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

After coming out of the emperor's study, Zhen Huan hurried back to Yongshou Palace. As soon as she entered the palace, she saw An Lingrong playing with Long Yue. Long Yue's laughter was crisp and sweet, but Zhen Huan had no interest in it.

Zhen Huan walked straight towards An Lingrong, her expression solemn: "Lingrong, the Emperor has learned about the Yongshou Palace spices incident. Although he hasn't blamed me, this matter must be investigated thoroughly as soon as possible. The person behind this must not be allowed to go unpunished!"

An Lingrong gently put Long Yue down and nodded, saying, "Huan'er, I just checked carefully again. The remaining spice powder is extremely rare and must not be easily obtained. I suspect someone secretly brought it in from outside the palace."

Zhen Huan frowned, "Outside the palace? Who could have such ability to circumvent the palace restrictions and bring such a dangerous object into Yongshou Palace?"

At this time, Zhen Huan's personal maid Huanbi said, "Your Majesty, could it be that someone who has a grudge against you has bribed the guards or eunuchs?"

Zhen Huan pondered for a moment: "It's possible. But there are so many guards and eunuchs in this palace. It's not easy to check them all."

An Lingrong pondered and said, "Huan'er, why don't we start with the source of the spices? I know some spices, but this one is extremely unfamiliar to me. I think I need to leave the palace and ask the masters in my spice shop. They may know something."

Zhen Huan was a little worried: "Lingrong, it might be dangerous for you to leave the palace. What if someone finds out..."

An Lingrong held Zhen Huan's hand and said, "Don't worry, Huan'er. I will be careful. I will disguise myself and bring a few trustworthy people with me. I'm sure nothing will happen."

Zhen Huan hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "Then be careful and go back early."

After An Lingrong returned to the palace, she immediately began preparing to leave. She changed into plain clothes and slightly modified her appearance, looking like an ordinary woman. Accompanied by two clever palace maids and a skilled martial arts guard, she quietly left the palace through a side door.

Arriving at the spice shop, An Lingrong met the old shopkeeper. The old shopkeeper, upon seeing her, hurriedly bowed and said, "Madam, why have you come in person?"

An Lingrong said softly, "Shopkeeper, I've come here today to ask you something." As she spoke, she took out a small bag containing powdered spices collected from Yongshou Palace. "Take a look! Do you recognize these spices?"

The old shopkeeper took it, sniffed it carefully, and his expression became very strange. "Your Majesty, this spice... this spice is an extremely rare psychedelic incense from the Western Regions, called 'Dream Incense'. The production process of this incense is complex, and several of the ingredients are only found in specific places in the Western Regions. In our dynasty, the use of this spice is strictly prohibited. Anyone who secretly keeps or uses it is committing a serious crime!"

An Lingrong was startled. "Boss, are you sure?"

The old shopkeeper said confidently, "Your Majesty, I have been in the spice business for many years and I would not be wrong. But how did this incense appear in the palace?"

An Lingrong frowned. "That's exactly what I want to find out. Do you know anyone in the capital who might be able to obtain this 'Dream Fragrance'?"

The old shopkeeper pondered for a moment. "Madam, as far as I know, only a few Western merchants' shops in the capital might have this incense, but they dare not sell it openly. However, if a high-ranking official secretly requests it, perhaps..."

An Lingrong had a plan in mind. She thanked the old shopkeeper and hurried back to the palace.

After returning to the palace, An Lingrong immediately went to find Zhen Huan and told her what had happened.

After hearing this, Zhen Huan's face darkened. "It seems there must be someone with great influence behind this. Lingrong, we must be careful and not alert the enemy."

An Lingrong nodded. "Huan'er, I think so too. Let's secretly keep an eye on those dignitaries who have dealings with merchants from the Western Regions. Perhaps we can find some clues."

As he was speaking, a young eunuch came to report that Concubine Xia wanted to see him.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, puzzled: "What is she doing here?"

After Xia Changzai came in, she had a slightly unnatural smile on her face: "Empress Xi, Empress An, I came here today to apologize to you two. I made a slip of the tongue at the flower viewing banquet earlier. I beg your forgiveness."

Zhen Huan looked at her coldly: "Xia Changzai, I'm afraid you came here today for more than just an apology, right?"

Xia Changzai's eyes flickered: "Your Majesty, you are joking. I just sincerely regret my mistakes."

An Lingrong said from the side, "Xia Changzai, if you truly repent, then don't stir up trouble again and just stay in your proper place."

Xia Changzai nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, your Majesty is right."

After Concubine Xia left, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, doesn't it seem strange that she came here today? Could she be related to this spice incident?"

An Lingrong pondered, "Huan'er, she is indeed suspicious. But we don't have any evidence yet, so we can't jump to conclusions. However, we can send someone to keep an eye on her and see if she makes any unusual moves."

So, Zhen Huan arranged for her trusted people to secretly monitor Concubine Xia.

A few days later, the surveillance person came to report that he saw Xia Changzai's maid secretly leave the palace and go to a Western Region merchant's shop, where she stayed for a long time before returning.

Zhen Huan heard this, and a stern look flashed in her eyes: "It seems that there is indeed something wrong with this Concubine Xia! Lingrong, we can't wait any longer, we need to find a way to make her reveal her true intentions."

An Lingrong thought for a moment and whispered a few words into Zhen Huan's ear.

After hearing this, Zhen Huan nodded slightly: "This is a very good plan. I will do as you say."

Zhen Huan sent people to spread the news in the palace, saying that the emperor was quite interested in the rare treasures from the Western Regions, especially the spices from the Western Regions.

After the news spread, many concubines were eager to please the emperor, and Concubine Xia was no exception.

On this day, Concubine Xia went to Zhen Huan's Yongshou Palace with an exquisite box in a triumphant manner.

When Lady Xia saw Zhen Huan, she bowed and said, "Empress Xi, I heard that the Emperor loves spices from the Western Regions. I recently obtained a box of extremely precious spices and am offering them to you. Please pass it on to the Emperor."

Zhen Huan sneered inwardly, but remained expressionless. "Oh? Concubine Xia is so thoughtful. I thank you in advance. However, these spices are precious, so I need to inspect them first. If there is anything wrong, I dare not present them to the Emperor."

Xia Changzai's heart tightened, but she still pretended to be calm: "Your Majesty, please do as you please."

Zhen Huan opened the box and was greeted by a familiar fragrance: it was the "Fantasy Dream Fragrance." Zhen Huan's face changed: "Xia Changzai, you are so bold! This is the forbidden "Fantasy Dream Fragrance," and you dared to present it to the Emperor!"

Xia Changzai's face turned pale, and she hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, this... this was not intentional. Someone framed me!"

Zhen Huan sneered, "Framed? Then tell me, who framed you?"

Xia Changzai stammered and was speechless.

At this time, An Lingrong arrived with the Emperor's decree: "Xia Changzai, you secretly possessed prohibited spices and intended to murder the Emperor. Your crime is unforgivable. The Emperor has decreed that Xia Changzai be banished to the cold palace, and her family will be punished as well!"

Xia Changzai collapsed to the ground, muttering to himself: "It's over, it's over..."

Zhen Huan looked at Concubine Xia being dragged away, but she did not feel relieved. She knew that the struggle in the harem would never stop. Although Concubine Xia had been solved temporarily, there were still more conspiracies and tricks lurking in the dark.

An Lingrong walked over to Zhen Huan and whispered, "Huan'er, we've finally solved a hidden danger this time. But we still need to be careful. The waters of this harem are too deep."

Zhen Huan nodded. "Lingrong, you're right. We can't afford to slack off. And Longyue, I must protect her well and not let her come to any harm."

The two of them gazed into the distance, their hearts filled with worry and determination about the future. They knew that in this harem road full of dangers and challenges, only by supporting each other could they continue on. But how many difficulties and obstacles were waiting for them ahead, and who could truly tell?