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

After saying this, she saw Nian Shilan looking at her dimly. She said, "You knew it a long time ago, right?"

Jiang Ruyin was stunned. "Know what?"

In her previous life, the Empress Dowager poisoned Longkodo in the Old Summer Palace, so Jiang Ruyin had no way of knowing about this.

"Longkodo displeased the emperor, so the empress dowager killed Longkodo. My brother displeased the emperor, so Zhen Yuandao and Emin and his gang impeached my brother. You saw it, so you wrote that letter. I gave it to my brother without understanding it. My brother understood it, so he committed suicide to save the whole family. Am I right?" Nian Shilan stared at Jiang Ruyin, a bloodshot look in her eyes.

"I......"

Nian Shilan suddenly smiled. "Don't say anything. I don't blame you. My brother is omnipotent. He did this because he had no better way. I only regret not seeing through that man's mask sooner. The other day the emperor hinted at Ling Changzai's pregnancy. You should have avoided it if you could."

"Did you agree?" Jiang Ruyin asked hurriedly.

Nian Shilan snorted coldly, "I will never be a butcher for others."

Jiang Ruyin nodded in understanding.

When Jiang Ruyin returned to the main hall, she saw Concubine Qi busily serving tea and pouring water. Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager couldn't drink tea, so it was simply there to quench the thirst of the concubines tending to her illness. The water was also scalding hot, as it was used to heat a handkerchief for the Empress Dowager's forehead. After a long day of fussing, she found herself unable to offer any assistance.

Jiang Ruyin held her forehead with her hand, "Sister Qi Fei, why don't we wait until lunchtime to prepare food for the Empress Dowager."

"Oh, okay." Concubine Qi nodded in agreement hurriedly.

Although she was asked to stop that day, Jiang Ruyin still worked until midnight before returning to the bedroom.

"Zhang Mi said that the empress dowager's illness should not be treated by the public, so why did you come back so late?" The emperor closed the book, feeling tired.

Jiang Ruyin took off her cloak and smiled wearily, "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. I met Princess Gongding in Shoukang Palace. The princess rarely goes out. After the Empress Dowager became seriously ill, the princess has been waiting by her side every night. I ran into her today and naturally wanted to show my concern for her. The princess is not in good health and is very sensible. I am really distressed."

The emperor hugged Jiang Ruyin and sat down. "Gongding is already old. She will be married in two years. That's why I didn't find her a foster mother. I'm afraid that the mother and daughter will feel even more reluctant to part."

Jiang Ruyin leaned over obediently, "Your Majesty is right. I, Concubine Hua, and several sisters will take care of you."

The emperor lowered his head and sniffed, "It's still the same smell. I heard that Concubine Qian made a new perfume, what's it called, Peach Blossom Dew, many concubines like it very much, but you are different."

A strange light flashed in Jiang Ruyin's eyes. "I'm used to this. I'm not used to using anything else."

"Yes," the emperor sighed, "it's better to be used to it."

Jiang Ruyin changed the subject, "Sister Qi Fei was very dedicated today. She didn't hide from anything and was willing to do everything. She and the Third Prince are indeed mother and son. They are both very honest and sincere."

Speaking of Hongshi, the emperor twirled his beads irritably. "Hongshi's concubine, Wuya, is not a quiet one. I intend to choose a dignified and suitable wife for Hongshi. We'll pick a good date at the end of the month so that the wedding can be completed sooner rather than later, which will bring happiness to the Empress Dowager."

Jiang Ruyin seemed to be lost in thought. "Sister Qi Fei seems unaware of this, but since the Emperor values ​​Hong Shi, Sister Qi Fei is happy."

"Concubine Qi bore me an heir and served me for many years. Hongshi is my eldest son, so we should celebrate with great fanfare."

Jiang Ruyin nodded in understanding, but it was only a few days away from the middle of the month, so preparations had to start tomorrow.

The next morning, Jiang Ruyin informed Concubine Hua and others, and after some consideration, she also told Concubine Qi about the matter.

......

......

Normally, outdoor banquets were held in front of the Yanhui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden. However, due to the matter of Concubine Cheng, they had to choose another location, the Cining Palace Garden.

The Cining Palace Garden is bustling with the fragrance of flowers.

This time, five concubines worked together to select a wife for the emperor's eldest son. The wives of all the civil and military officials in the court gathered together with their wives of marriageable age.

Some smiled shyly, while others stood dignified as they walked back and forth between Yanshou Hall and Hanqingzhai, gazing at the magnificent palace. The various precious and exotic flowers and trees in the Cining Palace Garden attracted unanimous praise from the ladies.

In Xianruo Pavilion, Concubine Hua was dressed in gorgeous clothes, smiling silently; Jiang Ruyin was smiling and chatting with the ladies who came forward to compliment her; Concubine Duan had a calm expression on her face, nodding from time to time to the ladies who saluted; Concubine Jing was greeting several ministers' wives in a half-hearted manner; Concubine Qi greeted several ladies with daughters of marriageable age and hurriedly left the main hall.

The Cining Palace garden, from the Linxi Pavilion in the front hall to the Xianruo Pavilion in the main hall, was surrounded by a profusion of flowers. Every scene and object was meticulously crafted and designed to be breathtakingly beautiful. Concubine Qi also wondered why the Empress Dowager was unwilling to move into the Cining Palace.

When Concubine Qi entered the Baoxiang Tower, she saw Hongshi, who was dressed neatly. She bowed and said, "Mother, why did you call me here?"

Concubine Qi grinned almost to her ears as she looked at him carefully.

He wore a turquoise brocade robe, elegantly embroidered with silver thread in cloud patterns, and a dark blue brocade border around the collar and cuffs. A warm, mutton-fat jade pendant was tied to a black silk sash around his waist. As he moved, the jade pendant swayed gently, making a crisp, melodious sound. He wore a pair of black deerskin boots, the patterns on the boots delicately intricately patterned.

The soft curves of his face became even whiter and brighter under the effect of the powder, revealing his elegant and graceful demeanor.

Concubine Qi smiled from ear to ear and praised Hongshi for being as beautiful as she was when she was young.

Hongshi scratched his head and said, "My son's clothes today are not bad. They were carefully dressed by Uya. I think they are very good too."

"Tsk!" Concubine Qi glared at him disapprovingly. "Uya is just a concubine. The one chosen today is your legitimate wife. Why are you mentioning her? The emperor has already said that Uya is restless. Whether you like her or not, don't mention her in front of me anymore!"

Hongshi had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Concubine Qi immediately smiled, took Hongshi's hand, and looked at him expectantly: "Hongshi, today's flower viewing party is an important moment for you. These ladies have different backgrounds. When you choose a wife, you should not only consider her appearance and temperament, but also the power behind her."

Hongshi frowned slightly: "Mother, I understand that choosing a wife is related to my future, but I also want to find someone who truly loves me. Otherwise, as my son's legal wife, I will only have a family without friendship, which will make me a mere decoration."

Concubine Qi looked at him disapprovingly. "Sincerity is certainly important, but as the legitimate wife, how can you control the concubines without a good family background? If you like someone, just choose a concubine or a concubine. Besides, choose a woman who is beneficial to us. It will be much easier for you to enter the court and share your father's worries."