Yú Yīng’ér, following Zhēn Huán’s advice, hadn’t appeared in front of the Emperor for many days, and the Emperor started to feel a little unaccustomed to it.

Ever since that day at Suì Yù Xuān, when Yú Yīng’ér had been appointed an official woman, whenever the Emperor felt bored, he would have her sing a few songs to pass the time.

But now, she was nowhere to be seen, and the Emperor felt as if something was missing in his ears.

Sū Péi Shèng, seeing the Emperor in this state, grew anxious and secretly sent someone to invite Yú Yīng’ér over.

Although the Emperor claimed that Sū Péi Shèng had become bolder, the interest that showed on his face couldn’t deceive anyone.

Yú Yīng’ér, having benefited from Zhēn Huán’s kindness, was all the more willing to run to Suì Yù Xuān.

As for Zhēn Huán, her only concern these days was Shěn Méi Zhuāng being appointed to manage the Six Palaces.

She wanted to have a good talk with Shěn Méi Zhuāng but hadn’t found the right opportunity.

Because they had grown up together, Zhēn Huán understood her better than anyone else.

Shěn Méi Zhuāng had a proud nature and a strong sense of competitiveness, so there were many things she would rather not do. But once she decided to do something, she would throw herself into it wholeheartedly—this was something you could tell from the previous life.

Zhēn Huán was worried that if Shěn Méi Zhuāng was bent on performing well, and she kept trying to advise her against it, it might hurt their sisterly bond.

So, she had Yú Yīng’ér go and probe the situation regarding Huá Fēi.

Yú Yīng’ér reported that Huá Fēi had privately sent someone to find a doctor and was closely preparing something, but it wasn’t clear when they would make their move.

Zhēn Huán thought back to the previous life when Huá Fēi had used Liú Bèn to frame Méi Jiě for pretending to be pregnant and competing for the Emperor’s favor, and with just a few words from Cāo Qín Mò, almost made the Emperor doubt her.

She hadn’t expected them to have already set everything up, just waiting for Méi Jiě to fall into their trap.

That day, everyone went to Jǐng Rén Gōng to pay their respects.

After the formalities, the Empress began praising Shěn Méi Zhuāng.

“Shěn Guìrén is truly intelligent and eager to learn. She always understands things quickly. Since the Emperor asked Shěn Guìrén to help manage the Six Palaces, I’ve felt that my burden has been much lighter.”

In the previous life, Zhēn Huán hadn’t realized how much the Empress cared about Shěn Méi Zhuāng managing the Six Palaces.

She seemed almost desperate to make sure everyone knew just how impressive Shěn Méi Zhuāng was, constantly praising her as if she couldn’t get enough of talking about her.

This was like adding fuel to the fire, drawing all attention to Shěn Méi Zhuāng.

But from the smile that appeared on Shěn Méi Zhuāng’s face after the praise, Zhēn Huán knew that, just like in the previous life, her vanity had been stirred.

Zhēn Huán saw Shěn Méi Zhuāng as smart, but at the same time, she was incredibly proud. Her goal had always been to bring glory to her family.

Did she not know that such behavior would cause resentment from others in the harem?

She probably knew it deep down, but once she was suddenly showered with such praise, she couldn’t help but get carried away, thinking only of performing well.

When a person hasn’t yet had access to power, they may have one idea. But when they finally get the chance to hold power, it’s hard not to be blinded by it.

After the formalities ended and they left Jǐng Rén Gōng, Zhēn Huán grabbed Shěn Méi Zhuāng’s hand.

“Méi Jiě, you’ve been so busy helping the Empress manage the Six Palaces lately, I’ve hardly had the chance to see you!”

Shěn Méi Zhuāng glanced behind her.

“Huān’ér, you’re just teasing me.”

Saying that, she grabbed Zhēn Huán’s hand, walking forward while speaking.

“It’s true I’ve been a bit busy lately. With the summer heat and all the trivial matters in the harem, the Empress asked me to take on more responsibilities…”

Zhēn Huán laughed. “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. I wonder if you have time now to come and sit in my palace for a bit?”

“I was just about to say that myself!”

With that, they continued laughing as they made their way to Suì Yù Xuān.

“Méi Jiě, there are a few things I’d like to tell you from the bottom of my heart.”

Zhēn Huán pulled Shěn Méi Zhuāng’s hand. Although she didn’t want to be the one to shatter her dream, after thinking it through, she realized that it had to be her.

Seeing Zhēn Huán’s serious expression, Shěn Méi Zhuāng knew she wasn’t joking.

“Huān’ér, is there anything we can’t talk about between us? Just say whatever you want.”

“Huān’ér, if you’re trying to advise Méi Jiě not to take the management of the Six Palaces too seriously, do you think I have some selfish motive?”

Shěn Méi Zhuāng shook her head. “Huān’ér, when you say things like this, doesn’t it make it seem like we’re becoming distant? I know you too well.”

She looked at Zhēn Huán.

“When the Emperor first brought this up to me, I felt my experience was lacking, and I couldn’t handle it. I even tried to refuse, but the Emperor insisted, so I…”

“So, what do you think now?”

“Now that I’ve agreed, of course, I want to do it well. What’s wrong? Huān’ér, do you think there’s something wrong?”

“Have you considered why the Emperor chose you, a newcomer, over the older ones like Jìng Fēi, Duān Fēi, and Qí Fēi?”

“In other words, how would you feel if a newcomer were to manage us in the future?”

Shěn Méi Zhuāng kept twisting her handkerchief in her hands. “If a newcomer manages us, it would be fine if they do well. But if they don’t, I’m sure no one would be satisfied.”

“If someone with a good temperament like you thinks that way, how much more so for someone like Huá Fēi?”

“But the Emperor…”

Zhēn Huán knew that Shěn Méi Zhuāng was deeply in love with the Emperor, and she didn’t want to crush her enthusiasm.

“This is the Empress Dowager’s will. The Empress Dowager dislikes a situation where one person dominates the harem, so she’s trying to support a newcomer to counter Huá Fēi.”

“So, from the beginning, I’m just a pawn in the Empress Dowager’s game against Huá Fēi…”

“Méi Jiě, in this harem, who hasn’t been a pawn at some point?”

“Even the Emperor sometimes has to change his mind because of matters from the previous dynasty. What more can we do?”

After hearing Zhēn Huán’s words, Shěn Méi Zhuāng felt that it made sense. Although she didn’t feel good about it at first, she understood that she had to face the reality early on.

“Huān’ér, you’re younger than me, but I didn’t expect you to see things so clearly.”

Zhēn Huán jokingly replied, “I may not be older than Méi Jiě, but if we’re talking about emotional maturity, I’m much older than you!”

This was actually true. After all, if you counted her age from the previous life, she was older than the Empress Dowager!

They both laughed for a while, and then Shěn Méi Zhuāng became serious again, holding Zhēn Huán’s hand.

“Huān’ér, I still have to thank you. In this palace, you’re the only one who would say such heartfelt words to me.”

“Méi Jiě, don’t forget, we promised to support each other for life!”

“Alright, for life!”