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

Zhen Huan held An Lingrong's hand, her eyes firm, "Lingrong, you're right. But after this incident, I've become even more disheartened towards the people in the harem. I thought Concubine Jing was someone I could trust, but I didn't expect..."

An Lingrong shook her head gently: "Huan'er, don't be too sad. In this harem, people's hearts are unpredictable. We can only rely on each other."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly: "So what should we do next? Although Concubine Jing has been punished, I still feel that this matter is not over yet."

An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Huan'er, we need to be more careful. I think we can quietly plant some spies in the palace so that we can detect any hidden conspiracies in time."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "This is a very good plan. However, this spy must be absolutely loyal and reliable."

An Lingrong said, "I will transfer some trustworthy people from the spice shop outside the palace. They have little contact with the people in the palace and will not be easily detected."

A few days later, the spy arranged by An Lingrong secretly came to report that a young palace maid was seen secretly burying something behind a bush in a remote corner of the Imperial Garden.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other, and Zhen Huan said, "Let's go and take a look."

When they arrived, the young maid was about to leave. Zhen Huan shouted, "Stop! What are you doing here?"

Seeing Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, the little maid turned pale with fear and fell to her knees: "Your Majesty, this servant...this servant didn't do anything."

An Lingrong stepped forward and said sternly, "If you don't tell the truth, do you know the consequences?"

The little maid trembled and said, "Your Majesty, someone asked me to bury this box here. I really don't know what's inside."

Zhen Huan picked up the box and opened it. Inside was some powdered medicine similar to the harmful spices she had seen earlier. Zhen Huan angrily said, "Spices again! Who is behind this?"

The little maid cried and said, "My lady, it's Concubine Kang. Concubine Kang said that if I can bury this box properly, she will give me a large sum of money and transfer me to a more relaxed place to work."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were both shocked. Zhen Huan asked, "Mrs. Kang? She usually looks so gentle and weak, how could she do such a thing?"

An Lingrong sneered, "Huan'er, everyone in the harem is a hidden talent. Looks like we have to go meet Concubine Kang again."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong arrived at Concubine Kang's residence. Zhen Huan asked directly, "Concubine Kang, why did you order the young palace maid to bury that harmful spice in the imperial garden?"

Kang Changzai feigned innocence: "Empress Xi, Empress An Lingrong, what are you talking about? Why don't I understand?"

An Lingrong said, "Mrs. Kang, the young maid has already confessed, are you still trying to quibble?"

Kang Changzai's eyes flickered for a moment, then he regained his composure. "That little palace maid must have framed me! I have no grudge against the two ladies, so why would they do such a thing?"

Zhen Huan said, "Mrs. Kang, don't think we're easy to fool. If you admit it now, perhaps we can give you a lighter sentence."

Kang Changzai gritted his teeth and said, "I didn't do it, and you ladies can't spit on me!"

Seeing that she was so stubborn, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong decided to look for more evidence.

During the investigation, they discovered that Kang Changzai had been exchanging letters with a spice merchant outside the palace. The letter mentioned providing Kang Changzai with special spices to help her win favor in the harem.

Zhen Huan held the letters and said to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, with these letters, Concubine Kang will not be able to deny it."

When facing Concubine Kang again, Zhen Huan threw the letter in front of her: "Concubine Kang, look at what this is! Do you still dare to say that you are innocent?"

When Kang Changzai saw the letter, her face turned pale and she collapsed to the ground. "Your Majesty, I... I know I was wrong. I was just jealous of the two ladies' favor, so I was confused for a moment. Please have mercy on me, Your Majesty!"

Zhen Huan angrily said, "Your jealousy is so vicious that it almost harmed us. If we let you off so easily, wouldn't the harem be in turmoil forever?"

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, let's report this matter to the Emperor and let him make the final decision."

After meeting the emperor, Zhen Huan told him everything that had happened and presented him with the letter.

The emperor frowned and said, "Mrs. Kang, how dare you be so bold!"

Kang Changzai cried and begged for mercy: "Your Majesty, I was really confused for a moment, please forgive me."

The emperor thought for a moment and said, "Considering that this is your first offense, I will demote you to the rank of concubine and have you confine yourself to reflect on your mistakes for six months. If you do it again, I will not forgive you lightly!"

After Zhen Huan and An Lingrong left the Emperor's office, Zhen Huan breathed a sigh of relief: "Lingrong, this time it's all thanks to you. If it weren't for your meticulous thinking, who knows how long Concubine Kang would have been plotting behind the scenes."

An Lingrong smiled and said, "Huan'er, we should support each other. But I'm afraid the fighting in the harem will never stop."

Zhen Huan nodded: "As long as we are together, no matter what storms come, we can get through it. I believe that one day, we will be able to gain a firm foothold in this harem and control our own destiny."

Yet, they understand that the turmoil in this harem will never subside. New conspiracies may be quietly brewing in the shadows, but they are no longer afraid, for they have each other's companionship and trust. They will continue to bravely move forward towards the pinnacle of supreme power in this harem full of calculations, writing their own immortal legends.