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

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan hurried back to the palace with the evidence and the captured person. Along the way, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong with a serious face, "Lingrong, this return to the palace to see the emperor is of great importance. The forces behind Concubine Xia will not give up easily. We must deal with it carefully."

An Lingrong nodded slightly. "Don't worry, sister. With this evidence, even if she has the greatest ability, she won't be able to argue. But I still have doubts about whether the emperor will believe it completely."

Zhen Huan held her hand and said, "As long as we tell him everything, His Majesty will understand everything."

After returning to the palace, the two men rectified themselves and then asked to see the emperor. When the emperor heard that they had something important to report, he summoned them immediately.

An Lingrong spoke first, "Your Majesty, Concubine Wan and I have discovered many strange things happening near Ganlu Temple. After some investigation, we found that Concubine Xia was secretly plotting to murder Concubine Wan."

The emperor frowned. "Is this true? Do you have any evidence?"

Zhen Huan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we have solid evidence. The captured man is Concubine Xia's subordinate, and he has told us everything. These letters can prove that Concubine Xia has colluded with people outside the palace to spread rumors in an attempt to slander me and disturb the peace of the harem." As she spoke, she presented the evidence.

The emperor took the evidence and looked at it, his face becoming increasingly gloomy: "Xia Changzai is so bold!"

At this time, Concubine Xia also got the news and hurried over. As soon as she entered the palace, she shouted, "Your Majesty, I am innocent! It must be Concubine An and Concubine Wan who deliberately framed me."

An Lingrong glared at her, "Xia Changzai, you still dare to quibble after all this! You sent people to Ganlu Temple to monitor Concubine Wan, and you conspired with Master Xia to spread rumors. The evidence is irrefutable, how can you deny it?"

Concubine Xia argued cunningly, "They forged this! Your Majesty, please don't be fooled by them."

Zhen Huan said coldly, "Xia Changzai, you keep saying we forged them. Then explain why the handwriting on these letters all belong to your trusted people? And how did this captured person know so much about your conspiracy?"

Xia Changyi was speechless for a moment, his eyes were panicked.

The emperor shouted angrily, "Xia Changzai, as a concubine in the harem, you don't want to keep your place and behave yourself. Instead, you actually do such a treasonous thing. It's really despicable!"

Concubine Xia quickly knelt down and begged, "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I was confused for a moment and was bewitched by Master Xia. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me."

The Emperor snorted coldly, "You have committed such a crime, how can you be forgiven simply by admitting your mistakes? Considering your father's past achievements, I will show leniency. Effective immediately, you will be stripped of your position as a concubine and demoted to a concubine. You will be banished to the cold palace and confined to reflect on your mistakes."

Concubine Xia collapsed to the ground: "Your Majesty, no!" But seeing that the emperor had made up his mind, she could only be dragged away by the guards.

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan exchanged a glance, both breathing a sigh of relief. Zhen Huan softly said, "The truth is finally out. Thanks to you, Lingrong. If it weren't for your persistence and wisdom, this matter would have been difficult to resolve."

An Lingrong smiled and said, "Sister, what are you talking about? This is the result of our joint efforts. As long as Sister is alright, that's all that's good."

However, even though the incident was over, An Lingrong still hadn't completely let it go. She knew full well that the intrigues within the harem would never cease, and as long as they were there, they needed to be constantly vigilant. She said to Zhen Huan, "Sister, after this, we must be even more careful. Who knows how many eyes are watching us from the shadows within the harem? We must be prepared."

Zhen Huan nodded: "Lingrong is absolutely right. But how should we defend ourselves? Do you have any ideas?"

An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Sister, why don't we start by focusing on our strengths? I can continue developing spices, not only for use in the palace, but also have spice shops outside the palace create more unique fragrances. This will help us connect with the families of more court officials and expand our network. Sister, you possess outstanding talent. You can showcase it more often at palace banquets and other events to earn more respect and support."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "Lingrong, this is a very good plan. This way, we will have more people to rely on in the harem and can better deal with unknown dangers."

Afterward, An Lingrong plunged into the perfumery, meticulously developing a new fragrance formula. She experimented with various rare spices, muttering to herself, "This ambergris is too strong. I need to add some light jasmine to balance it out..." After numerous attempts, she finally concocted a new fragrance. She offered it to Zhen Huan to smell: "Sister, what do you think of this fragrance? It's called 'Quiet Fragrance,' and it has a calming effect. It's perfect for use in the bedroom or at palace banquets."

Zhen Huan sniffed it gently and praised, "Lingrong, this fragrance is wonderful. It makes people feel relaxed and happy. It will definitely be very popular."

At the palace banquet, Zhen Huan also won widespread praise for her talent and beauty, such as her poetry and paintings. The ministers' families admired Zhen Huan even more and came to make friends with her.

One day, the wife of a minister said to Zhen Huan, "Lady Wan, you are truly a woman of both talent and beauty! We are honored to hear your poetry today, which is truly an eye-opener for us. I also heard that your friendship with Concubine An is deep, which is truly a legend in the harem."

Zhen Huan smiled and replied, "Madam, you are too kind. Lingrong and I support each other. I only hope to share the emperor's worries and bring more harmony to the harem."

As time goes by, An Lingrong and Zhen Huan's positions in the palace become more and more stable, and their influence gradually expands. However, they do not become arrogant because of this. They still maintain kindness and caution. Because they know that in this bottomless harem, only by adhering to their original intentions and constantly strengthening themselves can they truly control their own destiny and write their own legendary chapters.