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

Zhen Huan sat in the Empress Dowager's palace, her eyes as calm as water. She said to Hongli, who came to pay his respects, "Emperor, the people in the harem are unsettled now. We need to establish some new rules to ensure long-term peace."

Hongli responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, what you said is absolutely right. I will leave it entirely to you and the Empress Dowager Xigong to decide."

An Lingrong thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the expenses of the harem should be reorganized to prevent the extravagance from becoming more prevalent."

Concubine Hua nodded softly, "That's right. Back when I was a concubine, I couldn't stand those extravagant behaviors."

Concubine Chun said with some concern: "If we cut the expenses, I'm afraid it will cause dissatisfaction among the concubines."

Zhen Huan smiled softly: "Even if you are dissatisfied, you have to bear it. The Qing Dynasty's silver cannot be wasted casually."

At this time, a newly promoted maid came to pay her respects. She was quite pretty, but her eyes held a sly slyness. She bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, and the Consorts, I have heard that the palace is cutting back on expenses. What are we to do? We are running low on cosmetics."

Zhen Huan glanced at her and said slowly, "If you only think about cosmetics, you won't be a competent concubine. Frugality should be the foundation of palace expenses."

Chang Zai pursed his lips and was about to say something, but An Lingrong said, "Please leave. It's not your place to interfere in matters of etiquette."

Chang Zai had to retreat unwillingly.

Concubine Hua frowned and said, "This little girl seems restless."

Zhen Huan said, "That's fine. Let's see what else she does. If she dares to stir up trouble, I won't let her off easily."

A few days later, rumors spread in the palace that the two empress dowagers were mistreating their concubines and cutting expenses in order to enrich themselves.

An Lingrong's face darkened with anger after hearing this: "This kind of rumor is truly abhorrent!"

Zhen Huan said calmly, "Don't panic. This is just a trick. The Emperor will understand our intentions."

When Hongli learned of this, he immediately came forward to express his position: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I absolutely do not believe these rumors. Someone must have deliberately instigated them. I will investigate thoroughly."

Concubine Hua snorted, "It must be that Chang Zai who did this a few days ago. I'll skin her alive!"

Zhen Huan stopped her: "Sister, please don't be impulsive. You can't arbitrarily convict someone without any evidence."

As a result, everyone began to secretly investigate the source of the rumor. They discovered that it was actually Na Changzai who was colluding with some forces outside the palace, trying to disrupt the situation in the harem so that she could take the opportunity to ascend to the throne.

Zhen Huan summoned the maid and glared at her, "How dare you spread rumors and disrupt the harem!"

Chang Zai was so frightened that she fell to her knees with a plop: "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I was bewitched by someone. I beg for your forgiveness."

An Lingrong said sternly, "Bewitched? I think you have evil intentions!"

Concubine Hua said, "She should be banished to the cold palace and made to reflect on her mistakes!"

Zhen Huan pondered for a moment and said, "Since this is your first offense, I will ground you for six months. If you do it again, I will show no mercy."

Chang Zai felt as if he had been pardoned. He thanked the emperor repeatedly and was taken away.

After this incident, the harem calmed down temporarily, but new troubles followed.

A court minister wrote a letter to the emperor, requesting that he hold a selection as soon as possible to enrich the harem.

Hongli hesitated and came to discuss with Zhen Huan and An Lingrong: "Lao Fo, Empress Dowager, the ministers have made this proposal. I don't know what to do."

An Lingrong said, "Emperor, the situation in the harem has just stabilized, so it's not appropriate to start a war. The selection of concubines can be put on hold for a while."

Zhen Huan also nodded in agreement: "Lingrong is right. The Emperor should appease the ministers first and wait until the time is right before speaking."

However, the minister refused to give up and joined forces with some other officials to continue putting pressure on the emperor.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua angrily exclaimed, "These ministers are meddling too much! When will it be their turn to dictate matters concerning the harem?"

Zhen Huan soothed her, "Don't worry, sister. We still need to take a long-term view. Perhaps we can find an opportunity to have the Emperor explain to the ministers the importance of peace in the harem."

So, during a court session, Hongli said, "My fellow ministers, I know you are concerned about the royal heir. However, the harem has just undergone a major event, and the two empresses dowager are working hard to rectify the situation. A selection at this time might cause unnecessary disputes. I hope you can prioritize the greater good and put this matter aside for now."

After hearing the emperor's words, the ministers were unwilling but had no choice but to give up.

Throughout this series of turmoil, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong, and Concubine Hua supported each other, resolving crisis after crisis with wisdom and courage. On the stage of the new emperor's ascension to the throne, they continued to embody their own legendary stories, steadfastly upholding their core values ​​and safeguarding the royal dignity and the peace of the harem. Whether facing the provocations of concubines or the pressure of ministers, they steadfastly remained unflinching, hoping that under their protection, the Qing court would remain peaceful and tranquil, leaving behind a unique and enduring legacy in the long river of history.