Chapter 12: The Legend of Zhen Huan, An Lingrong

Page 1/3

Zhen Huan lowered her head and whispered, “We still have to wait for His Majesty to summon me.”
“His Majesty will surely not forget you, my lady.”
Huan Bi quickly comforted her, “Besides, it’s rare for anyone to be favored for as long as seven days. Just wait for His Majesty’s summons, my lady.”

The consorts were filled with eager anticipation.
Yet, the emperor refrained from entering the harem altogether, spending his days working and resting within the Qianqing Palace, seemingly neglecting the consorts entirely.

Only Li Siqi and Su Peisheng understood that the emperor was recuperating his health.
Every night, the two of them were entwined until dawn.
Even the strongest man could not endure such strain.

With the emperor absent from the harem, a calm settled over the entire palace.
Only Shen Meizhuang suffered misfortune.
She visited Yikun Palace daily to grind ink; her wrist was swollen like a steamed bun, yet she persevered.

Though Shen Meizhuang was gentle by nature, she could not help but harbor resentment toward Concubine Hua.

“Mistress, call the imperial physician,” Cai Yue said with a face full of concern. “This can’t go on.”
“Continue applying the ointment,” Shen Meizhuang frowned. “I can endure now; with the medicine, the pain will ease by tomorrow.”
“This isn’t a solution either.”

Cai Xing brought over the ointment. “My lady, why not claim illness publicly? I don’t believe that if you were truly ill, Concubine Hua would still send for you.”
“Not yet,” Shen Meizhuang touched her red, swollen wrist stubbornly. “I want to see if Concubine Hua dares to ruin my hand.”
“My lady, is that necessary?”
Cai Yue disapproved. “Everyone knows Concubine Hua is ruthless. If your hand is ruined, who will suffer but you?”
“I have a plan,” Shen Meizhuang muttered to herself as she eyed the osmanthus sugar cakes nearby, “It all depends on Huan’er gaining favor quickly.”

“My lady, Guanchang is doing well,” Cai Xing said with some displeasure. “She knows you suffer daily in Yikun Palace, yet she has never come to visit you in Cunjutang…”
“Cai Xing, don’t speak nonsense…”

---

Days passed in the blink of an eye, seven or eight in total.
The emperor finally returned to the harem.
The eager consorts, who had been longing day and night, once again had the chance to attend to him.

First, the emperor went to Kangshou Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Then he turned to Jingren Palace to dine with the Empress.
From Yikun Palace to Changchun Palace, then from Xianfu Palace to Yanqing Hall,
even Shuxiu Palace, where Xiang Changzai resided, was visited by the emperor.

He soothed all the elders.

In the midst of the newcomers’ anticipation, the emperor finally revealed his choice.
The first to be chosen was Xin Changzai.

Upon hearing the news, Zhen Huan was profoundly disappointed.

Page 2/3

“How could it be her?”
Zhen Huan could hardly believe it. “She’s just a simpleton. How could His Majesty like such a woman?”
“Maybe the emperor picked the wrong one,” Huan Bi speculated. “Your ladyship and An Lingrong both hold the rank of Changzai with the same title. Your name cards must be placed together. I guess the emperor meant to choose you, but accidentally picked An Lingrong’s card instead. She basically stole your chance.”

Huan Bi spoke of an unfounded event as though she had witnessed it firsthand.
Zhen Huan and Liu Zhu, however, wore expressions as if it were only to be expected.

The truth was, when the emperor saw the two familiar cards, he did not hesitate to pick An Lingrong’s.
The recent experience had left a lingering impression, a taste he longed to savor again.
How could the emperor, as sovereign, afford to wrong himself?
Even his favorite handmaidens had to step aside at this moment.

“Your servant greets His Majesty.”

The call came again from the Imperial Study. Li Siqi was delighted.
Not only would she enjoy a sumptuous imperial meal, but she would also avoid being turned into chicken rolls that evening.

“Rise!”
The emperor reached out to pull her up, seeing her radiant smile brightened his mood. “Have you been well-behaved lately?”
“Your Majesty, your servant has always been obedient, hasn’t she?”

Li Siqi was no longer displeased and poked his chest playfully. “Your Majesty wrongs me; you owe me compensation.”
“How bold!”
The emperor laughed and scolded, “Dare to ask for reward from me—aren’t you afraid I’ll punish you?”
“Not at all.”

Li Siqi smiled sweetly. “Your Majesty is a wise and benevolent ruler. How could you quarrel with a little servant over such a trivial matter? Besides, Your Majesty is a man; it is your responsibility to care for your concubines. Would you have me fend for myself?”
“You’re such a chatterbox,” the emperor chuckled. “I’ll have Su Peisheng send you some nice things so you won’t keep thinking about me.”
“Great!”

Li Siqi responded cheerfully, “Your Majesty, I’m poor. Please give me some silver.”
“Ha ha ha…”
The emperor laughed heartily again, “You’re the only one who dares say they’re poor before me, ha ha ha…”
“Why are you laughing, Your Majesty?”

Li Siqi coquettishly teased, “Are concubines not allowed to speak honestly? Besides, it’s not my fault I’m poor. Just take good care of me and give me some silver to spend.”
“Alright, alright.”
The emperor quickly agreed, “I’ll care for you and give you silver—who else would want to spoil such a silly girl like you? Ha ha ha…”

---

The entire Imperial Study echoed with the emperor’s joyful laughter.
Xiao Xiazi quietly approached Su Peisheng and whispered, “Master, the emperor is truly happy.”
“You’d better be careful,” Su Peisheng glanced at him. “You need to know who you can offend and who you cannot.”
Xiao Xiazi smiled ingratiatingly, “Master, don’t worry. I won’t act recklessly.”

Page 3/3

“All right.”
Su Peisheng waved his hand. “Go to the imperial kitchen and instruct them to prepare some dishes Xin Changzai likes.”
“Yes, sir! I’ll go right away!”

After seeing his disciple off, Su Peisheng turned toward the tea room.
Some matters required his close watch to rest easy.

The following day, Xin Changzai received generous rewards once more.
After three consecutive days of attending the emperor,
the entire harem was filled with jealousy and bitterness.
Newcomers cast her strange, sarcastic looks,
and even the elders mocked her with cold sneers.
Those unaware might think she had committed some grievous offense.

Even Concubine Hua looked upon Li Siqi with displeasure.

“Xin Changzai, I heard you’ve been grinding ink in the Imperial Study these past few days,”
Concubine Hua glared at her with a hostile gaze. “Why not come grind ink in my Yikun Palace instead? I’m sure Noble Consort Shen would be glad to have your company.”

“Concubine Hua, you jest,”
Li Siqi appeared innocent. “I am the clumsiest; I can do nothing well. If I damaged anything of yours, I would be greatly at fault.”

Concubine Hua’s expression darkened, and she glanced at her sideways. “Xin Changzai, do you intend to disobey my orders?”
“Of course not,”
Li Siqi smiled brightly. “Concubine, I’ve noticed you seem more beautiful lately. I’ve heard that women who are pregnant become more radiant. Could it be that you are expecting?”

At her words, not only did Concubine Hua’s face change, but even the Empress’s expression stiffened.

“Xin Changzai, do you realize what you’re saying?”
Concubine Hua suddenly rose, her tone sharp and severe. “Dare to mock me—this is a consequence you cannot bear.”
“Please don’t be angry, Concubine,”
Li Siqi remained unfazed, smiling warmly. “If you really are pregnant, why not summon several imperial physicians for a diagnosis? With their pulse-taking, it will be clear whether I spoke falsely.”

At her suggestion, Concubine Hua finally calmed.
Especially after Song Zhi whispered something in her ear.

Hua paused, then immediately touched her abdomen.
She ordered, “Send someone quickly to fetch the imperial physicians—invite several to come.”

“Right away!”
Outside the hall, Zhou Ninghai’s voice responded, “Your servant will go immediately.”

Concubine Hua turned arrogantly to Li Siqi. “If you are right, I shall reward you handsomely. If not… hmph!”
“Concubine, rest assured, I will not be mistaken,”
Li Siqi said confidently. “Allow me to congratulate you in advance.”