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

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."

Zhen Huan sipped her tea gently, her red lips parted. "Lingrong is absolutely right. This palace is full of twists and turns. A single careless move could lead to irretrievable ruin." She raised her eyes, her gaze firm. "However, we can't just retreat. We need to show our edge when necessary."

An Lingrong's heart trembled as she replied, "Sister, you are quite right. However, I need to carefully consider how to display this edge."

Zhen Huan put down her teacup and lightly walked to the window. Gazing at the vibrant blossoms outside, she said slowly, "Just like the matter of the spice shop, the Emperor has already inscribed a calligraphy and presented a plaque, which is certainly a good thing, but it will also surely attract jealousy. Lingrong, do you have any plans for your spice shop now?"

An Lingrong pondered for a moment and said, "I've instructed Mother and Aunt Xiao to be more meticulous with the ingredients, ensuring that the quality of the spices far surpasses that of other shops. We've also adjusted the prices, aiming for smaller profits but quicker sales, to attract more customers. However, competition from competitors is constantly emerging. A few days ago, I heard rumors that our spice shop was selling inferior goods as high-quality ones. It's really a headache."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly and said indignantly, "How can this be! These unscrupulous merchants must be maliciously slandering me. Lingrong, you can't just sit there and wait for death!"

An Lingrong sighed helplessly, "I've sent people to investigate the source of the rumor, but in this harem, news spreads like a ghost, unpredictable. Sister, do you have any ideas?"

Zhen Huan turned around, her eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Why not try to be patient and yet be vigilant? First, send the spices from the spice shop to the concubines in each palace and let them taste them for themselves. If they approve, this rumor will naturally be dispelled."

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Sister, this is a brilliant plan! You're so clever! I was so caught off guard."

Zhen Huan smiled faintly and said, "You're just too worried. You and I are now supporting each other in this palace. We rise and fall together. We will definitely be able to weather these minor storms."

At this time, Huanbi walked in and bowed, saying, "My lady, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has sent a message saying that the imperial court's tax policy has changed recently. This spice shop..."

An Lingrong's heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, "How are the tax policies changing? Will it have a significant impact on the spice shop?"

Huanbi replied, "I heard that taxes on spices have increased, and inspections have become more stringent."

An Lingrong's face showed worry. "What should we do? Competition is already fierce. If the taxes increase again, I'm afraid the spice shop will be unable to survive."

Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said soothingly, "Don't worry, Lingrong. I think this tax policy change isn't just for our spice shop. Perhaps we can ask some of the ministers in the court to see if there's any room for maneuver."

An Lingrong nodded: "That's all we can do. I hope we can get through this safely."

A few days later, An Lingrong was in the palace worrying about the spice shop. Zhen Huan hurried over with a hint of joy on her face.

"Lingrong, good news! I asked someone and learned that as long as the spice shop can innovate in spice production and increase tax revenue for the court, it can apply for tax reduction."

An Lingrong's face was filled with surprise. "Really? Sister, that's fantastic! I'll definitely work hard to research the secret spice recipe and strive to achieve it as soon as possible."

Zhen Huan encouraged, "I believe you will succeed. You have an extraordinary talent for making spices, and no one in this palace can match you."

While An Lingrong was working hard to study the secret recipe of spices, Concubine Xia was furious in her own palace.

"An Lingrong is just a person of humble origin. How could her spice shop receive an imperial inscription and a plaque? I will definitely not let her off easy!" The maidservant beside Concubine Xia cautiously advised, "My lady, Concubine An is currently in favor and is on good terms with Zhen Huan. We should not provoke her lightly."

"Hmph! Am I afraid of her? I must find a way to make her fall from the clouds!" Concubine Xia said to her trusted palace maid in her own palace with her eyes wide open and gritted teeth, her eyes full of jealousy and hatred.

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan, oblivious to this, continue diligently plotting their future in the spice shop and within the palace. They know that within the harem, kindness and wisdom are their weapons, and their mutual bond their strongest support. No matter how many hardships and obstacles lie ahead, they must work together to rewrite the trajectory of their destiny, marching resolutely towards an unknown and challenging future, writing their own unique legends and transforming the harem into a new chapter.