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

In Yonghe Palace, An Lingrong leaned on Shen Meizhuang's knees, her fingertips unconsciously twisting Shen Meizhuang's sleeves, kneading the fine Shu brocade into fine wrinkles.

An Lingrong suddenly raised her head, her eyes sparkling with tears. "Sister, have I changed? Have I become... unscrupulous?"

Shen Meizhuang's hand paused, her fingertips caressing her cold cheek. The moment the candle flame popped, a scalding tear fell on An Lingrong's face, burning her whole body and making her shudder.

"This deep palace..." Shen Meizhuang's voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible, "It has long made us... no longer like ourselves..."

a few days later.

In the Yangxin Palace, the scent of ambergris mixed with ink was particularly oppressive.

Yongzheng's face was gloomy. He looked at Wang Quan, the head of the imperial kitchen, and Zhao Yingjiu, the head of the Imperial Household Department, who were kneeling on the ground, and threw the teacup in his hand onto the table.

"Do I have to decide the menu for the Wanshou Festival?"

Wang Quan replied tremblingly, "Your Majesty, your birthday is a major event. All the royal relatives and princes must attend. We really can't afford to be careless!"

"And you, you're asking me whether the candles at Third Prince's wedding should be painted in gold or made of filigree?"

Zhao Yingjiu fell to the ground, his voice trembling, "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the dignity of the royal family. I dare not... make the decision."

"Is Concubine Jing still not well?"

"Empress Jing, despite her illness, has been handling palace affairs for most of the day and can no longer bear to rest. These matters are very urgent..."

Yongzheng pointed at one of the pieces and said angrily, "Are you anxious? How are we going to divide these silks? Are you anxious?"

"Your Majesty, we're in a hurry." Zhao Yingjiu's voice gradually faded. "The Needlework Bureau is waiting for the materials to be distributed so that the ladies can be measured and tailored. Otherwise, we won't be able to celebrate the Emperor's birthday!"

"You..." Yongzheng looked at the thick stack of reports on the table and said, "Take these away and give them to Concubine Hui to handle."

Su Peisheng stepped forward and said, "I dare to ask the emperor, on what grounds do you restore Concubine Hui's authority to assist in the management of the six palaces?"

Yongzheng was choked for a moment, and after a while he sighed and said lightly:

"Get out of here!"

The two of them crawled out of the Yangxin Palace.

Arriving outside the palace, Zhao Yingjiu looked around. Seeing that no one was around, he lowered his voice and said, "Manager Wang, thank you for accompanying me on this journey."

Wang Quan waved his hand and responded with a smile: "You kid, why are you being so polite to me? You usually take care of me so much, it's only natural that I should help you with this little thing."

Zhao Yingjiu heard this and carefully surveyed his surroundings. After confirming that no one was paying attention, he confidently pulled out an exquisite purse from his wide sleeve and stuffed it into Wang Quan's hand, saying, "This is a gift from the Empress. You must accept it!"

Wang Quan pushed the purse back and took Zhao Yingjiu's shoulder. He leaned close to his ear and whispered quietly but expectantly, "I won't accept the reward. When Concubine Hui regains her authority as assistant to the Six Palaces, you must speak well of me in front of her and let her know my loyalty."

"Of course. I will definitely convey your kindness to Her Majesty."

In the Yangxin Palace, Yongzheng pointed at the thick memorial and asked, "Why are there so many things going on in the harem?"

"Your Majesty," Su Peisheng said in a voice that was just the right amount of respect. "There are now sixteen concubines in the harem, ten princes and princesses, and over five hundred eunuchs and palace maids. Daily expenses for food, clothing, charcoal, the harem's purchases, and the withdrawal of money all need to be managed by a dedicated person."

He quietly raised his eyes and saw Yongzheng's frown. He continued, "The Emperor's Birthday is approaching, and the Third Prince's wedding is scheduled for the 18th of next month. Also, there's the Winter Solstice Heavenly Sacrifice, the Laba Porridge Festival, and the New Year's Eve family dinner. These are all complicated and important matters, so naturally, someone in charge needs to make the decision."

Yongzheng had no choice but to put aside the important affairs of the court and start dealing with these "trivial" matters.

The more I read, the more irritated I feel. These densely packed numbers are devoid of any emotion. They are nothing like memorials, but just flattery. It gives me no sense of accomplishment to review them.

I only approved two things but I already had a headache.

Su Peisheng quietly retreated outside the hall.

Only when he came out of the hall did he dare to stand up straight and wipe the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. The breeze from the corridor blew through, and the cold sweat on his back immediately cooled down.

He squeezed the pouch in his sleeve; it was made by Jinxi herself.

He looked at Xiao Xiazi standing beside him and said, "Go to Yonghe Palace and find Lady An. Tell her that the Emperor is very upset."

"Yes!"

Xiao Xiazi didn't ask any more questions and walked away quickly.

In Yonghe Palace.

An Lingrong got the news, changed her clothes and prepared to go to the Yangxin Palace.

Shen Meizhuang's slender fingers gently stroked her collar, carefully smoothing out every wrinkle.

"Sister," An Lingrong suddenly held her slightly trembling hand, feeling a warm touch where their palms touched, "It's okay."

Shen Meizhuang refused to let go and tightened the ties on her cloak: "Rong'er... I always feel that this thing is not going to work."

"Don't worry, the Emperor and I have confronted each other many times, I know how to deal with him!"

"But this time is different. The previous things were all about the harem. No matter how angry he was, he would just scold her. But this time, we have extended our hands to the former court. I have a bad feeling!"

An Lingrong looked up into Shen Meizhuang's eyes, which were filled with worry. Suddenly, a bright smile appeared on her face. "That depends..." She clenched her right fist and pounded her chest a few times. "My ability."

Shen Meizhuang was not amused by her actions, but frowned even more tightly.

She reached out and touched An Lingrong's cheek, her thumb gently caressing her delicate skin: "Rong'er..."

Sensing her emotions, An Lingrong nuzzled her face into her warm palm. "Sister, Wei Lin said Sister Zhen's pregnancy isn't going well, and we need to stay with her. Also, I'm worried that Qi Yuebin might come up with another plan if his first one doesn't work. We need to get out of this predicament quickly."

After a long while, Shen Meizhuang finally spoke: "Then I'll take Hongxu and Wanwan to wait for you outside the palace."

"No, sister, they are still young, I don't want them to see how their father and mother are at odds with each other!"

"Rong'er!"

"elder sister!"

The two looked at each other, neither giving in.

Shen Meizhuang knew that no one could persuade An Lingrong to do what she insisted on, so she could only say, "Then I'll wait for you outside the palace."

An Lingrong nodded: "Okay!"

The bronze mirror reflected two overlapping figures, one as slender as a bamboo, the other as elegant as a chrysanthemum.

An Lingrong turned around, threw away her cloak, and left quickly.