlement: "Empress Dowager? How can this matter be related to the Empress Dowager?"

Jian Qiu replied, "It is said that Concubine Xi and Concubine Hui went to the Empress Dowager to appeal, and then the Emperor went to see the Empress Dowager again, and then changed his original decision."

Upon hearing this, Yixiu sneered, "The Queen Mother's move is nothing more than to preserve the royal bloodline and protect the lives of the royal heirs."

She sighed softly, as if she was tired of all the calculations in the palace, "Forget it, since the Queen Mother has intervened in this matter, let the Eighth Prince recuperate with the Queen Mother."

After saying this, she picked up the scripture again, but seemed unable to recite it calmly.

(Bitong Academy)

"Don't worry, sister. The Queen Mother loves you very much and will never let the Emperor act like this. She will take care of the matter for you." Concubine Rou An Lingrong comforted gently.

"Your Majesty, please eat something. You haven't had a grain of rice or a drop of water in the past two days. What if your body is hurt?" Caiyue pleaded worriedly.

Concubine Hui Shen Meizhuang gently shook her head and sighed, "I have a knot in my heart and it's hard for me to eat. It's really hard on my body."

"Sister Mei, I have been feeling a little unwell these days. Hongyang is young, so I would like to ask you to take care of him for a few days, is that okay?" An Lingrong said with a hint of request in her tone.

"I appreciate your kindness, but I'm afraid my current appearance will scare the child. It would be better to find someone else." Shen Meizhuang declined.

At this time, Cai Xing hurriedly walked in, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty Roufei, Doctor Wen is outside the door."

"Please invite Doctor Wen in quickly," An Lingrong ordered.

Cai Xing left immediately. Not long after, Wen Shi entered the palace and said, "Your humble servant greets the Empress Hui and the Empress Rou. May the Empress be blessed with good health and good health."

"Did Doctor Wen bring any news?" Shen Meizhuang asked anxiously.

Wen Shichu shook his head slightly. "I am here on the orders of Imperial Concubine Xi to diagnose the pulse of Imperial Concubine Hui."

"Huan'er...why doesn't she come to see me in person?" Shen Meizhuang was upset when she heard that.

"Sister, calm down first and listen to what Doctor Wen has to say." An Lingrong comforted her.

Wen Shichu continued, "Imperial Concubine Xi asked me to tell you not to worry too much. The Empress Dowager has personally inquired about this matter. Please relax and wait for good news."

"Sister can finally feel at ease now." An Lingrong said softly.

"I am willing to carefully prepare some nourishing soups for Your Majesty to alleviate your pale face. After all, if you are not in good health, how can you take on the responsibility of taking care of the Eighth Prince?" Wen Shichu consoled gently.

"When the storm is coming, it's hard to calm down. Even if you drink all the best medicine in the world, it's hard to soothe the anxiety and worry in your heart." Shen Meizhuang sighed.

At this moment, Cai Xing's voice sounded again, like a gentle breeze, "Your Majesty, Concubine Xi has arrived."

As soon as the words fell, Zhen Huan's familiar and warm voice came from outside the door: "Sister Mei."

"Huan'er, the emperor..." There was a barely perceptible glimmer of anticipation in Shen Meizhuang's eyes, and her gaze instantly became bright.

"Don't worry, sister. The Emperor has decided to entrust the Eighth Prince to the care of the Empress Dowager. Now, you can finally rest assured. Although I can't be with him day and night, at least I can ensure his safety." Zhen Huan whispered to comfort her.

Shen Meizhuang nodded slightly, "I understand. This is indeed the most prudent arrangement at the moment."

"When the time is right, I will find a way to allow the Eighth Prince to stay with us more." Zhen Huan promised.

"It's also a good thing to be with the Queen Mother, away from the disputes and noise of the palace. After we return to the palace, I will beg the Queen Mother to let me move to the vicinity of Shoukang Palace. This way, I can visit him often and give him more care." Shen Meizhuang already had a plan in mind.

"That couldn't be better." Zhen Huan responded in agreement.