noffsinger Chapter 537 Zhen Huan Asks for Advice
Chapter 537 Zhen Huan Asks for Advice
"Your Highness, if you treat Consort Chun like this, won't she hold a grudge?"
On her way back to Yonghe Palace, Fangruo recalled An Lingrong's previous attitude towards Chun Changzai and felt somewhat worried.
Chun Changzai looks young and usually has an innocent and carefree appearance, but the fact that she is valued by the Empress shows that she has something special about her!
Having spent so many years in the deep palace, Fangruo naturally knew that the other party was not as innocent and naive as she appeared on the surface.
If that were the case, even if he initially gained the Empress's favor, it would have been impossible for him to remain under her command for such a short time.
The main reason why Consort Chun has lost the Empress's favor is that she cannot steal the Emperor's attention from Zhen Huan and others.
If such a young and beautiful concubine cannot use her talents to gain favor, what use is there in keeping her under my nose other than to annoy me?
This is Fang Ruo's analysis of why Consort Chun lost the Empress's favor.
She didn't tell An Lingrong the conclusions she had drawn, partly because she felt that her mistress had probably already figured it out.
"She's just a mere concubine. If she really had the ability to stir up trouble, how could she possibly have found me?"
Compared to Fang Ruo, who was worried that Chun Changzai was up to something behind the scenes, An Lingrong was much calmer.
Let alone Consort Chun, in this vast harem, the only person An Lingrong was truly wary of, besides the Empress, was Consort Duan, who always lived a secluded life.
However, because of Zhen Huan, Consort Duan can currently be considered an "ally" of them.
In the near future, An Lingrong is not worried that Consort Duan will turn against them.
As for the Empress?
Now, having offended the Empress Dowager, and with Yongzheng's attitude also wavering, they are in a precarious situation.
If the Empress could spare the time to deal with them, she would certainly prioritize relieving her own immediate crisis.
However, judging from the punishment of Consort Naqi by the Empress Dowager, the Empress has not yet taken any action, which must be because she does not dare to act rashly without being absolutely certain of her success.
Otherwise, not only will they lose the initiative, but they may also make their situation even worse!
"Yes."
Hearing An Lingrong say this and sensing the confidence in her tone, Fang Ruo silently lowered her head and said no more.
Not long after the master and servant returned to Yonghe Palace, a report came from outside.
"Your Majesty, Consort Wan has arrived!"
Seeing the palace maid under her command come to report, An Lingrong raised her eyelids, then got up from her throne, slowly walked out of the hall, and went to greet Zhen Huan.
An Lingrong was not surprised by Zhen Huan's arrival.
Even though Zhen Huan is not currently managing the affairs of the six palaces, she is still under the emperor's favor. Even without power, there are plenty of people who will proactively send all kinds of rumors and gossip to her.
"Sister is here."
An Lingrong personally greeted Zhen Huan at the door, where she saw Zhen Huan dressed in an elegant cheongsam, her hairstyle also fresh and refined.
Although she was already a concubine, Zhen Huan never liked to flaunt her status. She had her own ideas about her daily makeup and clothing, and would not let her servants arrange them for her.
"Why is my little sister out?"
Seeing An Lingrong personally come to the palace gate to greet her, Zhen Huan's lips curved into a slight smile, but she scolded, "It's getting late, and the chill is still quite strong. Why didn't you wear more clothes before running out like this? What if you catch a cold?"
Despite her scolding words, Zhen Huan moved quickly, pulling An Lingrong along as they hurried towards the main hall.
The main hall of Yonghe Palace was brightly lit, and fine charcoal burned in incense burners, emitting a warm glow.
Only after entering the room did Zhen Huan release An Lingrong's hand.
Unexpectedly, An Lingrong grabbed her hand and then the two sisters knelt down together, bowing to each other.
"Hey, you have to pull this on us, even though we're sisters!"
Zhen Huan hadn't expected An Lingrong to perform the squatting salute with her, but the moment An Lingrong grasped her hand, she instantly understood what she meant.
After the formalities were completed, Zhen Huan's tone became increasingly helpless.
Even though I am close to my sister, I must still observe proper etiquette.
An Lingrong's answer was very serious, while she gave Fang Ruo, who was serving her, a meaningful look.
"This servant will go prepare tea and refreshments right away. Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses!"
Fang Ruo had been following An Lingrong for so long, and she immediately understood. So she led the servants out of the main hall.
After the door was closed, An Lingrong helped Zhen Huan sit down in the main seat.
"Sister, you must have come today about the Imperial Garden."
An Lingrong appeared to be questioning Zhen Huan, but her tone was very confident.
She knew that Zhen Huan wouldn't deliberately investigate her, but in the harem, everyone, whether master or servant, had all sorts of thoughts.
Among them were people who desperately wanted Zhen Huan to fall out with them or develop a grudge against her.
They would naturally tell Zhen Huan things that might cause controversy, while those in high positions didn't even need to show their faces; a mere hint would be enough to have a bunch of people vying to serve them.
"The Imperial Garden isn't very big, and there are many eyes and ears there. But the fact that my sister chose to meet with Consort Chun in the Imperial Garden probably just means she wanted to hear a joke."
Zhen Huan did not deny it, but directly and frankly stated her judgment on An Lingrong's actions.
They went through many things together, and that's how they developed their tacit understanding.
An Lingrong smiled faintly and remained silent, quietly waiting for Zhen Huan to continue.
Although Zhen Huan came to her place because someone told her about the gathering in the Imperial Garden, based on An Lingrong's understanding of Zhen Huan, Zhen Huan must have had other intentions, otherwise she wouldn't have made the trip so deliberately.
"The Empress has always been shrewd and calculating."
Zhen Huan said in a deep voice, "Consort Qi is not wise. She has always acted arrogantly and has made many enemies in secret."
However, in the past, everyone was wary of this Guarjia woman, who was the emperor's new favorite, and with the empress keeping an eye on her from behind, no one dared to directly make things difficult for her.
But now things have turned out badly. This Guarjia clan member, who is arrogant and disrespectful, has finally met her match, angering the Empress Dowager and bringing bitter consequences upon herself.
As a result, even the Empress, who had always favored Consort Qi, was implicated and found herself struggling to protect herself, let alone extricate herself from the predicament.
"But I think the Empress did this on purpose!"
As Zhen Huan spoke, her tone became somewhat hesitant. Looking at An Lingrong, she asked, "Sister, what are you thinking right now?"