Chapter 191 Noble Lady Fucha
Chapter 191 Noble Lady Fucha
During the preparations for the empress's coronation ceremony, the inner palace appeared outwardly calm and peaceful, a scene of bustling activity and harmony.
But in reality, undercurrents were surging.
Although Zhen Huan was promoted to the rank of Consort Wan, a position of great prestige, she was not happy about it.
She was still filled with resentment and bitterness, and she always held a grudge against Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan.
Zhen Huan still secretly had people keep an eye on Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan's every move.
Hopefully, we can find a new breakthrough and create some trouble for them.
However, Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan remained at peace, much to Zhen Huan's dismay.
Left with no other choice, Zhen Huan had to shift her focus.
At that moment, she suddenly remembered Hongli.
Hongli had already been registered under her name by the chubby orange tree, and according to the rules, he naturally had to come to Suiyuxuan to pay his respects to her from time to time.
In fact, Zhen Huan did not want to see Hongli.
Whenever she thought of Hongli, she would think of her children who died young—Lingxi and Hongzhan.
If it weren't for Hongli keeping Ulanara Yixiu's people by his side...
If they brought smallpox into the palace, causing them to contract the disease, how could Lingxi and Hongzhan have died?
Whenever she thought of this, Zhen Huan's heart was filled with endless hatred.
She feared she might not be able to resist strangling Hongli with her own hands.
If she hadn't remembered her own plan, she would have had to restrain herself and not let her emotions get out of control.
Her health is deteriorating, and it's unclear how much longer she can hold on.
Some things are better started as early as possible.
Finally, the day arrived for Hongli to come and pay his respects.
Zhen Huan suppressed the hatred in her heart.
Zhen Huan forced herself to stay awake and got up early.
She even asked Jinxi to carefully cover up her pale complexion with rouge.
She looked in the mirror, forcing a gentle smile, waiting for Hongli to come over.
When Hongli entered Suiyu Pavilion, he greeted Zhen Huan.
Zhen Huan quickly took Hongli's hand and inquired about his recent situation with concern, showing him warmth and care.
It was as if Hongli was her own son.
Ever since he learned that he had been registered under Zhen Huan's name, Hongli had been feeling uneasy.
If this had happened before smallpox, Hongli would definitely have been very happy to have Zhen Huan, his foster mother who was deeply loved by his father.
But he couldn't feel happy right now.
Lingxi and Hongzhan were implicated because of him, so he was very afraid that Zhen Huan would resent him.
Why would the Emperor want to register him under Zhen Huan's name at this time?
Was it the Emperor's own idea? Or was it Zhen Huan's request?
He's now indirectly responsible for the deaths of the twins; will Zhen Huan retaliate against him?
Did Father Emperor not consider these things? Does he really not care about his son at all?
Does the Emperor intend to send him to Zhen Huan for disposal, just as he did with the deposed Empress?
He now remembers Zhen Huan's name, so it's impossible for him not to pay his respects to her.
He went to Suiyu Pavilion with a heavy heart, knowing that whether he stuck his neck out or not, he would still be killed.
Upon arriving at Suiyu Pavilion, Hongli remained anxious upon seeing Zhen Huan's attitude.
Zhen Huan pulled Hongli to sit down and said gently in a soft voice:
"Child, you've really suffered these past few days. Look at you, you've lost so much weight."
Actually, I had already asked the Emperor to add you to my register.
Unfortunately, smallpox suddenly broke out in the palace, and Lingxi and Hongzhan are both unwell. I have to be busy taking care of Lingxi..."
At the mention of twins, tears welled up in Zhen Huan's eyes.
But she quickly regained her composure, gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and continued:
"Their bodies were so weak, and I neglected to take good care of you. I feel terrible about it."
Seeing Zhen Huan so remorseful, Hongli felt a pang of guilt, but even more so, a guilty conscience.
He quickly said, "Mother, please don't say that."
It's all my fault. I didn't notice in time, and I couldn't even tell whether the people around me were human or ghosts.
That's why Lingxi and Hongzhan were implicated.
After saying this, Hongli lowered his head in shame.
Zhen Huan patted his hand and sighed:
"It's not entirely your fault; it's all because of that wicked woman, Ulanara. You're also a victim."
It's just a pity for them. They've been in poor health since birth.
It's better to leave early, rather than stay in this world to suffer.
Hongli felt a mix of emotions upon hearing Zhen Huan's words. Zhen Huan then continued:
"My child, now that you are under my name, I will definitely treat you well in the future."
You must also study hard and share the Emperor's burdens.
Hongli nodded in agreement, but he was still somewhat uneasy.
Zhen Huan then chatted with Hongli about reading and studies, her tone kind and approachable.
Suddenly, Zhen Huan changed the subject and said:
"Child, you must carefully select the people around you, lest you be taken advantage of by those with ill intentions again."
Hongli felt a pang of anxiety and quickly promised to be more careful in the future.
Zhen Huan looked at Hongli's nervous expression and sneered inwardly, but her face remained gentle.
She continued, "Don't worry, as long as you're alright, your mother will definitely protect you."
Hongli looked at Zhen Huan gratefully and said, "Thank you, Mother. I will definitely be filial to you in the future."
Zhen Huan had been observing Hongli's expression, and saw that the wariness in his eyes gradually faded.
He nodded with a smile, but in his heart he was already planning his next move.
Zhen Huan noticed that Hongli was thin and frail, with many acne scars on his face.
I felt little sympathy for her, compared to her poor child.
What does Hongli's behavior count for?
Hongli's face is now disfigured, and he has no powerful backing.
He has no chance of inheriting the throne; she is now the only person he can rely on.
Zhen Huan appeared outwardly kind and gentle, but inwardly she was pondering how to completely control Hongli.
However, she can't be too hasty now.
This aroused Hongli's vigilance.
Zhen Huan said, "Lingxi and Hongzhan are gone, and I will never be able to have my own child again."
From now on, we can only stick together for warmth.
Upon hearing Zhen Huan's words, Hongli's heart stirred.
Zhen Huan lost her child and could no longer conceive, so she could only rely on him.
Thinking of this, Hongli's vigilance lessened somewhat.
Hongli hurriedly replied, "Mother, rest assured, I will respect you as my own mother and be filial to you."
Zhen Huan nodded gently and said, "
You should be studying now, so you can't slack off on your studies.
"Your subject understands and will certainly live up to Mother's expectations."
Hongli responded respectfully. Zhen Huan smiled slightly.
"It's good that you have this idea. If you don't understand anything in the future, feel free to ask your mother."
At this moment, Jinxi brought in tea and snacks, and Zhen Huan invited Hongli to taste them.
As Hongli ate his snacks, Zhen Huan said, seemingly casually:
"If the people serving you are not attentive enough, just tell your mother, and your mother will tell your father."
Hongli readily agreed with a smile.
Zhen Huan chatted with Hongli about some interesting things that happened in the palace, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious.
After Hongli took his leave, Zhen Huan put away her smile and said to Jinxi:
"Keep a close eye on the people around Hongli. Although he seems obedient now, we must not let our guard down."
Jinxi nodded in agreement.
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