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

Zhen Huan straightened her clothes, her eyes determined, "Lingrong, this trip to the Emperor to present evidence is of grave importance, and we must not make the slightest mistake."

An Lingrong replied softly, "Don't worry, Huan'er. I have carefully compiled the evidence and will surely make it clear to the Emperor."

Hua Fei snorted, "The Queen is still trying to argue. Wait until the Emperor sees these irrefutable evidences and see what she can do!"

When they arrived at the emperor's study, the eunuch announced and the three of them went in one after another.

Zhen Huan was the first to bow: "Your Majesty, I have come here today to present you with important evidence concerning the Queen's crimes."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne and raised his hand slightly: "Present it."

An Lingrong stepped forward and handed over the box containing the evidence. The eunuch took it and presented it to the emperor.

The emperor opened the box and looked at the spice residue, talismans, etc. inside. His face darkened. "Where did these things come from?"

Zhen Huan replied, "Your Majesty, these were all seized from the Empress's entourage. The spice is the key to poisoning Your Majesty, and this talisman seems to be related to some kind of sorcery with ill intentions."

The emperor frowned and said, "I have treated the queen well, why would she act like this?"

An Lingrong whispered, "Your Majesty, the human heart is unpredictable. The Empress may have resorted to this desperate measure in order to consolidate her position and eliminate dissidents."

Concubine Hua couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, the Queen is so vicious, she must not be forgiven!"

The emperor remained silent, as if he was thinking.

At this time, the old nanny sent by the Empress Dowager to investigate asked for a meeting.

After the old nanny entered the hall, she bowed to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager heard about the affairs of the harem and ordered me to come and investigate to make sure there are no injustices or falsehoods."

The emperor nodded and said, "Madam, it's okay for you to check."

The old nanny looked at Zhen Huan and the others and said, "Noble Consort Xi, Noble Consort An, and Consort Hua, I have a few questions. I wonder if the evidence collection process was in accordance with the rules?"

Zhen Huan calmly replied, "Madam, this evidence was collected by me and others according to the law and regulations. There is absolutely no falsehood or coercion. You can ask the relevant people for details."

The old maid continued, "I heard that when collecting evidence, there were pursuits and detentions. Why was that?"

Hua Fei rushed to say: "Mammy, those are the Queen's accomplices. If we don't arrest them in time, they will destroy the evidence and escape. We are helpless."

The old nanny said, "I understand. However, the peace of the harem is of paramount importance. I hope the ladies will not disrupt the order of the palace because of their momentary impulsiveness."

An Lingrong said, "Madam, we are well aware of the importance of peace in the harem and have always worked hard to maintain it. However, the Empress has committed many evil deeds, and we cannot sit idly by. Please report the matter truthfully to the Grand Empress Dowager."

The old nanny nodded and said, "I will report the truth."

After the old nanny left, the emperor said to Zhen Huan and the others, "I will send someone to investigate this matter in detail. Before the truth is revealed, please do not cause any more trouble."

Zhen Huan and others bowed and took their leave.

After leaving the Imperial Study, Concubine Hua angrily said, "Why is the Emperor still hesitating? The evidence is clear!"

Zhen Huan said, "The Emperor has his own considerations. We should wait patiently. During this period, we must be more cautious in our words and actions to avoid being plotted against."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er is absolutely right. Perhaps we can look for more evidence of the Empress colluding with forces outside the palace. Only then can the Emperor be fully convinced."

Concubine Hua's eyes lit up: "Yes! I don't believe that I can't uncover more of her crimes!"

So, the three of them began to secretly investigate the queen's network of relationships outside the palace.

They started with some merchants who had dealings with the palace and discovered that the queen's mother's family had close ties with a mysterious business.

Zhen Huan said, "This business may seem ordinary, but it's full of suspicious points. We must find an opportunity to investigate further."

An Lingrong said, "I can ask the spice shop assistants outside the palace to keep an eye out. They are well-informed in the market."

Concubine Hua said, "I can also send some people to monitor the activities of that business."

While waiting for the results of the investigation, some rumors spread in the palace, saying that Zhen Huan and others deliberately framed the queen in order to win favor.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan sneered, "These rumors are nothing more than the Queen's remnants trying to confuse the public. We don't need to pay attention to them. The innocent will be innocent."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, although we don't need to pay attention to them, these rumors may affect the emperor's judgment. We still need to find a way to deal with them."

Hua Fei said, "What are you afraid of? I'll go find those who spread the rumors and let them know how powerful I am!"

Zhen Huan stopped Concubine Hua and said, "Sister, please don't worry. If we start a war now, it will only make the rumors worse. We can use some clever methods, such as using poetry at a palace banquet to hint at the truth so that those who are interested can understand."

An Lingrong praised, "Huan'er, this plan is brilliant. It doesn't make us look angry, and it still conveys the truth."

Amidst the numerous difficulties and challenges, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Concubine Hua sharpened their skills and helped each other overcome the dangers in the treacherous harem, keeping their hearts to the bright side and continuing their legend.