Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

157 Little Yinzhen, captured!

(Qingliang Hall)

On this day, Zhen Huan sat in front of her desk, concentrating on writing with a brush in an effort to calm her mind.

She used light yellow rice paper, on which were engraved delicate small regular script characters like hairpin flowers. Every stroke was exceptionally clear, revealing a gentle and beautiful charm.

The light smoke rising from the stove spreads slowly in the air. It is the fragrance of sandalwood, spreading leisurely, as if it can purify the soul, calm people and achieve a state of unity of mind and body.

"Your Majesty, you have been working at the desk for more than half a day. My eyes are sore from watching you." Liu Zhu muttered softly.

"Pick up the pen and think quietly. Anyway, I have nothing to do in my spare time, so I will use the fragrance of ink to dispel my morning laziness." After Zhen Huan finished speaking, she seemed to have a flash of inspiration and raised her eyes to ask, "Where is Hongzhou playing now?"

"The Seventh Prince followed the Sixth Prince to the Empress Dowager's Changchun Fairy Pavilion, and is currently chatting and laughing with the Eighth Prince and the Empress Dowager." Liu Zhu answered respectfully.

"I see. Then you should prepare some exquisite snacks and send them to Changchun Fairy House later. Remember to prepare the date paste and yam cake that Sister Meizhuang loves. Don't let her down." Zhen Huan ordered.

"Then your Majesty, aren't you going with us?" Liu Zhu asked curiously.

"Although the emperor has not come recently, as a concubine, I must not forget my duties. Please bring the ginseng soup carefully prepared in the small kitchen. I want to personally deliver it to the Qinzheng Palace to show my care and concern." Zhen Huan finished speaking.

Liu Zhu quickly agreed: "As you wish, I will prepare it immediately."

-

After some preparation, Zhen Huan entered the Qinzheng Palace with Huanbi.

Today, she is wearing an elegant silver-white Manchu dress embroidered with soft pink gentian patterns, adding a touch of freshness and elegance.

The flowers in her hair were not overly decorated, but only lightly embellished with a rose gold hairpin. This hairpin was given to her by Yinzhen, and she always cherished it and wore it often.

A few strings of crystal clear agate earrings swayed on her ears, and a white jade bracelet as smooth as jade was wrapped around her wrist. The overall outfit made her look more gentle and quiet.

(Geonjeongjeon)

At this moment, a melodious pipa melody lingered in the hall. It was the masterpiece that Mei Changzai and Mei Yue were good at - "Three Variations on Plum Blossoms".

The melody flows like a clear spring, and every note and symbol reveals her affectionate interpretation of the nobleness of the plum blossom, which is intoxicating.

When Su Peisheng saw Zhen Huan entering the palace, he immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said respectfully: "Your servant greets the Imperial Concubine, may the Imperial Concubine be blessed with good health."

"Eunuch Su, please don't be polite." Zhen Huan responded gently, and then opened her red lips and asked, "But Mei Changzai is accompanying the emperor in the inner room, playing the zither to entertain the emperor?"

Su Peisheng replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, it was Mei who agreed to this. The Emperor said that reviewing memorials was very stressful and he missed the sound of Mei's pipa, so he specially ordered her to come and play "Three Variations on Plum Blossoms."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan smiled softly and said helplessly, "In that case, my visit at this moment is rather unfortunate."

Seeing this, Su Peisheng quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "If your Majesty is not in a hurry, I would like to go inside and report on your behalf. Please wait for a moment, okay?"

Zhen Huan nodded in agreement and thanked him graciously, "Then I'll trouble Eunuch Su to inform you. I'll be waiting for good news here."

After Su Peisheng stepped into the inner room, the sound of the pipa that was originally flowing in the hall suddenly stopped. After a moment, it slowly resumed, like a drizzle moistening the earth, adding a bit of tranquility.

Soon, Su Peisheng appeared again and respectfully reported to Zhen Huan: "Your Majesty, the Emperor is currently immersed in the music played by Mei Ying, so it is inconvenient to summon you immediately."

Zhen Huan heard this and a gentle smile flashed across her face. She said softly, "In this case, I would like to trouble Eunuch Su to deliver the ginseng soup I prepared to the inner room and convey my concern for the emperor. I hope the emperor will take good care of his health and not work too hard."

"Yes, Your Majesty, don't worry. I will definitely convey Your Majesty's wishes to the Emperor." Su Peisheng replied.

Zhen Huan nodded gently, and then said gently: "Since this is the case, I will not disturb you any more and will take my leave first."

After saying this, she turned around and walked lightly towards the sedan chair that had been prepared.

"Your Majesty, please take care. Your servant will see you off respectfully." Su Peisheng bowed and watched Zhen Huan's sedan chair slowly leave until it disappeared from his sight.

-

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has not come to Qingliang Palace to visit you recently. Why do you bother yourself and try to please him?" Huanbi's words were spoken in a moderate volume, just enough to be clearly heard by the two.

Zhen Huan glanced at him calmly, then said slowly: "Whether the emperor is willing to see me is his decision. How can I give others a handle to avoid being accused of not fulfilling my duties as a concubine in the future?"

"Does the emperor really believe in that vague celestial prophecy so much?" Huanbi couldn't help but ask.

"How can we easily guess what the emperor is thinking? Now that the Eighth Prince is in the Empress Dowager's arms, the matter is settled and there is no need to mention it again." Zhen Huan's tone was gentle but firm.

"I understand, and I will follow your instructions," Huanbi replied respectfully.

"My father has now returned home to recuperate. Although I am a noble concubine, I do not have a prominent family to support me. If anything goes wrong, I am afraid that I will have difficulty keeping my position, and it will be too late to save the situation." Zhen Huan's words revealed a bit of helplessness and worry.

At this moment, Huanbi's eyes seemed to catch something, and she suddenly whispered, "My queen, look, isn't that the concubine from Huifang Academy? Why is she here alone?"

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan looked in the direction indicated by Huanbi and saw Fan Ruowan standing by the lake. She seemed to be busy with something with her hands. There were no pearls or jade in her hair, and she was wearing a light blue palace dress that swayed in the wind, making her look particularly elegant.

"Stop the sedan, Huanbi, let's go over and take a look." Zhen Huan ordered softly.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Huanbi agreed, then carefully supported Zhen Huan, and the two slowly walked to the lake.

"Mr. Ping is in a good mood. What are you doing here?" Zhen Huan asked with a smile in a gentle voice.

Fan Ruowan turned around upon hearing the voice and saw that it was Zhen Huan. She quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you. May your Highness be blessed with good health."

"No need to be so polite. I was just about to return to Qingliang Palace, and when I saw you here, I came over to visit you." Zhen Huan's tone was gentle, full of concern.

"I was just bored, so I played with the koi in the lake. I'm sorry to make you laugh, Your Majesty." Fan Ruowan answered softly with a shy look on her face.

"In that case, why don't you come to my Qingliang Palace to take a rest for a while. I'm also worried about having no one to chat with." Zhen Huan invited warmly.

"How dare I refuse your Majesty's kindness? But I am in a bad mood and my clothes are simple at the moment, so I am afraid it might be abrupt." Fan Ruowan was a little hesitant.

"The lotus in clear water has natural beauty and needs no embellishment. My sister looks even more refined in this way." Zhen Huan comforted her with joking words, her words full of admiration.

"Then I will respectfully obey your order and go to my sister's palace to have a chat." Fan Ruowan agreed happily. The two smiled at each other and walked towards Qingliang Palace hand in hand.

(Qingliang Hall)

The moment you step into the Qingliang Hall, a light and elegant jasmine fragrance wafts over you, blending cleverly with the sweet-scented osmanthus scent that inadvertently slips in from the window, creating an indescribable feeling of freshness and elegance.

Zhen Huan gently took Fan Ruowan's hand and led her into the inner room, which was already a warm and peaceful scene.

Liuzhu and Jinxi, two caring maids, had already arranged everything in order.

Exquisite tea sets and various snacks were placed on the table, with a tempting sweet aroma in the steam, obviously specially prepared for this unexpected gathering.

"Sister, please sit down and try this newly picked Longjing tea in spring to see if it suits your taste." After Zhen Huan finished speaking, Jin Xi beside her elegantly picked up the teapot, and the thin stream of tea added a touch of emerald green to Fan Ruowan's teacup.

The fragrance of tea rises and permeates the air, as if even time has slowed down, immersing oneself in this rare tranquility and elegance.

Fan Ruowan took the teacup with both hands, slightly opened her red lips, took a sip, and then a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

"Sister, what you said is true. This tea is indeed top-notch, with a refreshing fragrance and a long aftertaste. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to taste such good tea. Thank you for your kindness." Her words were filled with sincere gratitude, and her voice was gentle and pleasant.

Zhen Huan heard this and smiled slightly, "I'm glad you like it, sister. Although this palace is prosperous, it also hides countless unknown loneliness. It's rare to meet a confidant and talk about the ups and downs with him."

So, the two of them began their casual chat amid the aroma of tea.

Zhen Huan is talented and eloquent. Although Fan Ruowan is not as literary as her, her unique gentleness and delicacy make the conversation full of warmth and harmony.

"Sister, have you heard that there is an urgent message circulating privately in the palace recently, saying that the war situation on the border is tense, which makes the emperor worried and unable to let go." Fan Ruowan cleverly changed the subject and touched upon the delicate taboo topic in the palace.

After hearing this, Zhen Huan's brows flashed with worry, and she said softly: "I have also heard about this matter, but women in the harem are not allowed to interfere in government affairs. What can we do? We can only pray silently for the emperor, praying that our Qing Dynasty will be stable and the people will live and work in peace and contentment."

"Sister, you are right. It is true that we cannot directly relieve the emperor's worries, but it is our responsibility to provide spiritual comfort to the best of our ability." Fan Ruowan's words were gentle and firm, revealing her unquestionable sincerity.

Zhen Huan nodded in agreement and made plans secretly in her mind.

She knew very well that in the harem, beneath the surface of peace, there were hidden waves, and every step had to be taken carefully and cautiously.

As a royal concubine, she needs to set an example, both to protect her own safety and to take into account the stability of the overall situation.

"Sister, what you said is very convincing. People in the palace are treacherous. We need to be more cautious and careful in our actions and not believe what others say easily." Zhen Huan reminded her earnestly.

Fan Ruowan nodded in agreement, and the two continued their conversation, and the atmosphere became more harmonious.

Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun gently shines on the lake, shining with golden light, which complements the warm atmosphere in the room, as if even the pace of time has slowed down.

As night falls quietly, palace lanterns light up one by one, adding a bit of coziness and warmth to this cold night.

Zhen Huan and Fan Ruowan talked deeply, and did not say goodbye until late at night.

"It is my honor to have the chance to talk with you today. I will definitely visit you again in the future to share any unfinished business with you." Fan Ruowan stood up and said goodbye, with a sincere and warm smile on her face.

"Take care, sister. I look forward to our next reunion." Zhen Huan personally escorted her out of the palace.

-

"Your Majesty, I see that Concubine Ping is here and it seems that she hasn't seen your Majesty for many days. Do you need your Majesty to mediate?" Huanbi asked in a soft voice.

"If she is a smart person, she will have the opportunity to meet the emperor tonight. If she doesn't understand the mystery, even if I try my best to explain it to her, it will be in vain," Zhen Huan responded calmly.

"Where is Longyue?" Zhen Huan asked with concern.

"The princess is now at Concubine Jing's place. After having dinner with Princess Xiyou, Concubine Jing will send someone to take her back later." Huanbi replied respectfully.

"Yes." Zhen Huan nodded slightly. Just as she was about to say something else, she saw Xiao Yunzi hurriedly walking in from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived." Xiao Yunzi reported.

"Your Majesty? Why are you visiting us suddenly at this moment?" Zhen Huan looked surprised.

"I am stupid and don't know the reason. I only heard that the emperor originally went to Huifang Academy, but left after a while. Then he ordered to come to our Qingliang Palace." Xiao Yunzi reported truthfully.

"I understand. The emperor has come here at this time and may not have had his meal yet. Go to the kitchen quickly and prepare the food that the emperor likes." Zhen Huan ordered.

"Yes, sir. I'll do it right away." Xiao Yunzi responded and retreated.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor is visiting at this moment. Could it be that Concubine Ping said something to the Emperor?" Huanbi looked puzzled.

"She is indeed quite clever. She was able to lure the emperor here with ease." Zhen Huan smiled faintly. Before she finished her words, Yinzhen had already arrived in front of Qingliang Palace.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you. May your Majesty be blessed with long-lasting happiness and good health." Zhen Huan was dressed in daily clothes and had a dignified demeanor. Yinzhen's eyes inadvertently fell on the rose hairpin in her hair, and ripples arose in his heart.

Yinzhen walked forward quickly, naturally helped Zhen Huan up, and asked with concern: "Why are your hands so cold? Why don't you wait in the palace?"

Although Zhen Huan was thinking in her heart, you came just when I was about to go in, what a coincidence.

But her face flushed, and she whispered softly: "I was just anxious. I haven't seen the emperor for a long time, so I wanted to welcome him earlier. Unexpectedly, I ran into the emperor here by chance."

"In that case, let's go in together." After Yinzhen said this, he gently took Zhen Huan's hand, and the two of them walked into the Qingliang Palace side by side.

-

Under the flickering candlelight, Zhen Huan's face looked particularly gentle, and she was gazing at Yinzhen with eyes as soft as water.

"Silang, no matter how busy the state affairs are, please take care of your health. I am really worried about you and I can't help but feel distressed." Zhen Huan whispered softly.

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen's eyes revealed a trace of inquiry, and he slowly asked: "I see that you look haggard, are you worried about something?"

At this time, Huanbi carefully answered the question in a gentle voice: "Your Majesty, I know that your Majesty is working hard for the country and is worried about state affairs, but as a member of the harem, I am powerless to help your Majesty. Therefore, I copy scriptures day and night and pray for your Majesty silently, hoping that your Majesty can put his worries to rest as soon as possible."

Zhen Huan pretended to be angry and gently scolded: "You are such a talkative girl. How can you casually mention these things in front of the emperor?"

"I'm just worried about the health of the Empress. Your Majesty, you don't know that the Empress has been having trouble sleeping in recent days and has been feeling dizzy from time to time." Huanbi continued to explain, her words full of concern.

Just as Zhen Huan was about to speak, Yin Zhen gently interrupted her: "Huan Huan, are you going to continue hiding this from me? Look at the barely noticeable green shadow under your eyes."

"As long as Silang can solve my problems, all the efforts Huanhuan has made will be worthwhile." Zhen Huan said softly.

Yinzhen sighed distressedly: "It's all my fault. I haven't been able to come and visit you in person for too long."

"Han Huan knows in his heart that Si Lang is busy with important matters concerning the country and the people." Zhen Huan responded gently.

Afterwards, Yinzhen gently held Zhen Huan's hand, and they smiled at each other, their eyes filled with deep affection, as if they were the only ones left in the whole world.

Gradually, the room became so quiet that only the sound of their soft breathing could be heard. The bed curtains slowly fell, covering up all the gentle scenes in the room.

The bright moon outside the window seemed to have sensed this sentiment and shyly hid in the thick clouds, no longer spying on the warm scenes inside the room.

That night, the two of them shared a sweet dream, intoxicated by the tenderness and peace given to each other.