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

Su Jinran and the Minister of Rites were still running around looking for something to hold against the spice shop, completely unaware that their plan had been discovered.

One day, Su Jinran was discussing with his staff in his residence. He frowned and said, "Why is it so difficult for us to investigate the spice supply channels? It seems like there is always a force secretly blocking us."

The staff member whispered, "Sir, could it be that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were already prepared, and our actions have been exposed?"

Su Jinran didn't believe it: "Impossible! We are acting so secretly, how could they notice? We must not have gone deep enough, we need to send more people."

Meanwhile, in the palace, Zhen Huan was discussing countermeasures with An Lingrong. Gently waving her round fan, Zhen Huan said, "Huan'er, even though Fu Heng has the situation under control, we can't just sit back and wait. We have to find a way to make them retreat."

An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Huan'er, I have a plan. We can have Xiao Jingyan spread some false information, saying that the spice shop once had a batch of special spices specially made for a certain concubine in the palace. Because it involves the concubine's privacy, the source of the goods cannot be disclosed. If they use this as an excuse, it will be an offense to the concubine and a crime of disrespect."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "This is a very good plan. It can confuse them and make them feel afraid at the same time."

So, An Lingrong hurriedly sent a letter to Xiao Jingyan. After receiving the letter, Xiao Jingyan acted according to the plan. He deliberately revealed some vague information about "Toffee Spice" in his dealings with the spice merchants.

The news quickly reached Su Jinran. Puzzled, he discussed with the Minister of Rites, "Sir, could this sudden appearance of the Taifei spice be a scam?"

The Minister of Rites pondered for a moment: "Whether it's true or not, if we continue to investigate, it will be troublesome if we really offend the Concubine Dowager. But I'm unwilling to give up just like that."

While they hesitated, Fu Heng made another move. He secretly contacted some of the Su family's commercial rivals, suggesting they take advantage of the situation to suppress the Su family. These families, already dissatisfied with the Su family's domineering business practices, took action after receiving Fu Heng's hint.

Su Jinran found that his business suddenly encountered many obstacles and was overwhelmed: "What is going on? Why are so many families suddenly against us?"

His subordinates reported: "Sir, it seems that someone is instigating these families behind the scenes, trying to make us lose our balance."

Su Jinran gnashed her teeth and said, "It must be Zhen Huan and An Lingrong's doing!"

In the palace, Lingxi watched Zhen Huan and An Lingrong handle the situation calmly, her heart filled with admiration: "Old Buddha, Queen Mother An, you are so amazing, nothing can stop you."

Zhen Huan smiled and patted Lingxi's head: "Lingxi, the struggles in the palace are complicated. We are just responding to each move."

Anar Chun also said, "Old Buddha, Queen Mother An, I think the Su family is in disarray. I think their conspiracy will be difficult to succeed."

An Lingrong shook her head slightly. "Don't let your guard down. Even though they're in trouble, they might still resort to desperate measures."

Sure enough, after some struggle, Su Jinran decided to take a gamble. He found a clerk who used to work in the spice shop and promised him a large sum of money to testify and falsely accuse the spice shop of secretly producing banned spices.

The man was brought to the Minister of Rites' residence, trembling with fear. Su Jinran scolded him, "Just do as I say, and I guarantee you'll live a life of wealth and glory for the rest of your life. If you dare disobey, hmph!"

The guy said timidly: "I...I understand."

When Fu Heng learned the news, he quickly brought the waiter to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong. Zhen Huan looked at the waiter with a stern gaze, "If you dare to lie in front of me, I will not forgive you. Tell the truth, what did Su Jinran promise you?"

The clerk was so frightened that he fell to his knees and said, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager An, I was forced to do this. Young Master Su offered me 1,000 taels of silver to frame the spice shop. I know I was wrong, and I beg Your Majesty to show mercy."

An Lingrong sneered, "This Su Jinran really does everything he can."

Zhen Huan said to Fu Heng, "Fu Heng, keep this fellow under close watch. When the time is right, have him tell the truth in front of everyone."

Fu Heng accepted the order: "Yes, Lord Buddha."

Tensions mount. Su Jinran's last-ditch effort brings Zhen Huan and An Lingrong to a new challenge. Can they successfully resolve the situation once again and protect their status and the reputation of the spice shop? Everything is in the vortex of this palace turmoil, waiting for the judgment of fate.