Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

054 Epidemic

In early spring, a serious epidemic suddenly broke out in the palace, the root cause of which was infection by unhealthy air.

The epidemic initially spread among low-ranking palace maids and eunuchs who were doing menial work. At first, they only suffered mild headaches and fever, but then the symptoms quickly worsened, with swelling of the neck, blocked chin, and unbearable pain.

The epidemic spread at an alarming speed. Once one person got sick, the disease quickly spread to the entire room, and then from one room to the entire palace.

People in the palace were in panic. In order to curb the further spread of the epidemic, they began to burn mugwort leaves everywhere, hoping to dispel the disease in this way.

However, even with such measures, the palace maids and eunuchs still felt insecure, worrying that they would be the next to be infected.

(Yikun Palace)

Su Xi rushed into the palace with a horrified look on his face, and reported breathlessly: "Madam, something has happened. Xiao Guizi, who is in charge of chores, he...he has contracted the epidemic."

"What?" Concubine Hua heard this and a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes, "How could this happen? Isn't he in good health on weekdays?"

"I don't know either." Su Xi explained quickly, "He has had a headache since this morning, and then he developed a fever and weakness. The symptoms are very obvious."

Concubine Hua frowned and ordered decisively: "Quick, throw out all the things he used and destroy them immediately, and then burn them with mugwort to dispel the disease. We must not let the epidemic spread in the palace."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have already given the order and everything is proceeding according to your instructions." Su Xi responded quickly.

Seeing this, Cao Qinmo, who was standing by, quickly comforted her, "My queen, don't worry too much. We have taken measures and I believe we will be able to control the epidemic soon."

However, Concubine Hua was still worried: "How can I not worry? If this matter is not handled properly, it will surely cause panic in the palace, and the consequences will be disastrous."

-

The Queen Mother, the Empress, and the concubines all burned incense and prayed for God's mercy, but the spread of the epidemic did not stop.

Although the doctors at the Imperial Medical Bureau tried their best, their efforts were like a drop in the bucket and could not alleviate the urgent need.

As the number of people infected by the epidemic continued to rise, the death toll in the palace also continued to grow.

This sudden disaster shrouded the entire court in fear and despair.

Faced with such a situation, Yinzhen was extremely anxious.

He was worried day and night, unable to sleep or eat, concerned about the safety of everyone in the palace. At the same time, he felt helpless at not being able to find an effective treatment method.

His body gradually became thinner and his spirit became increasingly weaker.

However, Yinzhen did not give up.

He knew very well that as an emperor, he must step forward and lead everyone to face this disaster together.

-

Deep in the palace, the herbal aroma released by the burning of mugwort and atractylodes lancea wafted into the air, filling the entire palace. The unique herbal scent made people frown slightly.

In Yongxiang outside the palace gate, strong liquor was spilled all over the ground. Its mellow aroma was intertwined with the smell of herbs, creating a unique atmosphere.

As time went on, even vinegar was moved into every corner of the palace and boiled to dispel the plague. Its sour smell intertwined with the previous aroma of herbs and wine, forming a complex and unique atmosphere.

(Smashed Jade Pavilion)

Zhen Huan was also very worried at this moment. The Queen had already ordered that Atractylodes lancea be distributed to each palace. Now Atractylodes lancea was burning in each palace and the scent of the herb filled the air.

Fortunately, Shen Meizhuang was not punished with house arrest this time, nor was she infected with the epidemic. She was fine and free from any suffering.

However, Liu Bin's whereabouts became a mystery and could not be found no matter what.

Zhen Huan couldn't help but wonder why everything seemed to have deviated from its original track.

Xia Dongchun unfortunately passed away due to dystocia, and Lingrong moved to Suiyuxuan because she was pregnant. Although Sister Mei was safe, her attitude towards the emperor was still cold.

But Liu Bin couldn't be found, which made everything even more confusing...

Zhen Huan always felt that the various changes in this life were completely different from those in the previous life and were difficult to understand.

She couldn't help but begin to reflect on what these changes meant and what fate they would lead her to.

At this moment, Xiao Yunzi hurried in, interrupting Zhen Huan's meditation. His face was filled with joy, and he said respectfully: "My lady, I came to congratulate you."

Zhen Huan raised her head in confusion, "What good news?" She wondered in her heart, could it be that the missing Liu Bin has been found?

"Liu Bin was found!" Xiao Yunzi replied, his voice full of joy.

A smile instantly appeared on Zhen Huan's face, but it quickly faded.

She was worried that Yinzhen would just give Nian Shilan a verbal warning like he did in his previous life, and would not give her any real punishment.

"Xiao Yunzi, go and report to the emperor immediately," Zhen Huan ordered.

"Yes, I obey your command." Xiao Yunzi responded and then turned and left.

Zhen Huan turned to Jin Xi, "Jin Xi, come with me to see the emperor."

Jin Xi agreed, and the master and servant immediately walked out of the door of Shui Yuxuan.

(Hall of Mental Cultivation)

Yinzhen was extremely busy with the epidemic at the moment, and his face was full of fatigue and helplessness.

Just as he was deep in thought, Su Peisheng's voice broke the silence: "Your Majesty, Lady Wan requests to see you."

Yinzhen raised his head and frowned slightly, "Why did she come here so late?"

Su Peisheng thought for a moment and replied, "I also find it strange. Maybe there is something urgent going on."

Yinzhen thought for a moment, then ordered, "Please ask her to come in."

A moment later, Zhen Huan came in gracefully. She bowed slightly and said in a soft and respectful voice: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you."

Yinzhen motioned for her to stand up, and then asked with concern: "It's so late, do you have something urgent to talk to me about?"

Zhen Huan glanced at Su Peisheng gently, and then Yinzhen said, "You all leave."

After hearing this, Su Peisheng immediately bowed and quietly left the hall.

Only Zhen Huan and Yin Zhen were left in the palace. Zhen Huan called softly, "Little Yun Zi."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yunzi walked in with a disheveled, ragged, and dirty man.

The man was being escorted by Xiao Yunzi, with his head lowered, looking extremely embarrassed.

A complex emotion flashed across Zhen Huan's eyes. She turned to Liu Bin on the ground and said sharply, "Why don't you raise your head in front of the emperor?"

Yinzhen looked at Zhen Huan in confusion. Zhen Huan just glanced at Liu Bin. The man seemed to feel the chill, his body trembled violently, and then he slowly raised his head.

It was the long-missing Liu Bin.

When Yinzhen saw him, he was stunned at first, then his eyes quickly turned cold, and he asked in a cold tone: "Why is it you?"

Liu Bin was so frightened by Yinzhen's tone that he immediately fell to the ground, not daring to say a word.

Zhen Huan looked at Yinzhen and spoke slowly, "I have always had doubts in my heart. I thought that An Changzai would not pretend to be pregnant with the heir just to win favor. Therefore, I secretly ordered people to track down the missing Liu Bin. After untold hardships, we finally found him at the border of Yongzhou and brought him back to the capital."

Zhen Huan paused, a hint of worry in her tone: "If it is really discovered that Concubine An is not pregnant, I really don't know how she will face it all."

Hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Liu Bin's eyes, but then quickly disappeared. He knew very well that he was in a desperate situation at the moment and could no longer escape his responsibilities.

Yinzhen was silent for a moment, then issued a cold warning to Liu Bin: "I will not torture you to extract a confession, but you must remember that if I find out that any of your words today are untrue in the future, I will make you suffer a pain worse than death."

When Liu Bin heard this, his body trembled violently, as if he was enveloped by a chill and shivered all over.

Upon seeing this, Zhen Huan suddenly smiled gently, but this smile revealed an unquestionable firmness.

She said to Liu Bin, "Sir Liu, you can choose not to say anything, but if you remain silent now, I will immediately drive you out of the palace. You should know that outside the capital, there are countless eyes staring at you. I'm afraid you will be beheaded before you can even leave the capital."

Liu Bin's voice was hoarse, and he said tremblingly: "An Changzai...she...she is really not pregnant."

Yinzhen interrupted him impatiently: "I already know this."

Liu Bin kowtowed twice more and said in a trembling voice, "In fact, Concubine An didn't know she was not pregnant. When I was helping my lady to stay pregnant, she did not have her period and had symptoms of dizziness and vomiting. But those were not signs of pregnancy, but the result of taking medicine. However, before I felt my lady's pulse, I had received an order that no matter what the pulse was, I had to report that it was a pregnancy."

Yinzhen's eyes flashed with coldness, and he asked in a serious tone: "By order? By whose order?"

Liu Bin hesitated again and again, stammering and not daring to speak.

Seeing this, Zhen Huan sneered and said, "Since she wants to kill you to silence you, how long do you plan to keep it a secret for her? Are you going to take this secret to the underworld and become a ghost?"

Liu Bin was frightened by Zhen Huan's words and finally uttered two words with difficulty: "Hua...Hua Fei."

Yinzhen's expression was normal, but his eyes were deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

He stared at Liu Bin and said slowly, "If you tell me even a lie, I will never forgive you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bin kowtowed desperately and said, "I dare not. What I said is true. On that day, Concubine Hua gave me silver and ordered me to leave the capital to avoid danger, saying that someone would meet me outside the city. But as soon as I left the city, someone chased me all the way, forcing me like a dog that had lost its home! I was really desperate, so I hid at the border of Yongzhou."

Zhen Huan and Yinzhen looked at each other. Yinzhen's face had turned slightly blue, and sparks of anger were flashing in his eyes.

Zhen Huan knew that he was furious, so she waved her hand and signaled Xiao Yunzi: "Take Liu Bin away and keep him under strict supervision."

Afterwards, Zhen Huan held a cup of tea in Yinzhen's hand and said softly, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Although Liu Bin's words are important, they still need further verification. I know that Your Majesty is wise and will be able to see through everything."

Yinzhen took the tea, took a sip, nodded slightly and said: "You are right, this matter still needs to be considered in the long run. If Hua Fei really dares to do such a thing, I will never tolerate it."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly, but she knew in her heart that this matter was of great importance. It not only concerned the innocence of Concubine An, but also the peace of the harem and the reputation of the royal family.

Zhen Huan also knew Yinzhen's character and the rules of the palace very well. She knew that even if Concubine Hua committed such a serious crime, Yinzhen might hold back for various reasons and would not severely punish Concubine Hua.

Therefore, Zhen Huan did not force Yinzhen to make an immediate decision, but chose a more cautious and comprehensive strategy.

She gently put the teacup aside and said softly, "Your Majesty, this matter involves the peace of the harem and cannot be taken lightly. I understand your concerns, but I also believe that your Majesty will be able to see through everything and give An Chang justice."

Yinzhen nodded slightly, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes. He knew Zhen Huan's intelligence and kindness, and also understood her understanding and support for him.

He took a deep breath and said slowly: "You are right. This matter must be handled carefully. I will send people to investigate secretly. If Hua Fei is really guilty, I will never tolerate it."

Zhen Huan knew that Yinzhen had made a decision. She gently leaned on Yinzhen's shoulder and said softly, "I believe that the emperor will handle this matter impartially."

Yinzhen held Zhen Huan's hand, his eyes full of relief and tenderness.