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

The next evening the emperor came again.

It happened that Jiang Ruyin and a few others were peeling lotus seeds with small scissors.

"I remember you don't like lotus seeds."

The emperor waved away a few people and sat down next to Jiang Ruyin.

Jiang Ruyin was busy with her work, and casually said, "Lotus seeds can clear the heart and reduce internal heat, and help with sleep. I think that Your Majesty is very busy with government affairs, and I also want to do something for Your Majesty."

The emperor saw Jiang Ruyin put the peeled lotus seeds into a small basket and said, "Lotus seed tea is not a precious thing. It's not worth it for you to do it yourself."

Jiang Ruyin was helpless. "Well, I heard that Concubine Wen gave the Emperor lotus seeds. She looked very happy when she left. I guess she got the Emperor's approval. Is the Emperor satisfied?"

"I knew it."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then brought up another matter. "Two days ago, Concubine Wen brought lotus seeds to Yangxin Palace, and she mentioned how distressed she felt. I'm thinking about how hard it is for the Empress to be alone, and I wonder if I should ask Concubine Hua to help."

Jiang Ruyin raised her head. In her previous life, Concubine Hua did not seem to have resumed her power to assist in managing the six palaces when Noble Lady Fucha was still pregnant.

Jiang Ruyin suddenly smiled and said cunningly, "The Emperor must have asked more than just me."

The emperor was slightly surprised. "Why do you think so?"

"Your Majesty has never said these things to me before. I think the suggestions of others are inconsistent with your opinion, so Your Majesty wants to seek the same opinion. But I will not blindly obey Your Majesty's wishes. Do you still want to listen?" Jiang Ruyin smiled and tilted her head.

The emperor said calmly, "Emperor Taizong of Tang humbly accepted advice and made the Tang Dynasty prosperous. What's wrong with that?"

He considered his words and continued, "The Empress suffers from occasional headaches. Even though she's in the Old Summer Palace, she can't help but inquire about matters in the Forbidden City. I thought that since Concubine Hua has nothing to do, she should take Wen Yi to look after her. Why not ask her to assist the Empress, and Concubine Wen can also take good care of Wen Yi."

Jiang Ruyin listened quietly.

The emperor continued, "It just so happens that Nian Gengyao has brought good news that the recovery of the northwest is imminent. It's inevitable that some people will gossip about the former dynasty and the harem."

Jiang Ruyin was puzzled. "The Emperor cares about the concubines in the harem, so why do others avoid the topic? I'm afraid it's not because they're overthinking it, but because they've touched her heart."

Jiang Ruyin still felt it was not enough, so she added, "The whole world belongs to the Emperor, so of course the Emperor can do whatever he wants."

The emperor looked at Jiang Ruyin carefully, then suddenly burst into laughter, saying repeatedly, "Great wisdom appears foolish, and great skill appears clumsy."

Jiang Ruyin also laughed, "It seems that what I said was right."

The emperor hummed softly, pulled Jiang Ruyin's hand over, and rubbed it between his lips.

The freshness and bitterness of the fingertips lingered in the emperor's nose, and the emperor became clearer and suddenly said:

"That Qixi Festival banquet, I saw you dressed elegantly, not as gorgeously as before. Do you like this style of color?"

Jiang Ruyin said, "It's already hot and humid in the summer. If I continue to be famous, wouldn't that just annoy the Emperor?"

The emperor rubbed the back of Jiang Ruyin's hand affectionately and said, "You always think about me. I just hope you can happily do what you want and wear what you like."

Jiang Ruyin smiled faintly. If I really did it and wore it, you wouldn't be happy.

The emperor spoke at length, "I thought you'd dress elegantly now, so I drew a pattern in my spare time and asked an embroiderer from the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau to assemble a piece of Shu brocade into a double-breasted waistcoat. The goose-yellow base is accented with ocean-like ripples. It will be perfect for you when Hongxuan turns one."

Jiang Ruyin was surprised. At this time, the only Shu brocade she could think of was Zhen Huan's pair of Shu brocade jade shoes. She felt uncomfortable and her tone was filled with jealousy. "Now is not the time for tribute of Shu brocade, and it is hand-woven. It is really rare. Your Majesty is really thoughtful. But it is a bit extravagant to make only a waistcoat out of a piece of satin. I am afraid that this concubine is not worthy of wearing it."

The emperor was completely unaware and said mysteriously, "Of course it's not just for making waistcoats. The remaining scraps have their own uses."

Jiang Ruyin's eyes curved, and she understood instantly, "Then I would like to thank the emperor for his kindness."

The emperor touched her shoulder and said, "As soon as the news came back, the Nian Mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Concubine Hua has become impulsive as usual. I will have to bear with you for the next few days. Don't cause any conflicts."

Jiang Ruyin was very satisfied with the benefits she had received. "Your Majesty, rest assured. Concubine Hua is helping you in the harem, and General Nian is working hard for you in the northwest. They are doing everything for the country and the people. I know my limits."

The emperor nodded with satisfaction, embraced Jiang Ruyin, and they spent another night of passionate love.

The next morning, the emperor left happily.

Jiang Ruyin called Shu Dong over and said, "I heard that Prince Guo went to travel around Shu a few days ago."

"Yes, ma'am."

......

......

Zhen Huan was caught off guard by a pair of Shu brocade shoes, which were brought to her on a red lacquer wooden tray inlaid with agate and covered with a bright yellow silk cloth.

While Zhen Huan was delighted, she did not miss the astonishment and envy on Huanbi's face.

Zhen Huan put it on and walked around a few times, chatting with the emperor, who was in a very good mood.

After seeing the emperor off, Zhen Huan took off her clothes and put them back on the tray. Huanbi looked at her eagerly and said something in an ambiguous way, "The emperor really likes you."

Zhen Huan glanced at her and said, "There are countless women that the Emperor likes, but the one who makes the Emperor care about her is special."

"Apart from giving birth to a son, what's so special about Concubine Fang?" Huanbi said.

Zhen Huan smiled, "I don't think Concubine Fang would think there's anything special between Concubine Hua and me."

Finally, Zhen Huan said something ambiguous, "Even Concubine Hua doesn't have such a good thing."

She held out her nail polish dyed with fresh marigold juice and fiddled with the strings of pearls on the edge of her shoes. She turned her face to the side and pursed her lips.

It’s not that Zhen Huan doesn’t want to be cautious, but she doesn’t have enough authority to control all the servants, let alone in the vast Old Summer Palace.

It was a rare occasion for all the concubines to gather together, and the queen announced that she would return to the palace at the beginning of next month.

It was just the right time to return to the palace before Bailu, and the concubines chattered a little.

Concubine Qi stole a glance at Zhen Huan's feet. "Spring Joy Palace is within Shoukang Palace. My Changchun Palace is quite close to it, but I've never seen it in person. I wonder if Concubine Wan is used to living there?"

Zhen Huan's eyes were light and she said calmly, "Your Majesty is so kind to me. There's no main seat in Chunxi Palace and I'm the only one here. It's quiet and elegant, and I'm still used to it."

Jiang Ruyin glanced at her and felt that these words were suggestive.

Concubine Wen smiled and said, "After all, she is Concubine Wan. Living alone outside the six palaces, it's not a big deal."

Concubine Hua spoke more directly, "Don't think you can be so proud just because you got a pair of Shu brocade shoes. Don't forget how long you have been in the palace and how long you have been labeled as a guilty concubine. When I was wearing Shu brocade, you didn't even know where to put on your makeup!"

Zhen Huan quietly clasped her palms, tightly gripped her wrists, and simply lowered her head without answering.

Lou Yong'er sat at the end, glancing sideways at An Lingrong across from her. "The Emperor truly loves Sister Wan. He gifted her with such exquisite shoes. This concubine has only had the privilege of seeing Shu brocade once. I'm afraid Concubine Qian has never even seen one."