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

Su Wanqing returned to her residence, filled with resentment. The exquisite palace now seemed like a cage, trapping her ambitions. She paced back and forth in the room, secretly pondering her next move, but she had no idea. She felt that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were like two huge mountains, standing in her way.

Meanwhile, in another palace, Tang Ying approached An Lingrong with trepidation. Upon seeing An Lingrong, she bowed gracefully, "Empress Dowager An, I have come specially to pay my respects."

An Lingrong was slightly surprised, but she remained amiable. "Tang Da Ying, quickly get up. What brings you here?"

Tang agreed and stood up, her eyes sincere. "Empress Dowager An, I am truly tired of the endless fighting in the palace. Every time I see the concubines fighting openly and secretly, I feel exhausted. I heard that the Empress Dowager is an outstanding incense-making artist, and I thought that instead of struggling in this vortex, I would rather devote myself to learning incense-making from the Empress Dowager and find inner peace."

An Lingrong smiled softly, "Your idea is quite unique. In this palace, everyone is vying for favor and power, but you are solely devoted to making incense."

Tang agreed and sighed softly, "Empress Dowager An, before I entered the palace, my parents and brothers earnestly warned me that being able to serve the Emperor in the palace was a great honor for our family, and I must not harbor any extravagant ambitions. I only wished to live a peaceful life in the palace, away from all disputes. I also knew that I had no desire to compete for favor or gain. I only hoped to find a peaceful place in the making of incense."

At this moment, Zhen Huan happened to arrive. Upon hearing these words, she said softly, "Tang Da Ying, your state of mind is truly commendable. However, the palace is full of twists and turns. It's not easy to stay out of it."

Tang agreed and bowed to Zhen Huan, "Your Majesty, I understand. But I think if I could study incense making with the Empress Dowager and Princess Lingxi, I might be able to escape the storm a little."

Lingxi came over and said, "Sister Tang is coming to learn incense making. That's great! With Sister Tang by my side, making incense will definitely be more fun."

An Lingrong pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "In that case, you will stay and study with Lingxi. However, the art of incense making requires patience and understanding, so don't give up halfway."

Tang agreed with a delighted look on her face: "Thank you, Empress Dowager An, and thank you, Lord Buddha. I will do my best to live up to your kindness."

From that day on, Tang promised to stay by Lingxi's side, and under An Lingrong's careful guidance, she immersed herself in the wonderful world of incense making. She was naturally meticulous and learned the art meticulously, gradually grasping the secrets of incense making.

One day, Lingxi watched Tang Da Ying concentrate on making incense and joked, "Sister Tang, you're like a different person when you make incense. The spices in your hands are like obedient spirits, at your command."

Tang agreed, blushing. "Princess Lingxi, please don't make fun of me. I'm just following the Queen Mother's instructions and trying my best to figure it out."

Meanwhile, a turmoil erupts within the Imperial Household Department. Though Zhen Huan has stopped her from investigating the accounts, Su Wanqing remains entrenched in her evil intentions. She secretly colludes with minor eunuchs and palace maids, hoping to extract more clues about the whereabouts of the money.

One day, Su Wanqing met with a young eunuch in a secluded corner of the Imperial Garden. Su Wanqing whispered, "Have you ever heard what that sum of money was used for? Who handled it?"

The young eunuch trembled timidly: "Lady Su, I really know very little. I only heard that this matter involves the secrets of the palace, and the higher-ups strictly forbid us from saying anything."

Su Wanqing raised her eyebrows and said, "If you don't tell me what you know, I will not let you off easily when I gain power in the future!"

The young eunuch was so frightened that he fell to his knees. "Please spare my life, my Lord, please spare my life! I only heard vaguely that it seemed to be related to a high-ranking concubine, but I don't know who it was!"

Su Wanqing's heart is filled with doubts, secretly pondering how to use this limited clue to stir up greater turmoil in the palace, but she is completely unaware that her every move is under the close surveillance of Zhen Huan and An Lingrong. Like a moth caught in a trap, she inched closer and closer to the dangerous candlelight. The changing situation in the palace, driven by her ambition, has become increasingly turbulent. A greater storm seems to be brewing, waiting for the right moment to engulf the entire harem, embroiling everyone in endless strife and danger.