nucmednet Chapter 97 Consort Fucha Huanbi
Chapter 97 Consort Fucha Huanbi
Nian Shilan stared wide-eyed, her face full of impatience, and said to Fucha Peiyun:
"Stop beating around the bush! How can I teach this wretched servant a lesson?"
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and lowered her voice to say:
"Didn't you notice that Zhen Huan was being far too kind to Huan Bi?"
Nian Shilan asked in confusion, "Really? I didn't notice it."
Clearly, she didn't quite believe this claim.
At this moment, Songzhi quickly stepped forward and said cautiously:
"Your Majesty, Consort Wan brought two palace maids with her when she entered the palace."
One is named Liuzhu, and the other is Huanbi.
But the one who usually does most of the work is that girl named Liuzhu.
As for Huanbi, she only did light tasks like running errands and relaying messages; she was practically a junior mistress.
At this point, Songzhi couldn't help but gently shake her head.
Although Songzhi disliked the people of Suiyuxuan, she didn't feel as much aversion to Liuzhu compared to them.
After hearing this, Nian Shilan's face showed a look of doubt, and she muttered to herself:
"Is that so? Then why is Zhen Huan so good to Huan Bi?"
Songzhi thought for a moment, then answered softly:
"This servant thinks that Huanbi looks somewhat similar to Consort Wan..."
Nian Shilan raised an eyebrow, a disdainful smile playing on her lips:
"Is that so? I hadn't noticed that before."
At this moment, Ye'er, who was standing next to Fucha Peiyun, also chimed in:
"I hadn't noticed it before, but Sister Songzhi mentioned it."
This servant also feels that Huanbi does indeed resemble Consort Wan somewhat.
Nian Shilan narrowed her eyes slightly, muttering to herself thoughtfully:
"This Huanbi is just a personal maidservant of that vile woman Zhen Huan. How could she resemble Zhen Huan?"
Could there be another hidden story behind this?
Songzhi lowered her voice and speculated:
"People who look alike in this world are mostly blood relatives, unless it is a coincidence."
Could it be that Huanbi has some other unknown identity?
Judging from her usual arrogant demeanor, she must be aware of her true identity.
Nian Shilan snorted coldly, a hint of disgust flashing across her face:
"Hmph, Zhen Huan treats Huan Bi so differently; she must know Huan Bi's true identity."
Fucha Peiyun nodded
Songzhi said, "Your Majesty, could this Huanbi be the sister of Consort Wan?"
Fucha Peiyun said, "I heard that Zhen Huan's parents only had two daughters, and Zhen Huan also has a younger sister."
Nian Shilan: "That Huanbi is an illegitimate daughter. What is the Zhen family planning to do by using an illegitimate daughter as a maid for their legitimate daughter?"
There must be something wrong here; I must investigate this thoroughly.
Regardless, this is Zhen Huan's weakness.
If that old man finds out, he'll be furious.
Seeing that Nian Shilan was rushing off to investigate, Fucha Peiyun quickly reached out and stopped her.
"Don't rush, come here."
Nian Shilan leaned closer, and Fucha Peiyun whispered a few words in her ear.
After listening, Nian Shilan smiled and said, "Alright, I will do as you say."
Then she kissed Hongchang on the cheek and said, "I'll be going now. I'll come see Hongchang another day."
Fucha Peiyun said, "Go away, go away, you're just someone I use and then discard."
After leaving Yanxi Palace, Nian Shilan acted according to Fucha Peiyun's plan.
She first went back to Yikun Palace to retrieve some tonics, and then took Songzhi and the others to the Empress Dowager's Shou Kang Palace.
Nian Shilan had already spotted Jiang Fuhai, who was beside the Empress, at the entrance.
It seems the Empress is still attending to the ailing Empress Dowager at Shou Kang Palace today.
Nian Shilan curled the corners of her lips, and waited for Zhu Xi to invite her in.
Nian Shilan led Songzhi, who was carrying a box of tonics, inside.
Nian Shilan entered Shou Kang Palace, bowed to the Empress Dowager who was leaning against the bed, and said:
"Your Majesty, my brother has sent some tonics to the palace."
"Your Majesty, I brought these over especially, hoping for a speedy recovery."
The Empress Dowager slightly raised her eyes and said with difficulty, "You've put your heart into this."
Zhu Xi quickly used a handkerchief to wipe the drool from the Empress Dowager's mouth.
Seeing the Empress Dowager in such a disheveled state, Nian Shilan was very pleased.
The Empress Dowager did not want anyone to see her in her current state of partial paralysis.
Normally, apart from the Empress, she never summoned the concubines to attend to her when she was ill.
Now that Nian Shilan is an Imperial Noble Consort, she can't very well turn her away!
I just hope Shilan will leave this year soon.
The Empress, standing to the side, said with a forced smile:
"Is there something you need, Imperial Noble Consort Hua, being so attentive today?"
As if only then noticing the Empress, Nian Shilan gave her a perfunctory bow.
"Your Majesty, I was only concerned about your health. You are currently recuperating."
"How could I possibly trouble the Empress Dowager with such trivial matters?"
The Empress didn't believe it, but she couldn't refute it after hearing what Nian Shilan said.
The Empress Dowager also harbored doubts about this, but she was too lazy to press the matter further.
He only hoped that Nian Shilan would leave soon so that he could rest and recuperate in peace.
Nian Shilan said, "I have come here today to present these tonics to the Empress Dowager."
Now that the goods have been delivered, I will not disturb Your Majesty's rest any longer. I will take my leave now.
After saying that, he turned around and prepared to leave.
As Nian Shilan was about to leave, the Empress and the Empress Dowager couldn't help but feel suspicious.
After all, based on their understanding of Nian Shilan, they didn't believe she had simply come to deliver tonics.
The Empress Dowager secretly gave a wink, signaling Zhu Xi beside her to see Nian Shilan off.
Zhu Xi understood immediately and quickly followed after him.
Not far away, Zhu Xi overheard Songzhi, who was beside Consort Hua, whispering to Consort Hua:
"Huanbi... Consort Wan... They look somewhat alike. I really don't know why the Emperor is so fond of this Consort Wan."
Huanbi doesn't seem like a docile woman; does she also want to climb into someone else's bed?
Zhu Xi pricked up his ears, wanting to hear more details.
Unexpectedly, Nian Shilan suddenly turned around and caught sight of Zhu Xi behind her.
Seeing this, Zhu Xi quickly stepped forward and respectfully said:
"The Empress Dowager specially ordered this old servant to come and see off the Imperial Noble Consort."
Nian Shilan smiled and said, "No need. The Empress Dowager can't be left unattended. Aunt, you should go back and take care of her."
"I can go back by myself; there's no need to trouble you, Aunt."
Zhu Xi responded, but did not return immediately.
After Nian Shilan had gone far away, Zhu Xi hurriedly returned to Shou Kang Palace.
"Your Majesty, this old servant just heard an interesting story."
Zhu Xi recounted in detail what she had heard about Huan Bi and Wan Pin.
A glint flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes; she had always disliked Zhen Huan.
Longkodo was executed, and the Zhen family also got involved. She now deeply hates Zhen Huan.
If this is true, that would be wonderful! She wants Zhen Huan's family to be buried with Longkodo.
"Is this really true? Zhen Huan has always been intelligent. If Huanbi is really her sister, then Zhen Yuandao's actions are deceiving the emperor."
The Empress, who was listening nearby, was secretly delighted. "Empress Dowager, if this is true..."
"Then the Zhen family must have other motives in making this illegitimate daughter serve as the legitimate daughter's maid."
The Empress Dowager blinked and slowly said,
"Yes, very likely. Send someone to investigate quietly, but be careful not to alert them."
Having received the Empress Dowager's decree, the Empress immediately left Shou Kang Palace with her entourage.
The Empress Dowager knew that the Empress always had her own agenda, so she gave a signal to Zhu Xi, who was by her side, to also investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, Zhen Huan at Suiyu Pavilion was unaware of the impending crisis.
Zhen Huan sat quietly on the couch, holding a book in her hands, listening to Huan Bi's incessant complaints.
"Your Majesty, look at Consort Fang and Consort Lian."
They dress up all day long, looking flamboyant and seductive, just like two vixens!
And then there's Consort Chun, who used to eagerly run to our Suiyu Pavilion every day before serving Your Majesty, trying her best to please you.
But what about now? The moment they gained the Emperor's favor, they immediately turned their backs on him!
Huanbi became increasingly angry as she spoke, and her voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.
Zhen Huan frowned slightly and gently scolded, "Stop talking nonsense. We are all sisters in the palace, and we must not harbor any ill will towards each other."
If you continue like this without restraint, you'll get yourself into trouble sooner or later.
Huanbi pouted, and although she didn't say anything more, she was still unconvinced.
Huanbi pouted, a hint of displeasure on her face, though she didn't say anything more.
But I was still indignant and very dissatisfied.
If it weren't for her elder sister's foolishness in repeatedly turning away the Emperor and causing him to lose face,
How could the Emperor have lost interest in his elder sister?
Even though the eldest sister has regained favor, the amount of favor she receives is vastly different from what it used to be!
If only the eldest sister hadn't acted so foolishly...
Where would Consort Fang, Noble Lady Chun, and Consort Lian possibly gain favor and power now?
Especially that Consort Lian, she was nothing more than a lowly palace maid, what merit did she have to serve the Emperor?
And she herself was also a young lady of the Zhen family.
It's so unfair that I can only be a lowly palace maid in this palace!
Just then, Zhen Huan lowered her voice softly and said, "Although I am currently favored by the emperor, I am only a concubine."
I didn't get along well with Consort Hua and Consort Shu.
If you fall into their hands, I can't help you.
Your words in the Imperial Garden that day were very inappropriate. Given the Imperial Noble Consort's previous temperament, you would never have dared to provoke anyone in her palace.
You've probably forgotten Consort Xia, who was punished with a severe beating when she first entered the palace.
And the female corpse in the well.
In an instant, Huanbi's mind flashed the image of Xia Changzai, beaten to a bloody pulp and looking utterly gruesome.
The body of Xia Changzai had been dumped in a mass grave long ago, becoming food for wild dogs.
The thought of that scene made Huanbi shudder.
Immediately afterwards, Huanbi recalled the female corpse in the well, and the haunting at Suiyu Pavilion.
Unpleasant memories flooded back, and Huanbi grew increasingly frightened and filled with remorse.
It's all my fault for not keeping my mouth shut that day; I actually said things I shouldn't have in front of so many people.
If Songzhi were to return to the palace and complain to Consort Hua...
Who knows if Consort Hua will act like before?
What if, like Xia Changzai, she were also given a severe beating... Huanbi dared not think any further.
At this moment, Zhen Huan noticed the fear on Huan Bi's face and couldn't help but sigh softly.
Then he said earnestly:
"We must proceed with extreme caution in this palace, and we must not let momentary anger ruin everything."
Huanbi kept her head down, her voice so low that only she could hear it:
"Elder sister, I know I was wrong. I will never be so reckless again."
Seeing Huanbi's guilty expression, Zhen Huan felt a pang of pity.
So he reached out and gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her.
Then he said, "Alright, look at you now, so dejected. You must be exhausted."
Go back to your room and get some rest. I don't need you to serve me for now.
Huanbi curtsied and left dejectedly, bumping into Liuzhu as she exited the room.
Liu Zhu asked worriedly, "Huan Bi, what's wrong? You don't look well."
"I'm not feeling well, Her Majesty told me to go back to my room to rest."
Liu Zhu said, "Then you should go back to your room. I'll go in and serve Your Highness."
Huanbi nodded. Actually, she was very scared and didn't want to be alone.
No, she didn't want to go back to her room. She felt a deep, eerie atmosphere even in the Broken Jade Pavilion.
She went to find a crowded place to stay; it would be safer with more people around.
Huanbi walked towards the Imperial Garden, where eunuchs and palace maids from various palaces often moved about.
Just as Huanbi stepped into a corner of the Imperial Garden,
Suddenly, they noticed that several palace maids were gathered in a circle not far ahead, whispering and talking amongst themselves.
Driven by curiosity, Huanbi couldn't help but move closer to find out what was going on.
In discussing Nalian's agreement
Among these palace maids was Bai Zhi, Lian's personal maid.
The other palace maids, their faces full of flattery, were fawning over Bai Zhi.
At this moment, Bai Zhi proudly raised her hand, showing everyone the jade bracelet she had just received.
And with great enthusiasm, he said, "My young mistress has recently gained the Emperor's favor..."
This was a special gift from our mistress, given because she was in a good mood.
Moreover, I've heard that the Emperor intends to promote my mistress to the rank of Consort!
Another question is, "If Lian is fortunate enough to conceive a dragon's child, will she be promoted to a noble rank?"
She might even be promoted to concubine, which would make her a high-ranking empress.
Bai Zhi: "My mistress is so favored, it's only a matter of time before she conceives the emperor's child."
If even Consort Xin could conceive, my lady, being young and beautiful, will surely have an even easier time getting pregnant.
She might already be pregnant, but it's too early to be detected on a diagnose.
The young palace maid said, "Sister Baizhi, if Consort Lian is promoted to the rank of Changzai, she will definitely lack servants."
Sister Baizhi, please put in a good word for us with the young master.
Just then, a woman in a pink qipao walked in from a distance; it was Consort Lian. The palace maids hurriedly bowed.
Lian nodded slightly, glanced at the people around her, and her gaze fell on Huanbi in the corner.
A barely perceptible smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"What are you all talking about here? It's so lively," Lian asked softly.
Bai Zhi hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, the sisters are all congratulating you on your upcoming promotion to the rank of Changzai."
Lian agreed with a soft hum.
"This is still unfounded, so don't spread it around. I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble."
Despite saying that, there was a hint of smugness on his face.
Then Lian looked at the group of palace maids and slowly said:
"If that day ever comes, you will certainly not be treated unfairly. But for now, you may all disperse."
"You're just chatting here; be careful you don't get punished by the head maid."
After saying that, she left with light steps, and Bai Zhi quickly followed.
The palace maids only dispersed after the women had gone far away.
As they walked, they whispered among themselves about Consort Lian, saying, "They were both palace maids, but now they're worlds apart."
Another palace maid asked, "So, you also want to become a concubine?"
The palace maid who spoke earlier said, "I don't have that face, so I won't have that dream."
You're quite good-looking, why don't you give it a try?