A Crossover of Film and Television: Miao Miao's Life Transmigration

Chapter 199 The Legend of Zhen Huan, Consort Qi 12

Zhen Huan is someone who thrives in adversity; she sometimes becomes arrogant in favorable circumstances.

Wen Yuan quietly ate fruit in Chuxiu Palace—fresh tangerines. Fang Lan went to handle the affairs of Chuxiu Palace, Jing An took Wen Yuan's pulse, and Jing Fu stayed by her side.

"Your Majesty, you are just a little tired, but you are in good health and the baby is doing well."

Wen Yuan nodded, and Jing An said a few more joking words. Jing Fu joined in to make Wen Yuan laugh as they waited for the pastries from the small kitchen to be served.

Just then, Xiao Lengzi ran in from outside, hurriedly bowed, and said, "His Majesty has decreed that the gates of Suiyuxuan Palace be closed, and no one is allowed to enter or leave."

Jingfu, composed and steady, inquired, "Isn't today the auspicious day for Consort Wan to be promoted to Imperial Concubine Wan? Why would His Majesty issue such an imperial edict?"

Xiao Lengzi took a few steps closer and said softly, "This servant was outside and didn't know much about the inside story. It seems that Consort Wan wore the Empress Chun Yuan's auspicious robes, but they were stripped off, and she walked back to Suiyu Pavilion wearing only a single layer of clothing. Everyone in the harem knows about it."

"Wan Pin? Isn't it Consort Wan?" Wen Yuan asked in confusion.

"His Majesty said that without heeding the Empress's teachings, the ceremony is not considered complete, so she remains Consort Wan for now," Xiao Lengzi said.

"Your Majesty?" Fanglan looked at the stunned Wenyuan with a puzzled expression.

"It's nothing. Just be careful lately. The Emperor is probably in a bad mood, so don't provoke him," Wen Yuan instructed.

"Fortunately, Her Highness performed the investiture ceremony first and then listened to the Empress's teachings. If she had run into Consort Wan, I don't know what would have happened," Jing An sighed.

"It's all about timing and fate!" Wen Yuan said, and then said nothing more.

Wen Yuan could only sigh that the Emperor was still so cold-blooded, and it was best not to fall for such a creature. She guessed that the Emperor already had suspicions about Zhen Huan, and being exposed to his face that Zhen Huan was a substitute for Chun Yuan had made him furious.

Chief Steward Jiang of the Imperial Household Department was beaten to death, and everyone involved in the matter was also beaten to death.

Devastated, Zhen Huan lay on the bed, lost in thought, her makeup still on and her clothes not yet properly put on.

Jinxi walked in and gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, don't be too sad."

Zhen Huan asked, "They've locked down Suiyu Pavilion, haven't they?"

Jinxi nodded and said, "Yes, be careful not to overwork yourself."

Zhen Huan's heart had collapsed. At that moment, her world crumbled, and the light in her eyes was gone, replaced by silence and emptiness. She murmured, "It's good that it's closed. It'll be peaceful, but it will only make you suffer with me."

Jinxi said, "We servants will not have too many complaints."

Zhen Huan seemed not to hear Jinxi's words and continued, "Jinxi, I asked you before why you were so loyal to me for no reason, and you said it was fate. Can you tell me now?"

Jinxi's eyes darted away, and Zhen Huan now understood what Jinxi meant by "fate."

"Is it because I resemble Empress Chun Yuan?"

Jinxi replied, "Your Majesty and Empress Chun Yuan do resemble each other somewhat, but not entirely."

After a few words between Zhen Huan and Jinxi, Zhen Huan began to doubt Jinxi's loyalty. Jinxi, being a senior member of the palace, dispelled Zhen Huan's suspicions with a few words.

Suddenly, Zhen Huan looked out the window and said, "Empress, you've really gone to great lengths to scheme."

Zhen Huan was not stupid; on the contrary, she was very clever. She quickly realized that this was Yi Xiu's scheme. These were the old clothes of the late Empress Chun Yuan, which the Empress had always kept. How could they suddenly be taken to the Imperial Household Department for repair? It just so happened that her auspicious robe was damaged.

"How does Your Majesty know this?"

"If it weren't for the Empress's intentions, who could have touched the late Empress Chun Yuan's old belongings? And how could it be such a coincidence? The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. I was just a pawn in the Empress's hands."

“Your Majesty, I have no grudge against the Empress, but Your Majesty is favored by the Emperor and has been promoted step by step. I suppose the Empress is afraid of Your Majesty.”

Jinxi helped Zhen Huan analyze the situation, concluding that they could only wait for the right opportunity.

However, Zhen Huan was filled with despair, but said aloud, "Wanwan, in the Emperor's heart, I am nothing more than a substitute for Empress Chun Yuan. The deep affection we shared back then is nothing but a castle in the air."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor looked irritable. Whenever he felt irritable, he would write a few pieces of calligraphy, but this time, the more he wrote, the more irritable he became.

Su Peisheng brought in tea and said, "Your Majesty, you haven't eaten anything all night."

The Emperor looked at Su Peisheng with a thoughtful expression. Su Peisheng lowered his head guiltily. No one below dared to come in and offend the Emperor, so only he, the chief steward, stepped forward.

The Emperor scolded, "How dare you all be so presumptuous! Give Consort Wan her share of what she was entitled to!"

Didn't he know it was the Empress's doing? It's just that Zhen Huan had offended him, and he was a little stunned at the time. Her thoughts were exposed, and he was really annoyed.

In Jingren Palace, Yixiu sat smugly on the throne, while An Lingrong massaged her.

"Your Highness, is this gentle approach appropriate?"

Upon receiving Yixiu's reply, An Lingrong cautiously asked, "I heard that His Majesty was angry in the Hall of Mental Cultivation."

Yi Xiu wore a smug smile; Zhen Huan was no longer a threat.

“It is only natural for the Emperor to be angry. His most beloved concubine has committed a grave error. How could the Emperor not be angry?”

An Lingrong glanced at the Empress cautiously, hesitated but couldn't help asking, "But His Majesty wouldn't go to such lengths for a piece of clothing."

Yixiu was in a good mood, so she answered An Lingrong's question: "The Empress Chun Yuan is the person the Emperor is most worried about. Moreover, the officials of the previous dynasty have done a lot of work. The Emperor has long harbored ulterior motives towards Consort Wan."

Yixiu touched the old clothes of the late Empress Chun Yuan and sighed, "Sister, sister, you are truly my good sister. Even though you have been dead for so many years, you can still help me."

An Lingrong paused for a moment and said, "It seems that Consort Wan has really angered the Emperor. It's just a pity about Chief Eunuch Jiang."

Yi Xiu looked at An Lingrong meaningfully and said, "Those who know too much never live long."

An Lingrong immediately knelt down and bowed, speaking timidly, "Your Majesty, I will certainly serve you wholeheartedly and be loyal to you."

Yi Xiu said casually, "I know your loyalty. Get up. It's just a pity that there is a pregnant Consort Jin in the harem. I am also very troubled."

An Lingrong stood up, sat back down, and said, "Anything that causes Your Majesty distress should not exist."

Yi Xiu smiled and said, "Then I will wait for your good news."

An Lingrong cautiously probed again: "Now that His Majesty is angry with Consort Wan, I am worried that this is only temporary. If His Majesty takes pity on her again, I am afraid that Consort Wan will rise again, and Your Majesty's efforts will be in vain."

Yixiu knew Zhen Huan's personality. She didn't care that Zhen Huan had clashed with Nian Shilan in the past. She said, "Even if the Emperor takes pity on her, I'm afraid Consort Wan can't turn back. Consort Wan is proud and understands that all these years of affection are just a substitute. How can she be willing to accept that?"

An Lingrong flattered, "Your Majesty's intentions were to dissuade Consort Wan from her plans. I am truly impressed."

Jianqiu entered from outside the door, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Hui requests an audience."

"Is it because of Consort Wan?"

"Most likely, she's in a great hurry. Does Her Majesty wish to see her?"

"I don't want to see her. Send her away."