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

Su Jinran's false accusation, like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, sent shockwaves through the palace. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong knew they had to act swiftly and decisively, or risk being thrust into a desperate situation.

Zhen Huan's expression was stern as she said to An Lingrong, "Huan'er, Su Jinran is already a trapped beast, fighting desperately. We must not let him succeed. The most urgent task is to expose his conspiracy before he makes things worse."

An Lingrong nodded and replied, "The Empress Dowager is absolutely right. Fu Heng, you must immediately arrange for the collection of evidence of Su Jinran's secret collusion with the Minister of Rites. I will expose them before the Emperor."

Fu Heng clasped his fists and saluted, "Don't worry, Queen Mother. I will do my best. However, Su Jinran has a complex network of influence outside the palace, so I'm afraid there will be some obstacles."

Zhen Huan narrowed her eyes slightly. "No matter what obstacles there are, this must be completed as soon as possible. The reputation of this palace and Empress Dowager An, as well as the innocence of the spice shop, cannot be compromised."

Lingxi listened from the side and said with some concern: "Old Buddha, Empress Dowager An, Su Jinran seems very cunning. Can we really resolve this smoothly?"

Zhen Huan gently patted Lingxi's shoulder and said, "Lingxi, don't be afraid. We have experienced countless hardships in this harem, and we will definitely get through this time safely."

An Lingrong also comforted her, "Princess Lingxi, we have been prepared for this and have many loyal people to help us. He can't cause any major trouble."

Meanwhile, Su Jinran was still gloating, believing his plan was flawless. He said to the Minister of Rites, "Sir, if that clerk comes forward to testify, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong will be completely speechless. Then, the spice shop will be shut down, and their prestige in the palace will plummet."

The Minister of Rites was somewhat uneasy: "Master Su, I have always felt that there is something fishy about this matter. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong have always been meticulous and careful, how could they be so easily tricked by us?"

Su Jinran said disdainfully, "Sir, you're worrying too much. That clerk worked at the spice shop, and his testimony is enough to convict them."

However, they were unaware that Fu Heng had quietly found more people who had been bribed by Su Jinran. Fu Heng brought them to a secluded location and said sternly, "If you don't want to be implicated by the Su family and suffer a catastrophic disaster, then tell the truth. Otherwise, once the truth is revealed, you will be doomed."

These people were terrified and expressed their willingness to cooperate. One of them said, "Sir, Master Su asked us to frame the spice shop, and we had no choice. He also threatened us that if we didn't obey, he would kill our families."

Fu Heng compiled the testimonies and presented them to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong. Zhen Huan looked at the testimonies and said coldly, "This Su Jinran is simply despicable. Not only did he attempt to slander me and the Queen Mother An, he also implicated innocent people."

An Lingrong said angrily, "I must make him pay a heavy price!"

Just as Su Jinran was about to enter the palace with his men to meet the emperor, Fu Heng and his men blocked their way. Fu Heng shouted, "Su Jinran, do you think you can succeed? Your plot has already been discovered by the Empress Dowager and the Buddha."

Su Jinran's expression changed. "Fu Heng, stop slandering me! I, Su Jinran, am upright and honest, how can I talk about conspiracy?"

Fu Heng sneered: "Really? Then how do you explain these witnesses?" As he said that, he asked those who had been bribed to stand up.

Su Jinran was shocked when she saw these people, but she still pretended to be calm: "These people were bribed by Zhen Huan and An Lingrong to frame me."

Fu Heng scolded him, "How dare you quibble! These people have already confessed in detail how you bribed them and how you framed them. If you don't believe me, you can confront them face to face."

Those people pointed at Su Jinran and said, "Mr. Su, we really don't want to hide this for you anymore. The crimes you committed will be exposed sooner or later. We can't die with you."

Su Jinran was at his wit's end, knowing his fate was lost. The Minister of Rites, upon seeing this, collapsed to the ground in fear, muttering, "It's over, it's over! How could I have believed your slander?"

Fu Heng escorted Su Jinran and the Minister of Rites to the palace, awaiting the Emperor's decision. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong sat in the palace, quietly awaiting the outcome of this turmoil. Zhen Huan whispered to An Lingrong, "Huan'er, we ultimately won this battle. But there will never be true peace in this harem."

An Lingrong sighed softly, "Yes, we still need to be vigilant at all times and protect this hard-earned peace."

Lingxi cheered from the side, "Great! Lord Buddha, Queen Mother An, you won!"

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a smile, a smile that reflected both the joy of victory and the anxiety of the unknown challenges ahead. Within the depths of the imperial palace, their legendary story continues to unfold, each page imbued with their wisdom, tenacity, and unyielding defiance of fate.