Legend of Zhen Huan: Zhen Huan is reborn

105 Concubine Xi Returns to the Palace

【Forbidden City】

(Smashed Jade Pavilion)

Yinzhen held Zhen Huan's hand affectionately, his eyes revealing endless longing and concern. He opened his thin lips and said, "It's been more than two months since we last met. You seem to be even more haggard."

"The fairyland of Penglai is isolated overseas. I am worried about Your Majesty all the time." Zhen Huan responded in a gentle voice, her words full of tenderness.

"I am the same, that's why I couldn't wait to come visit you as soon as you returned to the palace." Yinzhen's eyes were fixed on Zhen Huan, and he continued, "It's just that this Sui Yuxuan is located in a remote place, but it can't stop me from missing you deeply."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan lowered her head shyly, "Did the emperor go to visit Hong Zhou?"

"I have seen it. Concubine Rou has taken meticulous care of him. Her deep affection for you is evident. She has come to plead for you for several consecutive days. I cannot bear to see her in this situation." Yinzhen said slowly.

"Rong'er is always so considerate. This time she must be extremely worried." Zhen Huan paused for a moment and then asked again, "How is the emperor?"

"You have asked this question many times since you came back." Yinzhen chuckled.

Zhen Huan's face turned even redder, "Really? I didn't even notice it myself."

"It's okay. Now all the haze has dissipated." Yinzhen comforted.

"The clouds have indeed cleared and the fog has dissipated." Zhen Huan agreed softly.

Yinzhen coughed lightly and said in a deep voice: "Prince Dun Yun? has been imprisoned in the clan house, while Yunsi and Yunlu have been renamed Aqina and Saisihei respectively."

"Aqina, Seshei?" Zhen Huan repeated softly, with a hint of doubt in her eyes.

"These two names are Manchu words, meaning pigs and dogs. Such people dare to plot evil and rebel against the court. Calling them pigs and dogs is actually an insult to the pigs and dogs themselves." Yinzhen's tone revealed unquestionable majesty.

"Your Majesty's swift and powerful measures have brought Prince Dun and other traitors to justice in one fell swoop. God is truly helping Your Majesty, and everything is going smoothly for you." Zhen Huan exclaimed, her words full of admiration.

"I have one more thing to tell you. Before Prince Dun planned his evil deeds, he tried to ask Nian Gengyao for help and borrow his troops. However, this secret letter was quickly intercepted by Prince Guo." Yinzhen said slowly.

"If Nian Gengyao really received this secret letter, how would he respond?" Zhen Huan frowned and asked.

"I don't know the details." Yinzhen shook his head, indicating that he had not delved into it in depth.

"I personally think that Nian Gengyao might not dare to rebel easily. He is greedy for the power and wealth in front of him, and he knows very well that once he embarks on that road of no return, he may not get as much as he does now, or even lose everything." Zhen Huan analyzed, her tone revealing a deep insight into human nature.

"Nian Gengyao is indeed dissatisfied with me, and there is a lot of resentment in his words." Yinzhen told him frankly.

"However, Nian Gengyao was able to restrain himself and not act rashly because he took Concubine Hua's feelings into consideration. But I don't understand why Prince Dun chose Nian Gengyao as his helper instead of others?" Zhen Huan raised her doubts.

Yinzhen pondered for a moment and said, "I need to think about this matter again. As for other people, I don't want to interfere. I only know that you have suffered a great injustice for playing this drama with me. In fact, I don't have to send you to Penglai Island, but I am afraid that something unexpected will happen and hurt you. Besides, if you are not in the palace, Nian Gengyao and Hua Fei will relax their vigilance, which will make it easier for me to act."

Zhen Huan heard this and smiled gently, saying, "I know this very well. For the sake of the Qing Dynasty and the Emperor, the grievances I have suffered are really insignificant."

"No one knows me better than Zhen Huan." Yinzhen was moved by Zhen Huan's deep sense of justice.

After saying that, the two of them walked into the inner room hand in hand and spent a warm time together.

(Jingren Palace)

"Your Majesty, may you live in peace and happiness." All the concubines wished in unison.

"Sisters, please don't be polite. Just stand up." Yixiu said gently, with a tone that carried the demeanor of a queen.

"We thank the Queen for her grace." The concubines bowed again to express their gratitude.

"I suddenly feel unwell and am afraid I cannot stay long, so I will take my leave first." There was a hint of impatience and urgency in Nian Shilan's voice as she took her leave from Empress Yixiu.

Empress Yixiu nodded slightly, showing her understanding: "Since you are not feeling well, go back and rest early. There is nothing important today, so everyone can go back to the palace and rest."

After that, she turned her gaze to Zhen Huan, and her tone was more profound: "However, Concubine Xi, please wait a moment. I have something to tell you."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan bowed slightly to show that she accepted the order, kept a gentle smile on her face, and waited for the Queen's next words.

Upon seeing this, Nian Shilan gave Zhen Huan a disdainful look, then simply bowed and turned away, with a hint of haste and dissatisfaction in her steps.

Seeing this, the other concubines also bowed respectfully and said, "I'll take my leave."

Afterwards, they left the palace one by one, leaving only Zhen Huan and Yi Xiu.

-

"Empress Xi, please sit down first. There's no need to be so polite." Empress Yixiu said in a gentle tone, motioning Zhen Huan to take a seat.

"I thank the Queen." Zhen Huan replied softly, then slowly sat down to one side, with a dignified and humble attitude.

"It's not easy for you to share the emperor's worries and travel all the way to Penglai Island. You have worked so hard." Empress Yixiu smiled, with some approval and concern in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too polite. It is my duty to accompany the Emperor. Your Majesty, you serve the Emperor day and night and manage the affairs of the harem. This is the real hard work. I am here to thank Your Majesty for your understanding and care."

"You and I are both doing our best to share the emperor's worries and solve his problems. Right now, the situation in the palace is changing. Although Concubine Hua is powerful, she is already showing signs of decline. The people around her are also in danger. Excluding those who have passed away or are insane, there are indeed not many concubines in the palace." Empress Yixiu spoke in a calm tone, but revealed a deep insight into the situation in the palace.

Zhen Huan's mind was as clear as a mirror after hearing this. She smiled gently and asked tentatively, "Your Majesty is right. So, have you already planned to prepare for the selection of the imperial concubines for the emperor?"

Yixiu sighed softly, her eyes revealing her understanding and helplessness towards the emperor, and she slowly said: "Although the emperor is unwilling to hold a beauty contest, the queen mother and I know very well that the prosperity of the harem and the continuation of the royal family cannot be separated from the injection of fresh blood. This time, many meritorious officials in the court helped the emperor to solve his problems and made great contributions to the quelling of Prince Dun's rebellion. The queen mother and I discussed and believed that if we can select women of the right age, talent and virtue from the families of these meritorious officials to enter the palace, it will not only be a recognition of their loyalty and contribution, but also a way to expand the royal family and increase its welfare."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly upon hearing this, and continued, "Your Majesty is right. These daughters of meritorious officials grew up in prestigious families and must have been deeply influenced by their families. Not only are they talented, but they also understand etiquette and have dignified manners. If they can enter the palace, they will definitely bring a breath of fresh air to the harem."

After hearing this, Yixiu nodded with satisfaction, with a gleam of approval in her eyes.

She raised a gentle smile and said, "It seems that the emperor, I and you, Concubine Xi, are in sync with each other. In this case, I will start preparing and choose an auspicious day to let these daughters of meritorious officials enter the palace."

"Your Majesty is the mistress of the harem. Your decision is naturally wise and comprehensive. I completely trust your judgment." Zhen Huan responded modestly, her tone full of respect and trust for Yixiu.

Upon hearing this, Empress Yixiu smiled slightly, her eyes revealing some gentleness and deep meaning: "Having said that, I have to mention that you, Zhen Huan, also come from a family of meritorious officials. The emperor and I are both aware of your family's contribution to the court."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan stood up immediately, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. Although my family has made some minor contributions, compared to those who have truly sacrificed their lives for the country and the people, it is really not worth mentioning. I dare not be proud of my own achievements. I only wish to serve the emperor with all my heart and contribute my own strength to the harmony of the harem and the peace of the royal family."

Empress Yixiu nodded with satisfaction, and said with some praise and encouragement: "You don't need to be too modest. The emperor and I know whether you have made any contributions or not. The emperor and I have seen your talent and character. You also need to take more care of the matter of the women from noble families entering the palace this time, and help me select more concubines with both talent and virtue for the emperor."

Zhen Huan bowed again and said, "I obey your command."