The Legend of Zhen Huan Reborn: Overthrowing Zhen Huan to Become the Queen Mother

The faint light of dawn filtered through the thin clouds, gently illuminating the vermilion walls of Yongshou Palace, casting a soft halo over the palace. Today, Yongshou Palace seemed even more bustling than usual. The concubines, dressed early in the morning and accompanied by their respective maids, hurried to pay their respects to Consort Fang, now in charge of the six palaces.

Outside the palace gate, the eunuch's shrill voice was transmitted one after another. Every time a position and name were announced, Jiang Ruyin would raise her eyes slightly, with just the right smile on her face, but there was an imperceptible scrutiny in her eyes.

There has never been a truly unique person in the harem. Now that I am the one in charge, the calculations both overtly and covertly are no longer limited to the past.

First, an indefinite number of noble ladies, maids, and concubines filed in. They knelt respectfully and saluted, saying in unison: "Greetings to the Empress Fang, may the Empress be blessed with good health."

The voice echoed throughout the palace, as if to make the ceremony of greeting even more solemn. Jiang Ruyin leaned lazily against the back of her chair, raised her hand gently, and said casually, "Everyone, get up now. Are you all well today?"

Everyone hurriedly responded with "An Hao," standing to one side with their heads bowed, not daring to breathe. Lou Yong'er blended in with them, her eyes revealing a look of complete bewilderment.

Then came the three concubines Jing, Qian and Wan. Their postures of saluting were more elegant and dignified, and their eyes were either calm or complicated. After all, when Concubine Hua was there, the Yongshou Palace was not so prosperous.

"Please stand up. We are all sisters. There is no need to be so polite." Jiang Ruyin spoke warmly, but the slightly raised corners of her mouth revealed a hint of alienation.

Concubine Qi arrived first, with a simple smile on her face that seemed to be flattering.

After everyone had settled, the palace fell silent, with only the sound of their shallow breathing and the occasional clatter of jade pendants. Jiang Ruyin's gaze slowly swept across their faces, as if examining them, yet also as if savoring this moment of esteem after assuming sole control.

Jiang Ruyin looked at the empty seat opposite Concubine Qi and said slowly, "Sister Duan Fei visited Lou Changzai yesterday. I think she will come today as well."

Lou Yong'er didn't say anything. Jingpin was a little surprised and didn't say anything either.

Concubine Qi continued, "Hey, Concubine Duan's body is so weak that she can't get up for ten days or half a month. She went out yesterday, so it's normal for her to be unable to get up today."

Jiang Ruyin smiled helplessly, "Sister Qi Fei has misunderstood. The Emperor has instructed me on something, so I invited all of you here today. I also sent someone to invite Sister Duan Fei."

Concubine Qi was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled and said, "I see, Concubine Fang is thoughtful."

Since everyone had not arrived yet, Jiang Ruyin simply asked the palace servants to bring some more tea and snacks to fill their stomachs. Gradually, the servants began to chat in low voices.

Yuan Beishan's singing was heard outside the palace. It turned out that Concubine Duan was late.

Concubine Duan was still dressed the same as yesterday, low-key and elegant. She coughed twice as she walked, leaning slightly against Jixiang and taking small steps.

The bronze bell with the Bagua pattern made a dull sound, and Concubine Qi spoke in a clear voice, "It's Chen time, Sister Duan Fei, have a good sleep."

The second quarter of the morning is the time for concubines to pay their respects. The concubines all remember this time, and everyone's eyes are focused on Concubine Duan.

Concubine Duan smiled softly and said softly, "It's my fault. I was coughing and wheezing when I woke up this morning, and Jixiang insisted that I take medicine before coming, so I was late. I couldn't refuse Concubine Fang's kind invitation, so I apologize to all the sisters here."

As she spoke, she nodded to both sides, and several concubines quickly turned to the side.

Jiang Ruyin's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction, "Since Concubine Duan has arrived, please sit down quickly. The sisters are still hungry."

Concubine Duan nodded with a smile and sat in the first seat on the right.

After she sat down, Jiang Ruyin said seriously, "I have instructed the Imperial Household Department to use bright paper for window coverings in the palace from now on. This will save money, soften the scorching sun in the summer, and brighten the snow in the winter. Although it is approaching autumn, the weather is still unbearable. The savings will be used to pay for daily expenses such as mung bean soup for the palace maids."

Concubine Qi blinked her eyes and said, "What the Queen Concubine Fang said is right. It's a really good idea!"

An Lingrong gave her a strange look and said, "Your Majesty is considerate of the palace maids."

The remaining unremarkable maids and maids also quickly joined in the praise.

Zhen Huan's eyes wandered, very calm.

Jiang Ruyin smiled, "Actually, this was Wanpin's idea during the winter. The Emperor mentioned it to me. The Empress and Hua Fei were too busy with palace duties to follow through on this matter. I'm just an idler, so I just wrote it down."

The atmosphere was stagnant.

Zhen Huan felt puzzled, but she stood up and politely bowed, saying, "I am but a young girl, and I completely rely on Concubine Fang to implement this plan."

The concubines below looked at each other in bewilderment. They were all women of the bannermen family who were the most well-informed. They had already known a lot about the causes and consequences of Zhen Huan's assassination and the friction between Jiang Ruyin and Zhen Huan when they were still in Sui Yuxuan in their early years.

But now it seems to have eased up for some unknown reason.

"There's one more thing." Jiang Ruyin raised her voice slightly, carefully observing everyone's expressions. "Sis Hua Fei has been staying indoors, and I'm inevitably struggling to handle all the palace affairs alone. So, I'm asking the Emperor to find another sister to assist in managing the six palaces."

Concubine Duan's expression remained unchanged, except for her lifeless eyes which now had a hint of brilliance.

Concubine Qi was delighted for a moment, but soon died down. Jiang Ruyin saw her sigh softly.

Jingpin lowered her head and played with the handkerchief. She paused after hearing the words, but did not stop.

Concubine Qian was still listless. Upon hearing this, she looked up at Jiang Ruyin but did not react.

Zhen Huan's reaction was the most interesting. She first opened her eyes wide in surprise, then lowered her head, her eyes darting around, lingering on Concubine Duan and Concubine Jing for a moment each.

Jiang Ruyin curled her lips, "Sisters, if you have any ideas, you can volunteer. Of course, my opinion doesn't count."

Concubine Duan spoke softly, "Sister Concubine Fang is so thoughtful." Then she stopped talking.

The two most senior concubines and one imperial concubine remained silent, seemingly unmoved. The nobles and attendants below, however, looked on with lively eyes.

"Okay, it's getting late. I won't keep you sisters any longer. Please go back." Jiang Ruyin waved her hand slightly to signal everyone to leave, and then walked into the hall.

Concubine Xin hesitated for a moment as she looked at Jiang Ruyin's back. Finally, she walked around and went to the South Third Building before carrying a small basket and heading to the Yangxin Palace.

"Noble Lady Xin? I'm busy and don't have time to see her." The emperor said indifferently.

Su Peisheng replied, "Your Majesty, Concubine Xin seems to have come from the South Third Residence, and she was carrying a small basket. Perhaps it's related to Princess Shuhe."

The emperor paused and sighed, "Forget it, I haven't seen Shuhe for a long time. Please ask her to come in."