Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: Fawning

When Hongli arrived at the Cining Palace, Zeng Huan was holding a white cat in her arms and feeding the parrot.

Hongli stepped forward and said respectfully, "Son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."

Zeng Huan slowly raised her head, a warm smile spreading across her face as she responded to his greeting, "The Emperor is here."

Hongli: "Wasn't the Empress always afraid of cats? Why is she raising a cat now?"

Zeng Huan smiled as she walked towards Hongli and said, "I was afraid before because I was scratched by a cat once. Don't be fooled by this furry cat, which looks harmless. If you push it too far, it will attack you. Now that the harem is peaceful and I'm old, I'm raising it just to overcome my fear and make myself less afraid. This cat is quite obedient. It knows I'm nice to it, and it often comes over to rub against my legs. After a few times, I've become immune to cats."

Hongli stepped forward to support Zeng Huan, "Is there something else behind what the Empress Dowager said?"

The topic returned to the main business. Hongli had long guessed that Zeng Huan asked him to come over because of Xiangjian's matter. After all, they had been mother and son for so many years, so he could still guess what Zeng Huan was thinking.

Zeng Huan's lips curled slightly, but deep worry lingered in her eyes. In the past, she would have hoped someone would disrupt the harem so she could step in and wrest control from Hongli. But now, she only wished for her children's safety and a peaceful harem.

Zeng Huan: "Emperor, how do you plan to accommodate Han Shi? Do you intend to let her live in Chengqian Palace forever? I must remind you that she is not a concubine in your harem."

Hongli smiled and said, "You don't have to worry about that, Empress Dowager. I have my own plans for Han's future."

Zeng Huan said with a peaceful expression, "You are my son. I naturally know what you are thinking. But Your Majesty, please don't forget that Han is married. If you really force her to be your concubine, I'm afraid you will be ridiculed by the world..."

Hongli: "Han Shi has not yet married into the family, and has not yet performed the ceremony with Han Qi, so she is not considered Han Qi's wife. Empress Dowager, my son likes Xiang Jian, and I beg your Majesty to grant my wish."

The words sounded familiar.

Zeng Huan remembered that when Hongli was still Prince Bao, he had come to her palace to ask for Ulanara's wife. But at that time, Zeng Huan and Yi Zheng were fighting openly and secretly. Although they appeared to be at peace on the surface, they were secretly trying to trip each other up.

There is no way he can marry Qingying.

Not to mention that Zeng Huan disagreed, even Yixiu looked down on Hongli.

But in the end, Qingying was still betrothed to Hongli as a concubine.

They made vows of eternal love, but in the end, they still grew tired of each other. Zeng Huan knew that Hongli liked Han Xiangjian only because of her beauty. If Han Xiangjian grew old, Hongli would not even look at her.

Faced with Hongli's insistence, Zeng Huan could only remain silent.

At this time, Jinzhong walked in with small steps and saluted Hongli and Zeng Huan carefully.

Hongli: "What's wrong?"

Jinzhong: "Your Majesty, something bad has happened. News just came from Chengqian Palace that Princess Xiangjian cut her face with a sharp weapon..."

"What?" When Hongli heard that Xiangjian was injured, he turned around and left with an angry look on his face.

"Have you found the doctor?"

Jinzhong nodded and bowed, "The imperial physician has already rushed over."

Seeing Hongli leave without a word, Zeng Huan finally couldn't sit still anymore and shouted loudly: "Emperor~"

Hongli paused, then remembered that he had not yet knelt down to greet Zeng Huan. He turned around and said, "I'm sorry, Empress Dowager. I have something to do today. I will apologize to you later."

After saying this, Hongli left the Cining Palace.

"Ridiculous," Zeng Huan said angrily, "In my opinion, the emperor is truly possessed."

Fu Jia ignored Zeng Huan's anger and said calmly, "Empress Dowager, please calm down. The Emperor will figure it out one day."

It seems that it is inevitable for Han Xiangjian to stay in the palace, but if she is really favored in the future and gives birth to another son for Hongli, then the legacy left by the ancestors will have to be changed, right?

No, this must not be allowed to happen.

If Han Xiangjian was really made a concubine, she would never be able to give birth to Hongli's child.

But if she did it openly, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction from Hongli, so she turned her attention to other concubines.

When Hongli arrived at Chengqian Palace, Xipo and Aji quickly passed by him carrying blood.

A layer of coldness covered Hongli's eyes.

He quickly entered the house, but what he didn't expect was that Yuyan would be there.

Hongli was a little surprised. He glanced at her and said, "Noble Concubine Jia?"

Yuyan bowed slowly and said, "Your Majesty, I wish you the best of health."

Hongli: "Why are you in Chengqian Palace?"

Yuyan raised her eyebrows and stood up, saying, "I happened to meet Doctor Qi when I was out. I heard that something happened in Chengqian Palace and that Concubine Chun was ill. So I came here on Concubine Chun's behalf to see her."

Hongli nodded and said, "You are thoughtful. What happened in Chengqian Palace? Why did Xiangjian suddenly hurt her face?"

Jinzhong was about to answer when Yuyan beat him to the punch and said, "I heard from Xipo that Princess Xiangjian took the needle from a clock and scratched her face. But don't worry, Your Majesty. The imperial physician said the wound isn't deep. As long as she takes good care of herself, there won't be any scars."

He was relieved to hear that Han Xiangjian's appearance would not be damaged.

A complete change of image. In Hongli's mind, Yuyan, despite her beauty, was narrow-minded, jealous, and prone to temper. However, when it came to dealing with Han Xiangjian, Yuyan didn't help Lujun persuade Hongli, and even offered him a thoughtful plan.

Hongli was very satisfied. Before Xiangjian's injury healed, Hongli spent most of his time in Qixiang Palace.

The chill of deep winter is about to dissipate, and the spring rain has been falling for days on end. The entire Forbidden City is shrouded in the spring chill, and the tender buds that have just begun to emerge under the willows on the palace wall seem to be having a hard time surviving.

In the blink of an eye, Jing Wan learned to walk.

Yan Wan's birth was smooth under the careful care of Madam Hu. Perhaps it was God's blessing that Yong Lin and Yong Lu were reborn as twins in this life and became Yan Wan's children.

Hongli was so happy that he gave a bunch of things as rewards and carried them to Yongshou Palace.

Ju Rui took Jing Wan running around the yard.

The two young princes had just finished their feeding and were fast asleep. Lan Qi, beaming with joy, entered the main hall of Yongshou Palace to visit Yan Wan. Yan Wan was still in confinement, and the early spring weather hadn't yet warmed up. Lan Qi was worried she might catch a cold, so she had Ji Tao fetch a fox fur from her treasured wardrobe and make her a headband. A sapphire the size of a pebble was embedded in the center.

Yanwan smiled, her already beautiful features becoming even more vibrant. They all said Yanwan and Ruyi bore some resemblance, and Hongli had accepted her into the harem because of her resemblance. But in Lanqi's eyes, Yanwan was Yanwan, and Ruyi was Ruyi; they had no similarities at all.