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

Zhen Huan breathed a sigh of relief: "The Queen has finally been imprisoned in Kunning Palace. This result is worth all our planning."

An Lingrong nodded slightly: "Huan'er, although the Queen has been subdued, her followers may not be willing to remain quiet."

Concubine Hua's beautiful eyes were filled with murderous intent. "Hmph! If anyone dares to stir up trouble, I will make them regret being born into this world!"

As she was speaking, Chun'er came bounding over and said, "Sisters, I heard that the Queen has been confined to her house, and many people in the palace are whispering about it."

Zhen Huan asked, "Chun'er, what are they talking about?"

Chun Er wrinkled her nose. "Some say that although the Queen is under house arrest, she has been operating in the palace for many years, so there's no guarantee that she won't have any tricks up her sleeve. Others say that they're afraid that someone loyal to the Queen might secretly harm the sisters."

An Lingrong's expression was solemn. "These rumors are not groundless. We must take precautions early."

Hua Fei said, "I will give the order right away to send more people to patrol around our palace."

Zhen Huan thought for a moment: "Simply sending more people is not enough. We must start with those who are close to the Queen and see if we can find out anything."

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Huan'er, Jianqiu and the Queen have always been inseparable. Although she was captured before, perhaps we can pry some more secrets out of her."

The three of them then went to where Jianqiu was imprisoned.

Seeing them approach, Jianqiu snorted coldly, "You won't be so proud for long!"

Concubine Hua angrily said, "You lowly slave, you're still stubborn even when you're about to die!"

Zhen Huan said coldly, "Jianqiu, if you tell me the truth about whether the Queen has any other plots, you might be spared from death."

Jianqiu gritted her teeth and said, "I won't say anything!"

An Lingrong approached and whispered, "Jianqiu, you've worked for the Queen for years, but now she's under house arrest and can't even protect herself. Why are you keeping your mouth shut for her?"

A hint of hesitation flashed across Jianqiu's face, but she quickly regained her resolve. "I'm only loyal to the Empress. Don't even think about getting anything from me!"

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, and Zhen Huan said, "If that's the case, then you should reflect on yourself here. We will find out the truth sooner or later."

After leaving the detention center, Concubine Hua angrily said, "This Jianqiu is really stubborn!"

Zhen Huan said, "She is so loyal, the Queen must have promised her great benefits. Let's explore other aspects."

A few days later, a maid from Zhen Huan's palace came to report: "Your Majesty, I discovered that a young eunuch beside the Queen was secretly meeting with a man who looked like an outsider in a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden."

Zhen Huan immediately became alert: "Can you see clearly who that foreign minister is?"

The maid shook her head: "It's too far away, I can't see clearly. But I recognize that young eunuch. He is quite favored by the Queen."

An Lingrong said, "There must be something fishy going on here. We must find a way to get close to that young eunuch and find out the truth."

Hua Fei said, "I will make arrangements to capture that young eunuch."

Concubine Hua and her guards quietly ambushed the young eunuch on the road he had to pass, and captured him in one fell swoop when he passed by.

The young eunuch was so frightened that he trembled all over: "Your Majesty, please spare me! Your Majesty, please spare me!"

Zhen Huan asked, "Tell me! Why did you meet with the foreign minister? Was it the Queen's order?"

The young eunuch cried, "My Lady, it's the Empress. She asked me to pass on a message to that foreign minister, saying that although she is under house arrest, she will not give up, and asked the foreign minister to find a way to rescue her in the court."

An Lingrong pressed on, "Did the foreign minister say anything?"

The young eunuch said, "The foreign minister said that they would contact some officials who have historical ties to the Empress and jointly write a letter to the Emperor, asking him to forgive the Empress."

Zhen Huan sneered, "The Queen is still trying to turn things around. What wishful thinking!"

Hua Fei said, "We must not let them succeed! We must report to the Emperor first."

The three of them hurried to the emperor's study.

Zhen Huan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have discovered that although the Empress has been confined to Kunning Palace, she remains restless and has secretly instructed the eunuchs to collude with foreign officials in an attempt to overturn the verdict."

The emperor frowned and said, "I have already spared her life and confined her to her quarters, yet she still refuses to repent!"

An Lingrong said, "Your Majesty, the Empress has been in the palace for many years and has many followers. If they are not completely eradicated, the harem will be in turmoil."

The emperor pondered for a moment and said, "I understand. I will handle this matter. You may withdraw."

After coming out of the Imperial Study, Concubine Hua asked, "How will the Emperor deal with the Empress?"

Zhen Huan said, "The Emperor has his own considerations. Let's return to the palace first and strengthen our defenses to prevent the Queen's followers from becoming desperate."

Back in the palace, An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I have a feeling this matter won't be resolved so easily. We must also keep an eye on the foreign ministers colluding with the Queen."

Zhen Huan nodded: "Lingrong is right. I will ask my father to keep an eye on this person's movements in the court."

Later, Zhen Huan's father brought news that the foreign minister had close contacts with several ministers in the court, and seemed to be planning a major political turmoil, attempting to use pressure from the court to force the emperor to release the queen.

After Zhen Huan learned about it, she discussed it with An Lingrong and Concubine Hua.

Concubine Hua angrily said, "How dare they do this! This is a blatant act of defiance against the Emperor!"

An Lingrong said, "We can't let their conspiracy succeed. Perhaps we can start with the families of those ministers, appealing to their emotions and reasoning, and get them to dissuade their masters."

Zhen Huan said, "This plan is feasible. Let's split up and visit the families of those ministers."

Zhen Huan came to a minister's house and met his wife. Zhen Huan said gently: "Madam, you know that your master is now involved in a palace dispute. If he doesn't stop in time, it may bring disaster to the family."

The minister's wife was surprised and said, "Your Majesty, I don't know. Please explain clearly."

Zhen Huan then explained the Empress' affairs and the ministers' plans one by one: "The Empress committed a grave offense and was confined by the Emperor, but now they are attempting to overturn the verdict. This is an act of defying the Emperor's will. If they fail, the family may be in jeopardy."

The minister's wife hesitated. "Your Majesty, I understand. I will discuss this with you."

An Lingrong and Concubine Hua also tried hard to persuade other ministers at their homes.

After some effort, several ministers began to waver.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the foreign minister who colluded with the Queen came up with another plan. He slandered Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei for being domineering and disrupting the peace in the harem, in order to muddy the waters.

For a time, rumors spread inside and outside the palace.

After hearing this, Zhen Huan remained calm and said, "The innocent are innocent. We are upright and honest, and we are not afraid of their slander."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, although we are not afraid, these rumors will cause us trouble if they are not stopped."

Hua Fei said, "I will go find those who spread the rumors and make them shut up!"

Zhen Huan stopped Concubine Hua and said, "Don't worry, sister. Let's find the source of the rumor first, and then make a plan."

After investigation, it was found that the rumor was spread by a nanny who often walked around the palace, and this nanny was a relative of the foreign official.

Zhen Huan and others brought the nanny to them.

Zhen Huan asked, "Madam, why are you spreading rumors and slandering me and others?"

The nanny said in a panic, "Your Majesty, I was entrusted by a relative. I know I was wrong. Please forgive me."

An Lingrong said, "Madam, you have disturbed the harem for your own selfish interests. You must not be forgiven."

Concubine Hua said, "Send this nanny to the Ministry of Punishment and let her reflect on her mistakes!"

After dealing with the nanny, Zhen Huan said, "Although the rumors have been temporarily stopped, the foreign ministers and the Queen's followers will not give up. We must still deal with it carefully."

In the ever-changing harem and court, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei support each other, stick to their original intentions in the face of numerous difficulties, break the situation with wisdom, and move forward fearlessly on this road of the palace full of calculations and conspiracies, continuing to write the legendary chapter. No matter how ups and downs there are, it cannot stop their ambition.