“An Lingrong? I vaguely remember her. During the selection, I almost set aside her nameplate,” the Emperor said as he sipped the Sui Han San You tea that Zhen Huan had brewed for him.

Zhen Huan walked over to him and smiled. “Luckily, Your Majesty didn’t pass on An Meimei’s nameplate; otherwise, it would’ve been Your Majesty’s loss.”

“Oh? Then tell me more about her,” the Emperor replied.

Zhen Huan refilled his tea and said, “An Meimei isn’t just beautiful—she’s also an exceptional singer. Her voice can intoxicate anyone who hears it.”

“For someone praised so highly by Noble Lady Wan, she must indeed be extraordinary. Then I shall go and listen for myself today,” the Emperor said, shaking the green beaded pouch in his hand. “And I’ll see if this An Daying is as good as you say!”

Hearing this, Zhen Huan feigned jealousy and pouted like a young girl. “The moment Your Majesty hears An Meimei is beautiful, you forget all about me. I won’t allow it!” She turned her face away in mock anger.

The Emperor burst into laughter. “I just love seeing you jealous—it’s utterly endearing and makes me adore you even more.”

Blushing, Zhen Huan replied, “Your Majesty always knows how to tease me.”

The two of them bantered for a while before the Emperor left Suiyu Xuan to handle state affairs.

Once alone, Zhen Huan thought: Knowing the Emperor’s temperament, it wouldn’t be long before he thought of summoning An Lingrong to serve him.

She also recalled how, in her previous life, An Lingrong had been so nervous during her first night that the Emperor sent her back untouched.

Determined to prevent the same outcome, Zhen Huan sent Huanbi to Xianfu Palace to fetch Shen Meizhuang for a discussion on how to help An Lingrong.

When Shen Meizhuang arrived, Zhen Huan told her about recommending An Lingrong to the Emperor and shared her concerns.

Of course, she couldn’t bluntly say that she feared An Lingrong would be sent back untouched. Instead, she phrased it delicately, expressing concern that An Lingrong’s timid nature might cause her to falter on her first night and upset the Emperor.

In this life, Zhen Huan herself hadn’t yet served the Emperor. Though she was well-versed in such matters, she had to feign ignorance to avoid raising suspicion—otherwise, wouldn’t that be alarming?

If Shen Meizhuang realized, she’d definitely tease her, asking how Zhen Huan knew so much!

Just imagining Shen Meizhuang’s teasing expression made Zhen Huan hesitate…

After mulling it over, Zhen Huan concluded that Shen Meizhuang was the best person for the task. After all, among the three of them, only Shen Meizhuang had served the Emperor.

“Mei Jie, since the Emperor hasn’t summoned Lingrong yet, it would be inappropriate for her to seek guidance from the palace maids or older concubines—it might lead to gossip. So, only you…”

Zhen Huan sneaked a glance at Shen Meizhuang, suppressing the urge to laugh. She tried her best to sound serious so Shen Meizhuang wouldn’t catch on to her teasing.

“Me?” Shen Meizhuang pointed to herself, puzzled. “Huan’er, what exactly are you asking me to do?”

“We can only rely on our gentle, kind, adorable Mei Jie, who has the most experience serving the Emperor, to guide An Meimei.”

Zhen Huan rattled this off in one breath but couldn’t help bursting into laughter afterward.

Realizing Zhen Huan was teasing her, Shen Meizhuang grabbed a handkerchief and playfully waved it at her. “Huan’er, you’ve grown so mischievous! Since when did you become like this?”

Feigning indignation, she turned her head away and refused to talk to Zhen Huan.

Eager to make amends, Zhen Huan followed her and said sweetly, “Huan’er knows Mei Jie is the best.”

When Shen Meizhuang still didn’t respond and turned her face even further away, Zhen Huan leaned in and continued, “I know Mei Jie won’t leave Lingrong helpless. Think about it—if we don’t help her, who will? We’re supposed to—”

Before Zhen Huan could finish, Shen Meizhuang sighed and relented. “Alright, alright. You’re impossible to refuse! Just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it. We’re like sisters; I can’t let petty concerns stop me.”

Hearing this, Zhen Huan beamed with delight. “I knew Mei Jie was the best! I’ll go call An Meimei right away.”

She quickly sent Liu Zhu to Yanxi Palace to fetch An Lingrong.

When An Lingrong learned that Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang wanted to see her, she immediately brought Juqing and Liu Zhu along.

In this life, because Juqing had been assigned by Zhen Huan to assist in Yanxi Palace, An Lingrong treated her particularly well due to her close relationship with Zhen Huan.

As for Baojuan, though she served An Lingrong closely, their bond wasn’t as strong.

At Suiyu Xuan, the three greeted each other warmly before Zhen Huan shared how she had recommended An Lingrong to the Emperor.

Overwhelmed, An Lingrong felt a mix of gratitude, excitement, and anxiety.

“Zhen Jie, Mei Jie, I’m suddenly so scared—what should I do? I’m afraid I won’t serve the Emperor well and might upset him.”

Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang reassured An Lingrong, gradually calming her nerves.

Then, Zhen Huan whispered with a smile, “Don’t worry, An Meimei. Mei Jie is here to guide you!”

Shen Meizhuang’s face immediately flushed with embarrassment. If it weren’t for their sisterly bond, she wouldn’t be doing this at all!

Despite her embarrassment, Shen Meizhuang earnestly shared every detail of what to expect and how to serve the Emperor properly.

By the time she finished, An Lingrong’s face was as red as an apple, while Zhen Huan remained composed, clearly enjoying the discussion.

Noticing this, Shen Meizhuang teased, “Huan’er, I just realized—you’re the least shy among the three of us.”

Zhen Huan’s lips remained sealed, but internally, she thought, I’ve been a mother to several children and served the Emperor countless times—wouldn’t it be too fake to act bashful now?

To ease An Lingrong’s nerves further, Shen Meizhuang assured her that the Emperor was gentle and understanding. She added that any remaining uncertainties could be addressed by the palace staff before the night.

Feeling reassured, An Lingrong regained her confidence.

That evening, the Emperor initially planned to summon Noble Lady Fucha but recalled Zhen Huan’s words. Changing his mind, he summoned An Lingrong instead.

When the eunuch arrived with the decree, An Lingrong was so happy she almost cried.

Grasping Juqing’s hands, she exclaimed, “Juqing, Juqing, Zhen Jie was right—the Emperor finally remembered me! He finally remembered me!”

“Yes, my lady! Your bright days are just beginning!” Juqing shared her joy and glanced at the sky. “It’s getting late; let me help you get ready.”

An Lingrong nodded eagerly, repeatedly murmuring, “It’s all thanks to Wan Jie and Mei Jie…”