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

Zhen Huan's eyes were cold and icy. "Sister Hua Fei is right. We should go to see the emperor without delay."

An Lingrong said softly, "It's just that the Emperor has been busy with state affairs lately. I'm not sure if he'd be willing to see us at this time. Furthermore, even though we have evidence, we still need to make all the necessary preparations."

Concubine Hua said anxiously, "It's already this hour! Why are you still bothering with this? I will make sure the Emperor knows the Queen's ugly behavior immediately!"

Zhen Huan soothed her, "Don't worry, sister. Let's first organize our words and lay out the evidence clearly so that the emperor can see it clearly."

The three of them hurried to the palace where the emperor handled government affairs.

The eunuch informed the emperor first and then summoned him.

Zhen Huan finished her greetings and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I and your concubines have recently discovered a serious secret that concerns the Empress, and I dare not fail to report it."

The emperor put down his red brush and asked, "Why are you so flustered?"

Concubine Hua stepped forward and shouted, "Your Majesty, the Empress secretly ordered the palace maids to mix poisonous incense with the intention of murdering Your Majesty. Now that there is evidence, Your Majesty must not tolerate it!"

The emperor frowned slightly and said, "I have confined the queen to her house. I will make a decision after further investigation."

An Lingrong presented the spices and talismans, saying, "Your Majesty, these spices are the key evidence. I have examined them and found that they are tainted with poison, and are closely related to the people close to the Empress. Also, this strange talisman, found on the maid brought in from outside the palace, is suspected to be related to the Empress."

The Emperor examined the items, his expression darkening. "I will order a thorough investigation. If it is truly as you claim, I will not show any mercy."

After leaving the Emperor's palace, Concubine Hua was still indignant: "Why is the Emperor so hesitant? Doesn't he still trust us?"

Zhen Huan said, "Your Majesty must consider this carefully. After all, the Empress holds a special position. Let's return to our respective palaces and strengthen our defenses to prevent a counterattack from the Empress's followers."

An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er is absolutely right. I will go back and mix some more self-defense spices and distribute them to the palace maids and eunuchs."

A few days later, Chun'er came running over, her face filled with fear. "Sisters, I heard the Queen is crying and making a fuss in the palace, saying she's been wronged. Many concubines are talking about it now, and it seems some are starting to sympathize with the Queen."

Zhen Huan sneered: "It must be the Queen's followers who are fanning the flames behind the scenes. We can't just sit back and watch."

An Lingrong thought for a moment: "Perhaps we can let those neutral concubines know the truth and win their support."

Concubine Hua said, "That's a good idea. I'll contact a few concubines who are on good terms with me."

Concubine Hua found a concubine and said bluntly, "Sister, don't be deceived by the Queen's illusion. She secretly plotted to murder the Emperor. This is such a heinous act that cannot be forgiven."

The concubine hesitated a little: "Empress Hua, the Queen has been in charge of the harem for many years. Could there be a misunderstanding?"

Concubine Hua said anxiously, "Misunderstanding? I saw it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, how could it be a misunderstanding! If you don't believe me, go ask the two Imperial Noble Concubines, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong."

Zhen Huan went to see another concubine and said softly, "Sister, you have been in the palace for many years and you must be able to distinguish right from wrong. If the Queen succeeds in this move, there will be no peace in the harem, and you will not be able to stay out of it."

Thanks to their efforts, some neutral concubines gradually tended to favor Zhen Huan and others.

But at the same time, the queen's followers were also plotting in secret.

A palace maid secretly passed on a message to the Queen: "Your Majesty, Zhen Huan and the others are trying to win over the other concubines. What should we do?"

The Queen gnashed her teeth and said, "They won't succeed! I have a trick up my sleeve. Find an opportunity and tell the Grand Empress Dowager that I've been framed."

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager summoned Zhen Huan and others.

The Grand Empress Dowager sat on the throne and spoke majestically, "I heard that the Empress's confinement has caused a great uproar in the harem. You claim that the Empress plotted to murder the Emperor. Do you have any solid evidence?"

Zhen Huan respectfully replied, "Grand Empress Dowager, we dare not lie. The evidence has been presented to His Majesty, and he is currently investigating."

An Lingrong added, "Grand Empress Dowager, if the Queen succeeds, the safety of the Qing harem and the Emperor will be in jeopardy."

The Grand Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and said, "I will send someone to investigate again. Before then, please refrain from causing any more trouble."

Although Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei faced the questioning of the Empress Dowager and the resistance of the Queen's followers, they did not back down. In the undercurrent of the palace, they maintained their alliance, broke the deadlock with wisdom, protected themselves, moved forward towards justice, and continued their legend.