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

Zhen Huan reclined on the couch, holding a collection of poetry, and softly recited, "I wish to find someone who loves me and will be with me until we grow old. Lingrong, do you think such pure love really exists in this world?"

An Lingrong sat nearby, fiddling with a few spices. After taking a sniff, she looked up and smiled, "Huan'er, I think so. Look at you and me. Even though we're in this complicated harem, we can still treat each other sincerely. Isn't that what love is all about?"

Zhen Huan closed the book, sat up straight, her eyes sparkling. "Lingrong, your words really put me at ease. By the way, I heard the lotus flowers in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom. Shall we go and enjoy them?"

An Lingrong happily replied, "Very good! I've just made a new incense that complements the fragrance of the lotus flowers perfectly, perfect for you to take with you."

The two men brought the palace maids to the imperial garden, where they saw lotus flowers in full bloom, pink like clouds, white like snow, and lotus leaves swaying in the wind.

Zhen Huan took a deep breath and exclaimed, "This scenery is so beautiful! It seems as if all worldly worries can be cast aside."

An Lingrong smiled as she took out the incense and lit it. A subtle fragrance wafted out, blending with the fragrance of the lotus flowers. "Huan'er, does this fragrance match this beautiful scenery?"

Zhen Huan closed her eyes and sniffed softly, then smiled and said, "Lingrong, your ability with spices is truly extraordinary! This fragrance complements the lotus scent, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere."

As she was speaking, Chun Changzai came running over like a cheerful little bird, holding a few lotus pods in her hands. "Sister Huanhuan, Sister Lingrong, look at the lotus pods I picked!"

Zhen Huan scolded, "Chun'er, you little naughty boy, how dare you pick lotus pods at will?"

Chun Changzai stuck out her tongue and said, "Sister Huanhuan, I just think it's fun. These lotus seeds are sweet and delicious. Sisters, try them."

An Lingrong took the lotus pod, peeled out a lotus seed, put it in her mouth, and nodded, "Changzai Chun is right, these lotus seeds are indeed sweet."

Zhen Huan also tasted one and said with a smile, "Never mind, your lively energy makes this imperial garden more lively."

At this time, the sound of stringed instruments came from afar. Chun Changzai asked curiously, "Sisters, is there music playing over there? Let's go and take a look!"

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, both intrigued. "Okay, let's go take a look."

As they got closer, they saw several concubines playing the zither and flute in the pavilion. When they saw Zhen Huan and An Lingrong coming, they all stood up to greet them.

One of the concubines said with a smile, "Empress Xi and Empress An Lingrong, you've arrived just in time. We were just worried that we needed an audience for this music. If you ladies are interested, why not enjoy it together?"

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "That's great. Today we can talk about our feelings."

Everyone took their seats again, and the music began again. An Lingrong tapped out a gentle beat and whispered to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, this music is soothing and melodious. It's so relaxing and refreshing to listen to."

Zhen Huan nodded: "Indeed, it is rare to have such a moment of peace and joy in this harem."

After the music ended, Zhen Huan suggested, "It's a great pleasure to be together today. Why don't we write some poetry to add some fun to this gathering?"

The concubines all echoed the sentiment. One concubine began, "The lotus flowers reflecting the sun are particularly charming."

An Lingrong thought for a moment and continued, "The emerald veil sways gently, and the slender waist dances."

Zhen Huan then chanted, "The fragrant wind lingers and intoxicates me."

Another concubine continued, "The sound of laughter is full of joy."

Everyone was talking at once and the atmosphere was lively.

When the couplets were finished, Zhen Huan said with satisfaction, "Today's couplets are all wonderful in their own way. It's a great time to have such a good time."

An Lingrong also smiled and said, "Yes, I haven't had such a refined experience in a long time."

Chun Changzai clapped her hands and laughed, "Sisters are amazing! Chun'er is completely mesmerized."

Coming out of the pavilion, it was getting dark. Zhen Huan stretched and said, "Today has been truly wonderful. Lingrong, let's go back and meet again another day."

An Lingrong replied, "Okay, Huan'er. I will definitely remember the joy of today."

Back in the palace, An Lingrong sat before the mirror and removed her jewelry. Her personal maid, Baoque, waited beside her and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, you seem particularly happy today."

An Lingrong smiled, "Yes, Baoque. In this harem, it's not easy to get along like this with Huan'er and the others. I just hope there will be more days like this."

Zhen Huan, in the palace, was discussing today's events with Jin Xi. "Today, admiring the lotus, enjoying music, and writing couplets with Ling Rong and the others, it felt like I was back in the innocent days when I first entered the palace."

Jin Xi nodded and said, "Your Majesty, although such moments are rare, as long as your friendship with Empress An Lingrong is deep, there will surely be more wonderful things in the future."

Zhen Huan nodded slightly: "I hope so. This harem is full of twists and turns, but with Ling Rong by my side, I feel at ease."