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

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the Forbidden City's palaces with carved beams and painted rafters. It seems as peaceful as before, yet conceals many undercurrents.

Jiang Ruyin wore a palace-purple gown, its hem embroidered with a jasmine pattern, swaying gently with her lotus steps. The delicate pearls and jade in her hair were stained orange by the sunlight that filtered in when the curtains fluttered. Her face held a perfectly gentle expression, like a warm breeze, but her eyes were like a deep, unfathomable pool.

Consort Gong was wearing a completely different blue dress than usual, softening the sharpness of her expressionless face and bringing a touch of gentleness. There was also a hint of nervousness beneath her cold face that was barely noticeable to others.

The two of them rode together in the sedan chair carrying the imperial concubine.

Along the way, Concubine Fang smiled and talked, occasionally turning her head to look at Concubine Gong, and said softly, "My sister's dress today is very simple, elegant and beautiful. I'm sure the emperor will be impressed when he sees it."

Concubine Gong bowed slightly and replied softly, "Your Majesty is very graceful and elegant. The Emperor has always valued you the most."

The two seemed to be talking in harmony, but they both knew in their hearts that if this matter failed, they would still go their separate ways.

Soon, they arrived outside the Yangxin Palace. The eunuch's shrill voice rang out, "Empress Fang and Noble Lady Gong have arrived—" The sound echoed in the silent palace, seeming to strike at the hearts of both of them.

Su Peisheng came forward from afar, but paused when he saw Concubine Gong.

"My Lady, my Lady, please come in."

Concubine Gong was a little surprised. She only knew that Concubine Wan did not need to be informed, but it turned out that Concubine Fang was also not required to be informed.

Concubine Fang was the first to step into the hall. Concubine Gong took a deep breath and followed her in. Together, they bowed to the emperor who was high above them.

The emperor took a moment to look up and said, "Get up quickly, Noble Lady Gong? You..."

He looked at Jiang Ruyin again, "My beloved, this is the first time you have worn this dress. It will look good on you whether you wear light or heavy makeup." He pointed at Jiang Ruyin in the air with his brush.

Jiang Ruyin took the initiative to walk to the emperor's side, "I noticed that Sister Gong was always alone. With Sister Jingpin here, I felt much more relaxed. So after paying my respects today, I asked Sister Gong to stay for a chat. I learned that Sister Gong admired the emperor but was too shy to speak out."

!!!

For Duolan's sake, Concubine Gong lowered her head in fear that the emperor would notice her actions. Even so, the tan color on her face could not be concealed.

The cold beauty blushed, and the emperor smiled and said softly to Jiang Ruyin, "Yin'er has become more considerate these days."

Jiang Ruyin just smiled and quietly left the hall. The moment she turned around, a hint of loneliness appeared on her face.

Seeing Jiang Ruyin come out alone, Su Peisheng bowed and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you stay with the Emperor for a while longer? You don't know that the Emperor has wanted to invite you many times, but he gave up because Concubine Jing was just starting to learn palace affairs."

Jiang Ruyin just smiled and said, "Eunuch, please don't tease me. The emperor has Concubine Gong by his side now. I will go back to see Hongxuan first."

"Oh, isn't it? Who wouldn't like the Sixth Prince, not to mention the Emperor? Your Majesty, take care!" Su Peisheng said as he walked her down the stairs before returning to his seat.

......

......

At the Double Ninth Festival banquet,

Concubine Gong naturally sat next to the emperor.

The remaining concubines sat on both sides, with Jiang Ruyin as the leader.

In the past, banquets were performed with songs and dances rehearsed by Qingyin Pavilion or Jiaofangsi. Jiang Ruyin heard the emperor's tone and knew that he was very satisfied with the current Concubine Gong. Jiang Ruyin specially ordered the dancers to learn Mongolian dance, which everyone present found very novel.

Different from the graceful dances often performed in the palace, the dancers in colorful Mongolian costumes danced gracefully to the sound of the horse-head fiddle.

She tilted her head slightly, closed her eyes, and slowly raised her arms to the sound of the music, drawing graceful arcs in the air, sometimes stretching into the distance, sometimes gently retracting.

The steps are light and steady. With each step, the toes lightly touch the ground, and the heels slowly fall down. The rhythm is slow and rhythmic, just like the sound of hooves of a horse while strolling, steady yet agile.

The hem of her skirt swayed gently with her steps, its vibrant colors blooming across the emerald-brown carpet, adding a touch of vibrant color. Then, she spun gently, with a natural and soothing beauty, her braided hair flying in the air, like a spirit free on the grassland.

When the dance ended, the emperor clapped his hands and said, "My beloved concubine is so thoughtful."

Jiang Ruyin smiled slightly, "How could I be so meticulous? I'm so grateful that Sister Jingpin goes to Qingyin Pavilion to watch over me all the time."

Zhen Huan covered her mouth and asked Shen Meizhuang, "What do you think, Sister Mei?"

"Of course it's beautiful, but I really can't bear to see such an upright woman bending down to curry favor for power." Shen Meizhuang shook her head, frowned and glanced at Jiang Ruyin.

Zhen Huan turned her gaze to the moved Concubine Gong, "Sister Mei, how do you know this woman isn't enjoying herself?"

Shen Meizhuang also looked over, sighed and said no more.

"Is Hongning feeling unwell?" An Lingrong had no interest in listening to the songs and watching the dances. From time to time, she turned around to ask Baoque how Hongning was doing.

Baoque smiled secretly, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, our little prince is the most obedient. Besides, Sister Baozhi is watching him too." She had no hands free, so she nudged Baozhi with her elbow.

Baozhi gave An Lingrong a reassuring smile.

An Lingrong smiled back and turned her head.

To put it in a positive way, she is well-behaved, but in fact, she is too weak. Even the full moon ceremony and the one-year-old baby's birth ceremony were watched by An Lingrong and several other guests.

The emperor didn't even come for the one-year-old ceremony. An Lingrong took the initiative to give Hongning a hundred-year-old ginseng that the emperor had given him as a reward, as a prayer for his safety and health.

While they were chatting, the emperor whispered a few words to Concubine Gong and asked her if she could dance Mongolian dance. Concubine Gong seemed to be in a good mood and went downstairs to change her clothes.

The musician playing the ritual music changed the tone and the rhythm became more lively.

The palace maid brought a small table, on which was placed a beautiful and exquisite bow, an arrow without an arrowhead, and a useless horse whip.

Concubine Gong, donning a crimson Mongolian garb, performed a Mongolian salute before the emperor. Her gaze blazed, revealing a resolute and courageous spirit. As the drums began to beat, she suddenly rose to her feet, stomping them forcefully against the ground. The sound was like the beating of war drums, instantly igniting the passion within.

Her arms were waving vigorously, sometimes like a bow with an arrow drawn, with her arms stretched to the full, the taut lines showing strength; sometimes like waving a horse whip, swinging quickly in the air, bringing up a rustling sound in the wind.

Her steps were vigorous and powerful, each one solid and bold. As she spun, her skirt fluttered into a gorgeous flower, yet this flower was fierce, sweeping with boldness and unruliness as she spun rapidly.

Her posture was upright, and her back was always as straight as a pine tree. Her every move, every frown and smile seemed to be telling of the bravery and fearlessness of the children of the grassland. It seemed as if we could see the unrestrained and light-hearted nature of the grassland women, but she bent her back when she half-knelt in salute at the end of the dance.