The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of Ling Rong

"Hurry up and get up. Why do you keep kneeling like that? Aren't you afraid of tiring yourself out?" The emperor took my hand and helped me up.

"I'd like to rest here with you tonight. Are you happy, Rong'er?" the emperor asked tentatively.

I slowly bowed to the Emperor and whispered, "I went to see Sister Mei yesterday. She's been feeling down lately and hasn't had an appetite. I'm a little worried, so I'd like to ask Your Majesty to go see her."

The Emperor frowned upon hearing this and asked with concern, "Oh? Why is Concubine Shen like this?"

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth: "Your Majesty, Sister Mei has been depressed ever since the last incident. She said that she acted carelessly and without consideration, and betrayed the Majesty's trust, and she often blames herself."

"I cannot bear to see this. I beg Your Majesty to visit my sister so that she can untie her knot and feel better."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then finally spoke: "Everyone else is looking forward to my coming, but you always push me away. Is it because you don't like me coming?"

I shook my head and looked at the emperor with gentle yet firm eyes. The corners of my mouth curled up slightly as I spoke softly, "Of course I hope Your Majesty will come, but I and my sister are like sisters. How can I only care about my own happiness and joy and not see my sister's sadness?"

"The clouds are thin and the rain is drizzling. I think of you every night and every morning. If our love is long-lasting, why should we be together day and night?"

After saying this, a trace of helplessness and sadness appeared on my face.

"Rong'er, I didn't know you were familiar with poetry. You said before that you had never read a book."

"I only read it in my spare time. Sometimes I don't understand it, and I often only have a vague understanding."

"It's good that you're willing to study. If you don't understand something in the future, just tell me."

"Then Your Majesty, please don't despise me for being stupid!" I said shyly, pretending to be playful.

"Then I'll go see Concubine Shen. You'd better rest early and take care of yourself." The emperor advised with concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will definitely remember it."

When he was leaving, the emperor turned around inadvertently, looked at me reluctantly, and then left.

"Su Peisheng, tell me, what do you think of this Concubine An?" the emperor suddenly asked.

Su Peisheng was confused and stammered, not knowing how to answer.

"I'm asking you, what's Concubine An's temperament like?" The emperor turned around and asked again.

Su Peisheng has served the emperor for many years and has always known the emperor's temper. How could he not know what the emperor means?

The emperor's majesty is unpredictable, and no one dares to speak rashly when they are unsure of his temper.

Su Peisheng now knew the emperor's intentions. The emperor seemed quite satisfied with this noble lady An. He had never asked this question to other young ladies.

"Your Majesty, Consort An is gentle and virtuous, with a refined mind and a refined spirit. Furthermore, she is also proficient in music, and her singing voice is beautiful, like a celestial beauty."

"I have heard that Lady An is very kind and gentle to her servants and has a good temper. She never abuses her power to bully others, but instead often rewards them, earning their respect and love."

"Your Majesty, such a woman is truly rare. I, your servant, may say something disrespectful, but this Noble Lady An bears many resemblances to Empress Chunyuan."

Su Peisheng stopped talking at the right time and paid attention to the emperor's expression.

"Let's go and see Concubine Shen!"

The emperor didn't say anything else. Su Peisheng already understood that this Concubine An would have a bright future. After all, there were not many women like Queen Chunyuan.

"My lady, it's late, you should go to bed early." Caiyue said worriedly.

Sister Mei was standing by the window at this time, looking from afar, as if she wanted to see something through the outside.

As soon as the emperor entered the door, he saw Sister Mei's shadow on the window from a distance at the door.

However, the emperor did not let anyone know, and Sister Mei was distracted for a moment and did not notice, so the emperor walked forward quietly.

"Caiyue, I don't want to sleep yet. I'd better read a book for a while. Don't worry about me. Go get me a glass of water and don't bother me."

"Yes, my lady, I will go right away."

Caiyue just walked out of the door and almost bumped into the emperor who came in. Just as she was about to speak, the emperor's eyes moved, and Caiyue immediately understood.

After paying his respects, he left. Su Peisheng followed him out and waited outside, waiting for the emperor's summons.

Mei Zhuang was flipping through the pages of a book quietly. The room was so quiet that only the sound of turning pages could be heard.

After a while, he seemed to feel someone standing next to him, thinking it was Caiyue. He said casually: "Caiyue, didn't I tell you that I should read a book before going to sleep? You don't have to stay here with me. I want to be quiet for a while."

"It's okay to read this book tomorrow." The emperor suddenly said.

Mei Zhuang was also shocked. Why was the emperor here?

"But you're still angry with me?

"I dare not. It was originally my fault for not being thoughtful and inexperienced. I wanted to learn how to do things and help the emperor, but I ended up causing trouble for him instead."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty!" He knelt down and apologized sincerely.

The Emperor quickly helped Mei Zhuang up and spoke gently, "Get up quickly. This matter cannot be entirely blamed on you. You are young and have only been in the palace for a short time. The affairs of the harem are complicated and interconnected."

"I have no choice but to punish you and make you reflect on your mistakes. Do you blame me?"

He sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness and heartache in his eyes.

Mei Zhuang raised her head, looked at the emperor with tearful eyes, and said softly: "I know your majesty's difficulties, and I don't blame you. It's just... I feel that I am incompetent and cannot share your worries." She lowered her head, and tears slid down her cheeks again.

The emperor gently stroked Mei Zhuang's hand and comforted her, "I have no choice but to punish you. I hope you can understand my difficulties." There was a hint of guilt in his eyes.

Mei Zhuang shook her head and choked up, saying, "I dare not blame the emperor. I will always remember the emperor's love and trust in me."

"I did something wrong and should bear the consequences and accept the punishment. I only hope to make up for my mistake." She looked at the emperor firmly, with determination and courage flashing in her eyes.

The emperor was deeply moved after hearing this. He hugged Mei Zhuang in his arms and said affectionately, "I know you have always been very sensible and considerate. Although this incident disappointed me, I believe you will learn from your mistakes and will be better next time."

He patted Mei Zhuang's back gently, giving her warmth and encouragement.

Mei Zhuang hugged the emperor tightly and nodded shyly, "I understand. I will study hard and will not let the emperor down again."

A determined look gradually appeared on her face, and she made up her mind to work harder and act more cautiously in the future so as not to let the emperor down.

The emperor stayed at Meizhuang's place that night.

My sister is still sincere to the emperor at this time.

But I understand better: how can there be sincerity in the imperial family? Feelings and sincerity are the most useless.

In this life, I no longer have any true feelings for the Emperor. He has never truly loved me. I no longer need his sincerity; power is more important.