The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of An Lingrong: Counterattack to Become the Queen Mother

In the previous chapter, the Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation of the Yikun Palace and severe punishment of the remaining Hua Fei's followers. With the fall of Hua Fei's followers, the harem seemed to have calmed down a lot, but in fact, undercurrents were surging.

In her own palace, An Lingrong was discussing the development of new spices for the spice shop with her personal maid, Baojuan. "Baojuan, Mother wrote last time saying she'd acquired a new spice ingredient from the Western Regions. I'd like to try blending it, perhaps I can create a unique fragrance." An Lingrong's eyes were filled with anticipation.

Baojuan nodded and said, "My lady, your perfume making skills are unmatched in the palace. If you can create new perfumes, the emperor will surely favor you even more."

An Lingrong smiled softly, "I'm not entirely seeking the Emperor's favor. These spices are a source of comfort to me, and they're also valuable items that can help support the spice shops of my mother and aunt outside the palace."

As they were talking, Zhen Huan came to visit. An Lingrong hurriedly stood up to greet her: "Sister, how come you have time to come here today?"

Zhen Huan took her hand and sat down. "Lingrong, the recent incident in Yikun Palace has just ended. I have a feeling that the harem will not be at peace. We must be cautious."

An Lingrong's expression was solemn. "Sister is right. Although Concubine Hua has fallen, the aftermath is still lingering, and there are still people from other palaces who are eyeing us covetously."

Zhen Huan's eyes were firm. "But as long as you and I are united, we can definitely handle these unexpected events. By the way, Lingrong, I heard you've been developing a new spice lately?"

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Yes, sister. I want to make a fragrance that can soothe the body and mind and calm the mind. Most people in this palace are worried and anxious. If this fragrance is perfected, it will surely be popular."

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Lingrong, you are always so clever. Once this incense is made, don't forget to let me taste it first."

"Of course. If you like it, I will make more and send them to your palace," said An Lingrong.

A few days later, An Lingrong successfully developed a new fragrance. She brought it to see Zhen Huan. "Sister, the new fragrance is ready. I named it 'Jinglan Fragrance'."

Zhen Huan took the incense box, opened it, sniffed it, and exclaimed, "What a wonderful fragrance! This fragrance is light, elegant, and refreshing. It truly has a calming effect. Lingrong, you are truly ingenious."

An Lingrong was delighted. "As long as Sister likes it, I'm glad. I'm thinking that once the spice shop is more stable, I'll also launch this fragrance. Perhaps it will help the spice shop reach a higher level of success."

At this time, the eunuch came to deliver the emperor's order. The emperor heard that An Lingrong had made a new fragrance and came to summon her. An Lingrong and Zhen Huan looked at each other, then stood up, fixed her makeup, and followed the eunuch to the emperor's palace.

"Lingrong pays respect to His Majesty." An Lingrong saluted.

The emperor smiled and helped her up: "I heard that you made a new fragrance, I am very curious."

An Lingrong presented the "Jinglan Incense" and said, "Your Majesty, this incense is called 'Jinglan Incense'. It has the effect of soothing the body and mind. I hope Your Majesty likes it."

The Emperor was delighted after smelling the fragrance. "This fragrance is exquisite! I will reward you handsomely. I heard your mother's spice shop outside the palace is also famous because of your fragrance. Today, I will inscribe a plaque for that spice shop and wish it prosperity."

An Lingrong hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your grace. Your move will surely make the spice shop famous, and my mother and aunt will also have something to rely on."

After leaving the Emperor's palace, An Lingrong returned to her own palace. Baojuan came to greet her and said, "My lady, it is truly a great joy that the Emperor has bestowed upon her such a reward."

An Lingrong nodded slightly: "It is a happy event, but it will also attract more jealousy. We must act more low-key in this harem."

In her own palace, Zhen Huan pondered her future. She knew that within the harem, only by becoming stronger could she protect herself and those around her. She decided, alongside An Lingrong, to remain true to her kindness and forge ahead into an uncertain future amidst the ever-changing harem. As for the throne of harem master, though fraught with temptation and danger, they would not give it up easily. Only from the heights of power could they truly control their own lives, freeing themselves from the whims of others.