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

Chapter 43: A Trip to the Old Summer Palace 2: First Encounter

When Concubine Hua learned that the Emperor had sent someone to deliver tea and snacks to Zhen Huan's carriage, she was so angry that she almost smashed the dishes.

It was Songzhi who finally calmed Concubine Hua's rage by inviting Concubine Wen to come. Concubine Wen persuaded Concubine Hua from going to trouble Zhen Huan with all her might. However, this also cost Concubine Wen Yi's first birthday party. Since Concubine Li died, there was no one to share the firepower, and Concubine Wen was miserable.

The emperor was in a good mood and went for a stroll by the Fuhai Sea, with Concubine Wen accompanying him.

The emperor walked and strolled, and Concubine Wen followed him closely. She hesitated several times and wanted to speak, but held it back.

"It seems that you are having a hard time bearing it. Just tell me what you want to say." The emperor said simply, but it made Wen Guiren's eyes flash. Since the emperor took the initiative to speak, there was a chance, whether it was Wen Yi, herself, or Hua Fei.

So Concubine Wen tentatively said, "Wen Yi is not used to the new environment and has been tossing and turning at night. I just sent Wen Yi to Concubine Hua, and Wen Yi has indeed stopped crying."

"Oh, Concubine Hua has such a skill." The emperor looked out at the clear water in the pond, his voice expressing neither joy nor anger.

Concubine Wen was delighted. If Concubine Hua could gain favor, it would mean that Wen Yi's first birthday party could be better organized. "The Emperor once gave Concubine Hua a scarlet and gold phoenix hairpin with peony flowers. Concubine Hua loved it very much and often took it out to admire it, but she never wore it. Once, Wen Yi saw it and she also liked it very much. Every time she saw it, she was attracted to it."

The emperor looked at her with a distant gaze. "I gave this to Concubine Hua when she was pregnant. I knew at first sight that this hairpin would suit her. It's amazing that she still remembers it."

"Empress Hua is always thinking about the Emperor, and she treasures the things he gives her."

The emperor nodded and looked at the simply dressed Concubine Wen. "You are the princess's biological mother after all. Why do you only talk to Concubine Hua and don't ask for anything for yourself?"

Concubine Wen touched the tassel hanging from her ear with a bit of embarrassment. "Empress Hua treats Wen Yi like her own daughter, and I am deeply grateful. I already have Wen Yi, so I dare not expect anything more. But Empress Hua's heart and eyes are full of His Majesty, and I also feel sorry for Her Majesty's expectations of His Majesty."

The emperor nodded. "You are kind-hearted and have not neglected the title I personally chose for you. However, Wen Yi is about to turn one year old, so you should dress up well. You seem to like wearing blue. I have a set of red gold and sapphire hairpins and flower ornaments in my inner treasury. Wear them and make Wen Yi happy."

Concubine Wen was overjoyed. The last time the Emperor bestowed the title, he had promised to only grant it during the New Year. She wondered if Wen Yi would have the chance this time around, on her first birthday. As for blue, it was simply a color Concubine Hua didn't particularly like.

The two walked forward, and three large pavilions with double eaves came into view among the shade of the woods.

Three large pavilions extend into the lake in the shape of a Chinese character "山". There are nine pavilions in the middle and rear parts. The buildings are magnificent and splendid, like pavilions in fairy mountains.

The emperor suddenly chanted:

"The flying view shows the clouds and mirrors, the water contains the sky, the pines and cypresses and the ginseng in the sky.

The sound of flying feathers on the high hills echoes six times, and the sound of cold toads on the curved islands makes three impressions.

The Lu carpenters' intentions are not good things, and the Qi people's efforts are just empty talk.

"It is better to compare it with the thatched house of the immortals, or the twelve golden halls."

After saying this, he stepped into the pavilion. Concubine Wen quickly followed, saying, "Your Majesty is truly a man of great literary talent."

The emperor paused and sighed imperceptibly.

As the two entered the palace, they immediately saw Zhen Huan, dressed in a emerald green palace dress and wearing a jade pearl flower on her head. She stood out among the countless golden Buddha statues.

Zhen Huan was thin, and the palace dress she wore was a little loose on her, and she looked listless.

A complicated look flashed in the emperor's eyes.

Zhen Huan was only concerned with looking at the gods and Buddhas in the hall, and didn't pay attention to what was behind her. Su Peisheng noticed that the emperor looked dazed, and secretly glanced at Concubine Wen.

Concubine Wen was also undecided. When the emperor regained consciousness, Concubine Wen said loudly, "Sister Wan, what a coincidence."

The emperor lowered his eyes. It was no secret that he had summoned Concubine Wen to use You Fuhai.

Zhen Huan was slightly startled, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, Noble Lady Wen."

Before Noble Wen could speak, the Emperor said calmly, "No need for formalities."

Concubine Wen took a step back silently.

Zhen Huan stood up and quietly stepped aside.

Seeing that Zhen Huan didn't say anything, the emperor spoke, "Why are you here?"

These words were so cold that Zhen Huan felt a pain in her heart.

Exhaling a breath, Zhen Huan said, "My concubine and Sister Mei have agreed to visit the Secret Tower together. We have heard of the reputation of Fanghu Scenic Spot, so we came here because of its reputation.

Concubine Wen smiled and continued, "Sister, I live in seclusion and rarely go out, so I don't really know much about these things. I only knew that this Fanghu Shengjing was as beautiful as a fairy palace. Seeing it today, I can see that it is indeed so. I wonder what its name is?"

Zhen Huan spoke eloquently, "There are three sacred mountains on the sea, and when a boat arrives, the wind blows it away. That's just nonsense. You see, palaces of gold and silver are no different from the human world. This very place is a fairyland, at home in my own room, why seek far? This is the name of this pot. To the east is the Ruizhu Palace, to the west are the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, pure and clear, another magnificent scene. When I first read this, I felt that if I could see it with my own eyes, my journey would be worthwhile." Zhen Huan's eyes lit up with infinite brilliance. "The shimmering white jade steps are built along the water, the magnificent golden palaces stand by the water. Whenever the mist rises from the water, it's like a dream, like a fairyland. It's a pity that it's too hot now, so I'm afraid I won't be able to see it this way."

Zhen Huan looked regretful, and the emperor's eyes also showed longing.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Concubine Wen quickly tried to make amends, "Sister Wan is really well-informed and knowledgeable. She doesn't look like a woman trapped in the harem at all."

Zhen Huan's heart was filled with alarm. "I just love reading, so I asked my father to collect all kinds of strange stories and anecdotes for me to read a few."

The emperor suddenly said, "I am a little tired. Please follow me back to the Yangxin Palace."

Wen Guiren's goal had not yet been achieved, so she naturally had to follow. Zhen Huan hesitated for a moment and asked, "Sister Mei..."

The emperor said without even turning his head, "Tell her to go back to the palace."

Zhen Huan: “…”

The three of them sat down in the Yangxin Palace.

Concubine Wen sat on one side of the small couch, and Zhen Huan sat on the armchair not far from the emperor.

Su Peisheng brought the teacup, and the emperor raised his glass to gesture towards Zhen Huan, his dark eyes making it impossible to tell his emotion.

"Qin Mo has never understood tea, so you should try a cup too."

Zhen Huan smiled faintly, "I heard that the Snow Top Green Tea grows on the precipitous peaks of the bitterly cold Far North, making it extremely difficult to pick. There are only about ten plants left in the world. Because it is nourished by snow water year-round, the tea tastes refreshing and cool, which is extremely rare. Your Highness is truly thoughtful."

The emperor waved his hand towards Xiao Xiazi and said, "Other things are fine, but it's so hot now, and it took a lot of effort to send it all the way here. This kind of thought is really rare."

Concubine Wen finally found an opening to speak, "The Emperor just said that if it's just this once, it's fine. It's not very costly to do this every year."

Zhen Huan agreed lightly, "The prince is meticulous, but the emperor has grand plans."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like