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

This hairpin was not as white as Jiang Ruyin's two, but rather brown. The top was a curved corner that disappeared into the orderly carved reeds.

To be honest, it's not as pretty as Jiang Ruyin's two ivory hairpins.

An Lingrong's eyelashes fluttered as she carefully stroked the round lines, "This is..."

Tara pointed at them one by one and said, "They are made of polished rhinoceros horn. Look, the moon is also shaped like a rhinoceros horn. The moon is the mother of cold, and its light shines on the earth. Rhinoceros horn clears away heat and detoxifies, and can calm the mind. I think it suits you very well, and I originally wanted to make a horn comb out of it. It's a pity that it's worn out. Do you mind?" Tara came very close, and her warm breath made An Lingrong dodge uncomfortably.

"Thank you. It turns out that only when you experience it yourself do you realize that the feeling is what really matters. I like it very much." An Lingrong responded softly.

"Why hasn't the emperor come yet?" A young concubine murmured below.

Hua Fei said calmly, "The Empress Dowager has an important invitation, so the Emperor will probably arrive later."

The concubine didn't dare to say anything more.

Concubine Duan sat opposite Jiang Ruyin, staring at the children playing behind Jiang Ruyin.

"Hongshi has the demeanor of an older brother, Hongxuan is lively, and Hongning is quiet. They are all excellent children." Concubine Duan murmured as if talking to herself.

Concubine Wen turned around and said with a smile, "How can a child not be good-looking and lovable? Why did Concubine Duan only mention the three princes? Could it be that she dislikes my concubine Wen Yi for being too noisy?"

When it comes to Shuhe, Concubine Xin casts a glance at her from afar.

"No, it's just that Shuhe and Wenyi are both equally well-behaved and cute, and I'm overwhelmed by them."

Concubine Xin was obviously not satisfied with this answer and said loudly, "The prince has his own abilities, and the princess has her own consideration. Your Majesty has never experienced it, so naturally she doesn't understand."

Zhen Huan reminded Concubine Xin softly, but Concubine Xin turned her head away as if she didn't hear anything.

Concubine Duan's face darkened for a moment, but she finally smiled. "I'm actually envious of Concubine Xin for having been pregnant so many times. Shuhe is being well taken care of in the East Third House. She even gave Concubine Xin something just now. She's a good child who really cares about her mother."

Concubine Xin snorted coldly, and then she heard Concubine Hua say coldly, "I really don't know what you are pretending to be."

Concubine Duan sighed and looked at Concubine Hua, "Sister, what happened back then was truly an accident. It's been so many years and you still feel this way."

Hua Fei's eyes turned red, and she almost gritted her teeth as she said, "If you don't want others to know, then don't do it yourself. This palace is always thinking about her child."

Concubine Duan frowned and sighed deeply.

Zhen Huan arrived and bowed, "Empress Hua, the Emperor, as the Son of Heaven, knows right from wrong. Are you questioning the Emperor by what you just said?"

Jiang Ruyin watched for a while before suddenly speaking, "Well, today is my birthday, and I hope you sisters won't be upset." Then, she concluded, "It's because Concubine Duan has never given birth that I've offended you sisters. Please give me some face and calm down."

"Hmph!" Concubine Hua turned her head away.

Zhen Huan frowned as she watched this farce, and gained a deeper understanding of Jiang Ruyin's ill intentions.

As the banquet continued, the concubines no longer had any interest in watching the singing and dancing, and gathered in groups of three or four.

Looking at the concubines with their own thoughts, Concubine Hua remained silent with a cold face. She saw Jiang Ruyin sitting alone on the side, with a perfect smile on her face. She had the calmness and composure of a person who was sober while everyone else was drunk.

Even in such an atmosphere, the banquet continued until dusk before everyone returned to the palace.

The emperor did not show up, he only ordered Xiao Xiazi to deliver the gifts. No matter how precious the gifts were, they were not as good as the emperor's personal presence for the women in the harem.

Jiang Ruyin bowed gently in the direction of the Yangxin Palace, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness."

......

......

That night,

Beyond the palace walls, the night deepened. The vermilion gates of Concubine Hua's chambers were tightly shut. From afar, the vermilion walls loomed tall and imposing. Two majestic stone lions stood guard at the gate, casting eerie shadows in the moonlight. A plaque hung high above the gate, the characters "Yikun Palace" faintly gleaming in the dim moonlight. Two infuriating lanterns swayed on either side of the door lintel, their dim glow flickering in the wind, as if struggling. The bronze beast carvings on the doorknob exuded a cold and austere air in the dim light.

The few remaining branches of the flowers in the courtyard were weighed down by the snow and wind, leaving only vague shadows in the night. The bluestone path wound its way to the main hall, and palace lanterns on both sides emitted a faint glow.

In the main hall, several sturdy red-painted pillars stand, supporting the gorgeous roof. Bright red curtains hang from the beams. Candlelight flickers in the hall, reflecting the exquisite murals on the walls and the brocade curtains swaying gently in the night breeze.

The central heating stove, crafted entirely from bronze, is intricately carved with auspicious dragon and phoenix designs, appearing lifelike and poised to soar into the air at any moment. Its body, inlaid with glittering gemstones and smooth jade, shimmers with a multicolored light in the candlelight. Its wide mouth, edged with a gold rim, adds a touch of grandeur. Within, a blazing charcoal fire emanates waves of warm heat. Its feet, shaped like animal claws, firmly support the heavy stove.

A carved step-out bed rested deep within the inner chamber, its curtains embroidered with delicate gold patterns, gleaming with a luxurious sheen in the candlelight. A glass lamp on a low table beside the bed cast a soft glow, illuminating the vibrant quilt and soft cushions on the couch.

The dressing table beside the bed was exquisite, its bronze mirror reflecting candlelight, and filled with jewelry boxes inlaid with gold, silver, and jewels. Incense smoke curled in the air from the incense burner nearby.

There is a painting of a night banquet in the imperial palace hanging on the wall. In the interweaving of light and shadow, the people in the painting seem to be quietly gazing at everything in the house in this quiet night.

Songzhi, wrapped in a quilt, leaned against the footstool beside the bed. Behind the gauze curtains lay the sleepless figure of Concubine Hua.

After a long while, Hua Fei's slightly hoarse voice came, "What time is it?"

Songzhi immediately woke up and glanced at the wall clock, "It's already 2:45 in the evening."

"Is Concubine Fang going to sleep with you tonight?"

Songzhi said cautiously, "The emperor went to visit Lou Changzai."

After a moment's silence, Concubine Hua pulled back the curtain, revealing her beautiful face that looked tired.

She said expressionlessly, "Light another lamp."

Songzhi breathed a sigh of relief, and while sighing at the great change in Concubine Hua, she deftly lit the candlestick and placed it on the small table beside the bed.

Hua Fei lay on the edge of the bed and pulled out a book from the innermost side of the bed in the dim light.

The thick book was barely closed from being flipped through repeatedly. It was a historical record.

Hua Fei turned to the middle page with proficiency, which was the "Family of Gou Jian, King of Yue".