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

After Zhen Huan returned to the palace, she immediately ordered: "Isolate this man in black and find a reliable person to guard him. Don't let him have the chance to commit suicide or be rescued."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I'm worried that the Queen has spies in the palace who will try to destroy the evidence in our hands."

Concubine Hua snorted disdainfully, "As long as I'm here, she won't be able to do that! I'll send more people right away to make our palace as impregnable as a rock!"

Zhen Huan nodded. "Sister, this is a very good idea. Lingrong, please check those letters and account books again to see if there is any key information that has been missed."

An Lingrong responded and began to leaf through the letter carefully. After a moment, she raised her head and said, "Huan'er, this letter mentions that a senior official in the court is colluding with the Queen, intending to manipulate the border war for personal gain."

Zhen Huan's expression was solemn: "This is a serious matter! It concerns the safety of the country and cannot be tolerated. We must inform the emperor of this matter as soon as possible."

Hua Fei frowned: "But the emperor has not yet made a final decision on the matter of the queen. Will he believe us?"

Zhen Huan pondered for a moment. "Let's first gather the evidence in detail, and then find a suitable time to see the emperor. In the meantime, we can ask Mei Zhuang to assist us. She is always steady and can help us with advice."

So, Zhen Huan sent someone to invite Mei Zhuang.

Mei Zhuang hurried over: "Huan'er, I heard that you have made a major discovery?"

Zhen Huan recounted the entire incident. Mei Zhuang's expression changed slightly as she listened. "This matter is of grave importance. The Emperor has been worried about border issues lately. If we present this evidence now, perhaps it will convince him to deal with the Empress."

An Lingrong said, "Sister Mei, we are still worried that the Emperor will be deceived by the Empress."

Mei Zhuang gently patted An Lingrong's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, Lingrong. We just need to present the conclusive evidence to the Emperor and analyze the interests involved clearly. The Emperor will make a wise decision."

Concubine Hua said from the side, "Humph! The Queen has been pretending for so long, this time we must expose her true colors!"

A few days later, Zhen Huan and others learned that the emperor was going to the Imperial Garden to relax.

Zhen Huan said, "This is a good opportunity. We can 'accidentally' run into the Emperor in the Imperial Gardens, armed with evidence and a prepared narrative."

Everyone came to the imperial garden, waiting for the emperor to appear.

Soon, the emperor came slowly, surrounded by eunuchs and palace maids.

Zhen Huan and the others stepped forward and saluted: "May the Emperor be blessed."

The emperor raised his hand slightly: "Get up. Why are you all here?"

Zhen Huan said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report. Recently, I have discovered some shocking things about the Empress. This is a matter of great importance, and I dare not delay even a moment."

The emperor frowned and said, "The queen again? Tell me about it."

An Lingrong presented the letter and account books, "Your Majesty, these are the evidence I and I have collected, proving that the Empress is colluding with important officials in the court to profit from the war on the border. Please review them."

The emperor took it, his expression growing increasingly gloomy: "Are these true?"

Mei Zhuang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have carefully checked and there is absolutely no falsehood. The Queen's actions not only disrupt the harem, but also endanger the country and the people. I hope Your Majesty will punish her severely."

Hua Fei also said: "Your Majesty, the Queen has done such evil things. If she is not punished, how can we convince the people?"

The emperor was silent for a long time. "I understand. I will handle this matter carefully. You may withdraw first."

Zhen Huan and others bowed and took their leave.

Returning to the palace, Concubine Hua was somewhat dissatisfied: "Why is the Emperor still so hesitant? The evidence is right in front of us!"

Zhen Huan said, "Your Majesty needs time to digest these things. After all, the Empress has been in the palace for many years and her power is complex and intertwined. We just need to wait patiently."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er is right. We must be careful to guard against retaliation from the Queen's remaining followers during this period."

Mei Zhuang nodded: "I will instruct the people in my palace to look after you and report any unusual movements in a timely manner."

During the days of waiting, some rumors spread in the palace, saying that Zhen Huan and others deliberately fabricated evidence to frame the queen in order to win favor.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan sneered, "These rumors are merely the last ditch efforts of the Queen's followers. We don't need to pay attention to them. I believe the Emperor will clear our name."

An Lingrong was a little worried: "Huan'er, if these rumors reach the emperor's ears, will they affect his judgment?"

Zhen Huan comforted her, "Lingrong, we have a clear conscience. As long as we stick to our principles and unite as one, no matter what rumors there are, they will not be able to shake us."

Concubine Hua said, "That's right! I want to see what tricks those people can come up with!"