Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

174 Li Ying Lost Her Son

Concubine Tian Li Ying, after all, failed to protect the flesh and blood in her belly. The imperial physician's diagnosis was like a bolt from the blue, announcing that the young life had been purple in color since it came into the world, and it was obvious that it had died of suffocation in the womb.

(ps: I suddenly realized that Concubine Jing and Concubine Jing have the same name, so I changed her name to Concubine Tian.)

This news made Li Ying immersed in endless sorrow, unable to extricate herself for a long time.

What is even more heartbreaking is that Doctor Xu's further assertion was like ice piercing one's bones. He told Li Ying that this loss might be a regret that she could never make up for in her lifetime, because she would never have the chance to give birth to a new life again.

Faced with this sudden blow, one can imagine Li Ying's state of mind, she was heartbroken.

In order to comfort this heartbroken woman a little, Yinzhen showed his kindness. He granted Li Ying the title of concubine. Although it was an honor, it also seemed to foreshadow her loneliness and self-healing in Chuxiu Palace.

From now on, she might face the ups and downs of life alone in the deep palace, looking for a trace of spiritual comfort in the silence, letting time pass slowly in its own survival.

(Yongshou Palace)

"Has the emperor no suspicion about this matter?" Zhen Huan asked softly, revealing a hint of worry between her brows.

"According to Imperial Physician Xu, it was because Concubine Tian worried too much during her pregnancy and her mother was weak, so the fetus unfortunately suffocated and died. After hearing this, the Emperor did not say much, but only ordered Imperial Physician Xu to take good care of Concubine Tian's body." Wen Shichu spoke slowly, his tone revealing a bit of helplessness about the complicated situation in the palace.

"The way that child passed away is surprisingly similar to the tragedy of Queen Chunyuan in the past, except that Concubine Tian survived, while Queen Chunyuan could not escape the fate's trick." Zhen Huan sighed, a deep insight into the palace struggles flashing in her eyes.

"I have checked it myself, it is a baby boy. Perhaps because of this, it is even more difficult for him to gain a foothold in the palace." Wen Shichu added, his words revealing his regret for the innocent life.

Zhen Huan heard this and sneered, "It is extremely rare for a child in the Forbidden City to be born and grow up safely. Even if they are lucky enough to come into the world, they will inevitably encounter various accidents and disappear quietly. Fortunately, I have a loyal and good man like Lord Wen by my side, so I can feel a little relieved in this turbulent time."

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is my duty and I will do my best." Wen Shichu responded humbly, his eyes full of determination and loyalty.

"So, are sister Mei and sister An's pregnancies safe and sound?" Zhen Huan turned her concern to the safety of her other sisters, her tone full of tenderness.

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Both of your maternity conditions are stable. There is no need to worry too much." Wen Shichu's answer was like a spring breeze, and Zhen Huan's frown finally relaxed.

-

On the New Year's Eve, a piece of delightful news spread in the palace: Gua Changzai in Chuxiu Palace unexpectedly received the good news that she was pregnant with a dragon during this festive occasion.

This news was like a spring breeze, quickly warming the entire Forbidden City from the winter chill.

Upon hearing the news, Empress Yixiu, fully demonstrating her motherly demeanor, immediately made a suggestion to the Emperor, suggesting that he take advantage of this auspicious sign to grant Gua Changzai special grace.

She begged the Emperor to issue an imperial decree, not only to lift the house arrest punishment that Gua Changzai had previously suffered, to show the Emperor's great grace and forgiveness of past grudges; she also proposed to exempt her from penalty salary, so that she could be free from worries during her pregnancy and take care of the baby in peace; further, the Empress also proposed to promote Gua Changzai's position, to demonstrate the royal family's emphasis and joy on the continuation of offspring.

After hearing this, Yinzhen was very pleased and immediately agreed to Yixiu's proposal. He also wrote the imperial edict in his own handwriting to bestow this favor on Chuxiu Palace.

For a time, Gua Changzai became the envy of everyone in the palace. Her residence was always crowded with people and congratulations were heard everywhere. Her glory was beyond words.

(Yuqing Palace)

Zhen Huan looked at leisurely from a distance and saw Prince Guo Yunli and Yuchan walking into the banquet side by side. The two behaved very intimately, like a fairy couple walking out of a painting, making people couldn't help but cast envious glances at them.

Perhaps it was the deep conversation between Zhen Huan and Yinzhen that day that played a subtle role, causing Yinzhen's attention to no longer be overly focused on Yu Rao.

This subtle change made Zhen Huan feel a little relieved, as if a light breeze had passed by, taking away some of the worries of the past few days.

"Today is New Year's Eve, and thousands of families are lighting up their lanterns to celebrate family reunion. I heard that Concubine Gua is pregnant with a dragon child, and I am very happy. This is a great fortune for me and the Qing Dynasty." Yinzhen smiled, his tone full of anticipation and joy for the new life.

Empress Yixiu followed closely behind, with a dignified manner. She raised the wine glass in her hand, faced Yinzhen, and said gently: "I wish Your Majesty good health and all your wishes come true. I wish our Great Qing Dynasty prosperity and eternal peace."

After that, everyone raised their glasses in response, and the hall was suddenly filled with festive joy and beautiful wishes for the future.

Zhen Huan also opened her red lips and raised her wine glass. Her eyes sparkled with tenderness. She softly echoed, "What the Queen said is very true. It is a great festival and the Noble Lady Gua is also celebrating. This is double happiness. I wish to share this joy with the Emperor and the Queen and pray for the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty to continue forever."

However, amidst the laughter and joy, there seemed to be an unknown shadow quietly passing by.

Although everyone was immersed in the festive joy, some people could not help but secretly think in their hearts that Concubine Tian's pain of losing her son had not yet completely dissipated. She was unable to attend the banquet because she needed to recuperate. Who could truly understand the loneliness and sadness she felt?

But in this situation, everyone tacitly chose to avoid talking about it, allowing this sadness to be temporarily covered up by the festive bustle.

-

The palace was covered in silver, a magnificent winter scene. In Zhen Huan's courtyard, a few red plum trees were blooming proudly, looking even more gorgeous against the white snow. The rose-red dots were like flames in winter, warm and bright, and very beautiful.

This red plum not only decorates the cold winter, but also reflects Zhen Huan's state of mind, which is tranquil with a bit of nobility and tenacity.

Zhen Huan and Yu Rao strolled hand in hand in the plum forest. They carefully selected the most beautiful red plums, intending to use them to brew the best quality plum wine.

This brew is based on Fenjiu, combining the elegance of red plums with the mellowness of wine. It takes a long time to brew to become this wonderful wine.

The two of them chatted and laughed while picking fruits, enjoying this rare sisterhood and the tranquility of winter.

Just at this moment, Yuchan walked into Zhen Huan's palace, bringing Yinluxuan's fine tea, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to this quiet afternoon.

The tea from Yinluxuan is famous for its excellent color, aroma and taste. Yuchan brought it specially this time, probably to taste it with Zhen Huan, and also to take this opportunity to visit her sister whom she had not seen for a long time.

When Zhen Huan saw Yuchan coming to visit, she was naturally delighted and quickly invited her to sit in the hall. She also ordered someone to wash the freshly picked red plums and set them aside, preparing to taste the newly brewed plum wine with Yuchan.

The hall was filled with the aroma of tea and plum blossoms. The three sisters sat together, tasting tea, talking about wine, chatting and laughing. It was so pleasant.

In this situation, it seems that even the severe cold of winter has been melted by this warmth, leaving only warmth and beauty in the room.

(Yongshou Palace)

"Eldest sister may not have noticed, but I originally accompanied the prince to visit the empress dowager. Unexpectedly, just when I arrived near the palace gate, I happened to encounter the subtle flow of feelings between my third sister and Prince Shen. It was really a coincidence." Huanbi took a sip of the fragrant tea with a sly smile on her lips.

Zhen Huan pretended to be puzzled and asked, "When did this happen quietly?"

Her cheeks flushed quietly, and her shyness was the best response to my guess, although her words were still a little vague: "Why do you say that, elder sister?"

"Shen Beile," Zhen Huan repeated clearly, her eyes locked, "When did this relationship begin?"

Yu Rao gently wrapped her hands around the thin straps on her skirt and fell into deep thought: "Maybe... time flies, I can't remember clearly."

Zhen Huan guessed with a smile: "Was it the day when we painted the masterpiece together in Ruyi Pavilion, or the moment when we first met in the corridor of the Imperial Garden?"

Yu Rao's cheeks turned redder, and she lowered her head without saying a word. Zhen Huan stared at her and asked seriously, "Do you really treat me with all your heart?"

She stroked the scattered hair, her eyes firm and bright: "Of course it's true, he treats me better than any ordinary man can."

Zhen Huan joked, "I remember someone once said that it is better to be a commoner's wife than a royal concubine. Who said this?"

Yu Rao shyly took Zhen Huan's hand and whispered, "Sister, please stop making fun of me."

She bit her red lips lightly, "He is different, he is...really good." "Is he so sure about his feelings for you?" Zhen Huan asked.

Yu Rao nodded, with a gleam of trust in her eyes: "That day when I went to the palace with my second sister, he was also there, he said...said..."

At this point, she was so shy that she almost ran away, "Anyway, I know what I'm doing."

"If you two really want to do this, I can ask the Queen Mother for permission to help you make this marriage a reality." Zhen Huan scolded with a smile, but also full of doting, "But, please don't meet in private again, so as not to cause gossip."

Yu Rao shyly agreed, and then flew out of the inner room as light as a butterfly.

After Yu Rao left, Yu Chan asked softly, "Eldest sister, have you made up your mind?"

Zhen Huan looked solemn, nodded slightly, and said thoughtfully: "You and I both know the emperor's feelings for Yu Rao. It is the best policy to marry Yu Rao off properly while the situation is still under control. I have thought about it over and over again, and I think it may not be safe for her to marry into an ordinary family. Only by becoming a royal relative can the emperor's thoughts be completely dispelled to avoid any trouble in the future."

Yuchan looked solemn and nodded, "That's true. Fortunately, Third Sister and Shen Beile have similar feelings, so this is a good thing and saves us a lot of trouble."

"You two sisters are truly blessed. I feel completely relieved that Yu Rao can find a good match like you." Zhen Huan said with emotion.

Yuchan then asked, "Where is Concubine Ping? How is she these days?"

Zhen Huan sighed, "Ping Chang Zai's character is impeccable, but the fact that she has not been pregnant for a long time is really worrying."

"Maybe we can ask Doctor Wen to go and diagnose it?" Yuchan suggested.

"This is the only way. She is loyal to us, so we must do our best to help her to repay her kindness." Zhen Huan agreed, with a hint of tenderness and determination in her eyes.