Shen Meizhuang stood before the mirror, delicate fingers gently stroking the hem of her dress, meticulously smoothing out every wrinkle. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation, and the corners of her mouth curled up unconsciously. Her days of confinement were finally over, and today the Emperor had called her name, a joy that made her heart beat faster.

"My lady," the maid beside her softly reminded, "the time has come. It's time to go and welcome the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang took a deep breath and slowly walked out of the room. Her steps were graceful and calm, her skirt swaying gently as she moved, but inside she was excited and her heart was pounding.

The courtyard was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and a gentle breeze blew through, bringing bursts of freshness. Footsteps were heard in the distance, and Shen Meizhuang looked up to see the emperor striding towards her, his dragon robe rustling in the wind.

The emperor's gaze fell on Shen Meizhuang, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He stopped in front of Shen Meizhuang, his voice gentle but with unquestionable majesty: "Meizhuang, I'm here to see you."

Shen Meizhuang bent her knees slightly and performed a standard court salute, her voice soft and gentle: "Your Majesty, I welcome you." She raised her head, her eyes full of joy and gratitude, and met the emperor's eyes.

Shen Meizhuang bowed gracefully, her voice as soft and pleasant as a clear spring: "Your Majesty is here to welcome you." Her eyes sparkled with joy, her figure was graceful, and her skirt swayed gently in the wind.

The emperor reached out his hand and gently helped Shen Meizhuang up. His palm was warm and strong, which made Shen Meizhuang's heart tremble. The emperor's voice was gentle with a hint of apology: "Get up. I've wronged you during this period." His eyes were gentle and lingered on Shen Meizhuang's face.

Shen Meizhuang slowly raised her head, a thin layer of mist appeared in her eyes, and her voice trembled slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I dare not complain." The corners of her lips rose slightly, revealing a grateful smile.

The Emperor gazed at Shen Meizhuang's charming appearance, and something moved him. He gently patted her hand, his fingertips caressing her soft skin. The Emperor's voice was low and gentle: "Alright, let's not talk about the past. I will come to see you more often in the future."

A gentle breeze blew by, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers. The shadows of the trees in the courtyard swayed, and the sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves onto the two of them, adding a touch of warmth to this heartwarming moment.

For three consecutive days, the Emperor stayed at Shen Meizhuang's place. On the third evening, the golden sunset cast a warm glow over the courtyard. As the Emperor strolled through Shen Meizhuang's yard, his eyes were drawn to a cluster of emerald green chrysanthemums. He paused to admire the elegant blossoms.

"Mei Zhuang," the emperor suddenly turned around, a gentle light flashing in his eyes, and a hint of expectation in his voice, "I remember you like Lu Ju?"

When Shen Meizhuang heard this, her eyes instantly lit up with surprise, and her voice trembled slightly with excitement: "Your Majesty actually still remembers. I really like the elegance of green chrysanthemums." Her hand unconsciously touched her chest, as if trying to calm her excited heartbeat.

The emperor looked at Shen Meizhuang's delighted expression, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips. He took a step forward, approached Shen Meizhuang, and said softly: "Since you like it, I will give you all the green chrysanthemums in the palace."

Shen Meizhuang's eyes widened in surprise, her beautiful face filled with disbelief. She subconsciously took a half step back, her voice filled with hesitation and gratitude: "This... this is too precious. I dare not..."

The emperor reached out and gently grasped Shen Meizhuang's hand, preventing her from retreating. His eyes were firm yet gentle, his tone unquestionable yet full of tenderness: "I said I would give it to you, so I will give it to you." He turned and shouted outside the courtyard, "Come here, move all the green chrysanthemums in the palace to Meizhuang's place."

Following the emperor's order, the courtyard suddenly became bustling with activity. Palace servants came and went, carefully carrying the green chrysanthemums. Shen Meizhuang stood beside the emperor, watching the scene before her, tears welling in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua's face darkened. She stood up abruptly and slammed the teacup to the ground, sending shards of porcelain flying everywhere. The tea spread across the floor, like the rage boiling within her.

"Okay!" Hua Fei gritted her teeth, her fists clenched tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. Her eyes flickered with anger, and her voice trembled with suppressed rage. "That Shen Meizhuang, how dare you steal my things!"

Seeing this, the maid beside her turned pale and her legs trembled slightly. She took a cautious step forward and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito: "Your Majesty, calm down. The Emperor only sent some flowers..."

"Shut up!" Hua Fei turned around and shouted sternly. Her eyes were like knives, piercing the ignorant maid. The maid was so scared that she stepped back and almost fell. Hua Fei said coldly, "What do you know? Those green chrysanthemums were supposed to be given to me!"

Concubine Hua turned and walked to the window, her hands gripping the frame tightly, her knuckles turning white from the strain. Her gaze drifted into the distance, a dangerous glint in her eyes. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in her heart.

"Shen Meizhuang," Hua Fei growled in a low voice, her voice full of threats, "Just wait for me!"

A few days later, one afternoon, the sun gently shone on Shen Meizhuang's courtyard. A gentle breeze blew, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers. The emperor walked briskly to Shen Meizhuang's room, his expression serious and solemn.

The Emperor stopped in front of Shen Meizhuang and looked at her with deep eyes. His voice was low and firm: "Meizhuang, I have something important to tell you."

Shen Meizhuang sensed the change in atmosphere and straightened her back. She replied softly, "I'm all ears."

The emperor took a deep breath and said slowly, "I want you to learn how to manage the affairs of the harem."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang's eyes widened, her surprise evident. Her voice trembled slightly with shock: "Your Majesty, this... I'm afraid..."

The Emperor raised his hand to stop her, his eyes firm yet gentle. "I believe in your ability."

Shen Meizhuang lowered her head, her hands unconsciously twisting together. Her brow furrowed slightly, an inner struggle brewing. After a moment, she raised her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "I obey your command. I will do my best to live up to the emperor's high expectations."

The emperor smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this answer. He reached out and gently stroked Shen Meizhuang's shoulder, his voice gentle and full of anticipation: "Okay. I'm looking forward to your performance."

When Concubine Hua heard this, her face instantly turned ashen. She clenched her hands into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. She stood up suddenly and threw the vase beside her to the ground, sending porcelain shards flying everywhere and splashing water.

"Bitch!" Concubine Hua growled, her voice trembling with anger, "How dare you covet my power!"

She strode to the window and slammed her hands against the frame. The sunlight from outside shone on her gloomy face, adding a bit of terror to her. A trace of viciousness flashed in Hua Fei's eyes, and a sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"Shen Meizhuang," she growled in a low voice, each word filled with threats, "Don't be too proud. I won't let you have it easy!"

Concubine Hua turned, her skirt tracing an arc in the air. She strode towards the door, each step filled with determination and anger. The maids around her trembled in fear, not daring to breathe.

"Come here!" Hua Fei shouted sternly, "Prepare a sedan chair for me. I want to see the emperor!"

An Lingrong stood by the window, her gaze piercing the night sky, resting on the flickering lights of Concubine Hua's palace in the distance. The moonlight, like water, sprinkled across her delicate features, casting a chilling smile.

An Lingrong walked slowly toward the center of the room, her skirt trailing gently on the floor. Her eyes swept across the furnishings, finally resting on a pot of blooming orchids. She reached out and gently stroked the petals, her tone a bit cold:

"Hua Fei is too busy to bother me now. We are safe for now."

After saying this, she turned to look in the direction of the Queen, her eyes becoming deep and alert. An Lingrong's voice lowered, a hint of worry lingering in her voice, "However, we still need to be careful with the Queen. Now is not the time for me to reveal my pregnancy."

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