Shi Qing lived on the west side of Suiyuxuan. The courtyard was quiet and elegant, and was filled with various flowers. The most eye-catching among them was the blue-purple chrysanthemum.

This variety is extremely rare, and Huanhuan specially invited a famous gardener from outside the palace to cultivate it. She spent a lot of time and effort just to make Shen Meiyu happy.

She invited Zhen Huan to the study. When she pushed the door open, she smelled the fragrance of ink, which made her feel relaxed and happy. Huan Huan's eyes fell on the calligraphy and paintings not far away, among which was a painting of Concubine Mei's stunning dance.

Zhen Huan walked forward, took a look at the painting, and couldn't help but sigh.

"The painters of the previous dynasty were truly skilled. Although I have never seen Concubine Mei, the portrait of her is so lifelike, as if she were painted right before my eyes. She is truly stunningly beautiful and captivating."

Shi Qing sighed slightly, "Although Mei Fei was favored and made a name for herself in the capital with her stunning dance, her ending was not good. The only child she gave birth to died due to the emperor's schemes, and she herself ultimately died in the emperor's schemes."

Zhen Huan's smile paused, but she didn't think much about it. Sister Mei wasn't the type to speak in veiled terms, so perhaps she was just saying it casually.

"I think that in the harem, only the emperor's favor is far from enough. The emperor's grace is like flowing water, and the love that lasts a day or a night is just a moment of blooming."

When Zhen Huan said this, her expression was indifferent. First, her sister Mei was framed for faking pregnancy to win favor, and then Noble Lady Fucha was sent to the cold palace, which made her see many things clearly.

The emperor's favor was not what she wanted, a lifelong companionship.

Since entering the palace, her ideal husband has occupied her heart.

With Concubine Hua eyeing him covetously in front and the Queen pregnant behind, the Emperor knew that the situation was not favorable to her, but he still leaked the news of her pregnancy.

I guess it's just to show off the royal heir in her belly, that's all.

Outside the courtyard, Aunt Jingxi heard what Zhen Huan said and hurried in. She bowed respectfully and gently, but her tone was a little stubborn.

"Your Highness, as long as the Emperor loves you, it will be fine. You must take good care of the heir. When the prince is born, you will be the concubine. With the Emperor's love for you, one day, Your Highness will rise higher and higher."

Zhen Huan lowered her eyes and smiled slightly, the look in her eyes was particularly gentle.

"I just want the child to be born safely. As for status and favor, I don't care."

Shi Qing felt sorry for Huanhuan when he saw her gentle and tired look, but he thought it would be better to take precautions in advance.

"Huan'er, do you know Queen Chunyuan?"

These words made Aunt Jinxi's expression stiff. She clenched her hands secretly, and no one knew what she was thinking.

Zhen Huan seemed to be lost in thought. She said in a deep voice, "I've only heard the palace servants speak of Queen Chunyuan as a gentle, virtuous, dignified and graceful person. I wonder why Sister Mei mentioned Queen Chunyuan?"

Shi Qing took out Chun Yuan's portrait from the calligraphy and paintings and placed it on the desk. She was not in a hurry, and her scrutinizing eyes fell on Aunt Jinxi.

Aunt Jinxi said calmly, "Miss Meizhuang, Empress Chunyuan is of noble status. No criticism is allowed in the harem."

Shi Qing sneered, "Is it because you don't allow criticism, or are you worried about someone mentioning Queen Chunyuan's appearance? I'm only worried about Huan'er's safety. Jinxi, you're the one Huan'er is looking for. Are you going to keep this a secret from her forever?"

Zhen Huan was very smart, but she was confused by Shi Qing's words.

"Sister Mei, what do you mean by this? I really don't understand."

Shi Qing ignored Zhen Huan and walked to Jin Xi's side and said in a deep voice.

"Aunt Jinxi, would you rather tell me this yourself or let me tell you in person? Or, please be more decisive, as this concerns Queen Chunyuan..."

Jin Xi was still hesitant, but finally knelt down and said, "This servant does not know Queen Chunyuan, but the Queen is kind and helped me once. What do you mean by this, Miss Meizhuang?"

Shi Qing placed the portrait directly in front of Zhen Huan, his voice cold but sharp.

"Huan'er, I don't mean to hide it from you. What's with the emperor's favor and noble appearance? The emperor only regards you as a comfort to Queen Chunyuan!"

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