Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

167 Return of Huanbi

(Yongshou Palace)

"Your Highness, I have had several opportunities to meet Ye Da Ying. His appearance is indeed outstanding, but his personality is a bit aloof and he doesn't get close to others easily." Liu Zhu reported softly.

"Has the emperor told her where to live?" Zhen Huan asked gently.

"I heard that it was arranged by the Empress Dowager herself. It was the Empress Dowager's former residence - Suiyuxuan. It is said that Ye Ying prefers quiet places, and Suiyuxuan is just the right place, so this arrangement was made." Liu Zhu explained in detail.

"In that case, let's add a few albizzia trees to her residence and select a few emerald green clothes for her," Zhen Huan ordered.

"How does your Majesty know that Ye Da Ying prefers the color blue? Every time I met her, she was always wearing blue dresses, looking fresh and refined." Liu Zhu asked curiously.

"It was just a random guess, and I just happened to guess her preference." Zhen Huan responded with a smile, and then changed the subject, "By the way, has Huanbi not returned yet?"

"Not yet, but I received a letter from her yesterday afternoon, saying that she would be back in two days." Liu Zhu replied.

Zhen Huan nodded slightly, "In that case, you should go and prepare those matters first."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Liu Zhu agreed and left the room.

Zhen Huan whispered to herself that although entering the palace was not what she wanted, all she could do was to try her best to make life in the palace a little more comfortable and satisfying for them.

(Yanxi Palace)

"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Wen. You have been running back and forth between Sister Meizhuang and me these days. You must be exhausted." An Lingrong said gently.

"Empress Rou is too polite. This is my humble duty. It is the duty of a doctor to work tirelessly." Wen Shichu responded modestly.

"After saying this, I'm sure Doctor Wen must be thirsty. Ningxiang, quickly serve him some tea to quench his thirst." An Lingrong said considerately.

"Your Majesty is so considerate, but I need to return to the Imperial Hospital immediately." Wen Shichu declined.

"Is there any urgent matter that needs to be dealt with?" An Lingrong asked with concern.

"There are indeed several medicinal herbs whose combinations need careful consideration, so you need to return to the hospital as soon as possible." Wen Shichu explained.

"I am well aware that Lord Wen is very busy, but there are a few words from the bottom of my heart that I must say. Lord Wen is now the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and he is still young but still sits in this position. There must be many eyes watching you, so I hope that you will be careful with your words and actions and not have any thoughts of overstepping the line." An Lingrong reminded earnestly.

When Wen Shichu heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he clasped his hands together and said respectfully: "I am grateful for your teachings, Your Majesty. I will keep them in mind and will never slack off."

"In that case, Lord Wen, please go back to the Imperial Hospital and continue your work. I also need to take a rest." An Lingrong said softly.

"As you command, I'll take my leave." After Wen Shichu bowed, he left in a hurry.

-

Wen Shichu took An Lingrong's reminder to heart, so much so that after taking Shen Meizhuang's pulse, he did not dare to stay any longer, for fear of saying or doing something wrong. This caution made Shen Meizhuang quite puzzled.

That day, Wen Shichu carefully examined Shen Meizhuang's pulse as usual, and after carefully reminding her of a few daily precautions, he hurriedly stood up and was about to leave.

(Spring Hall)

However, Shen Meizhuang noticed his abnormality, but she called him with a hint of doubt: "Doctor Wen, why are you in such a hurry today? What's the urgent matter?"

Wen Shichu turned around after hearing this, with a hint of embarrassment and helplessness flashing across his face. He said softly, "It's nothing urgent, but... it's just that I've been busy lately, and I'm afraid that if I stay here any longer, I'll delay the treatment of other patients."

When Shen Meizhuang heard this, a hint of understanding flashed across her eyes, but there was also a hint of barely perceptible worry.

She said softly, "Doctor Wen, you and I have known each other for many years. If you have any questions, please speak up. Although I am in the harem, I will not refuse to help you if I can."

When Wen Shichu heard this, a warm current surged in his heart. He looked at Shen Meizhuang gratefully, but just shook his head and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine. It is my duty and I dare not slack off in the slightest."

Seeing this, Shen Meizhuang stopped asking questions and just nodded slightly, watching Wen Shichu leave.

She was secretly sad in her heart, Shichu, what are you afraid of...

-

Prince Guo's health finally recovered completely. During this period, he and Huanbi shared a rare quiet time in Prince Guo's mansion.

From the first ray of sunshine in the early morning, the two of them immersed themselves in the fragrance of books and poetry. They talked about the elegance of Tang poetry and Song lyrics, the deep emotions of Yuan opera and Ming and Qing novels, as if the hustle and bustle of the whole world was shut out outside the door.

Their conversations were sometimes as brisk as the gurgling of a brook in the woods, and sometimes as deep as the stars in the night sky. They were not limited to the exquisiteness of words and the beauty of rhythm, but also touched upon the philosophy of life and the mysteries of the universe.

With his extensive knowledge and profound thoughts, Prince Guo leads Huanbi to explore areas that she has never touched before, and Huanbi adds a bit of warmth and color to these profound discussions with her unique delicacy and sensitivity.

During this kind of communication, Huanbi gradually felt an indescribable peace and satisfaction in her heart.

She looked at the swaying bamboo shadows outside the window, listened to the occasional bird calls in the distance, and couldn't help but sigh: Perhaps, this is what people often say, "The years are quiet and good."

There is no palace intrigue, no endless struggles for power, only two hearts that understand and admire each other, savoring the sweetness and bitterness of life together in ordinary days.

She knew that such time might be short, but it gave her unprecedented peace and strength.

In the days to come, no matter how the wind and rain change, this memory will become the warmest harbor in her heart, reminding her that no matter how big and complicated the world is, there is always a pure land where she can rest her soul and enjoy the rare tranquility and beauty.

[Outside the Palace]

(Prince Guo’s Mansion)

"Your Majesty, your health means the end of my mission. It is time for me to return home." Huanbi said softly.

"Huanbi, why should we be so distant from each other?" Yunli responded gently.

"Huanbi will always remember the prince's great kindness. I am so grateful for your care over the past few days that I can't express it in words." Huanbi expressed her gratitude again.

"Actually, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren't for your meticulous care, how could I have recovered so quickly?" Prince Guo said affectionately.

"This is all thanks to Doctor Wen's superb medical skills. I just followed the doctor's instructions, diligently prepared the medicine, and urged you to take it. I really don't dare to take any credit for it." Huanbi replied modestly.

"Huanbi, you must be happy these days, right?" Yunli's words were full of tenderness.

"Your Highness, the imperial concubine in the palace needs my service, and I'm afraid I can't stay for long." Although Huanbi was reluctant in her heart, she said firmly.

"Noble Concubine Xi has always had company, and she is also blessed by the Emperor. As for me, I only wish to have you by my side." Yunli spoke earnestly.

"I will discuss this matter in detail with the Imperial Concubine, and I will inform you when there is good news." Huanbi promised.

"Okay." Yunli agreed, took out a coral bracelet from his sleeve, and slowly handed it to him, "I have treasured this for many years. I give it to you today. I hope you can understand my sincerity."

"Yunli..." Huanbi stared at him, her eyes slightly red, full of reluctance yet helplessness.

"I should go now." Huanbi said, and turned to leave.

Yunli watched Huanbi's back gradually going away, and stood alone under the green plum blossoms in the yard, without moving for a long time, as if time had stopped at this moment.

【Palace】

(Yongshou Palace)

Huanbi returned happily and announced excitedly: "My lady, I am back."

Coincidentally, Yinzhen was also present, and Huanbi's steps involuntarily froze at the threshold.

She quickly knelt and saluted, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. I did not expect you to be here. It was a complete mistake. I beg you to be magnanimous and forgive me."

Yinzhen's face was calm, with a faint smile on his lips. He turned to Zhen Huan and said, "Is my appearance really so horrifying?"

Then he said to Huanbi gently, "No need to be polite."

"I am grateful for the emperor's grace." Huanbi stood up slowly and responded softly.

In fact, it was not Huanbi's fault. When she was returning, Liuzhu and Jinxi were nowhere to be found, and even Xiao Yunzi was not by their side, which led to her careless behavior.

"You are sweating all over. Why don't you go back and change your clothes and have a good rest?" Zhen Huan said with concern.

"Yes, sir. I will withdraw now." Huanbi responded and left the inner room.

Yinzhen said leisurely: "This girl has served you for a long time, and her face really has some of your charm."

"Your Majesty is wrong. Could it be that you are not satisfied with having Ye Da Ying and even have your eyes on my personal maid?" Zhen Huan turned around with a bit of anger on her face, as if she was really angry.

Yinzhen looked at her like this, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise, "I just said it casually, and you are jealous?"

Seeing that Zhen Huan was still silent, Yinzhen continued, "I prefer the way you are jealous of me. It has a unique flavor and is very cute."

"I heard that you sent cassia flowers and brocade for making clothes to Concubine Ye, and I thought my Huanhuan was extremely generous. I never thought that I would be so jealous, and the sour smell filled the entire hall." Yinzhen laughed loudly.

Zhen Huan sighed softly, "Your Majesty really loves to make fun of me. Although I am powerless to stop you from taking new people, as your concubine, I should set an example and be a role model."

Yinzhen slowly looked around, with a hint of tenderness in his tone: "Why isn't my aunt here with you today?"

Zhen Huan answered in her usual gentle manner: "Yu Rao took Hong Zhou and Long Yue to play in Concubine Jing's palace. I'm afraid they won't be back until the evening."

Yinzhen sighed softly when he heard this, "I see. I missed the warm time with them."

Zhen Huan heard this, and a complex emotion surged in her heart. She half jokingly and half seriously asked, "Your Majesty, have you really thought of taking Yu Rao into the harem? I dare to ask Your Majesty for your explicit advice."

As soon as these words came out, Yinzhen's face suddenly became solemn. Zhen Huan's heart tightened, but she didn't care about much and continued to pour out her heart: "My wish in this life is just to find a good man, to know each other and stay together until old age. However, things are unpredictable, and I can no longer have extravagant hopes. But my sister, her life, I must protect her and not let her repeat my mistakes."

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen quickly grabbed Zhen Huan's hand and explained in a sincere tone: "Huan Huan, you are really worrying too much. I have no intention of taking Yu Rao as my concubine. I suddenly remembered some government affairs and need to return to the Yangxin Palace to deal with them immediately, so I plan to leave."

After saying this, there was a barely noticeable haste in Yinzhen's steps.

Seeing this, Zhen Huan quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Your Highness, I respectfully send you off."

She watched Yinzhen's back as he left, feeling mixed emotions.

He is deeply worried about his sister's future, as well as helpless and sad about his own fate.

But she knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, she had to keep going, for her sister and for herself.