Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

081 Recapture Cao Qinmo

(Qianji Pavilion)

When Zhen Huan was strolling in the palace, she met Cao Qinmo unexpectedly. Their eyes met, and they both smiled knowingly. Then they walked towards a quiet pavilion and sat down on the stone benches.

Although the snow covered every corner of the palace, making the world look like a fairyland clad in silver, the surrounding scenery showed a different charm and vitality.

The branches are covered with crystal clear icicles, like diamonds inlaid on the branches, sparkling with dazzling light.

In the distance, several wintersweets stand proudly, unafraid of the severe cold and compete to bloom. Their petals are covered with a thin layer of snow, making them look even more pure and clean, and the fragrance is intoxicating, adding a bit of warmth and vitality to this cold winter day.

"Some time ago, my sister was not feeling well, so I mentioned it to the emperor and asked him to go to Sister Cao's palace. I wonder if Sister Cao was well and happy during that time?" There was some concern and temptation in Zhen Huan's words, with a gentle smile on her lips.

Cao Qinmo heard this and a complicated look appeared on her face. She shook her head gently and replied, "I am grateful for your concern, Your Majesty. However, although the Emperor is in my palace, his mind always seems to be wandering around you, and sometimes he even seems absent-minded. I see this and feel quite moved."

"Sister Cao has always been very smart. You should know that in this deep palace, the emperor's mind is like the rolling clouds, which are difficult to predict. But there is a saying that goes 'time reveals a person's true heart'. As long as the emperor is willing to visit your residence often, with your talent and wisdom, you will gradually win the emperor's favor."

Zhen Huan's words were full of sincere consolation, "What's more, although my sister was implicated in Concubine Nian's affair, it even caused Princess Wen Yi to lose the emperor's love."

Upon hearing this, Cao Qinmo sighed softly, with a trace of loneliness and self-mockery in her eyes: "I know that I am not blessed enough. I am very lucky to have a place in this harem. I dare not hope whether the emperor cares about it or not."

"However, every time I think of Wen Yi, I can't help but feel a little sad. I hope the princess can grow up healthily and not be affected by the palace struggle."

"Sister Cao, you and I both know that the grievances and sacrifices in this palace are often beyond the control of one individual, but what I am most worried about is Princess Wen Yi's future. If she has lacked the love of her father since childhood, how difficult her path would be in this huge palace." Zhen Huan's tone was full of worry. She gently held Cao Qinmo's hand, giving her silent support and comfort.

Cao Qinmo's eyes turned red when she heard this. She gently pulled her hand back and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. She forced a bitter smile and said, "Your Majesty is right. It was all because I was too short-sighted back then. I didn't choose a better place for myself and the princess to rely on like a good bird choosing a tree to roost in. Now I'm in such a desolate situation. I can't blame anyone else."

"Sister Cao, please don't blame yourself too much. Everyone makes mistakes in life. The key is how to learn from them and pave the way for the future. The princess's future requires you to fight for it with all your strength. As for the past, you followed Concubine Nian because you were forced by the situation at the time. It was not your fault alone." Zhen Huan's words were full of understanding. "You know, in that environment, it is not easy to stay sober."

Cao Qinmo nodded gently, a trace of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty is right. Although I am worried, I also understand that only by facing it can I make changes. Now, what I am most worried about is that I will be implicated by Concubine Nian's affairs and affect Princess Wen Yi's future. I hope that the emperor can see clearly and not lump me and Concubine Nian together."

"Concubine Nian is impatient and decisive. I'm sure Sister Cao's life must be very difficult. When talking about the cassava flour, Sister Cao knew clearly that I was innocently implicated. She also saw through the person behind the scenes who used the princess as a pawn."

Zhen Huan whispered, "Princess Wen Yi is so young and innocent, but she has to endure such hardships. It is really heartbreaking. As a mother, watching her own flesh and blood suffer like this, I think the pain in your heart is even more indescribable."

“But if it weren’t for the help of Concubine Nian, I might not have been able to give birth to a princess successfully.” Cao Qinmo said slowly.

"It is true that it is human nature to repay a favor, but Concubine Nian's later actions were to use my sister's own flesh and blood to consolidate her position in the emperor's heart." Zhen Huan said meaningfully: "In fact, my sister's intelligence is not inferior to Concubine Nian's. Following her is just a helpless act out of self-protection."

"Empress Nian's arrogance makes this concubine helpless." Cao Qinmo sighed softly.

"Sister Cao is sharp-minded and extremely intelligent, so she was able to see early on that Concubine Nian was not someone who could be trusted. She also helped me a lot in private. I will naturally remember this kindness in my heart." Zhen Huan said sincerely.

"I am just following orders. With my power, how dare I compete with the power of the former Concubine Nian?" Cao Qinmo responded modestly: "However, fortunately, God has blessed my sister, and the fetus in her belly is finally safe and sound."

"Sister Cao was forced to become my enemy due to circumstances. I can understand the reason. Sister gave birth to the princess and she deserves credit. However, after serving Concubine Nian for many years, her situation is even worse than that of the ignorant and childless Concubine Li. It is really a pity. The status of a biological mother does have a profound impact on the future of her children."

Zhen Huan said with emotion: "Perhaps Sister Cao doesn't know yet. The Emperor once mentioned to me that Princess Chaogui had been married to Junggar for only half a month when Yingge Khan suddenly passed away."

"The princess is a widow at such a young age. Doesn't that mean she will have to return to the palace soon?" Cao Qinmo became a little excited when he heard this.

"We are very lucky to be able to return to our homeland. According to the customs of Dzungar, the princess needs to marry the new tribal leader, that is, the new Khan." Zhen Huan said slowly.

"How can the princess endure such humiliation?" Cao Qinmo was shocked when he heard this.

"In their world, women only exist to continue their bloodline. Even if the princess is extremely reluctant, she has to follow the custom and humble herself from being a princess to becoming someone else's concubine." Zhen Huan continued.

After hearing this, Cao Qinmo felt mixed emotions. Thinking that her Princess Wen Yi might face the same fate, her eyes couldn't help but well up.

Then, she slowly stood up, knelt on the ground, and said earnestly: "I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse. I only ask that you can protect me and the princess. I will be grateful to you."

Seeing this, Zhen Huan gently reached out her hand, slowly helped Cao Qinmo up, and said softly: "I have long respected Sister Cao. Today I am finally able to get close to her. It is really my honor."

After hearing this, Cao Qinmo seemed to have unloaded a heavy burden from his heart, with a look of relief on his face.