Shen Meizhuang hesitated and said, "It's not a sure thing, it's just a guess."
“You know, I live in Xianfu Palace and manage the Imperial Garden with Consort Jing. She is a very easy-going person and never competes with anyone for anything.”
“I get along quite well with her usually, and we often chat and pass the time together.”
"To be honest, it was she who reminded me to send things to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, which is why I had some doubts."
"But she spoke casually that day, and I took it to heart. Besides, using it alone once or twice is not a big deal."
"It's too much of a coincidence. After all, no one knew that His Majesty would actually drink them all."
Zhen Huan fell into deep thought. Consort Jing had always been rather inconspicuous in the palace. Although she held the rank of Consort, she was not favored by the emperor, and she was quiet and never argued with anyone.
Even now, as she assists in managing the six palaces and helps with the affairs of the Imperial Garden, people only envy her luck, not her jealousy.
Unlike Shen Meizhuang, who was constantly favored upon entering the palace, she is not as fortunate as Consort Cheng and has not yet been promoted.
But if the emperor were to grant her permission to learn how to handle palace affairs, then becoming a concubine or imperial consort would be only a matter of time.
The status of concubines with and without power in the palace differed greatly.
So, only a few days after gaining favor with the emperor, Shen Meizhuang was made difficult by Consort Li and others. To put it bluntly, it was simply because they felt a real threat.
As for Consort Jing, although she hasn't left her home these past few days, she has been keeping an eye on this matter. However, since it concerns the Emperor, there's a lot of information that a newly favored concubine like her shouldn't know.
Cui Jinxi and Xiao Yunzi have been secretly investigating for a long time, but they haven't found out anything yet.
On the contrary, all the signs seemed like coincidences. However, she also felt that the more coincidental the signs, the more suspicious they were.
But she hadn't really considered Consort Jing. Now, hearing Shen Meizhuang say this, she also felt there were things to be suspicious about.
But what's the reason?
Zhen Huan said, "To do such a thing, one must harbor an indelible resentment towards the Emperor."
"Although Consort Jing is not favored, there are many concubines in the palace who are not favored, so why is it like this?"
"Besides, if Consort Jing is to hate, why not Consort Hua? After all, Consort Hua bullied her the most when they were in the Prince's residence."
Shen Meizhuang said, "What you say is true. Perhaps I really am overthinking things."
"I only dare to tell you these things; I wouldn't dare reveal a single word to anyone else."
"Although Lingrong has a very good relationship with us, some things are safer when fewer people know about them."
Zhen Huan smiled, knowing that it wasn't easy to find someone trustworthy in the palace. Whether favored or out of favor, supporting each other was far better than facing things alone.
"However, since this has happened, it can be considered a clue. Let's observe it slowly and not make a fuss about it for now."
"When you are with Consort Jing, please be careful not to reveal anything, so as not to arouse suspicion."
"If it weren't for her, we would have kept it to ourselves and avoided developing any grudges. If it really is her, we can make plans later."
Shen Meizhuang found it strange; Zhen Huan seemed completely indifferent to the Emperor. Even if their relationship was short and shallow, after so many days of his favor, didn't she really feel even the slightest bit of attraction?
Shen Meizhuang hesitated for a moment, and Zhen Huan immediately asked, "Sister Mei, is there something you want to tell me?"
Shen Meizhuang smiled and said, "I just want to know, do you have feelings for the Emperor?"
Zhen Huan's smile faded slightly as she said, "Sister Mei, have you forgotten? My first meeting with the Emperor was a calculated one."
Shen Meizhuang said, "Even so, the time we spent together these past few days was definitely real."
"To be fair, although His Majesty is not handsome, he is learned and has an extraordinary demeanor. You two also share the same interests, so His Majesty should be the husband you have in mind."
It must be said that Shen Meizhuang truly understood Zhen Huan. From a young age, she was proud and ambitious, and she wholeheartedly wanted to marry the best man in the world.
If we disregard the emperor's suspiciousness and cold-heartedness, to those unaware of these things, he was indeed the best man in the world.
Zhen Huan's lowered eyelashes concealed the gloom in her eyes. She didn't want to mention the matter of Wanwan resembling Qing to anyone, not even Meizhuang.
“Sister Mei is wrong. He is the emperor, he is your master, but he is not your husband.”
Shen Meizhuang was stunned. She had known since childhood that she was inferior to Zhen Huan. So while Zhen Huan devoted herself to learning dance, she focused wholeheartedly on practicing the zither.
Unexpectedly, Zhen Huan remained so clear-headed in this matter, without the slightest hesitation.
Unlike her, who, though aware of a glimpse into the future, was also momentarily bewildered by the emperor's tender affections when she was favored, though only for a fleeting moment.
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