The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

As May approached, the weather gradually became warmer and the imperial carriage set off again for the Old Summer Palace.

In previous years, the weather would gradually turn cooler after the Mid-Autumn Festival, but this year is an exception. It is still so hot and humid that it makes people breathless.

An Lingrong leaned against the red railing with skylight above and below, holding a branch of osmanthus, and threw the plucked petals into the Back Lake, watching the ripples on the water. Shen Meizhuang was instructing the palace servants to add ice to the ice basin when she suddenly saw Xiao Shi hurried in.

"Your Majesty," Xiao Shi said, "The wife of the eldest young master of the Shen family has submitted a card requesting an audience. The Imperial Noble Consort has already approved it and has sent someone to inform you first."

The round fan in Shen Meizhuang's hand suddenly paused, and she exchanged a puzzled look with An Lingrong.

A few days ago during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Madam Shen and Lin's mother went to the palace together to attend a palace-wide dinner. It has only been a few days, why are they here again?

The two put down what they were holding and went to the first floor to wait.

Soon, Wang Zhiwei's figure appeared in their sight. This usually dignified and elegant man was now walking in a hurry.

"Sister-in-law!" Shen Meizhuang hurried forward and supported Wang Zhiwei, who was about to bow. "But what happened at home? Are father and mother okay?"

Wang Zhiwei took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry, Madam. Father and mother are both fine. It's just..."

She lowered her voice and looked at An Lingrong, "Someone asked me to personally deliver this letter to you."

An Lingrong took the envelope and asked, "Who wrote this letter?"

"Song Jiashu."

An Lingrong was a little surprised, but she didn't ask any more questions and opened the letter.

After reading the last word, she took a breath and when she handed the letter to Shen Meizhuang, even her breathing became rapid.

Shen Meizhuang took a look and her expression suddenly changed.

The two looked at each other and tacitly said a name: "Qi Yuebin."

After completing his three-year term as a scholar-official, Song Jiashu was selected to serve as an editor at the Hanlin Academy. He would rush to the academy before dawn each day and would not return home until the palace gates were locked. Despite his heavy workload, he always remembered filial piety. No matter how late he returned, he would always visit his father's room to greet him and spend some time with the old man.

Song Lin has served in the army for many years. Although he is just a small clerk, he is in charge of military archives and knows everything about the camp.

Ever since Shen Zishan was promoted to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Nine Gates, taking with him a number of his trusted generals, many positions in the Guards Camp had become vacant, and several new generals were quickly transferred in. These newcomers were particularly interested in the camp's old files, constantly visiting the archives, and constantly claiming they wanted to "learn General Shen's military strategies."

At first, Song Lin didn't think much of it. After all, Shen Zishan's strict military discipline during his time at the Guard Camp certainly offered many lessons worth learning from. But gradually, he realized these people weren't focused on training methods, but rather on reviewing old files. Even more bizarre, they suddenly became very friendly with Song Lin, a minor clerk. Today, they'd give him a box of fine tea, tomorrow, a few ingots of silver, and their words were filled with inquiries.

Song Lin felt uneasy and told his son about it.

Song Jiashu also felt something was wrong, so he asked his father to find the files they had read and look at them himself. He found that they specifically checked the old files when Shen Zishan had just taken office as the commander of the Guard Camp, especially the deployment of guards when the emperor went to the Old Summer Palace that year, the rotation hours, the arrangement of checkpoints, etc.

Since Shen Meiyu and An Lingrong were both on that trip to the Old Summer Palace, Song Jiashu did not dare to take it lightly. He quickly wrote this letter and asked the eldest lady of the Shen family to send it to the palace.

Seeing that the matter involved the harem, Wang Zhiwei did not dare to delay for a minute and followed him to the Old Summer Palace.

As soon as An Lingrong read the letter, she knew that it was Qi Yuebin who was investigating the secret they had told Nian Shilan about Huan Yixiang.

Fortunately, Song Jiashu was alert and told them about this matter. Now there is plenty of time and it is still possible to remedy everything.

Her mind raced, her fingers lightly pressing against her temples.

But within a cup of tea, a look of determination appeared in her eyes. She raised her eyes and looked at Wang Zhiwei: "Madam, there are a few things I need you to tell Lord Shen."

Wang Zhiwei saw her calm expression and felt relieved. He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please give me your instructions."

"Although Lord Shen has been transferred to the post of Governor of the Nine Gates, he should still be able to control the old guard battalions." An Lingrong spoke at a steady pace, each word clear. "Those generals who are checking the old files must not be allowed to remain in the capital, no matter what means are used."

She paused, her fingertips rubbing the edge of the teacup. "As for those soldiers they found... they were all Lord Shen's confidants. How can we make them forget what happened back then? I'm sure Lord Shen knows better than I do."

Wang Zhiwei nodded solemnly: "Your Highness understands."

"The situation has reached a critical juncture. We absolutely cannot afford to make any mistakes." An Lingrong's eyes were slightly cold. "Lord Shen holds a high position of power, so I'm not worried about him. However, everyone around him needs to be thoroughly investigated. Anyone with even the slightest connection to the Qi family must be dealt with."

"Yes, I will convey it word for word."

After explaining all this, An Lingrong still felt unsure.

Outside the palace walls, there is a restless An Bihuai...

She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was already cold: "My father is old and frail, and his health has been getting worse recently. I would like to ask the eldest young master to help find a quiet place for him to recuperate in peace.

It’s best… that no one disturb him.”

Wang Zhiwei understood and whispered, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements."

After Wang Zhiwei left, Shen Meizhuang's tense shoulders relaxed a little. If this matter was found out, the Shen family would be doomed.

An Lingrong held her fingertips and said, "Sister, this time, we must put an end to this trouble once and for all."

Shen Meizhuang took a deep breath and nodded slowly.