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

Nara was eventually crowned empress and moved into Kunning Palace. One day, she summoned Zhen Huan and An Lingrong with a solemn expression.

Nara said, "Empress Dowager, I have recently inspected the palace affairs and discovered that many concubines are seriously overspending. If this continues, the harem will be financially stretched. What should we do?"

Zhen Huan frowned slightly: "The Queen is absolutely right. The harem's expenses should be kept within limits and not squandered recklessly."

An Lingrong nodded: "Yes, Queen, we must find a way to rectify this."

Nara continued, "I have also noticed that Concubine Ling is extremely frugal in her palace expenses and behaves quite appropriately. I would like to propose to the Emperor that Concubine Ling be made Imperial Noble Consort, allowing her to assist me in managing the affairs of the six palaces. What do the two Empress Dowagers think?"

Zhen Huan showed a look of relief: "It is a blessing for the harem that the Queen can have such consideration. If Lingpin can be promoted, she will surely be able to contribute to the management of the harem."

An Lingrong also smiled and said, "The Queen's move is very wise. Our two Empress Dowagers are naturally happy."

Afterwards, Nara went to meet the emperor.

After paying her respects, Nara said, "Your Majesty, since I took over the harem, I have discovered many irregularities. The concubines are spending without restraint, but Lingpin is frugal and has outstanding moral character. I earnestly request that Your Majesty appoint Lingpin as Imperial Noble Consort, so that she can work with me in managing the harem and rectify the customs of the palace."

The Emperor thought for a moment and said, "What the Empress said makes sense. Your concubine is indeed virtuous. I will consider this matter."

When the news spread, everyone in the harem had different reactions.

One of them often grumbled in dissatisfaction: "How could this Lingpin be crowned as Imperial Noble Consort? She's just lucky!"

Another nobleman sighed and said, "He has his own strengths. Let's stop complaining here."

After Concubine Ling learned about this, she came to express her gratitude to Nara, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong.

Lingpin said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and the Empress Dowager, I am deeply apprehensive and will do my utmost to live up to your kindness."

Nara smiled and said, "Princess Ling, from now on you and I will manage the harem together, so we need to work together."

Zhen Huan also warned: "Princess Ling, the affairs in the palace are complicated, you need to pay more attention."

An Lingrong said, "With you and the Queen together, this harem might be able to be completely renewed."

During the preparations for the ceremony to promote Concubine Ling to Imperial Noble Consort, Nara and Concubine Ling often discussed harem affairs.

Nara asked, "Princess Ling, what are your thoughts on the regulations regarding clothing expenses in the harem?"

Lingpin thought for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, I think we can set different standards for people of different ranks, strictly prohibiting overspending, and appropriately reward those who are frugal to set an example."

Nara nodded and said, "This is a very good plan. I will do as you say."

However, not everyone is willing to cooperate with the rectification.

One concubine secretly instructed the palace maids to spread rumors in the palace: "The Queen and Concubine Ling are new officials and are making a fuss. I'm afraid they will torture us all to death. They just want to seize power."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan angrily said, "Rumors like these must not be tolerated! We must find out who is behind this."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, don't worry. We'll investigate slowly and the truth will eventually come out."

Nara also said, "Rest assured, Queen Mothers, I will not allow such a villain to succeed and ruin the harem's rectification."

So, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Nara secretly sent people to investigate and finally found out that it was the concubine who did it.

Nara summoned the concubine and sternly asked, "Why are you spreading rumors in the palace and disturbing the peace of the harem?"

The concubine argued cunningly: "Your Majesty, I am innocent. Someone has framed me."

Lingpin said, "You still dare to quibble even now. The maids around you have already confessed."

When the concubines saw that the matter was exposed, they quickly begged for mercy: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I know I was wrong, please forgive me."

Nara said, "Your behavior deserves a severe punishment, but considering this is your first offense, I will confine you to house arrest for three months and reduce your monthly allowance. If you do it again, I will not show mercy."

After this incident, everyone in the harem knew the determination of Nara and Lingpin to reorganize the harem, and no longer dared to disobey easily.

At a harem gathering, Nara said to the concubines: "Sisters, we are in the harem, we should value harmony, abide by the palace rules, and refrain from causing any more trouble."

All the concubines responded in unison: "We will follow the Queen's instructions."

Lingpin also said: "I hope that all the sisters can work together to make the harem peaceful and happy."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong felt a little relieved when they saw this scene.

Zhen Huan whispered to An Lingrong, "Now, under the care of the Queen and Concubine Ling, the harem seems to have taken on a new look."

An Lingrong said, "Yes, I hope it can always be like this, without so many disputes."

But Zhen Huan said worriedly, "But beneath this calm, there may be other undercurrents. Who knows."

An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er, we still have to be careful and pay attention. Don't let your guard down."

Within this palace, the situation gradually shifts with the actions of Nara after she becomes empress. Despite setbacks, the reorganization is steadily progressing. Will Nara and Concubine Ling's collaboration last? Will peace truly return to the harem? Or will new conspiracies and challenges quietly arise? All this hangs over the palace like a fog, leaving it difficult to predict. Only time will slowly unravel the truth and witness the further development and interpretation of this palace tale.