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

"I pay my respects to the Empress. After Concubine Shen's accident, Concubine Qian was afraid of being implicated, so she asked me to burn it. I thought that this was embroidered by Concubine Qian herself, and it might have other wonderful uses. I am stupid, so I ask the Empress to make the decision."

Jianqiu looked at Baojuan with disdain and said unhappily, "Is such a thing worth informing Her Majesty specifically? It's just a half-finished embroidery pattern."

The queen suddenly spoke up, "This thing also has its uses."

"Throw this near Siyi Library, and make sure that Concubine Wan or Concubine Shen's people see it."

This proved that it was indeed useful, and Baojuan was suddenly delighted.

The next day,

Zhen Huan had been on guard at Siyi Library all night. Just after being awakened by Caiyue, she subconsciously touched Shen Meizhuang beside her. The two of them squeezed into the bed together. Shen Meizhuang curled up uncomfortably. Seeing Zhen Huan awake, she pulled the corner of her mouth, "Huan'er."

Zhen Huan was drawn to the dark circles under Shen Meizhuang's eyes. "Sister Mei, the imperial physician says you're in good health. Just wait until the northwest war is over. The Emperor won't have to give Concubine Hua any more face. Are you still worried about not being able to get pregnant by then?"

Shen Meizhuang practically gnashed her teeth as she spoke slowly, word by word, "Ah! Hua Fei, it's Hua Fei again. As long as Nian Gengyao is alive, Hua Fei will remain standing. I only regret that she doesn't have a father or brother who fought on the battlefield, otherwise, how could she be so proud!"

That night, Hua Fei's complacency, Wen Pin's insidiousness, the Emperor's indifference, and Qi Fei's making matters worse, several faces of people took turns circling in her mind, almost driving her crazy.

Zhen Huan could only try to comfort her in a different way. "She has always been at odds with the Empress, and everyone knows what Sima Zhao is up to. The Emperor respects the Empress, and sooner or later, Concubine Hua's viciousness will completely exhaust the Emperor's patience. By then, even Nian Gengyao might not be able to keep Concubine Hua safe! Sister Mei, Concubine Hua is targeting you simply because the three of us are favored by the Emperor. If you continue to struggle, I'm afraid Concubine Hua will make a comeback and strike again. By then, it will probably be more than just a frame-up."

Shen Meizhuang's eyes revealed a trace of panic and shame, and her words became unnatural. "How could I please the emperor? He comes and goes as he pleases. Just like Lou Yong'er said, this matter is not without doubt. The emperor didn't even ask! He! He, he wants to bring me to justice... I believe that I am not proficient in everything, but I have a good knowledge of music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I know my character and ethics by heart and dare not violate them. Doesn't the emperor know me at all?"

Shen Meizhuang raised the question and laughed at herself, "I've been sincere to him, but what does it mean to him? I'm only vying for his favor for the sake of my family. I believe I can't do anything that interferes with politics, nor can I bring trouble to my family. To survive in the harem, becoming the emperor isn't the only path. I just want a peaceful life."

Shen Meizhuang's gaze pointed to the northwest, which was the remote Hongci Yongku chosen by the Queen Mother herself.

Zhen Huan remained silent, feeling a little depressed.

Mei Jie had decided not to compete for favor anymore, and although Lou Yong'er had been promoted, it seemed the Emperor's heart wasn't with her. Zhen Huan had a vague premonition that her turn would be next.

Every word Lou Yong'er said was still ringing in her ears, and Zhen Huan was silent.

......

......

Su Peisheng evaded the question, "The war in the northwest is intense. The emperor has been in the Qinzheng Palace these past two days, except for attending court. He's been reading memorials and meeting ministers, so he really doesn't have time to see you."

Su Peisheng spoke tactfully, deliberately omitting An Lingrong's presence. The mountains and rivers were just behind the Changchun Immortal Pavilion, so how many days did An Lingrong rest in her own bedroom?

Even though he thought so, he still smiled and thanked Su Peisheng for passing on the message.

The door of the Qinzheng Palace opened with a creaky sound, revealing Concubine Hua's smug face.

Concubine Hua glanced at the umbrella in Zhen Huan's hand and said to herself, "It's really hot today. It's much cooler inside."

Then, as if she had just seen Zhen Huan, she asked, "Lady Wan, why are you standing in the sun? Is it because you're too musty and need some sun exposure to get moldy?"

Zhen Huan's face was extremely bad. She did not want to argue with her and just took two steps back. "May your Majesty Hua Fei live long and healthy."

Concubine Hua didn't want to let her go, so she raised her chin and said, "Once the treacherous villains in the palace are eliminated, I will naturally be blessed with peace and happiness."

Concubine Hua did not lower her voice at all, and everyone in the Qinzheng Palace could hear it clearly.

Concubine Wen was still wearing the same lake blue palace dress, except that she had two more jeweled hairpins pinned to her bun.

She was so proud that she could barely control the upward curve of her lips. While Shen Meizhuang hadn't completely collapsed, she was humiliated. Zhen Huan, along with her, was no longer favored by the Emperor.

Su Peisheng came in again to report. The emperor stood up straight with an ambiguous expression.

She pretended to be considerate and said, "Your Majesty, the sun is scorching. Please let Concubine Wan come in. Concubine Wan is still worried about Concubine Shen and I'm afraid she will get a heat stroke. If Concubine Wan is unwell, Concubine Shen will not be able to reflect on herself in peace."

"The song you just sang was very nice. Sing it again for Wen Yi."

Concubine Wen smiled and Su Peisheng quietly retreated.

Zhen Huan had no interest in strolling around the garden anymore, so she went straight to Siyi Book House.

Although she was only stripped of her title and not demoted, Shen Meizhuang still changed into a simple silver-red dress.

When Zhen Huan saw how Shen Meizhuang was dressed, she knew that she had given up on the emperor.

Shen Meizhuang liked to wear pink clothes, especially those in silver and vermilion. The emperor once praised her as "delicate but not coquettish, very beautiful."

Shen Meizhuang's eyes were empty, and Zhen Huan silently saluted Concubine Jing.

Jingpin nodded. Seeing Zhen Huan coming, she didn't plan to leave. She continued to comfort her, "The Emperor is the Son of Heaven after all. He was just angry that you didn't know people well enough and trusted Liu Bin. And you made such a big joke. After this is over, the Emperor will still like you."

Shen Meizhuang snorted and didn't respond.

Just then, a servant brought in some food, and Concubine Jing said, "You should eat first, and don't let those who are worried about you worry."

Zhen Huan stepped forward to support Shen Meizhuang, who looked unwell. Shen Meizhuang forced a smile and said, "Huan'er."

Jingpin suddenly asked, "A few days ago, Lou Changzai was always with you, so you can't see her today."

Shen Meizhuang was afraid that she was implicated, so she also looked at Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan replied, "Because she sensed something was wrong yesterday, she went to the garden to inquire about Fuling and Liu Bin."

Jingpin seemed to be lost in thought, then said casually, "This girl usually keeps quiet, but I never thought she would be the most meticulous one, pointing out many suspicious points at once."

Shen Meizhuang didn't notice anything, she hummed softly and said sadly, "Thanks to her."

Zhen Huan glanced at Concubine Jing and said, "Alright, the food is getting cold."

Zhen Huan picked up her chopsticks to pick up some seasonal vegetables, but Concubine Jing suddenly stopped her and said, "I think someone must have framed me yesterday. We must be on guard against others."