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

An Lingrong nodded slightly, her eyes filled with emotion and determination.

A few days later, an imperial edict arrived, shocking everyone. The Emperor, mindful of Zhen Huan's past kindness and intelligence, and after extensive investigation, learned that Zhen Huan was suffering in Ganlu Temple and that the rumors against her were completely false, decreed that Zhen Huan no longer needed to stay there.

Zhen Huan received the imperial edict and returned to the palace. Her face was calm, but she could not hide the turmoil in her heart. On her way back to the palace, An Lingrong was waiting for her by the palace road.

An Lingrong stepped forward and called softly, "Huan'er, you're finally back."

Zhen Huan smiled broadly: "Lingrong, with you here, the journey back to the palace won't be so scary this time."

After returning to the palace, Zhen Huan was not idle. She accidentally learned that the palace's internal affairs department had committed corruption and fraud in the procurement of winter charcoal, causing many low-ranking concubines, maids, and eunuchs to suffer in the cold winter. Zhen Huan was determined to thoroughly investigate the matter and seek justice for everyone.

She secretly sent people to collect evidence, working day and night. When An Lingrong learned about it, she also quietly assisted and used her connections in the palace to help pass on the news.

Finally, Zhen Huan presented the evidence she had gathered to the Emperor. The Emperor was furious: "Such a scandal has occurred in my harem!"

Zhen Huan said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the well-being and justice of everyone in the harem. I simply cannot bear to see this chaos continue."

The Emperor looked at Zhen Huan with approval. "Huan Huan, I am very pleased that you care so much about the harem. I will definitely punish these lawless people severely."

Afterwards, the Emperor said to Zhen Huan, "Huan Huan, you have performed a great service this time, and I will reward you handsomely. I originally wanted to directly appoint you as Imperial Concubine, but my personal eunuch reminded me that if I were to directly promote you from a Noble Lady to Imperial Concubine, I feared that others would be dissatisfied, and I needed to consider it carefully. So, I will appoint you as Concubine Xi first. Do you have any objections?"

Zhen Huan hurriedly bowed, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I will obey your orders in all matters and dare not raise any objections. I only hope to relieve your worries and bring peace to the harem."

An Lingrong also congratulated Zhen Huan: "Congratulations, Huan'er, on your promotion to Consort Xi. This is the honor you deserve."

Zhen Huan turned and held An Lingrong's hand: "Lingrong, without your help, I would never have been so successful. This honor should be shared by you and me."

Since then, Zhen Huan's position in the palace has become increasingly stable. She and An Lingrong support each other and face the endless challenges in the palace together.

However, as Zhen Huan became more favored, the other concubines became even more jealous, especially Lady Xia, who was furious when she saw that Zhen Huan not only returned to the palace but also received a promotion.

One day, in the Imperial Garden, Concubine Xia deliberately provoked a fight. Seeing Zhen Huan and An Lingrong together, she approached them and said sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this Concubine Xi? She's quite the shrewd woman! She's just returned to the palace and has already charmed the Emperor into submission, even raising her rank."

Before Zhen Huan could even speak, An Lingrong coldly said, "Xia Changzai, please stop your nonsense. Concubine Xi earned the Emperor's commendation by relying on her own abilities and kindness to benefit the harem. Unlike you, who only cares about jealousy and causing trouble all day long."

Consort Xia snorted coldly, "I'm jealous? I think you two are colluding in the palace, trying to monopolize the emperor's favor!"

Zhen Huan frowned. "Xia Changzai, if you continue to slander me like this, I will not let you off easily. Sister Lingrong and I are like sisters. Mutual support is the bond that should exist in the harem. How can you slander us so casually?"

Although Concubine Xia was unwilling in her heart, seeing the tough attitude of Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, she could only say a harsh word: "We'll see!" and hurried away.

Zhen Huan looked at Concubine Xia's departing back and said to An Lingrong worriedly, "Lingrong, I'm afraid Concubine Xia won't let this go. We need to be more careful."

An Lingrong nodded: "Don't worry, Huan'er, no matter what tricks she uses, as long as we work together, we will be able to resolve it."

Back at the palace, An Lingrong pondered how to further consolidate Zhen Huan's position while also planning her own career within the palace. She pondered her spice-making skills, hoping to develop a unique spice to present to the emperor and win his favor.

So, An Lingrong plunged into the spice room, researching day and night. After many days of hard work, she finally created a spice called "Tranquil Incense." This incense not only has a unique and charming scent, but also has the effect of calming the mind and promoting sleep.

An Lingrong brought the "Tranquilizing Incense" to see the Emperor. After bowing, she said, "Your Majesty, I have recently developed a new fragrance called 'Tranquilizing Incense'. This fragrance can help Your Majesty relax and fall asleep peacefully. I have come to present it to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor was delighted: "Mingrong is thoughtful. I will try this 'Tranquilizing Incense' today."

That night, after using the "Tranquilizing Incense," the Emperor slept soundly. The next day, he rewarded An Lingrong generously, praising her for her cleverness.

After Zhen Huan learned about this, she was also happy for An Lingrong: "Lingrong, your spices are just right. They not only relieved the emperor's worries, but also won him favor. You are truly smart."

An Lingrong said modestly, "Huan'er, you are too kind. This is what I should do. As long as I can share my sister's burden and serve the emperor, I will be satisfied."

But peace is always short-lived in the harem. Though Concubine Xia has been temporarily suppressed, other plots and schemes continue to brew in the shadows. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong face numerous tests and unknown dangers in this treacherous harem. Relying only on their friendship and wisdom, they forge ahead step by step, heading towards an unknown fate. In this bottomless harem maelstrom, they wonder what kind of storms await them, or what kind of hope will emerge.