The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

The Hall of Mental Cultivation, the residence of Emperor Yongzheng, was named after the idea that "to preserve one's nature and nurture one's character is the way to serve Heaven." Its southernmost section houses the storeroom, serving as a storage area. North of the storeroom is the imperial kitchen, providing meals for the Hall. The Hall of Mental Cultivation is divided into two warm rooms, east and west. On the east wall of the western warm room is a plaque inscribed with the words "Diligence and Respect for the Wise" by Emperor Yongzheng himself. A window faces south, and a throne stands to the north, serving as the emperor's daily office and meeting with ministers.

Since the Aisin-Gioro clan took over the Forbidden City, successive emperors have resided in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Following the Kangxi Emperor's death, Yongzheng decided to observe a 27-month mourning period in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, located just outside the Yuehua Gate, and to observe a three-year abstinence as a mark of mourning. After the mourning period, Yongzheng advocated frugality. Since the Hall of Mental Cultivation was relatively small and could be simply decorated, he decided to reside there for the duration, setting an example for his ministers and concubines, warning them against extravagance.

Su Peisheng bent his body slightly and tiptoed to the imperial desk. He placed the freshly brewed tea next to Yongzheng and said softly, "Your Majesty, the Empress is here."

Yongzheng put down his red brush, picked up his tea and took a sip before saying, "Let the Queen in."

The Queen bowed with a smile, then stood up and said, "Your Majesty, you are so diligent in your government affairs! I have made a pear and white fungus soup, which is perfect for the dry autumn weather. Please have a taste, Your Majesty."

"The Queen is interested."

Su Peisheng on the side quickly took it with both hands respectfully and handed it carefully to the emperor.

"It tastes sweet and refreshing, not greasy. Not bad!" Yongzheng drank half a bowl and put it aside. He then asked, "Have all the new concubines been arranged?"

The Queen's lips curled up into a smile. "Your Majesty, don't worry. Everything has been arranged. With Sister Hua Fei here to assist, I am happy to have some free time. The other day, the concubines came to pay their respects. I observed carefully and saw that they were all dignified and polite. It shows that Your Majesty and the Queen Mother have a unique vision. From now on, I will have more people to talk to me!"

Thinking back to the stunning glimpse he got when he first saw her during the selection, Yongzheng couldn't help but feel a little moved. "Not bad, there are finally one or two that catch my eye!"

"The three-day deadline has arrived today. I wonder which sister the emperor would like to sleep with today?"

Yongzheng fiddled with the jade beads in his hand, "Does the Queen want to test my feelings?"

"I dare not. Your Majesty, please turn over the card!"

The Queen waved her hand, and Xu Jinliang, the eunuch in charge of the Jingshifang, knelt in front of Yongzheng respectfully holding a silver tray.

Yongzheng stretched out his hand and stroked across the green-headed cards. The hanging jade beads made a "lingling" sound as they slid across each green-headed card.

With a wave of his hand, Xu Jinliang immediately changed to another silver plate. Yongzheng looked at the end, but still did not find the person he wanted.

"Where is the green card of Concubine Wan?" Yongzheng said with some displeasure.

This was the purpose of the Empress's visit today. "This afternoon, a report came from the Imperial Hospital stating that Wan Chang was suffering from palpitations, fright, and infection, and was unfit to sleep with the Emperor. They requested that the green card be removed."

"Frightened?" Yongzheng frowned. "What's going on?"

The Queen paused, looking embarrassed, and then spoke, "In front of Concubine Wan and Concubine An, Concubine Hua punished Concubine Xia with a lash of the lash. Concubine Xia is now disabled, and Concubine Hua has ordered her to be moved to the cold palace to recuperate. Someone from the Yanxi Palace also reported that Concubine An has a high fever and is bedridden."

After that, he briefly recounted what happened to Xia Dongchun that day.

Seeing Yongzheng's increasingly ugly expression, the Empress felt pleased and added fuel to the fire: "Although Concubine Xia was rude, the punishment was quite severe. Concubine Wan and Concubine An are only teenage girls. Seeing such a thing, it is inevitable that they would be afraid and worried."

Yongzheng also felt that Hua Fei was becoming more and more presumptuous, but he did not show it on his face. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Hua Fei is also trying to enforce the palace rules. Well, let her be! Wan Changzai and An Changzai are over there. The Queen should send someone to check on them when she has time. I hope nothing is missing."

The Queen showed her kindness and generosity at the right moment: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. It is my duty to look after the six palaces."

Yongzheng looked at the row of green cards with little interest, and sighed, "Wan Changzai is sick!"

"Noble Lady Shen is still fine." The Queen said. She did not recommend Noble Lady Fucha, but mentioned Shen Meizhuang instead.

Yongzheng flipped a sign and Xu Jinliang bowed and retreated.

"Su Peisheng, go to Xianfu Palace to convey the imperial edict and let Concubine Shen prepare it!" the Queen ordered.

Su Peisheng went out and called Xiao Xiazi, giving him the opportunity to get the reward.

Xiao Xiazi walked towards Xianfu Palace with a smile.

In Xianfu Palace, Shen Meizhuang was so happy when she got the news. This was a great favor among the new concubines in the palace!