“The Emperor… this concubine is worried…”

The Empress always liked to speak half her mind and leave the other half unsaid. The Emperor, by now, was used to it.

“Worried about what?” The Emperor’s tone carried a hint of impatience.

“This concubine is worried that there might be some hidden truth behind all this. How could someone suddenly lose their voice unless someone…”

The Empress trailed off, glancing at the Emperor’s expression. Seeing that he didn’t stop her, she continued:

“Unless someone doesn’t want Consort Li to speak, afraid that… afraid she might say something she shouldn’t.”

“Empress, aren’t you overthinking this? Even if Consort Li knows something, she’s mute now. Are you planning to make her speak again?”

“Your Majesty…” The Empress tried to say more, but the Emperor interrupted her:

“Enough. I don’t want to hear anything more about Consort Li. I’m tired. You may leave.”

Unable to convince the Emperor, the Empress left empty-handed.

The thought of Hua Fei suppressing her for so many years made her so angry she could explode. She had finally caught a chance, but the Emperor refused to allow her to act.

Yet, she had to constantly remind herself: Smile, keep smiling…

When Zhen Huan heard about this from a palace maid, she thought the Empress was being too hasty. Even if they found evidence linking this to Hua Fei, would the Emperor punish her for the sake of an unfavored consort?

Even if he did, it would only be a minor punishment. What difference would it make?

By raising this matter now, the Empress was simply making herself more detestable to the Emperor.

The Emperor wanted to turn a blind eye to it, but the Empress insisted on forcing him to see what he didn’t care to.

Zhen Huan honestly couldn’t decide whether the Empress was clever or foolish.

Meanwhile, Hua Fei was furious that Zhen Huan had the Emperor withdraw the guards stationed at her palace.

However, due to the recent incident with Consort Li, Hua Fei ordered Yu Ying’er to temporarily halt their plan to drug Zhen Huan.

Instead, she instructed Yu Ying’er to focus on gaining Zhen Huan’s trust. The closer she got, the easier it would be to act in the future.

When Yu Ying’er received this order, she promptly informed Zhen Huan.

Zhen Huan, amused, thought to herself: Since Hua Fei requested this, it would be a pity not to grant her wish.

She then instructed Yu Ying’er to pass a message to Hua Fei, reassuring her not to worry.

One day, the Emperor came to Suiyuxuan to inform Zhen Huan that he would leave the palace to inspect the well-field system. She replied that agriculture was a vital matter for the people and urged him to take care of his health.

The Emperor’s eyes lit up when he heard her call him by a new title: “What did you just call me?”

Zhen Huan blushed, “This concubine said for the Emperor to take care of his health.”

“That’s not what you just called me. Say it again.”

Feigning anger, Zhen Huan pouted and teased, “Si Lang, you always love to tease me!”

The Emperor burst out laughing and grabbed her hand, gently stroking it.

“My dear Wan Qing, you’re so adorable when you’re angry!”

“I quite like how you called me just now.”

Pretending to be shy, Zhen Huan lowered her head, which only deepened the Emperor’s infatuation. After asking her courtesy name, he decided to call her Huan Huan.

Seeing the affectionate look in his eyes, Zhen Huan blushed and said, “Si Lang still has official duties to attend to. Huan Huan will be waiting in the palace for you to return.”

Reluctantly, the Emperor patted her hand. “Take care of yourself. As soon as I return, I’ll come see you.”

Zhen Huan nodded with a shy smile, her cheeks flushed.

The Emperor gave her a lingering look before finally leaving.

Zhen Huan thought to herself: In this lifetime, the Emperor seemed more attached to her. Could it be that, having been reborn, she now understood how to better serve him, making him happier?

Whatever the reason, the change was undeniably a good thing~

Over the past few days, Zhen Huan noticed that Huan Bi seemed downcast.

Upon reflection, she realized it was the anniversary of Huan Bi’s mother’s passing. No wonder she was upset.

In their previous life, it was on this very day, during her mother’s memorial, that Huan Bi was caught by Cao Qinmo burning paper money.

From that day onward, Huan Bi had betrayed her. If Zhen Huan hadn’t discovered it in time, it could’ve led to an irreparable disaster.

Recalling this, Zhen Huan quietly prepared some paper money and dismissed everyone before bedtime, leaving only Huan Bi behind.

Huan Bi, perceptive as ever, understood that Zhen Huan must have something to say if she deliberately kept her. She asked, “What does Mistress wish to instruct me?”

Zhen Huan said sternly, “Didn’t I tell you to call me ‘Elder Sister’ when no one’s around?”

Hearing the words “Elder Sister,” Huan Bi’s eyes reddened. “Elder Sister…”

“Why have you been so distant from me today? Did something happen?”

“Elder Sister, I… I’ve just been feeling down these past few days. It wasn’t intentional.”

“Since you call me Elder Sister, is there anything you can’t tell me?”

“Elder Sister, I…” Tears welled up in Huan Bi’s eyes. “Today is my mother’s memorial. That’s why I…”

Before she could finish, she threw herself at Zhen Huan’s knees, sobbing. “As her daughter, I can’t properly honor her. It pains me deeply.”

Seeing her cry so sorrowfully, Zhen Huan gently helped her up and wiped her tears. “So you’ve finally decided to tell me.”

“Elder Sister already knew?” Huan Bi asked curiously, wiping her tears.

“I only remembered because I saw how upset you’ve been these past few days.” Zhen Huan guided her to sit by the bed.

“Since we’re sisters, you should’ve told me earlier so I could help you plan. Keeping everything inside—what good am I as your elder sister then?”

“Elder Sister, I… I didn’t want to trouble you. You’ve already had so much to deal with lately.”

Zhen Huan scolded her gently, “No matter how much I have going on, I can’t ignore my own sister’s matters. What’s the point of fighting others if I can’t even take care of you?”

Hearing this, Huan Bi smiled through her tears. “I promise I won’t hide anything from Elder Sister in the future.”