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

Chapter 219 The Legend of Zhen Huan, Consort Qi 32

Suiyu Pavilion, once bustling with activity because of Zhen Huan's fame, is now gradually declining due to Shen Meizhuang's confinement.

The flowers and plants in the yard were neglected and had long since withered and died. The yellow leaves trembled in the autumn wind, as if telling the story of the past prosperity and the present desolation.

The people from the flower shop no longer come here. Although there are still people living in Suiyu Pavilion, it is filled with a rotten smell, as if even the air has become heavy and oppressive.

Inside the west side hall, Shen Meizhuang sat leaning against the window, staring blankly out the window.

The familiar courtyard and scenery could not conceal the loneliness and desolation in her heart.

Three months later, Zhen Huan sent someone with a note saying that she would ask the Emperor for mercy and release her after a while.

However, Shen Meizhuang knew in her heart that even if she went out, what difference would it make? Her days would still be filled with endless loneliness and helplessness.

"My lady, the weather is getting colder, be careful not to catch a cold." Caiyue reminded her softly, holding a thin cloak in her hands and gently draping it over Shen Meizhuang's shoulders.

Shen Meizhuang sighed softly, her brows furrowed slightly, and her gaze wandered around: "Day after day, it's really boring."

Seeing this, Cai Xing quickly comforted her, "Your Highness, don't worry, Consort Xuan will definitely help you."

Caiyue hesitated, having long since given up hope on Zhen Huan. She knew Zhen Huan's character well; she only cared about herself. Shen Meizhuang had sacrificed so much for her, yet only received some insignificant benefits in return.

She said in a low voice, "My lady, we're running low on silver. Should we write to the master and ask the family to send some in?"

Shen Meizhuang paused for a moment, her gaze lowered, and her tone carried a hint of doubt: "Mother sends someone to deliver silver every month, why hasn't it been delivered this month?"

Caiyue hesitated for a moment, then explained in a low voice, "Last month, Madam sent a message saying that Master has been transferred to Xinggu (Guizhou)."

"How could you be transferred to such a remote place?" Shen Meizhuang suddenly came to her senses, her face filled with disbelief.

Caiyue sighed and continued, "My lady, because you took action against the emperor's offspring, the master was stripped of his military power. Although it was a lateral transfer, he was demoted to a remote place. The elders of the Shen family have forbidden you from giving them any more money."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of pain and self-reproach crossed Shen Meizhuang's eyes: "I have let Father down..."

Caiyue wanted to say something more, but Caixing gently pulled her back. The two left the side hall, and Caixing whispered, "Caiyue, don't say anything more. Your mistress is already heartbroken enough."

Caiyue shook her head, her tone tinged with helplessness: "After entering the palace, Your Highness forgot your family and the teachings of the Madam. You followed that Consort Xuan all day long, and now you've ended up like this. I really don't know if there's any future for you."

At the same time, Consort Duan finally caught Zhen Huan in a compromising situation. She sent someone to secretly watch Zhen Huan and discovered that Jinxi, who was by Zhen Huan's side, was having an affair with Su Peisheng, who was by the Emperor's side.

This is a grave crime that could bring chaos to the harem! Consort Duan immediately arranged for someone to sneak into Jinxi's room and steal the evidence of her affair with Su Peisheng.

After everything was ready, Consort Duan summoned Consort Jing and they went to Jingren Palace together. When Yixiu learned of this, she was overjoyed and immediately led Consort Duan and Consort Jing to Yongshou Palace in a fierce manner.

Inside Yongshou Palace, Zhen Huan sat on a soft couch, holding a cup of tea in her hands. The aroma of the tea wafted through the air, but it could not soothe the restlessness in her heart.

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, and then Yixiu entered with Consort Duan and Consort Jing.

Yi Xiu walked straight to the head of the table and sat down. Her gaze swept coldly over Zhen Huan, and her tone was somewhat authoritative: "Consort Xuan, in principle, I don't have to come to your palace. However, because you are pregnant and are the birth mother of Princess Longyue, there are some things I have to consider for your sake."

Zhen Huan's heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface: "Thank you for your concern and understanding, Your Majesty. I am unaware of what has happened. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

Yixiu sneered and slowly said, "I have been unwell for several months, and the affairs of the harem have been handled by Consort Duan and Consort Jing. However, a major event has recently occurred right under my nose."

She paused, her gaze piercing Zhen Huan like a knife: "In the Ming Dynasty palace, it was common for palace maids and eunuchs to have secret relationships, known as 'pairing up,' gradually colluding to commit evil deeds, forming cliques, and disrupting the government. Our dynasty governs the palace strictly, and such 'pairing up' is rarely heard of. However, today I discovered this in your palace!"

Zhen Huan's expression changed slightly, alarm bells rang in her heart, but she still tried to remain calm: "Your Majesty, is there any evidence for this?"

Yi Xiu snorted coldly and waved her hand: "Jian Qiu, bring the things up."

Jianqiu immediately presented a purse to Zhen Huan. Zhen Huan took the purse and examined it closely, her heart sinking immediately—this purse was indeed made by Jinxi!

"Consort Xuan, do you recognize this purse?" Yixiu asked coldly.

Zhen Huan suppressed her unease and said calmly, "This looks very familiar. It seems to be the work of Jinxi in my palace."

"Hmph, you do have a good eye. This purse belongs to Cui Jinxi." Yi Xiu's tone was laced with sarcasm.

Zhen Huan's heart tightened, and she quickly explained, "Jinxi is really something, losing her own things at her age. Thank you, Your Majesty, for returning them."

Yi Xiu sneered, her tone carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Losing things is nothing, but this purse fell from Su Peisheng's person. Cui Jinxi, I have already sent people to keep an eye on it, so Consort Xuan doesn't need to bother anymore."

Zhen Huan's heart sank, knowing that this matter could not be easily resolved. She forced herself to remain calm and continued, "A purse alone doesn't prove anything. Perhaps Jinxi lost it and it was picked up by Eunuch Su, who plans to return it to her later?"

Yi Xiu glanced at her coldly, her tone laced with sarcasm: "A purse certainly doesn't prove anything, but what does the 'willow leaf inlaid with heart' on this purse mean? Consort Xuan, do you understand?"

Zhen Huan's heart tightened; she knew this matter could not be resolved peacefully. Just as she was about to argue further, Yi Xiu waved her hand: "Hui Chun, Jian Qiu, go and check Cui Jinxi's room. Don't miss anything, and don't let it slip by!"

Hui Chun and Jian Qiu immediately led several eunuchs to Cui Jinxi's room. Soon after, they returned with a pile of evidence—several love letters and some private items.

Yi Xiu looked coldly at Zhen Huan, her tone tinged with smugness: "Consort Xuan, now that the evidence is conclusive, what else do you have to say? They are both veterans of the palace, how could they do such a thing? In order to set a good example for others, I have no choice but to punish them."

Zhen Huan's face was pale, and her mind was in turmoil. She knew that she was in dire straits.

However, she still forced herself to stand up, bowed, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I humbly request that you entrust Jinxi to my care."

Yi Xiu sneered, her tone carrying an undeniable air of authority: "The people around Consort Xuan are people of the harem. I cannot sit idly by and do nothing about the people of the harem. Those who serve in the palace must be self-disciplined, or they will cause endless trouble. Consort Xuan, you should think carefully about how to explain this to the Emperor."

Zhen Huan could only say, "Your Majesty is a virtuous empress in the eyes of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, so naturally you can handle things impartially."

Seeing this, Yixiu realized that the matter was completely settled. All she needed to do was report to the Emperor and arrest Su Peisheng. This would not only eliminate those around Zhen Huan but also strike a blow against Zhen Huan herself.

After everyone left Yongshou Palace, Consort Duan looked at Zhen Huan with a solemn expression. Zhen Huan frowned, wondering if this was Consort Duan's doing.