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

After the departure of Queen Adela of Persia, the palace was temporarily at peace. However, the triennial beauty pageant arrived as scheduled, like an invisible wind that quietly ruffled the seemingly calm waters of the deep palace, and new waves were about to surge.

Princess Lingxi was like a cheerful bird, flitting through the palace corridors. Hearing about the selection, she was filled with curiosity and anticipation. When she entered the Queen's Palace, she saw the Queen sitting upright on the Phoenix Throne, her face solemn and her eyes shone with majesty. Seeing Lingxi approach, the Queen whispered, "Lingxi, the Emperor is selecting concubines this time. You must be careful with your words and actions. While watching, do not speak carelessly. Even if you see a concubine you dislike, do not interfere. Remember, do not bring unnecessary trouble upon yourself."

Lingxi blinked her bright eyes and asked with a bit of confusion: "Auntie, why can't you just say what you want to say?"

The Queen sighed softly and patiently explained, "This selection involves the intertwined forces of numerous families and factions. Your every word and action could be exploited by those with ulterior motives, leading to numerous disputes and conflicts."

Lingxi nodded, seeming to understand: "Aunt, Lingxi understands and will definitely control his mouth."

On the day of the selection, the palace was festooned with lights and decorations, yet the air was thick with an indescribable tension. Two hundred and thirty selected ladies gathered, adorned in gorgeous attire and intricately made-up. Some appeared shy and timid, others graceful and graceful, their eyes shimmering with apprehension and yearning for an unknown fate.

According to the selection rules, the girls first gathered outside the palace gates, where maids carefully checked their identity documents to ensure their pure birth and family background. Afterwards, they entered the inner palace in batches and waited in a special palace for selection.

The first concubine was summoned into the hall. She walked gracefully and walked to the center of the hall. She slowly knelt and saluted, her voice clear and pleasant: "I, Lin, your servant, pay my respects to the Emperor. May the Emperor live long and long."

The emperor's eyes fell on her and he nodded slightly: "Raise your head."

Lin raised her head slightly. Her face was beautiful, her eyebrows were as black as distant ink, and her eyes were as clear as autumn water. At this moment, the eunuch beside her saluted loudly: "Lin, seventeen years old, her father is the Minister of Rites."

The emperor asked softly, "Have you ever been well-versed in poetry and literature?"

Lin replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have been taught by my father since I was young. I have read poetry and books, and I have a basic understanding of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."

The emperor smiled faintly and said, "She is a well-educated and well-mannered woman." After that, he turned his gaze to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong beside him, as if to find out their opinions.

Zhen Huan bowed slightly and said softly, "Your Majesty, this woman is very talented. If she could be selected into the harem, she would surely add a touch of elegance to the palace."

An Lingrong also nodded slightly: "Huan'er is absolutely right. Lin has a gentle temperament and is quite the lady from a noble family."

After hearing this, the emperor pondered for a moment, but did not make a decision immediately. He just said, "Wait a moment."

Next, several beautiful ladies came forward one after another. Some were gentle and quiet, answering appropriately; some were lively and playful, speaking eloquently; some were dignified and reserved, neither humble nor overbearing. The emperor questioned each one, some discussing family matters, some examining their talents, and some asking about their needlework.

Now it was the turn of a young lady named Su Wanqing. Though she wore a gorgeous Manchu dress, she couldn't hide her lively aura. Su Wanqing walked into the hall with her head held high and her chest puffed out. After bowing, she said in a crisp voice, "Your servant, Su Wanqing, greets His Majesty."

The emperor saw her eyes were bright and full of vitality, so he asked, "Are you the daughter of the richest man in Hangzhou?"

Su Wanqing replied, "Your Majesty, my father is a businessman in Hangzhou and has a small fortune. Although I am a woman, I have always had a special liking for martial arts and often practice with my family's martial arts master, hoping to strengthen my body."

The emperor became interested: "Oh? You are good at martial arts? Show me."

Su Wanqing obeyed, accepting a flexible sword from a nearby maid. Her agile form moved with the sword, and the sword danced in her hand like a serpent, circling and thrusting. Her sword energy surged, revealing a dashing and heroic presence. After the sword dance, a hush fell over the hall, everyone stunned by her heroic spirit and skill.

Lingxi watched intently from the side, cheering in her heart, and almost blurted out words of praise, but fortunately she covered her mouth in time.

The Emperor was also delighted: "This woman is extraordinary and quite courageous." However, he did not immediately keep her card, saying only: "I will make a note of it for now and decide later."

As the concubines came forward one by one, some were favored by the emperor and kept, while others were sadly dismissed. The concubines who were kept cried with joy, while others suppressed their joy, their expressions varied; the concubines who were dismissed either shed tears silently or left with disappointment on their faces.

As the first day of the selection process drew to a close, the Emperor rubbed his temples and said to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, "Huan Huan, An Lingrong, what do you think of these selected women today?"

Zhen Huan replied gently, "Your Majesty is wise. The concubines he selected all have their own strengths. I believe the harem will be even more colorful in the future."

An Lingrong also echoed softly: "Your Majesty has a unique vision. These beautiful women are all charming and graceful. I only hope that they can abide by their duties and live in harmony after entering the palace."

The emperor nodded slightly. "I hope so too. However, the number of people in the harem is increasing, and I need you to take care of everything."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong responded in unison: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

After the concubines left, Lingxi quietly tugged at Zhen Huan's sleeve and said, "Grandpa, do you think these new ladies will really be as harmonious as they appear after entering the palace?"

Zhen Huan gently patted Lingxi's hand. "People in this palace are very complicated. Who can predict what will happen in the future? We can only deal with it carefully and see how the situation develops."

An Lingrong looked at Lingxi and said softly, "Lingxi, don't worry. We are here to protect you."

Lingxi nodded obediently, yet a lingering sense of unease and anticipation lingered within her heart regarding the harem situation that would soon be transformed by the selection. She wondered what stories would unfold in this new round of palace turmoil, a battle for favor or a simmering undercurrent of political intrigue. Everything remained uncertain, and only by remaining true to themselves and forging ahead hand in hand in this treacherous palace could they find a glimmer of peace and hope amidst the mysteries of the court.