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

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong knew that the appearance of this mysterious strategist was no accident and must have come prepared. Zhen Huan's eyes were determined as she said to An Lingrong, "Huan'er, no matter who comes, we must not retreat. First, send someone to investigate this strategist's background and find out who he is."

An Lingrong nodded in agreement, "Old Buddha is right. I've always felt that this matter isn't that simple. I'm afraid there's a significant force behind this."

Fu Heng took the order and left. After much inquiry, he finally gathered some information. He hurried back to the palace to report to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, "Your Highness, Empress Dowager An, this strategist is called Shen Yi. He's a man of the Jianghu, skilled in political schemes. Somehow he's been dragged into this harem strife, and he's become an instant ally with the neglected concubines."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly. "A man from Jianghu? Why would he want to get involved in the affairs of the inner court? Is he being instructed by someone?"

An Lingrong pondered for a moment: "No matter what, we must deal with it carefully. Perhaps we can start with those concubines who are in collusion with him and see if we can find a breakthrough."

Lingxi listened from the side and said anxiously: "Old Buddha, Queen Mother An, I also want to help. I don't want to see you working so hard."

Zhen Huan smiled and comforted her: "Lingxi, be good, just stay in the palace and don't run around. The palace fighting is dangerous, you can't get involved in it."

Although Lingxi was reluctant, she could only nod.

At this time, those neglected concubines, under the planning of Shen Yi, began to spread rumors in the palace, saying that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were tyrannical, suppressing other concubines and intending to dominate the harem. The rumor spread like wildfire, and the people in the palace were in panic.

An old concubine approached Zhen Huan and said worriedly, "My Lord, this rumor is terrible. If we allow it to spread, I'm afraid it will affect your reputation and that of Empress Dowager An."

Zhen Huan remained calm, "I understand. A person of integrity has nothing to fear. I will handle this matter myself."

An Lingrong came up with a plan. She said to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, why don't we take advantage of their own strategy? Since they want to use rumors against us, we can use these rumors to find those who are fanning the flames behind the scenes."

Zhen Huan understood: "You mean, pretend to fall into a trap and lure them into revealing their true intentions?"

An Lingrong smiled slyly, "Exactly. We can create a bit of panic in the palace, and then secretly observe what those people are doing."

So, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong began to "act" in the palace. They deliberately showed their worry and anxiety in front of the palace maids and eunuchs, and also spread the word that they would find a way to quell the rumors.

After hearing this, the concubines who colluded with Shen Yi thought that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong had lost their composure and became even more unscrupulous. One of them often said to Shen Yi smugly, "Sir, you see, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong are just like that. They were frightened by this rumor and panicked."

Shen Yi frowned, "It's not that simple. These two people are able to stand firm in the palace, and they are definitely not people who can be easily defeated. We'd better be careful."

However, Chang Zai and the others were so overwhelmed by their victory that they ignored Shen Yi's advice. They continued to stir up trouble in the palace and even planned to unite and impeach Zhen Huan and An Lingrong in front of the emperor.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong had already seen through everything. They secretly collected evidence of the concubines' collusion and spreading rumors. Just before the concubines were about to complain to the emperor, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong arrived at the emperor's palace first.

Zhen Huan respectfully addressed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager An and I have recently heard rumors spreading throughout the palace, and we are deeply saddened. We did not wish to disturb Your Majesty, but upon investigation, we have discovered that some individuals with ulterior motives are behind this, intent on disrupting the peace of the harem."

Zhen Huan then presented the evidence. The Emperor, upon reviewing it, flew into a rage: "My harem is so corrupt and chaotic! These concubines are truly audacious!"

The emperor immediately ordered that all the concubines involved in the conspiracy be banished to the cold palace, and Shen Yi was also expelled from the palace.

The crisis seems to have been resolved, but Zhen Huan and An Lingrong know that the struggle in the harem will never end. They look at each other, knowing that more challenges await them in the future. Only by sticking to their original aspirations and supporting each other can they continue to navigate this harem full of calculations.