An Lingrong after rebirth

"Sun Zhuxi also looked embarrassed. The emperor's mind was unpredictable, and the queen mother didn't know what to do. What could a slave like her do?"

"The Queen Mother tapped her fingers on the table twice. The silence in the palace continued for a moment, and she suddenly spoke: Zhuxi, I remember that Concubine Wan of Suiyuxuan has been in poor health since her last miscarriage, right?"

Sun Zhuxi was stunned, not knowing why the Queen Mother suddenly mentioned Zhen Huan, but he immediately nodded and said, "Yes, Queen Mother."

"The one who is currently looking after Concubine Wan's health is Imperial Physician Wen Shichu of the Imperial Hospital. He is a loyal man and nothing can be found out, but he has an apprentice who is easy to talk to."

"I asked someone to ask. Concubine Wan had a miscarriage in her early years. After giving birth to Princess Longyue, she did not fully recover and had another miscarriage. I am afraid she will not get pregnant again in the next few years."

"The Queen Mother twitched her lips. After all, the imperial concubines are a minority. They are in the harem without children, and their status is unstable. Now that Concubine Wan has risen again, it is all because of her appearance."

"But those who treat others with beauty will love Chi Wanfei when her beauty fades. Concubine Chi Wan is smart and must know this truth. The more the Queen Mother talks about it, the brighter it becomes."

"There's no need to make it too clear. Sun Zhuxi himself understands what the other party means. The entire Wan Fei family was exiled to Lingnan. Although it's not as bitter and cold as Ningguta, it's full of miasma and floods."

"The Concubine Wan had already sworn to live a life of seclusion and devotion for the rest of her life. Now she has suddenly been honored and restored to favor at the palace banquet on New Year's Eve. I guess she must have other thoughts about the suffering of her family in Lingnan."

"But just relying on the so-called favor and a princess, the emperor will probably not have any sympathy for the Zhen family. But if there is a prince, Concubine Wan's status will definitely be extraordinary."

"But her body is not suitable for pregnancy in the short term. The princes in the palace are all raised by their own mothers. So the prince just born by Qin Changzai will be Zhen Huan's best and only choice."

If the Queen Mother were to return such grace to her, she would surely agree.

"Seeing that the Queen Mother did not continue speaking, Sun Zhuxi knelt down and said, "Queen Mother, I understand. The Queen Mother misses Princess Longyue. I will send someone to Suiyuxuan to summon Concubine Wan and Princess Longyue."

Well, go ahead!

The Queen Mother responded, leaned back, and said nothing more.

…………

Broken Yuxuan

"Ever since Zhen Huan was confined to her room, Huanbi moved out of Suiyuxuan. Today, for some unknown reason, Huanbi stepped into Suiyuxuan again."

After receiving the invitation from Zhen Huan, I pay my respects to Concubine Wan and wish you good health and happiness.

Zhen Huan looked fixedly at Huanbi who was kneeling below. After a long while, she raised her hand and said, "Get up."

Thank you, your Majesty!

"Huan Bi stood up and quickly glanced at Zhen Huan's face. She pulled the corners of her mouth and forced a smile. After several months of separation, the queen is still as charming as ever. I am really happy for her."

Zhen Huan did not answer immediately. She picked up the teacup and took a sip. She said, "Jin Xi, take them all downstairs first."

"Yes, Huanbi didn't know what Zhen Huan meant, but before she could say anything more, the people outside the palace retreated one after another, and even the servants followed Cui Jinxi and left."

"After a while, only Huanbi and her were left in the hall. Huanbi moved her mouth, forcing a slight smile, but she didn't dare to speak again."

"Looking at Huanbi's flustered expression, Zhen Huan smiled and said, Huanbi, do we really need to be so polite to each other?"

"That's right. I've been out of favor for a long time. Now that I'm favored by the emperor again, I'm not the same as before. I'm afraid I don't think I'm your elder sister anymore, right?"

"Huanbi was a little confused by Zhen Huan's words. But she has been a concubine for quite some time. Even if she is not smart, she has made some progress now."

"Zhen Huan's sudden closeness made her realize that perhaps today was her chance. Thinking of this, she hurriedly stepped forward and asked, "Elder sister, what are you talking about?"

Huanbi never had any other thoughts in her mind. The eldest sister is the eldest sister, how could Huanbi dare to have any other thoughts.

"Zhen Huan waved at Huanbi, motioning her to come forward, and pulled her to sit down before she spoke again; Huanbi, I am relieved that you have such thoughts."

Zhen Huan's friendly expression made Huanbi feel even more strange.

"He folded his hands in front of him, as if to wipe away the traces of holding Zhen Huan just now, and said, "I wonder what the eldest sister wants me to do today?"

"Zhen Huan didn't seem to notice Huan Bi's actions, and she still had a smile on her face. But when she was about to speak from afar, a trace of sadness suddenly appeared on her face."

"Huanbi, do you know where your father is now?" Huanbi was stunned. She didn't expect Zhen Huan to suddenly mention Zhen Yuandaolai.

"Although Huanbi kept saying that she didn't care about the lives of Zhen's family members during the two previous arguments, he is her father after all, so how can she really just ignore him?"

"He felt his body tighten and he started talking immediately. He knew that his father had been exiled to Lingnan for more than a year."

"Yes, it has been more than a year. Lingnan is not a good place. I wonder how my father is doing now?"

Zhen Huan's voice was tinged with sadness, and Huanbi also felt sad when she heard it. After all, she still cared about Zhen Yuandao.

"It's just that her status is not good enough and she is not favored, so she can't say anything more about Zhen Huan's exile. Otherwise, how could she watch Zhen Huan being exiled thousands of miles away?"

"Hearing Zhen Huan say this, I feel a little sad. I am a lowly elder sister, and I had no right to speak when my father was exiled."

"My eldest sister suddenly mentioned this matter today, but is there any news from my father?"

"Lingnan is hot and humid. My father has lived in Beijing for a long time. How can he stand the weather there?"

"Zhen Huan sighed. I got the news recently that my father fell ill as soon as he arrived in Lingnan. Although Imperial Doctor Wen has someone to take care of him privately, his health keeps getting worse and he never gets better."

"Yuyao is young, especially so. Huanbi was anxious after hearing what Zhen Huan said. Sister, do you want to ask the emperor to let father return to the capital?"

"Of course I think so, but you also know that for concubines in the harem, the most important thing is to be able to continue the emperor's lineage."

"I only have Princess Longyue as my child. Such a favor is like duckweed without water. It will not have any effect."

You don't know that I had a miscarriage before, and my body has never recovered. Now even with Wen Shichu's help, I can't get pregnant immediately...

"At this point, Zhen Huan suddenly paused, raised her head and stared at Huanbi, who felt her heart beating like a drum."

"I already understand what Zhen Huan means. She wants a child, but she doesn't want to have one for the time being. I am the only person she trusts now. Doesn't the chance of getting pregnant fall on me?"

But even though she understood what Zhen Huan meant, there was no sign of it on Huanbi's face.

"Instead, she spoke with some suspicion and uneasiness: Eldest sister, I... I haven't had any movement in my stomach for so many years, I... I want to help father and elder sister, but I really can't do anything..."

"Zhen Huan raised her head and glanced at Huan Bi, her fingers sliding across the teacup in front of her. You said it yourself, you were not favored in the past, so naturally there was no imperial physician to examine you properly."

"Things are urgent right now. Your father's life or death all depends on your decision. Huanbi, I never want to force you. As long as you are willing, I will let Wen Shichu take good care of you."

Child, of course it's not a difficult thing. Zhen Huan was so straightforward that Huanbi couldn't help but feel her heart beating.

But…but…elder sister, I am of low status, and even if I give birth to a child, I cannot take care of it myself. What if…what if the emperor decides to give the child to someone else, I…

"Zhen Huan felt a little unhappy after hearing this. Huanbi's words were not meant to guard against others, but herself!"

"She was afraid of giving birth to a child, so she wanted the emperor to agree to her father's request to return to Beijing and take her child away. But now she has to ask for help, and Zhen Huan has to swallow it all even if she doesn't like it."

"I can only persuade Huanbi first. You don't have to worry about these things. Although you are only a concubine now, I am here. If you are pregnant, you will be promoted. If you are lucky enough to give birth to a prince, you will surely be promoted again to the position of concubine. It will be enough to raise the child, and nothing will go wrong."

These words came out of her mouth without any hesitation, and it was obvious that they were just a big promise made to Huanbi, but Huanbi took it seriously.

"Sister, I know that I come from a humble background. If this can be accomplished, it is all because of you. Please rest assured, I will definitely remember your kindness for the rest of my life."

"You and I are sisters, why do we have to do this? Okay, you go back first. Wen Shichu will come to check your pulse in the next two days. Then use his prescription well, and pregnancy will be just a matter of time."

After hearing this, Huanbi stood up and bowed to Zhen Huan. Yes, then I won’t disturb you anymore. I’ll come to pay my respects to you another day.

"After saying that, Huanbi turned and left. Zhen Huan raised her hand and pinched her brows, then turned to look at Cui Jinxi who came in. "Jinxi, go to the Imperial Hospital and see if Wen Shichu is on duty today?"

Cui Jinxi was naturally aware of Zhen Huan's plan. After hearing it, she was not confused. She knelt down, responded, turned around and walked out.

"Not long after Cui Jinxi left, Liu Zhu hurried in again. Madam, Aunt Zhuxi from the Queen Mother's side is here. Zhen Huan was startled. Zhuxi?"

"But there was no time to think about it, and he immediately said, "Please come in quickly." Liu Zhu responded and went downstairs, and in a moment he brought Zhu Xi in."

"Zhen Huan had a smile on her face. After Zhu Xi greeted her, she hurriedly said: "Aunt, you are too polite. Please don't be polite. Aunt, you are here now, but what does the Queen Mother want?"

"Sun Zhuxi's smile was a little distant. Empress Wanfei, the Queen Mother said that she hasn't seen Princess Longyue for a long time since New Year's Eve, but she specifically asked me to come and see if you are free to take the princess to Shoukang Palace?"

"Sun Zhuxi's words made Zhen Huan's heart tighten for no reason, but she didn't dare to show it on her face. She smiled and said: Aunt, you are too kind. It's my fault. Even if the Queen Mother didn't say so, I should take the children to Shoukang Palace more often."

I hope the Queen Mother will not blame me for such negligence.

The Queen Mother is usually very busy, so she naturally knows about it and would never blame her!

"Aunt, your words really make me ashamed. I am an idle person now, so there is nothing for me to do. If the Queen Mother is free, I will immediately have someone bring Longyue here."

"Zhu Xi knelt again. This is perfect. Your servant will go ahead and report to the Queen Mother. Your Majesty will take the princess and take her time."

"That's fine. Liu Zhu will escort my aunt out for me, and then have someone bring Long Yue back. After the two of them left, Zhen Huan looked a little uneasy."

"After all, she is not like before. She has experienced a lot. Even if she knows about Chun Yuan, she is just obsessed with so-called love. The current Zhen Huan is obviously not as smart and wise as she was when she was Concubine Xi, nor is she as smooth and versatile as she was back then."

"With Cui Jinxi, the think tank, away, Zhen Huan sat alone for a long time, unable to figure out what the Queen Mother meant by her sudden kindness to her and her daughter."

"But I have just agreed to take Longyue to Shoukang Palace. There is no reason to regret it now. At this moment, the wet nurse brought Longyue in."

"Zhen Huan beckoned her daughter to come over, and then bowed, and then spoke: Long Yue, mother will take you to pay respects to the Royal Madam in a while. Long Yue, do you still remember meeting the Royal Madam? What should you do?"

"After hearing this, Longyue's expression immediately trembled slightly. I don't know what's wrong with this child. Every time he sees the Queen Mother, he seems very scared."

"Seeing Longyue like this, Zhen Huan sighed deeply in her heart. She really didn't understand. Apart from the days when she was out of favor, Longyue had seen the emperor quite a few times. She also played with the Sixth Prince and the Seventh Prince's twins for quite a while."

How did he develop this personality that makes him afraid when he sees the Queen Mother?

"I had no choice but to pull Longyue into my heart, and then said, Longyue, the Queen Mother is Longyue's grandmother, didn't she give Longyue a good thing during the New Year?"

"When Longyue sees the Queen Mother later, she must pay her respects to her first, do you understand?" Longyue pursed her lips and did not dare to refute. She just nodded. Yes, mother Longyue understands.

"Liu Zhu felt even more distressed when she saw Long Yue like this. Madam, why don't you leave the princess at home first? I will accompany you to pay respects to the Queen Mother! If the Queen Mother asks, just say that the princess is not feeling well."

"How could Zhen Huan not have thought of such a simple solution? However, Zhu Xi's words hinted that the Queen Mother missed Longyue. What was the point of coming here alone?"

"I can only shake my head. Is the Liuzhu sedan ready?"

"The Queen is already waiting outside. Zhen Huan, let's go. It's not good to keep the Queen Mother waiting for too long."

The mother and daughter went to Shoukang Palace with Liu Zhu.

.........

Gyeongin Palace

"There was a small piece of clothing in front of Yixiu. It looked a little gray, and you could tell it had been there for who knows how many years."

"Jianqiu stood aside silently, not daring to breathe. Seeing Yixiu's sad face, her heart ached."

"Ever since the Sixth and Seventh Princes went to the Shangshufang and no longer came to Jingren Palace to practice calligraphy, Yixiu has become distracted again."

From time to time, she would take out the only piece of clothing left by the eldest prince in the world and take a look at it.

"Jianqiu," Yixiu, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke. Jianqiu hurried forward and said, "Madam, I am here."

You say... Yixiu paused, and continued as if she mustered up great courage; you say, Hongzhao is living in the prince's residence now, can he have enough food and clothing?

Madam, I heard that Madam Shufei...

"Jianqiu's voice also paused. She wanted to say that Shufei often visited, so the Sixth Prince must be fine."

But looking at Yixiu's current appearance, his mind quickly turned and he changed his excuse.

"Your Highness, I heard that Concubine Shu is concerned about the rules of the palace and rarely goes to the prince's residence. Your Highness is the Sixth Prince's biological mother, so why not take advantage of today's free time and accompany Your Highness to visit the prince's residence."

"It's not good to let the servants below think that the masters have not been to the prince's residence for a long time, so they have the intention of perfunctorily treating the young masters."

"After hearing this, Yixiu's eyes lit up and she turned to look at Jianqiu. Really? Why is Concubine Shu so pedantic? She doesn't even take care of her own children. I didn't stop her from going, so why is she so reserved?"

"That's right, but I was thinking that the Concubine Shu is in charge of the six palaces, so she might be too busy to go. Who knows, the Sixth Prince must miss her too."