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

Since Zhen Huan and An Lingrong had decided to hold a palace banquet, they devoted themselves to the preparations.

One day, Zhen Huan called Lingxi over and asked, "Lingxi, do you have any new ideas for this palace banquet?"

Lingxi's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "My Lord, we can set up some interesting games at the palace banquet, such as guessing lantern riddles. The queen who guesses the most correctly can get a beautiful gift! This way, everyone can have fun and enhance their friendship."

Zhen Huan smiled and nodded: "Lingxi, this is a good idea. Then go prepare some interesting lantern riddles."

Lingxi responded crisply, "Yes, Master Buddha, Lingxi will definitely get it done!"

An Lingrong was also making arrangements on the side: "Fu Heng, you are responsible for the security of the palace banquet. There must be no mistakes."

Fu Heng replied respectfully, "Don't worry, Empress Dowager An. I will do my utmost to prevent any danger from approaching."

While this place was busy, Xiao Jingyan and Chen entered the palace to ask to see An Lingrong. After seeing An Lingrong, Xiao Jingyan bowed and said, "Empress Dowager, I heard that the palace is going to hold a palace banquet. My wife and I have come to see if there is anything we can help you with."

An Lingrong smiled and said, "Jingyan, you're so thoughtful. When preparing for this palace banquet, the most important thing is the freshness of the ingredients and the exquisiteness of the dishes. You've been running the spice shop for a long time, do you have any suggestions on these matters?"

Chen said, "Empress Dowager, I believe that palace banquet dishes could incorporate more fresh seasonal ingredients and be seasoned with unique spices. This will surely leave everyone with an unforgettable aftertaste. For example, in this spring, we could use fresh spring bamboo shoots with a special fragrant sauce, and incorporate peach blossoms into the dish to make peach blossom cake. This would be both delicious and appropriate for the occasion."

An Lingrong praised, "Chen, this is a very good idea. Let's follow your advice and arrange the ingredients and spices."

Xiao Jingyan and Chen took the order and left.

However, amidst this seemingly harmonious preparation process, undercurrents were also surging. Although the concubines had restrained themselves somewhat due to the Su family incident, they were still plotting in secret.

A concubine in her own palace said bitterly to her trusted maid, "Humph! Zhen Huan and An Lingrong think that a palace banquet can calm people's hearts. We can't let them have such an easy time."

The maid asked cautiously, "My Lady Dowager, what should we do?"

The concubine narrowed her eyes and said, "Go and find out about the program arrangement for this palace banquet and see if you can find any loopholes. Then think of a way to disrupt the situation at the palace banquet."

Tang agreed to this, and although she told An Lingrong that she would abide by her duties, she had other plans in mind. She found Aner Chun and whispered, "Empress Chun, you are the most intelligent person in the palace. I have something to ask you."

Anarchun asked doubtfully, "Tang promised, what do you want?"

Tang agreed and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, at this palace banquet, many forces have gathered. I don't know how to deal with it. What if I accidentally offend anyone?"

Anarchun consoled him, "Tang promised you that you just need to keep a normal mind and get along well with everyone. Don't get involved in unnecessary disputes."

Tang Da Ying nodded with seemingly gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I understand." But there was a barely perceptible cunning glint in her eyes.

As the palace banquet approaches, various rumors spread throughout the harem. Some anticipate the joyous atmosphere, others plot to sabotage it, and still others worry about their own safety. Despite Zhen Huan and An Lingrong's diligent preparations, they can't fully grasp the harem's thoughts.

An Lingrong said to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, I have a feeling this palace banquet won't be so peaceful. I'm afraid someone is going to stir up trouble."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly. "No matter what their plot is, we will just deal with it. This palace banquet is both a way for us to reassure people and an opportunity to expose those who are working in secret."

In this ever-changing harem, the preparation for the palace banquet is like a silent contest. All forces are waiting for the day of the palace banquet to arrive. Whether Zhen Huan and An Lingrong can successfully meet the challenge again and restore peace to the harem, everything is still unknown. Only the palace walls and deep courtyards silently witness all this happening and the story that is about to happen.