freenovelworld Chapter 222 The Legend of Zhen Huan, Consort Qi 35
Chapter 222 The Legend of Zhen Huan, Consort Qi 35
Although the Emperor did not severely punish Su Peisheng and Cui Jinxi, he ordered them to retire to the imperial palace because of their special status.
This imperial decree, like a gust of wind, shattered the brief tranquility of the inner palace.
Jinxi returned to Yongshou Palace to pack her things. Her figure appeared somewhat hurried and lonely in the familiar palace.
Zhen Huan quickly went to greet her, took Jinxi's hand, and her eyes were full of relief and joy: "Jinxi, I'm so glad you're alright. You've suffered so much these past few days."
Jinxi bowed slightly, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes: "This servant thanks Your Highness. If it weren't for Your Highness's efforts in pleading for me, this servant would probably not have been able to escape."
Zhen Huan gently patted Jinxi's hand and said with concern, "Now that you're out, the Emperor has also decreed that you and Eunuch Su can retire to the imperial palace. It's a good ending for you. We've had such a long-standing relationship. Huanbi, bring the things here."
Huanbi came over in response, carrying some gold, silver, medicine and cloth, and handed them to Jinxi.
Seeing this, Jinxi quickly bowed and declined, saying, "My lady, why bother? I have served you for many years and am already content. How could I possibly accept anything more from you?"
Zhen Huan pulled Jinxi up, her tone gentle yet firm: "Since we've known each other for so many years, Jinxi, don't refuse. I don't have anything special to offer, so take these with you; they'll make your life more peaceful from now on."
After speaking, Zhen Huan paused slightly, a subtle and complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
Jinxi's heart tightened, and she instantly understood Zhen Huan's concerns. She quickly said, "Thank you, Your Highness. Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will be careful with my words and actions outside and will never forget Your Highness's kindness."
"It's getting late. The eunuch is already waiting outside. You should set off now," Zhen Huan said softly, her tone urging.
Jinxi nodded, bowed to Zhen Huan again, and turned to leave Yongshou Palace.
Zhen Huan nodded slightly. Because she was pregnant, she could not travel far and could only stand at the palace gate and watch Jinxi leave.
After Jinxi's figure disappeared through the palace gates, Zhen Huan stared blankly at the sky, muttering to herself, "It seems Consort Duan isn't a good ally either..."
She had hoped that Consort Duan would rescue Jinxi from the Imperial Prison, but she didn't expect that Consort Duan's plea would only allow the two of them to go to the Imperial Palace.
Jinxi knew too many of her secrets, which made Zhen Huan feel uneasy.
She pondered to herself, it seems Jinxi cannot be kept alive... But she did not intend to act immediately. After all, the two had just left the palace, and if they were silenced, it would inevitably arouse suspicion. She would wait until some time had passed before letting Jinxi "die of illness".
In the Imperial Garden, Wen Yuan held Hong Xu's little hand and walked slowly along the flower-lined path. The autumn sun shone on the mother and son, bringing them a touch of warmth.
Hongxu skipped and hopped around, occasionally reaching out to pick chrysanthemums from the roadside, while Wenyuan watched him with a smile, her eyes full of doting affection.
"Your Majesty, look, this flower is so beautiful!" Hongxu said excitedly, pointing to a chrysanthemum by the roadside.
Wen Yuan bent down, gently picked a chrysanthemum, and handed it to Hong Xu: "Yes, this flower is really beautiful. Does Hong Xu like it?"
Hongxu took the flowers, his eyes crinkling with a smile: "I love them! Mother, shall we take them home and put them in a vase?"
Wen Yuan smiled and nodded: "Okay, if Hongxu likes it, we'll take it back."
The mother and son continued walking forward, with Feng Ruozhao and Consort Xin following behind. Shuhe and Wenyi played on the swings, their laughter clear and melodious. Wen Yuan glanced back, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Xiao Lengzi rushed over and whispered a few words in Wen Yuan's ear.
Wen Yuan nodded gently. Xiao Lengzi had followed her for many years and naturally understood her meaning. After receiving the order, he immediately went to make arrangements.
"Is there anything wrong?" Consort Xin asked impatiently, her curiosity piqued.
“Alas, as you know, yesterday the Emperor granted Su Peisheng and Cui Jinxi a favor, allowing them to retire from the palace. I just didn’t expect them to leave so hastily today.” Wen Yuan’s expression was calm, but her tone carried a deeper meaning.
"His Majesty seems very dissatisfied with this matter, otherwise he wouldn't have let them leave the palace so quickly." Feng Ruozhao snorted, her words full of sarcasm.
"Why talk about them? It's so pointless." Consort Xin waved her hand, trying to change the subject.
After returning to Chuxiu Palace, Xiao Lengzi came in and reported in detail: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant has made all the arrangements."
Wen Yuan calmly sat down in the chair. Upon seeing this, Jing Fu immediately served her a steaming cup of Biluochun tea, its aroma rising gently. Afterward, Jing Fu retreated to the doorway, carefully keeping watch to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
Because of his medical skills, Jing An was transferred by Wen Yuan to serve Hong Xi. Now, Wen Yuan is served by Jing Ning and Jing Fu.
"Is everyone safe?" Wen Yuan picked up her teacup, took a light sniff of the tea, and asked seemingly casually.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, with the medicine, they have safely arrived at the palace and are guaranteed to be alive," Xiao Lengzi replied respectfully.
“I have a great use for this person, so I can’t let her die. By the way, how are things going with the people who served Empress Chun Yuan back in Prince Yong’s mansion?” Wen Yuan changed the subject, bringing up another matter, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.
Since Hongxi went to study in the Imperial Study, Yixiu's methods have become more and more frequent.
The Third Prince was close to Yixiu, but with Consort Li still around, there was always some constraint on Yixiu.
Even after being promoted to the rank of Consort, Consort Li was still confined to her quarters. The Emperor even arranged for a nanny to keep an eye on her and remind her of her duties. Now, she is much more obedient and well-behaved.
However, the Emperor will not imprison Consort Li indefinitely. It is estimated that she will be released in mid-September, the day the Third Prince marries his primary wife.
How could Yixiu not be anxious? Her scheme to get the Third Prince failed, the Sixth Prince was growing up, Zhen Huan was pregnant with twins, and An Lingrong was becoming estranged from her.
"Your Majesty, this servant is incompetent. We still haven't found the people from back then. Empress Chun Yuan died after giving birth to her child. His Majesty punished most of them. Those who served her closely are basically all dead, and the rest dare not show their faces." Xiao Lengzi replied cautiously, with a hint of guilt in his expression.
"Alright, I know this is difficult. I don't blame you. We'll investigate slowly," Wen Yuan said softly, her tone reassuring.
After all, this matter is not urgent. The Empress Dowager is still alive. We can deal with the Empress properly after the Empress Dowager passes away.
As for Zhen Huan, she didn't take her seriously. Once Zhen Huan gave birth to twins, that would be natural "evidence," and even if Zhen Huan had a hundred mouths, she would have a hard time defending herself.
In the following days, both the imperial court and the imperial harem fell into a brief period of quiet.
It wasn't until the Mid-Autumn Festival approached that Wen Yuan remembered that the amnesiac Prince Guo would meet Zhen Huan at the Mid-Autumn Banquet, and Huan Bi would also become a concubine. This was a good opportunity to plan.
Huanbi, don't blame her. Blame the original owner of this body. Who told her to say that Zhen Huan would die a horrible death?
Zhen Huan dressed meticulously and arrived at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet early. She wore a gorgeous palace dress and exquisite makeup; every detail revealed her anticipation for the event.
At this moment, the Empress, Consort Jin, Consort Jing, and Consort Duan had not yet arrived. After Zhen Huan sat down, she was restless, her eyes frequently glancing towards the door, eagerly anticipating the appearance of that familiar figure.
Huanbi watched from the side, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She understood the affection between Zhen Huan and Yunli. Although she was in love with the prince, he only had eyes for Zhen Huan and couldn't see her at all.
Wen Yuan did not wait until the very end to enter; instead, she came with Feng Ruozhao.
With elegant steps, she entered the banquet hall, glancing at Zhen Huan out of the corner of her eye, a slight, almost imperceptible smile appearing on her lips.
Yunli entered with the princes and nobles, his expression indifferent, his gaze somewhat aloof. His memory was stuck in the first year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, and everything before him felt strange and distant.
As soon as he sat down, he keenly sensed a prying gaze. He frowned slightly, looked up, and was surprised to see it was his elder brother's concubine. After a brief eye contact, he quickly looked away, lowered his head, picked up his wine cup, and concealed his surprise.
The moment Zhen Huan's eyes met Yunli's, her eyes were filled with surprise and tenderness. But before she could even smile, the unfamiliarity and aloofness in Yunli's eyes made her heart sink, and the smile on her face instantly froze.
She clutched the handkerchief tightly in her hand, her fingertips turning slightly white, a feeling of indescribable loss and pain welling up inside her.
That fleeting glance was like a bucket of cold water poured over her head, instantly extinguishing her expectations and leaving her looking dazed and dejected.
"The Emperor has arrived!" The eunuch's shrill voice broke the silence of the banquet.
"Rise, this is a family banquet, no need for such formalities." The Emperor's voice rang out at the banquet.
The Emperor scanned the room and noticed Zhen Huan's unwell expression. He asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are you unwell? You look so pale."
Zhen Huan stood up, her voice trembling slightly, and replied, "It's just that the child disturbed me, it's nothing serious."
"Since you are unwell, should we summon the imperial physician?" the Emperor immediately asked with concern.
Zhen Huan quickly replied, "It's nothing. The child is very active and kicked me, but he's fine now."
Seeing this, the Emperor asked no further questions and announced the official start of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. During the banquet, there was singing and dancing, and toasts were exchanged, but Zhen Huan remained absent-minded. Her gaze frequently swept towards Yunli, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Wen Yuan sat at the table, observing everything with a cold eye. She picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and a faint smile appeared on her lips: "The show has only just begun."