Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

090 Hua Fei

Shen Meizhuang followed her habit as always. Every warm afternoon, she would quietly walk into Shoukang Palace to express her filial piety to the noble Uya.

Today, she was wearing a lavender cheongsam that was as elegant as orchid, and her fluttering sleeves revealed a fresh temperament that was untainted by the dust.

In her hair, a carefully carved bun was steadily piled up, and a few strands of hair gently fell beside her ears, adding a touch of gentleness and softness to her.

(Shoukang Palace)

She walked slowly to the Queen Mother's bed, her eyes full of respect and care for her elders.

Before the empress dowager could say anything, Shen Meizhuang had already sat down lightly, and her slender jade fingers, which seemed weak but were actually dexterous, began to use her unique massage skills on the empress dowager's legs.

Her movements were gentle and precise, and each press seemed to accurately touch every tired part of the Queen Mother's body, bringing relief and relaxation.

As Shen Meizhuang massaged her, the Queen Mother's frown gradually relaxed, and an indescribable comfort and satisfaction filled her face.

The air is filled with a faint sense of tranquility and harmony, as if even time has slowed down at this moment, making people indulge in this rare warmth and peace.

Seeing this, the Queen Mother couldn't help but raise her lips, her eyes flashing with satisfaction, and said with a smile: "Child, your skills are really amazing. You have made my old bones feel much more comfortable."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang's face lit up with a gentle smile, and her voice was soft and humble: "When I was at home, I often served my mother like this."

"My mother always said that filial piety lies in the little things, and making the elders feel comfortable is the greatest filial piety."

After hearing this, the Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction and praised: "You are truly a filial child. It is rare to find someone as considerate and caring as you in this palace."

Shen Meizhuang shook her head gently, with a sincere light in her eyes, and continued: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I have always thought that my body and hair are given by my parents, and I dare not damage them in the slightest, let alone be unfilial. It is my honor to be able to show my filial piety to the Queen Mother."

The Queen Mother's smile was more meaningful when she heard this. She gently patted the back of Shen Meizhuang's hand and asked softly, "I have always had a question in my heart. Why do you try so hard to honor me?"

"The Queen Mother is the Emperor's biological mother, and also my own mother. I should treat her with respect. Being filial to the Queen Mother is my duty." Shen Meizhuang said this, but her hands never stopped moving. Her eyes were full of sincerity and respect. "Besides, the Queen Mother is kind and gentle. I am deeply grateful to her, so I am naturally willing to repay her with filial piety."

The Queen Mother listened and nodded slightly, but then she said earnestly: "I naturally see your filial piety towards me, but you, child, should also pay some attention to the Emperor. You are still young and cannot always revolve around me. You should also plan for your own future."

At this point, the Queen Mother changed the subject and mentioned Concubine Xi: "Look at Concubine Xi who entered the palace with you. She already has a child. How enviable. It's time for you to think about yourself. If you can give birth to a prince this morning, it will be icing on the cake."

Shen Meizhuang smiled gently upon hearing this, and she explained softly, "The Queen Mother's words really frightened me. I am not deliberately distancing myself from the Emperor, but I know that the Queen Mother's health is what the Emperor is most concerned about. As a junior, I should do my best to be filial to the Queen Mother and comfort the Emperor."

"Besides, there are many sisters in the harem, each with their own strengths. They are all good at serving the emperor. I am lacking in this aspect, and I dare not compare with your vision, the queen mother. I only hope that one day, the queen mother will have time to give me some pointers so that I can also improve."

The Queen Mother was even more satisfied after hearing what Shen Meizhuang said. She smiled and nodded, saying, "Child, you are too modest. I see all your good qualities. In fact, you are naturally dignified and beautiful, with a gentle temperament. You don't need to dress up too much to be outstanding. However, there must be some changes and novelties in the harem to attract the emperor's attention. If you really want to do this, I can help you with some advice."

When Shen Meizhuang heard the Queen Mother say this, she showed gratitude on her face. She stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, "I thank the Queen Mother for her kindness. I have benefited a lot from being with her. Not only have I learned a lot about how to behave in society, but I have also felt the Queen Mother's love and care for me. I am grateful in my heart and would not leave her side even if I had to."

The Queen Mother smiled even more happily when she heard this. She took Shen Meizhuang's hand and said affectionately, "You are becoming more and more eloquent. With you by my side and Doctor Wen's medical skills, how can my health not be good?"

"This is all thanks to Doctor Wen. I am just here to serve him. I am really of no use." Shen Meizhuang said modestly.

(Jingren Palace)

The conversation between Zhen Huan and Empress Yixiu reveals the subtlety and helplessness of life in the harem amidst their politeness.

Zhen Huan used the scent as a guide to start the conversation, with a polite and tentative tone: "I know that Your Majesty never uses scent, but I have always been curious why Your Majesty is so indifferent to such a girl's hobby."

Upon hearing this, Empress Yixiu smiled softly, with a hint of bitterness and helplessness in her smile: "Women are all fond of using perfume, but in the harem, every expense must be carefully calculated. As the empress, I should set an example, follow the emperor's will, and strive to be frugal, so as to save some money on perfume and set an example for the harem."

She changed the subject and added a bit of deepness, "However, human hearts are unpredictable and the world is like a game of chess. No matter how frugal you are, others will inevitably be dissatisfied when they see how expensive and luxurious the Huanyi incense used by Concubine Nian is. They may even accuse me of being harsh to others. In order to avoid these meaningless disputes, I will simply not use incense myself and have some peace and quiet."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan quickly agreed with a gentle and appropriate smile: "Your Majesty is kind-hearted. If the Emperor knew that you are so concerned about the harem and share his worries, he would deeply understand your good intentions. Your sacrifice and dedication are the blessing of the harem and the emperor."

Empress Yixiu shook her head slightly, with a hint of self-mockery in her smile: "It's just a drop in the bucket. There are constant disturbances in the harem. All I can do is to do my best to add a touch of warmth and peace to this deep palace."

Xiao Xiazi bowed and entered, performing the formal ceremony: "Good luck to the Empress, and good luck to Concubine Xi."

His voice echoed in the empty palace, carrying a solemnity that could not be ignored.

"Get up." Empress Yixiu said softly, her tone revealing her usual majesty and calmness.

Xiao Xiazi quickly thanked him and stood up, then read out the emperor's order: "In compliance with the emperor's order, I hereby inform the six palaces that Concubine Nian is to be promoted to Concubine Hua. I decree this."

After hearing this, Empress Yixiu still maintained a decent and generous smile on her face, as if this sudden news did not stir any waves in her heart.

"I understand. You can leave now." She said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiazi stepped back with brisk and respectful steps.

After Xiao Xiazi left, Empress Yixiu turned to Zhen Huan with a meaningful smile on her face: "Look, it's here as soon as I said it. In this harem, the situation is always changing and it always catches people off guard."

Zhen Huan smiled gently, with a hint of indifference and insight in her eyes: "Aren't you surprised, Your Majesty?"

There seemed to be some kind of temptation hidden in her words, but it also seemed like she was just asking a question.

Empress Yixiu shook her head slightly, her smile showing a hint of meaning: "It's just a matter of time, just like when spring comes, flowers will bloom. This is the law of nature and no one can change it. However, some flowers are too annoying to be seen. If they can be discarded, it may not be a bad thing."

Her words revealed a sense of detachment and indifference, as if she had seen through all the disputes and calculations in the harem.

(Yikun Palace)

At this moment, Nian Shilan gracefully accepted the emperor's decree, and then slowly sat on the couch.

There was neither obvious joy nor sadness on her face; she just sat there quietly with an elusive indifference, as if nothing around her could easily touch her heartstrings.

Songzhi said happily, "It's really a cause for celebration. Your Majesty, you are very happy."

"Get up." Nian Shilan opened her red lips slightly, her tone calm.

"After a long wait, I finally got what I wanted today." Nian Shilan whispered softly, revealing a hint of emotion in her heart.

"Your Majesty's deep affection for the Emperor and her concern for you day and night are so touching that the Emperor now understands it, and that's why he has once again shown favor to you." Su Xi congratulated her, his words full of sincerity.

"Whether this is entirely true remains to be seen." After Nian Shilan finished speaking, Song Zhi couldn't help but cast a worried look at her, as if she was silently worried about the Empress.

Then, Nian Shilan gently turned her head, glanced at them gently, and asked softly: "Do you think that this is really the emperor's favor to me again?"

"Of course it is so. Your Majesty's letter after letter of affection is full of sincere feelings for the Emperor. Even we, the servants, are deeply moved when we read it. How can the Emperor not feel your deep love for him?" Su Xi said with certainty, and his words were full of affirmation and comfort for Nian Shilan.

"Those rumors that were rife in the past were actually because the Emperor had to temporarily distance himself from the Empress in order to quell public opinion. But now the Empress has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and all the hard work has paid off." Song Zhi comforted him kindly.

Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan slowly stood up from the couch, with an imperceptible heaviness in her steps.

"I don't know why, but now I feel a little anxious and worried. After following the emperor for many years, I feel that he is becoming more and more unpredictable and difficult to see through." She sighed softly, revealing a complex emotion in her eyes.

"Other things may be difficult to grasp, but the emperor's deep affection for the empress is clear and everyone can see it clearly." Su Xi quickly responded, his tone full of determination.

Nian Shilan smiled gently, handed the imperial edict in her hand to Songzhi, and said softly: "Please keep this imperial edict well. As for the position of imperial concubine, it is just an empty title for me. All I ask is that the emperor can have a place for me in his heart, that is enough."