Chapter 99 Consort Fucha shares one husband
Chapter 99 Consort Fucha shares one husband
Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan felt as if she had been struck by an arrow; those around her had betrayed her time and time again.
This was a huge blow to her, and the fact that her younger sister Huanbi had climbed into her bed caused her even more heartache.
She suddenly felt a metallic taste in her throat, and Zhen Huan quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions that were about to spiral out of control.
She knew perfectly well that she absolutely could not lose her composure at this moment, and could not let the Emperor see through her disguise.
Letting the Emperor know that this was Huanbi's scheme might vent his anger temporarily.
But Huanbi was her own sister, and although she was dissatisfied with Huanbi, she didn't want her to die.
If this were exposed, Huanbi would harbor resentment and reveal her true identity.
That would be a very bad situation. Not only would she and Huanbi be implicated, but the entire Zhen family would be punished.
So, she mustered all her strength and forced a smile, saying, "If Your Majesty thinks it's good, then Huanhuan is happy."
Seeing this, the chubby orange cat reached out and gently patted Zhen Huan's hand, saying softly:
"You're so kind, Huanhuan. I'll go to court now and come see you again tonight."
Zhen Huan smiled and replied, "Okay."
Everyone at Suiyuxuan respectfully saw off Big Fatty Orange as he departed.
After the chubby orange cat walked away, the smile on Zhen Huan's face vanished instantly.
She turned to look at Huanbi, who was standing to the side with an evasive expression, and her eyes gradually became sharp.
Upon seeing this, Jinxi and the others bowed and took their leave.
Only Zhen Huan and Huan Bi were left alone in the room.
Seeing that everyone else had left, Huanbi steeled her heart...
She knelt down at Zhen Huan's feet with a thud and said, "Elder sister, Huanbi also wanted to help you."
Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, her eyes filled with deep disappointment and anger.
She stared intently at Huanbi, who was kneeling on the ground, and said sternly:
"Help me? Is this what you call helping me?"
Climbing onto the Emperor's bed! Do you know how humiliating that is for me?
The palace is a place of treacherous people, rife with open and covert struggles.
All I want is to protect you and hope that you can marry a good man you can entrust your life to.
Don't get involved in this palace intrigue.
But you, on the contrary, have actually degenerated so much.
Willing to be drawn into the intrigues of the harem, to compete for the emperor's favor with so many women in the palace!
Huanbi raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes: "Elder sister,"
You are isolated and helpless in this palace, and Consort Hui is unwilling to compete for favor.
Huanbi watched you struggle to make a living in the palace, and Huanbi felt both heartache and anxiety.
Now that Huanbi has gained the Emperor's favor, she can also share her sister's burdens.
Huanbi is oversimplifying things. There are so many women in the palace…
The Emperor is still somewhat infatuated with Huanbi, but once that novelty wears off...
Huanbi's life became difficult, and her background was also a hidden danger.
Zhen Huan said, "You're being too naive. The palace isn't as easy as you imagine."
Today, you presume to share my burdens simply because of a moment of favor.
What will happen when he falls out of favor?
Don't assume that the Emperor's favor will last.
Huanbi hurriedly shook her head: "Elder sister, no, the Emperor still likes me very much."
Moreover, Huanbi could take this opportunity to conceive a prince, as long as I can safely give birth to a prince or a princess.
The Emperor won't forget me easily.
Zhen Huan gradually calmed down, and Huan Bi had become much smarter.
The Emperor is getting on in years, so how easy is it for him to conceive a royal child?
Even if you are lucky enough to conceive, it will be extremely difficult to give birth safely.
Wasn't that the case with her own poor daughter? Before she was even born, she was secretly harmed by the Empress and An Lingrong, resulting in a miscarriage.
Huanbi was, after all, her sister; their fates were intertwined.
Despite still harboring some resentment towards her, Zhen Huan ultimately couldn't bring herself to abandon her.
Then, she sighed softly and said with concern:
"These conspiracies and tricks are endless!"
Countless innocent fetuses die before they are even born.
Can you guarantee you will give birth safely?
Huanbi bit her lip tightly, a determined look on her face:
"Elder sister, Huanbi will be careful and cautious. Please don't worry, elder sister. Please forgive me."
After saying that, she looked at Zhen Huan with anticipation.
Zhen Huan gazed silently at Huan Bi for a long time before finally opening her lips and softly saying:
"That's enough. It's too late to say anything more."
I just hope you won't regret what you did today in the future.
From now on, remember not to act rashly or impulsively; always think things through carefully before acting.
Upon hearing Zhen Huan's words, Huan Bi was overjoyed and nodded hurriedly in response:
"Thank you for your guidance, elder sister. Huanbi will always remember it."
Zhen Huan said, "Alright, from now on you will live in the side hall. You worked hard serving the Emperor last night, go back and rest."
Huanbi was overjoyed and quickly thanked her, "Thank you, elder sister."
Huanbi turned and went to the side hall with a happy expression.
Zhen Huan closed her eyes slightly, a feeling of exhaustion washing over her.
After seeing Huanbi leave from outside the door, Jinxi immediately went inside.
Seeing Zhen Huan's reaction, she quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, it was all my negligence that I failed to notice Huan Bi's intentions in time."
Zhen Huan sighed, "This is not your fault. I should have listened to you and sent her out of the palace long ago."
Jinxi said, "Your Majesty, since this has already happened, Your Majesty should not let Huanbi harbor any resentment."
Instead of turning them into enemies, why not let them become your allies?
Zhen Huan nodded. "I understand what you mean, and that's exactly what I was thinking too."
But then I think about how the day for paying respects is in a few days, and then... oh well.
Go and select two suitable people to serve in the side hall.
Jinxi breathed a sigh of relief. "This servant will go right away."
After Jinxi left, Zhen Huan looked at the handkerchief in her hand.
Not knowing what to do with it for a moment, she thought for a moment and put it in her pillow.
The news of Huanbi serving the emperor in Suiyu Pavilion had already spread throughout the palace.
Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the palaces, and people discussed the matter extensively.
Upon hearing this news, Nian Shilan couldn't help but laugh.
She said disdainfully, "This Zhen Huan is truly utterly incompetent!"
He couldn't even control his own personal maid.
Huanbi looks like a troublemaker, yet Zhen Huan keeps such a person by her side.
His words were full of mockery and disdain for Zhen Huan.
Many people in the palace believed that Huanbi was deliberately promoted by Zhen Huan to consolidate her favor, and that Zhen Huan had previously acted aloof and pretentious.
Only Shen Meizhuang knew Huan'er's character well and would never believe that she would do such a thing.
She firmly believed that it was because Huanbi was shameless and tried to climb the social ladder that she got into the emperor's bed.
Thinking of this, Shen Meizhuang felt even more sorry for Huan'er.
It's just that Huan'er has been too indulgent towards Huanbi, which gave the girl an opportunity to take advantage of her.
So, Shen Meizhuang disregarded everything else and hurriedly led her people to Suiyuxuan to visit Huan'er.
When she stepped into Suiyu Pavilion, she immediately noticed Zhen Huan's haggard appearance and went over to her with heartache.
"Huan'er, is it because Huanbi climbed into your bed?"
Shen Meizhuang stared at Zhen Huan with a serious expression, her eyes revealing concern and doubt.
However, Zhen Huan simply lowered her head silently, her lips tightly pressed together, and did not utter a single word.
Seeing Zhen Huan remain silent, Shen Meizhuang couldn't help but frown:
"Huan'er, I told you before, you have to keep a close eye on Huanbi!"
But you wouldn't listen to my advice, and now look what's happened—she's caused such a scandal!
Zhen Huan also had unspeakable suffering in her heart!
The fact that Huanbi was her half-sister involved the entire Zhen family.
She really couldn't tell Sister Mei about this.
So she could only remain silent.
Seeing Zhen Huan's worried face, Shen Meizhuang knew that continuing to blame her would be futile.
Left with no other choice, she had to stop scolding Zhen Huan and instead gently comfort her:
"Alright, alright, Huan'er, now that things have already happened, let's think of a way to clean up the mess."
Don't take it too hard, your health is the most important thing..."
And so, the two sat facing each other in the Suiyu Pavilion, where Shen Meizhuang comforted Zhen Huan for quite some time.
Shen Meizhuang then rose to take her leave and slowly departed from Suiyu Pavilion.
On the way back, Caiyue and Caixin, who were following beside her, would steal glances at their master from time to time.
He looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Shen Meizhuang naturally noticed the unusual behavior between the two of them very quickly.
She stopped and turned to look at Caiyue and Caixin, asking:
"What exactly happened between you two today?"
"Just say what you have to say. Why are you hesitating like that?"
Caiyue cautiously glanced around, then lowered her voice and said to Shen Meizhuang:
"My lady, please don't be angry if I tell you."
Shen Meizhuang nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.
She knew perfectly well that Caiyue and Caixin had always been loyal and devoted.
Seeing how cautious Caiyue is now, one can imagine that what she is about to say must be of great importance.
Therefore, she gave Caiyue an encouraging look, signaling her to speak up without hesitation.
"Caiyue, please speak freely, I won't be angry."
Shen Meizhuang looked at Caiyue calmly and said.
Caiyue hesitated for a moment before cautiously speaking:
"Actually...actually, this servant feels that Consort Wan seems to be hiding something from you."
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang frowned slightly and pressed for an answer:
"Oh? What is it?"
Caiyue pursed her lips and continued:
"This servant isn't entirely sure what the specifics are."
This servant only feels that Consort Wan's attitude towards Huanbi is unusual.
Shen Meizhuang gently shook her head and explained, "There's nothing strange about that."
Huan'er and Huanbi grew up together, so their bond was naturally quite deep.
However, Caiyue disagreed and continued:
"But Huanbi wasn't the only one who grew up with Consort Wan; Liuzhu was also there."
At this moment, Cai Xin, who was standing to the side, nodded in agreement and interjected:
Yes, and Consort Wan is clearly closer to Huanbi than to Liuzhu.
Shen Meizhuang's face darkened, and she said, "Don't talk nonsense again!"
Although she said it that way, she ultimately kept those words in mind.
Caiyue and Caixin exchanged a glance, knowing that their mistress had taken their words to heart, so they said nothing more.
As expected, Big Fat Orange came to Suiyu Pavilion again that night.
He first went to Zhen Huan's room, which made Zhen Huan feel uncomfortable.
Unable to accept the idea of sisters sharing a husband, she feigned illness and pushed the chubby orange tree to a side hall.
A few days later, the Imperial Household Department sent over a variety of gifts to Huanbi.
Huanbi was the most popular person in the world for a time.
On the day of the greetings, all the concubines gathered at the Empress's Jingren Palace.
As always, Fucha Peiyun arrived at Jingren Palace at the perfect time.
As soon as she entered the room, she walked with a smile toward Consort Jing, whose belly was slightly protruding.
The two quickly began to talk, and Fucha Peiyun mentioned the recent changes in Hongchang.
Consort Jing listened with accompaniment.
Although the two were talking, they did not forget to watch the play.
Everyone's gazes, intentionally or unintentionally, swept towards Zhen Huan and Huan Bi standing beside her.
Today, Zhen Huan's makeup is much heavier, completely different from her usual light and simple attire.
This has led to speculation that Zhen Huan was using this makeup to conceal something.
Although Huanbi looked more refined in her concubine attire, she remained unremarkable in the crowded harem.
At this moment, Consort Qi suddenly spoke up:
"Oh, I heard that Consort Wan has a concubine named Huan who serves her."
I've noticed that Consort Wan treats Huanbi, who's always by her side, quite differently.
I never imagined it was my sister who specially prepared it for the Emperor!
Her words were laced with sarcasm, and her eyes were full of provocation.
Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan's smile remained unchanged, but she was inwardly furious.
At this moment, she was extremely resentful of Huanbi for climbing into her bed, which had caused her to suffer such humiliation.
However, in front of so many concubines, she didn't want to lose face and become a laughingstock.
She had no choice but to suppress her anger and respond with a smile:
"It is Huanbi's good fortune to have won the Emperor's favor."
My sister was simply following the will of Heaven.
Huanbi, who had been enjoying great success these past few days, was now blushing furiously.
She lowered her head, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her dress, trying her best to endure the humiliation and ridicule from the other concubines.
Huanbi thought she was mentally prepared to face all of this.
But when those harsh words truly reached my ears,
Only then did she truly understand how humiliating this feeling was.
Consort Qi was not satisfied: "If it weren't for Consort Wan's painstaking cultivation,
How could this concubine possibly catch the Emperor's eye?
Although his words were full of praise for Zhen Huan,
But anyone with a discerning eye can hear the underlying sarcasm.
Everyone covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, trying to hide the smiles on their faces.
Although Shen Meizhuang disliked Huanbi, she didn't want Huan'er to suffer such humiliation.
Seeing the atmosphere growing tense, he was about to step forward to help Zhen Huan and Huan Bi out of the predicament.
But then a loud shout came from outside the hall:
"The Imperial Concubine Hua has arrived!"
Immediately afterwards, the Imperial Noble Consort Hua, Nian Shilan, appeared before everyone with a magnificent and elegant demeanor.
Upon Nian Shilan's appearance, everyone present dared not be negligent and hurriedly curtsied.
Nian Shilan, with an arrogant expression, slightly raised her hand to signal everyone to stand up.
After everyone stood up, her beautiful eyes swept across the entire room.
Ultimately, the focus settled on Zhen Huan and Huan Bi.
Her luscious lips curved slightly upward, forming a faint smile.
All that could be heard was Nian Shilan speaking slowly and deliberately:
"Oh my, Huanbi has become Huanying, and she's become even more charming."
Look at you now, your former master seems rather lackluster in comparison.
So, when you spoke of "yesterday's flowers" that day, you were referring to your former master, weren't you?
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