An Lingrong after rebirth

"This joke created a very good atmosphere in the hall. At this moment, a figure with a chill walked in from outside."

"I am late, please forgive me, my brother. This sentence made everyone turn their eyes and see Prince Guo standing at the door with a tall and graceful figure and a purple flute on his waist."

Old Seventeen, you are late. You have to drink three cups as punishment. Prince Guo then raised his leg, walked closer and bowed. "I was late because I was too eager to see the scenery."

"These three cups of wine are worth the punishment. I pay my respects to my brother and my sister-in-law. Then I turned to the Queen Mother and said, 'I pay my respects to my mother.'"

"I haven't seen you for a few months. Your Majesty seems to be in good spirits. I am relieved."

"When Prince Guo was young, he was raised by the Queen Mother for a period of time. Naturally, he was closer to the Queen Mother than other princes. The Queen Mother nodded with a smile. You, child, have been gone for several months and have not returned to the capital."

I want to see him but I can't. He really deserves to be beaten.

This time I went to Jiangnan and saw many beautiful sights. I will tell the Empress Dowager about it after New Year's Eve.

Well, sit down quickly. You don’t have to worry about hurting yourself even if you are cold.

Yes, thank you very much for your concern, Empress Madam.

"While they were talking, An Lingrong had already asked the children to sit down behind her. But before Prince Guo could sit down, the Emperor spoke again: "Seventeenth brother said that he was held back by the beautiful scenery. I wonder where this beautiful scenery was?"

"When Prince Guo heard this, he was about to speak, but Yunxi beside him spoke first, "Brother, there are a few red plum petals on Seventeenth Brother's shoulder. I guess they came from Yimei Garden."

"After these words were spoken, the faces of the three people at the top paused. An Lingrong narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced at Prince Guo without breaking the rules. However, she felt a little strange in her heart."

Plum Garden? Could it be...

"She subconsciously turned her head to look at Shen Meizhuang, but saw a hint of doubt in her eyes. An Lingrong shook her head at her and smiled without saying anything."

"Prince Guo spoke again, "Brother, please forgive me. When I entered the palace, I passed by the Yimei Garden and saw that the plum blossoms there were in full bloom. From a distance, they looked like red clouds. They were really beautiful."

"I hesitated for a few steps, but I thought that my brother should see such a beautiful view first, so I just looked outside the garden for a while and didn't go in."

"I was thinking of asking you, my brother, if I have time one day, I will accompany you for a walk."

"Prince Guo's words seemed to be explaining something, but An Lingrong felt something was a little strange in them. Why did he have to say clearly that he had not entered the garden?"

Could it be that someone was waiting for the emperor in the garden? That was why he said he had not gone in, to prevent the emperor from thinking too much. Then who would be in the garden? It must be...

Zhen Huan?

What a great skill? She didn't ask Shen Meizhuang for help, but asked Prince Guo to make suggestions for her personally?

Plum Garden? Are all the plum blossoms in bloom?

As expected, as soon as Prince Guo finished speaking, the emperor was silent for a moment, and was immediately reminded of his memories by the other party's words.

"Yes, I saw from afar that the plum blossoms in Yimei Garden were in full bloom. Yixiu's face darkened because of the conversation between the two."

"It was the Queen Mother on the other side who spoke up. The New Year's Eve palace banquet is a time for joy, but it's freezing outside, with snow and wind. I see that Old Seventeen's face has turned red from the cold. Forget about going to Yimei Garden now."

"The emperor regained some of his rationality after hearing what the empress dowager said. He nodded slightly and said, 'The empress dowager is right. Seventeenth brother, come on.'"

"The two of them drank from a distance, holding their wine glasses. The singing and dancing in the hall began again. An Lingrong looked between the two of them for a moment, then turned around and waved to call Lian'er over."

After whispering a few words in the other person's ear, Lian'er stepped back.

"From the anxious look on Prince Guo's face, the other party must have guessed that with the Queen Mother around, the Emperor would not leave the table without permission like he did back then."

"Perhaps the purpose was to remind the emperor of the red plums in Yimei Garden. He might have suddenly become interested that day and might have gone there."

"However, it is still unknown whether the Queen Mother will stay until the last moment. If she leaves early, the other party might go to Yimei Garden for a walk."

"It's really funny to say that the two of them actually planned to do this on New Year's Eve. If the Emperor really favored Zhen Huan today, wouldn't the Queen be so angry that she would have a headache immediately?"

"An Lingrong wants Yan Gui to check whether there are any unusual movements in Yimei Garden and Suiyu Pavilion today. It seems that what they find out will not be too surprising."

"The Queen Mother is old after all. After sitting for a while, she felt tired and turned to look at the Emperor. I am tired. The Emperor should just entertain himself."

"After hearing this, the emperor stood up and said, "Yes, Su Peisheng sent for the sedan chair to allow the empress dowager to return to Shoukang Palace." The empress dowager waved her hand and said, "I have my own sedan chair, so there is no need for Su Peisheng to go. The emperor can never be without someone to serve him."

Yes, thank you for your concern, Empress Dowager. Aunt Sun, please make sure to send the Empress Dowager back safely.

Your Majesty, rest assured. I will take care of it.

"After she finished speaking, the Queen Mother stood up. As soon as she moved, everyone below stood up at the same time. With a farewell call, the Queen Mother supported Sun Zhuxi and slowly left."

"Without this person beside him, the emperor's expression changed immediately. He stopped drinking and eating. An Lingrong looked quite absent-minded."

"Sure enough, within a short time, the emperor drank the wine in the cup and turned his eyes to Prince Guo."

Seventeenth brother.

"My younger brother is here. Prince Guo stood up, but the servant behind him was eager to move. The red plum blossoms are in full bloom, how can we let them go to waste."

"My dear brother, it's dark and the roads are slippery. There's a lot of snow outside. Although I love the beautiful scenery, my dear brother's health is the most important thing. Let's go back another day."

With you by my side, there is no danger at all. Come on, come on, you and I...

"Your Majesty, what the Seventeenth Brother said is right. The red plum blossoms will always be here. Why do we have to do it now? Your health is the most important thing." Before the emperor finished speaking, Yixiu on the side spoke up to persuade him.

"The Queen doesn't need to worry, and no one else needs to follow. Only Prince Guo is with me. The Emperor has made up his mind, but the servant behind Prince Guo has disappeared."

The Queen was about to speak, but Prince Guo had already come forward at the Emperor's beckoning. Please forgive me, my humble servant, for speaking too hastily...

What else can the Queen say at this point? She can only shake her head and say, "Never mind, please take good care of the Emperor, Brother Seventeen."

Yes, don’t worry, sister-in-law.

"The emperor didn't wait for the two to say more. He stood up, walked to Prince Guo and strode away. If it were in the past, Nian Shilan could still ask where the emperor was going."

"But now the other party no longer cares about this person, not even a glance, so naturally he won't speak again. As for the others, seeing the queen's gloomy face, how could they have the courage to speak?"

"An Lingrong looked at him for a moment, then turned around and beckoned Hong Zhao to her side. She whispered a few words to him, then watched her son walk towards the Queen before she let out a sigh of relief."

"My dear princes and wives, all the concubines in the harem are here, but the emperor is leaving at this time. If the palace banquet ends just because the queen is unhappy, that would be really embarrassing."

"I saw Hong Zhao approach the queen, and with a few words he made her smile happily. Not long after, he even had someone add a concubine to her side."

"Just like that, An Lingrong smiled when she let Hong Zhao sit on it. At this moment, Yi Xiu no longer seemed to be worried about others and waved to Su Peisheng to come over."

"Although the emperor said not to let anyone follow him, I am still worried. You lead the people to follow the emperor and Prince Guo from a distance. Let them walk around for a while and then come back."

It's cold, so it's not a good idea to stay outside for too long.

Yes, I obey your command!

"Su Peisheng left, Jiang Fuhai stepped forward, and singing and dancing began again in the palace. Without the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the atmosphere became even better."

.........

Plum Garden

"Today the weather is cold, and the snow is blowing hard, making people's faces hurt. But even so, the emperor's steps became more and more urgent. When the two of them walked outside the garden, they were sweating slightly."

"Prince Guo turned his head and glanced at the emperor. His eyes flickered slightly, but he did not speak first. He stood outside the garden for a while, and the emperor let out a long sigh."

A white mist rose in front of my eyes, and then I said: I missed you all night, and the plum blossoms bloomed. Suddenly, I saw you in front of the window...

"Without waiting for Prince Guo to speak, he strode into the garden. Prince Guo followed closely behind, only two steps behind, and then caught up with the emperor's footsteps."

"The two of them walked one in front and one behind, and the sound of snow under their feet was a bit harsh in the quiet garden."

Entering the garden, Prince Guo deliberately lagged behind by a few steps. The emperor did not seem to notice. He walked and stopped frequently, and soon only the red plum blossoms were left around him.

"I don't know how long I walked, but suddenly I heard a low murmur from inside. The emperor didn't suspect anything and subconsciously went to the source of the sound."

"After only a dozen steps, I heard a series of clear sounds ahead. I only hope that the headwind will understand my intentions and wear me down!"

The emperor's body stiffened and he stopped walking for a long time.

"Prince Guo behind him looked at the person in front of him, who was shivering slightly from the cold. He couldn't help but speak up after walking a few steps away from the emperor: "My brother, I wonder which lady in front is here, and why is she alone in the garden now?"

The emperor finally came to his senses, frowned slightly, and then said, "Is that Concubine Wan in front of you?" This was said loudly, and Zhen Huan naturally could no longer pretend not to hear it.

"He just crouched down and hid behind the tree. Your Majesty? It's New Year's Eve and the palace banquet is on. How can Your Majesty have time to come to Yimei Garden?"

The emperor knew it was Zhen Huan when he heard the voice. He didn't care that Prince Guo was behind him and asked again: Huanhuan, is this really you?

As she said this, she moved her feet and was about to move forward. However, just after she took two steps, Zhen Huan in front of her spoke again: "Your Majesty, my shoes and socks are wet, Your Majesty, please don't..."

But before he could finish his words, the emperor had already walked closer.

He stretched out his hand and pulled her up. Seeing that Zhen Huan's face was red, it was obvious that she was very cold.

"I can't help but feel a little pity in my heart. Huanhuan, it's late at night and the dew is heavy. Why did you come to Yimei Garden alone?"

Zhen Huan looked up and fixed her eyes on the emperor, as if she had some affection for him.

Your Majesty, I...I am here to fulfill my vow.

Fulfilling a vow? How can I say that?

"Zhen Huan pursed her lips slightly, lowered her head, and spoke in a voice as soft as a mosquito, but the emperor heard everything. I remember that on the New Year's Eve of the year I first entered the palace, I also went to the Yimei Garden to pray and make a wish. Today I am here to fulfill my wish..."

The emperor felt that it was Zhen Huan's trip to Plum Garden that made the two of them a happy couple.

How could he bear hearing what the person in front of him said at this moment? He grabbed Zhen Huan's hand, Huan Huan...

"But Zhen Huan used some strength in her hand and pulled it back. Your Majesty, today is the New Year's Eve palace banquet. Although I don't know why Your Majesty left the table, it is not good for you to be away for a long time. I will go back to Sui Yuxuan now, and please come back to the table as soon as possible."

"Zhen Huan was about to turn around and leave, but she seemed to be trembling slightly because she was wearing too thin clothes. How could the emperor watch Zhen Huan go back like this?"

"Reach out your hand and pull her to your side. Concubine Shu has naturally prepared a seat for Huanhuan for today's palace banquet. It's a good opportunity to join in the fun if she meets you now."

emperor………

"No need to say more, Huanhuan will go with me!" As he said this, he untied his long hair, wrapped it around Zhenhuan, and led her out of the garden."

"But when I turned around, I saw Prince Guo standing far away. Seventeenth brother, the emperor raised his mouth and asked. Prince Guo bowed from a distance. I wonder who is the new sister-in-law? Have you seen her?"

"The emperor will naturally be pleased by her pretending to be ignorant and not coming close. This is Concubine Wan from Sui Yu Xuan. I think my Seventeenth Brother has also seen her."

After hearing this, Prince Guo bowed again. It turned out to be Concubine Wan. Greetings, Concubine Wan!

"This person stood up and said in a pretentious manner, "My Royal Brother, Su Peisheng is here with the sedan chair. Why don't you get on the sedan first and I will follow."

"With the beauty right before his eyes, the emperor doesn't care what happens to Prince Guo! He responded casually, then pulled Zhen Huan into the sedan chair and left leisurely."

"Prince Guo stood there, watching the sedan chair gradually going away. He rubbed his fingertips on the pouch at his waist for a while, sighed softly, and then lightly followed."

"It will take time for the two of them to come here on foot and return in a sedan chair. Everyone in the palace is almost full of food and drink, and they are just waiting for Yixiu to speak and end the banquet."

"But Yixiu is accompanied by Hongzhao at the moment, so she has no time to care about other things. Jianqiu also knows the reason why the emperor suddenly left the table, so it is impossible for her to persuade him."

"All the people in the palace are just sitting there like this. It's really inappropriate for An Lingrong to see them like this. She doesn't care how Zhen Huan regains her favor."

But it would be a bad idea to trap the princes, their wives and the concubines in the palaces here.

"She turned around to discuss a few words with Nian Shilan, and just as she was about to stand up, she heard Su Peisheng's voice from outside. An Lingrong sat down again and looked outside the palace. A moment later, she saw the emperor bringing someone in."

"An Lingrong's eyes swept across everyone's faces. It was fine for the concubine, but since everyone was standing on the same side, she couldn't move too much, so she couldn't see clearly."

"The queen's face immediately darkened, but as soon as Hong Zhao said something, she immediately looked away and her expression returned to normal."

He said: Why did the emperor go to Yime Garden and then bring Concubine Wan back to the banquet?

"The Emperor was in a very happy mood at the moment, and he didn't seem to notice the insincerity in the Empress' words. I happened to see Concubine Wan praying in the garden, and I thought today was a good day, New Year's Eve, so I waited for her to come along."

An Lingrong stood up and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this is indeed my fault. I thought that Concubine Wan was not feeling well and could not attend the palace banquet, so I did not prepare a seat."

"It's not difficult to add another one now, but I'm sorry to trouble Concubine Wan. The emperor has already seen Hong Zhao sitting next to the queen, and he seems to have regained some rationality at this moment."

Nodded, it’s okay, Wan Fei, you can go by yourself.

"Yes," Zhen Huan replied with her head down, not showing any unhappiness on her face, but An Lingrong had no choice. She had not expected that Zhen Huan would regain favor today."

Everyone was already full and had no interest in eating or drinking now that the emperor had returned.

"After sitting for only a cup of tea, the emperor put down his wine glass and said goodbye."

"Everyone left in twos and threes. The emperor was going to stay in the queen's palace today, but as soon as he left the door, Yixiu said, 'Your Majesty, Hongzhao said he wanted to stay in Jingren Palace tonight.'"

Instead of asking for the title tomorrow morning, Your Majesty should stay somewhere else.

"Yi Xiu's words not only stunned the emperor, but also An Lingrong who was following behind him was also stunned. She thought to herself: What is this brat planning?"

"The emperor also turned his gaze to Hong Zhao, who was lying in Yi Xiu's arms and unwilling to let go. He reached out and rubbed his head. The boy was so sleepy that he couldn't open his eyes, but he was unwilling to let go."

It can be seen that although the queen is strict in her teaching, she also cares about it.

Your Majesty, I have no choice but to follow your words.