The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of Ling Rong

The Queen Mother nodded slightly to show her satisfaction.

"That's good."

The Queen Mother said slowly, "Remember, within the harem, harmonious coexistence is the most important thing. You are all the Emperor's women. As his concubines, you should support each other, serve the Emperor together, and expand the royal family."

"Thank you for your teachings, Your Majesty. I will obey your orders." I responded respectfully.

"You are quite sensible and can understand what I mean. With the prince and princess by your side, I can rest assured. Moreover, you are on good terms with Concubine Wan and Concubine Hui, which is truly rare."

The Queen Mother was very satisfied with my performance. Her eyes showed relief and her tone became much gentler, not as cold as at the beginning.

I secretly congratulated myself on my answer satisfying the Queen Mother, but I maintained a humble smile on my face: "Thank you for your praise, Her Majesty. I am truly humbled to receive your approval."

The Empress Dowager continued, "You get along well with Concubine Wan and Concubine Hui. This is also a reflection of the harmony in the harem. Only when the harem is harmonious can the Emperor handle the affairs of the previous dynasty with peace of mind."

I responded respectfully, "I will follow the Empress Dowager's instructions. I will get along well with all of you sisters and serve the Emperor with all my heart and soul."

The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction, signaling that I could leave, and asked Zhuxi to see me out.

I stood up and took my leave, feeling relieved.

After leaving the Empress Dowager's bedroom, I breathed a sigh of relief. This time, the meeting with the Empress Dowager went smoothly. Although the Empress Dowager didn't say much, every word she said was meaningful and made people not take it lightly.

I know that in this deep palace, if you want to survive, you not only need wisdom, but also the ability to read people's expressions and understand their hearts.

If I had answered the question wrong just now, I don’t know what would have happened today.

But I saw that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill this time, and I was really surprised that she could still think of me at this time.

Inside the Imperial Study Room

The atmosphere was solemn and depressing. The emperor, sitting behind the dragon table, frowned and looked at the third prince standing below with an angry face.

"Hongshi, look at you. You have done a terrible job on your studies lately! You could recite the lessons before, but now you can't even understand the meaning." The emperor's voice was full of dissatisfaction and disappointment.

"You are my eldest son, and I have high hopes for you, but you spend all day doing nothing and indulging in fun!"

The Third Prince lowered his head with a look of shame on his face, but there seemed to be a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.

"I know I was wrong, please calm down, father..." He said softly, with a hint of helplessness in his tone.

However, the emperor's anger did not subside. Instead, he intensified his anger and demanded, "You know you're wrong? Then why don't you repent? I've repeatedly taught you to study hard, but you never take it seriously!"

The Third Prince listened silently, sighing inwardly. He knew that he had indeed been somewhat slack in his studies, but he also had his own ideas and pursuits.

However, facing the majestic emperor, he did not dare to express it easily and could only lower his head and listen to the emperor's scolding.

At this time, I was outside the imperial study and heard it clearly.

Not long after, the Third Prince came out, but he looked in a very bad mood and had a lost expression.

After the Third Prince came out, he raised his head and his eyes happened to fall on me.

A faint smile appeared on his face, and he greeted me respectfully, "Hello, Madam Rong!"

I smiled slightly and responded to him gently, "Hello, Third Prince. It's getting late. You should leave the palace early and go back to rest. You have to get up early to go to the study tomorrow!"

The Third Prince nodded slightly, expressing his understanding, but then hesitantly said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam Rong. However, I have something else to do with the Empress Dowager."

After saying that, he frowned slightly, as if he had some concerns in his heart.

Looking at the Third Prince's expression, I couldn't help but become curious, wondering what on earth he wanted that required him to go to the Queen.

So, I asked softly, "Oh? I wonder why the Third Prince is looking for the Empress right now?"

The Third Prince was silent for a moment, and finally spoke calmly: "In response to Madam Rong, I am dull and dull, and the Empress Dowager is worried about my studies. So every day after school, the Empress Dowager tests me on my studies, so..."

Having said this, his voice gradually lowered, and his originally calm expression gradually became gloomy, and his eyes were full of displeasure and irritation. It was obvious that he was very impatient about this matter.

"The Empress is concerned about the Third Prince, so she is a bit strict with him."

I looked at his lowered head and gently comforted him, "Third Prince, don't blame the Queen. She also hopes that you can work hard and become a talented person soon!"

The Third Prince raised his head, his eyes filled with helplessness. "Your Highness understands that your Majesty's good intentions are all for your own good. But your Highness is too stupid and always disappoints you..."

"Don't be discouraged, Third Prince. You've worked very hard. As long as you work harder and persevere, you'll be able to achieve the Empress's expectations one day. Besides, the Emperor also cares deeply about Third Prince."

After hearing what I said, the Third Prince calmed down a little, but he still said with some frustration, "Madam Rong, but I feel that no matter how hard I try, I can't compare to Fourth Brother..."

I frowned, thinking that the Third Prince was really sensitive and fragile. He was the eldest son, and the Emperor and Empress had high hopes for him, so I guess the pressure was too great.

So, I can understand his feelings. After all, in this palace, every prince longs to be favored and valued by the emperor.

So, I patiently counseled him, "Third Prince, don't underestimate yourself. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Fourth Prince was a latecomer and can't compare to you in some aspects, but you also have your own shining points! For example, your kindness, filial piety, and diligence are all very valuable qualities. I believe the Emperor will definitely see your hard work and diligence."

The Third Prince nodded thoughtfully, as if he understood what I meant. With a firm look in his eyes, he said, "Thank you, Empress Rong, for your teachings. I will work hard and will never let my father and mother down!"

"Madam Rong, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me. Since my mother passed away, no one has cared about me like this for a long time. Who would care whether I'm happy or not?"

I encouraged the Third Prince: "Third Prince, I believe that if your mother knew, she would also hope that you would be well!"

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince burst into tears of gratitude and said, "Thank you, Empress Rong. I will keep it in mind. I will take my leave now." After saying this, he bowed deeply and turned to leave.

Looking at his receding back, I couldn't help but sigh that in this deep palace, everyone is burdened with heavy pressure, and no one is an exception, not even someone as noble as a prince.