The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of Ling Rong

After seeing off the Fourth Prince, I sat alone quietly in front of the window, looking out, but my heart was always thinking about what had just happened.

I was a little surprised by the Fourth Prince’s sudden arrival. I couldn’t help but start thinking about his intentions and purposes, and I didn’t know how to deal with such a situation.

Just then, I heard footsteps outside the door, followed by a knock. I came to my senses and said, "Come in!"

The door opened, and it was Sister Mei and Sister Wan who walked in. They were arm in arm, chatting and laughing from time to time, and seemed to be in a good mood.

I quickly stood up to greet them, smiling and saying, "Why are you two sisters here? Come and sit down."

Sister Mei and Sister Wan came over and sat down next to me, looked at me and said, "We heard that you haven't been going out lately, so we came to see you."

I was touched and said, "Thank you both for your concern. I'm fine."

Sister Wan asked with concern, "Really? Lingrong, you have something on your mind, but you can't hide it from me."

I nodded and said, "Don't worry, sister. I was just a little nervous after meeting the Fourth Prince today."

Sister Mei comforted me and said, "I heard that the Fourth Prince is diligent and studious. Although he was raised in the Old Summer Palace, he is very talented and works hard. You don't have to worry too much."

"With two sisters around, I feel much more at ease."

Sister Mei smiled and said, "Okay, let's not talk about these annoying things. We came to you today to chat with you and relieve our boredom."

I smiled and said, "Great, it would be great if you sisters could come often!"

So the three of us chatted for a while, from trivial matters at home to the situation in the court. During the conversation, when we talked about Huanbi, my sister seemed to have an idea in her mind.

"Mother has already agreed to let Huanbi enter the mansion as the second young lady, and Huanbi's mother's tablet has been placed in the Zhen family's ancestral temple. From now on, Yurao will have another sister, which is a good thing."

"Sister, do you mean to send Huanbi back to the Zhen Mansion?" I asked uncertainly.

"Yes, Huan'er, why haven't I heard you mention this? Huanbi grew up with you since childhood. If she goes back to the Zhen Mansion, you will lose a caring and trustworthy person by your side." Sister Mei asked worriedly.

"It's okay. Huanbi has been following me as a maid since she was little, and I've wronged her all these years. Although this palace is nice, what happiness is there in it? If she can leave the palace and find a quiet and comfortable life in the future, that would be good too."

"Sister, you're right. It's hard for you to think so much about Huanbi. I'm sure Huanbi will be happy too."

"I have reported this matter to the Emperor, and he has agreed. In a few days, Huanbi will leave the palace."

As we were talking, Aunt Zhuxi, who was by the Empress Dowager's side, came.

We were all very surprised. The Queen Mother usually ignored the affairs of the harem, so why would she send Zhuxi to Suiyuxuan today? I was completely puzzled.

"The Empress Dowager has decreed that Concubine Rong be invited to Shoukang Palace." Aunt Zhuxi said.

"Aunt, is there something wrong that the Queen Mother asked me to come over?" I wanted to know very curiously.

"The Empress Dowager didn't say it explicitly. You'll find out when you go there." Zhu Xi answered cautiously.

I felt a little uneasy and looked at Sister Mei, not knowing what to do.

Sister Mei stood up and asked Zhu Xi, "Aunt, do you know what the Queen Mother wants to see Lingrong about?"

"Don't worry, Concubine Hui. The Queen Mother just asked Concubine Rong to talk to her. Nothing will happen." Zhu Xi answered respectfully.

"Well, that's good. I'll feel relieved then."

I followed Zhuxi to the Queen Mother's bedroom. She was half-lying on the bed. When she saw me, she called me forward.

"Your concubine pays her respects to the Empress Dowager!" I saluted the Empress Dowager politely, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

"Noble Concubine Rong, the Emperor dotes on you very much now. He even adopted the Fourth Prince under your name. Now you are the noble concubine of a prince and a princess." The Queen Mother's tone was cold and sounded somewhat dissatisfied.

Although I didn't know why the Empress Dowager was angry, I didn't dare to be careless at this time and quickly admitted my mistake: "Please forgive me, Empress Dowager. The Emperor only took pity on me because of my humble background and because the Fourth Prince had no mother to take care of him, so he asked me to be his adoptive mother. I dare not have any other thoughts."

"No wonder the Emperor likes you. In the years since you entered the palace, you have been conscientious in fulfilling your duties, and you are calm and collected, not giving others trouble. I have heard this too. So the Emperor dotes on you, and I have never objected."

"I know that although you are not of high birth, you are very intelligent. How many times have you been there to offer advice to Concubine Wan? Otherwise, how could the Zhen family have a concubine now? Isn't Concubine Qi, who was exiled to Ningguta, an example of this?"

Hearing this, my heart felt like it was being tightly gripped by a hand, and breathing became a little difficult.

I lowered my head, not daring to look the Queen Mother in the eye, for fear that she would see my guilt and fear.

The Queen Mother actually knew so much... It turned out that nothing I did in the palace escaped her eyes. All those secrets and schemes were exposed at this moment.

I know full well that within this deep inner palace, any mistake could become a fatal clue. And now, I've been exposed to the Queen Mother's gaze, and my life hangs by a thread.

My legs went limp, and I immediately knelt, bowing my head deeply. I said to the Queen Mother, "Please forgive me! I deserve death. I can't hide anything from you, Your Majesty. But please understand, Your Majesty, I only did things to protect myself. I have never intentionally harmed anyone."

After saying that, I didn’t dare to say anything else. I just knelt there, not daring to breathe.

Time passed minute by minute, the empress dowager did not speak for a long time, and the entire bedroom fell into dead silence.

I could only wait quietly, my heart filled with fear and anxiety, not knowing what fate I would face.

Finally, the Queen Mother spoke lightly. Her voice was cold and calm, but it carried a majesty and power that could not be ignored.

"Get up. You should know that if you do something that I cannot tolerate, I will naturally not show mercy." This sentence seemed like an order, which made me nervous.

The Queen Mother's gaze swept across the room, finally landing on me. Her eyes revealed a hint of indifference and dissatisfaction, but more than that, a profound meaning that was difficult to fathom.

I felt the Queen Mother's gaze, and my heart tightened. I quickly bowed my head to show my respect and obedience.

The Queen Mother nodded slightly and motioned for me to stand up.

"Rong Fei, you just need to remember that no matter how much favor you may receive from the Emperor in the future, the Empress is still the Empress. As a concubine, you should always respect the Empress."

"Yes, please rest assured, Your Majesty Dowager. Your Majesty is in charge of the harem and is the mother of the country. I have no second thoughts about Your Majesty." I bowed slightly and answered with a firm look.

I know that this is not just a simple promise. I want the Queen Mother to believe in me and let everyone see my loyalty and respect for the Queen.

"I am fully aware of my identity and status, and know what I should and should not do." I continued, my tone sincere and genuine.