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

The hustle and bustle of the second day of the selection gradually faded, and the darkness of night, like inky black, quietly permeated every inch of the imperial palace roof. Lingxi was in her own palace, staring blankly at several pots of newly delivered flowers. These flowers were gorgeous, but their souls seemed imprisoned by the palace walls, just like the people within.

The Queen arrived quietly, her steps light yet majestic. Lingxi hurriedly stood up and saluted: "Aunt, why are you here?"

The Queen gently raised her hand to signal Lingxi to excuse herself from the formalities. Her gaze fell on the flowers, and she spoke slowly, "Lingxi, you've already taken a general look at today's selection. You must not take those new concubines and noble ladies lightly."

Lingxi tilted her head, a little confused: "Auntie, why? They all look very kind."

The Queen shook her head gently, her eyes revealing a hint of deep meaning: "Don't judge a person by appearances, and don't measure the depth of the ocean. Take Su Wanqing, for example. She may seem carefree and innocent, but the hearts of people in this palace are secretive. Who can truly see through them? When you walk around this palace, you must be cautious in everything you do and never reveal your thoughts carelessly."

Lingxi nodded, seeming to understand: "Aunt, Lingxi understands and will definitely not act rashly."

The Queen nodded slightly in satisfaction. "I'm relieved that you're so sensible. Conflicts in the palace often start from trivial matters. You should learn to conceal your shortcomings and avoid striving for the top spot. Sometimes, keeping a low profile can ensure peace."

Although Lingxi was still a little confused, she knew that the Queen's words were for her own good, so she responded obediently, "Auntie, I will definitely remember your teachings."

The next morning, sunlight shone on the golden bricks of the palace, emitting a golden glow. Lingxi went to Zhen Huan's palace. Along the way, the palace maids and eunuchs all bowed respectfully.

Entering the palace, she saw Zhen Huan and An Lingrong sitting opposite each other, drinking tea, the aroma of tea wafting in the air. Seeing Lingxi coming, Zhen Huan smiled and waved, "Lingxi, come and sit down."

Lingxi skipped over and sat down. Looking at the teacup on the table, she asked curiously, "Master Buddha, what kind of tea is this? It smells so good."

Zhen Huan took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "This is the Biluochun tea that was newly delivered as tribute this year. It's fresh and mellow. Please try it."

Lingxi picked up the teacup and took a sip, imitating Zhen Huan's way. Although she could feel a hint of sweetness amidst the bitterness, she couldn't taste the subtle flavor. She just smiled and said, "It tastes good."

An Lingrong looked at Lingxi and couldn't help laughing: "Lingxi, there's a lot of knowledge in tea tasting. You're like a greedy little cat."

Lingxi pouted: "Empress Dowager An, you always tease me."

As he was speaking, Fu Heng came to ask for an audience. Lingxi's eyes lit up: "You stinky bastard, why are you here?"

After Fu Heng saluted Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, he looked at Lingxi and said, "Princess, I came here to inform you that the newly selected concubines yesterday have begun to familiarize themselves with the palace rules. However, some of them seem a little restless and are asking around about the palace situation."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly: "Oh? He just arrived and he's already so anxious. He must be properly disciplined."

An Lingrong said, "Don't let them disturb the peace in the palace."

Lingxi was a little curious: "What are they asking?"

Fu Heng replied, "It's mostly about the Emperor's preferences and the temperaments of the ladies."

Zhen Huan pondered for a moment: "It seems that this new round of palace fighting is about to begin early. We need to plan ahead and not be caught off guard."

An Lingrong nodded in agreement: "Huan'er is absolutely right. We must not underestimate the enemy."

Lingxi clenched her fists: "Master Buddha, Queen Mother An, I will also help and will not let them bully us."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a smile, each seeing a hint of worry in the other's eyes. The tranquility of the palace was about to be shattered by the influx of new blood from the selection process, and the storms of the future seemed to be brewing quietly beneath this seemingly calm surface.

A few days later, the palace held a flower viewing banquet, and all the newly selected beauties were allowed to participate. In the garden, flowers bloomed in profusion and colorful butterflies fluttered around.

Lingxi followed Zhen Huan and An Lingrong to the scene. The other women stood there, some shy, some reserved. Su Wanqing, however, was different. She was curiously observing the flowers around her, occasionally coming closer to smell them.

Lingxi walked forward and greeted with a smile: "Sister Su, do you like these flowers too?"

Seeing Lingxi, Su Wanqing grinned and said, "Princess Lingxi, these flowers are so beautiful. I have never seen such a variety outside the palace."

At this time, a man named Tang agreed and whispered, "Sister Su, look at this peony. It is so beautiful and fragrant. It is truly worthy of being the king of flowers. It is like the Buddha and the Empress Dowager An, the mothers of the country and unparalleled in dignity."

Su Wanqing nodded in agreement: "Tang Daren is right, the old Buddha and Empress Dowager An are indeed admirable."

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Today we are enjoying the flowers, there is no need to be formal, just be casual."

An Lingrong also said, "I only hope that my years in the palace will be as beautiful as these blooming flowers."

Yet everyone knows these are merely superficial pleasantries. Beneath this vibrant scene, a hidden torrent surges silently, and no one knows when it will unleash a turbulent wave, plunging everyone into endless conflict. Lingxi, meanwhile, slowly grows in this, learning to discern people's hearts and navigate the complex and ever-changing imperial court. Yet, hidden in her innocent eyes, a lingering longing for true love still lingers. But does such love truly exist in this calculating palace?