The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

Chapter 401 Sadness

Outside the Yangxin Hall.

Su Peisheng was so anxious that he was spinning around, waving the whisk in his hand back and forth. Although it was only April, beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.

Seeing Zhen Huan and Feng Ruozhao walking side by side from afar, he felt as if he had seen a savior. He hurried forward and bowed, "Your servant greets Concubine Xi and Concubine Jing."

Zhen Huan's expression was gentle, and she raised her hand to support him lightly. "Eunuch Su, there's no need to be so polite. How is the Emperor?"

Su Peisheng frowned and lowered his voice a bit: "Your Majesty, the Emperor is in a bad mood today. He didn't eat a single bite of the breakfast sent by the Imperial Kitchen. He was busy reviewing memorials. I tried to persuade him, but was scolded by the Emperor instead. Your Majesties, please go and take a look. I really have no idea what to do."

Zhen Huan and Feng Ruozhao exchanged a glance, then said, "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Su. We'll go in now."

Su Peisheng nodded repeatedly and made way for him: "You two ladies, please."

The two entered the hall. Yongzheng was bent over his desk reviewing memorials, his brow furrowed and his expression stern. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Zhen Huan and Feng Ruozhao. His expression softened slightly, and he put down his red brush and said calmly, "Why are you here?"

Feng Ruozhao stepped forward, bowed, and spoke gently, "Your Majesty, I heard that Your Majesty did not have breakfast. Concubine Xi and I are very worried. If the servants in the imperial kitchen are lazy and the food they prepare is not to Your Majesty's taste, Your Majesty, I apologize."

Yongzheng waved his hand: "It has nothing to do with them, I just don't have an appetite."

Zhen Huan walked slowly to Yongzheng's side, smiled slightly, and said in a light tone: "It seems that what Rong'er said is indeed correct."

Upon hearing this, Yongzheng raised his eyebrows slightly: "Oh? What did she say?"

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Rong'er said that although the palace chefs are skilled, the dishes they prepare every day are all based on the same routine. There's nothing new about them over and over again, and even she's getting tired of them."

After hearing this, Yongzheng raised the corners of his mouth and revealed a smile: "In this palace, no one dares to say this except her!"

Seeing Yongzheng's expression soften, Zhen Huan continued, "So, today she specially made a few small cakes by hand and asked me and Concubine Jing to bring them to you for your Majesty to taste."

As she spoke, she waved to Jinxi at the entrance. Jinxi understood and walked in, carrying an exquisite food box. She gently opened it and presented a small porcelain plate. On the plate sat a piece of white cake, dotted with a few bright red strawberries and a sprig of emerald green mint leaves, making it look particularly fresh and inviting.

Feng Ruozhao said from the side: "Your Majesty, this cake was carefully selected for you by Longyue and Xinyue. Come and try it and see if it suits your taste!"

Yongzheng became interested. He reached out and picked up the silver spoon, gently scooped out a small piece, and put it into his mouth to savor it carefully. After a moment, his eyes lit up and he asked with a hint of surprise, "It's delicious, but why do I feel that there seems to be a faint floral fragrance in this cake?"

Zhen Huan smiled and nodded, "Your Majesty is indeed perceptive. A few days ago, Rong'er and the children gathered some pear blossom petals, dried them, ground them into powder, and sprinkled them on the cake, giving it a sweet floral fragrance. She wanted to bring it personally, but unfortunately she caught a cold recently and was afraid of passing her illness on to the Emperor, so she couldn't come. Sister Meizhuang was afraid she might be dishonest, so she kept an eye on her while she handled affairs outside the palace."

After listening to this, Yongzheng nodded and said, "She is thoughtful!"

Seeing Yongzheng's expression ease a little, Feng Ruozhao said softly, "Your Majesty, there has been a major change in the harem recently. I know you are very worried. But please rest assured, your Majesty, your concubine Hui and I will do our best to take care of all matters in the harem and not cause you any trouble. Your Majesty is busy with many things every day, so please take care of your health and don't overwork yourself!"

"The harem is now leaderless. Fortunately, you and Noble Concubine Hui have been assisting in the management of the six palaces for many years and are experienced. I feel much more at ease. I will immediately issue an order that all matters in the harem will be handled by you and Noble Concubine Hui. You do not need to report everything to me."

"Yes, I obey your command. I will live up to your trust and properly manage the affairs of the harem."

Yongzheng pondered for a moment, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, and slowly said, "It's almost the anniversary of Empress Chunyuan's death. I want to hold a funeral ceremony for her to comfort her soul in heaven. This is a matter of great importance. You and Noble Concubine Hui must handle it well and not neglect it in the slightest."

Feng Ruozhao looked solemn and replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured. Concubine Hui and I will do our best to arrange it."

After saying that, Feng Ruozhao said goodbye and left!

Zhen Huan walked gracefully and elegantly to the back of Yongzheng, slowly raised her hands, and gently massaged his temples, again and again, with slow and rhythmic movements.

Yongzheng's originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a comfortable expression appeared on his face. He felt that all the fatigue in his body was slowly dissipating under this gentle massage, and he felt much more comfortable.

He spoke softly, "These past few days, I've often thought of the time when Queen Chunyuan and I were together. However, she has never appeared in my dreams in all these years. I wonder if she's blaming me for not protecting her well."

There was a hint of loneliness and melancholy in his voice, and his gaze became somewhat distant. Through the palace wall in front of him, he returned to the past time when he was with Queen Chunyuan.

Upon hearing Yongzheng's words, Zhen Huan paused slightly, her fingertips tightening slightly, but she quickly resumed her gentle rhythm. "Your Majesty's love is profound and profound. If Empress Chunyuan were still alive, she would surely appreciate your kindness. She doesn't appear in your dreams, but only in the hope that you can forget the sorrows of the past and live a good life in the present."

Yongzheng closed his eyes, feeling the warmth from Zhen Huan's fingertips. The heaviness in his heart seemed to gradually dissipate with her movements. He sighed softly, his voice filled with fatigue and resignation. "Perhaps you're right. Empress Chunyuan has always been considerate of me and never allowed me to be embarrassed. But... every time I think of her, I can't let it go."

"Your Majesty shoulders the responsibility of the people of the world. If he is always dwelling on the past, how can he govern this vast country in the best possible condition? Empress Chunyuan is so gentle and kind, she would definitely not want to see the Majesty so sad."

Yongzheng was silent for a long time after hearing what Zhen Huan said. He slowly turned around and his eyes fell on Zhen Huan's face, as if he was looking through her at another person. "Huanhuan, you and her not only look alike, but also have similar temperaments. You are gentle and considerate."

Zhen Huan lowered her eyes slightly, a complex expression flashing across them, but she quickly returned to normal, saying softly, "It is my blessing to bear some resemblance to Empress Chunyuan. Empress Chunyuan is both virtuous and talented, and I dare not hope to be on par with her. But if I can serve His Majesty in her stead and make Him feel comfortable and happy, I will be completely satisfied."

"You don't have to belittle yourself." Yongzheng's eyes showed a hint of tenderness. He raised his hand and gently stroked Zhen Huan's cheek. "Over the years, you have been by my side and shared my worries. I have seen it all. What happened in the past is now in the past. Now that I have experienced everything, I can finally see my own heart clearly. In the days to come, I will never let you suffer even a little injustice again."

Zhen Huan raised her head, met Yongzheng's gaze, and said softly with a smile on her lips, "Your Majesty, I am not wronged at all."