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

Zhen Huan frowned slightly, her eyes full of worry. She opened her red lips and said, "The war on the border has broken out again, and I'm afraid there will be no peace in the palace again. Lingrong, which general do you think will lead the troops this time?" Her hand unconsciously touched her chest, as if trying to soothe her inner uneasiness.

An Lingrong lowered her head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said softly: "Sister, there are many generals in the court, and many of them are capable of this important task. However, this expedition has far-reaching implications. It not only concerns the peace of the border, but also affects the situation in the harem." Her brows were slightly frowned, with a hint of solemnity in her eyes, and her fingers unconsciously circled the corners of her clothes.

Mei Zhuang also hurried over after hearing the news. She looked serious and said in a steady voice: "No matter which general goes to the battle, the harem must fully support him and must not let any more trouble happen at this time." Her hand rested lightly on the sachet at her waist, her posture was upright and her expression was firm.

Chun'er blinked her big eyes and asked naively, "Sisters, is fighting on the border very dangerous? Will those generals get hurt?" There was a hint of worry on her face, and her little mouth was slightly pouted.

Zhen Huan gently touched Chun'er's head and said softly, "Chun'er, the battles on the frontier are extremely dangerous, and the generals naturally have to take great risks. But for the peace of their country, they have no hesitation."

A few days later, news arrived that General Su Jin had been appointed commander-in-chief and was about to go to war. Su Jin's sister, Su Yao, was the Concubine Wan in the palace.

After hearing the news, Concubine Wan anxiously found Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, her eyes red and her voice trembling: "Empress Wan, Empress An, my brother is about to go to the battlefield, and I am really worried. What should we do?" Her hands were tightly clasped together and her body was trembling slightly.

Zhen Huan held Concubine Wan's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry too much, Concubine Wan. The general is brave and skilled in battle, and he will surely return victorious. Just wait here with peace of mind."

An Lingrong also said, "Yes, Concubine Wan, if you panic now, you will lose your composure. We will stay with you through this period."

Concubine Wan looked at them gratefully and said, "Thank you, ladies. With your company, I feel a little more at ease."

However, not everyone in the harem thinks so. Concubine Li, a remnant of Concubine Hua, secretly plots to use this border war to stir up strife within the harem, thereby creating an opportunity for Concubine Hua's clan to make a comeback.

Concubine Li met Concubine Wan in the palace garden. She sneered and said in a sarcastic tone, "Concubine Wan, I heard that your brother is going to the battlefield. Swords and knives are ruthless on the battlefield. You must be mentally prepared!" Her eyes were full of sarcasm and she raised her chin slightly.

When Concubine Wan heard this, her face changed and she said angrily, "Princess Li, stop talking nonsense! My brother will definitely return safely!"

Lipin disagreed and continued, "Humph, I hope so. But if something goes wrong, your life in this harem will be difficult!"

Concubine Wan was so angry that she was shaking all over. Just as she was about to retort, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong happened to come over.

Zhen Huan looked at Concubine Li with cold eyes and scolded her, "Concubine Li, as a concubine in the harem, instead of praying for the war on the border, you are here speaking rudely and trying to sow discord. What is your intention?" Her voice was low and majestic, and her eyes were as sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Concubine Li.

When Concubine Li saw Zhen Huan, she felt a little timid, but she still pretended to be calm and said, "Empress Wan, I was just kindly reminding Concubine Wan. How can this be considered as sowing discord?"

An Lingrong stepped forward and said softly, "Lipin, don't think we can't see what you're thinking. If you dare to do anything wrong again, don't blame us for being merciless!" There was a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes, and her eyes were slightly narrowed, and the warning was self-evident.

Concubine Li snorted coldly and turned away.

Concubine Wan said to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong in a wronged tone, "My ladies, why did she treat me like this?"

Zhen Huan gently patted Concubine Wan's shoulder and said, "Concubine Wan, don't bother with her. She's just trying to take advantage of the situation to cause trouble. We mustn't fall into her trap."

As the expedition date approaches, the palace begins preparing for a blessing ceremony. Concubines Zhen Huan, An Lingrong, and Concubine Wan are all busy.

Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, this blessing ceremony is of vital importance. We must prepare it carefully to pray to God to bless the general and soldiers to return safely." Her eyes were focused and firm, and her expression was serious.

An Lingrong nodded and said, "Don't worry, sister. I will prepare special spices to create a peaceful and solemn atmosphere."

On the day of the blessing ceremony, everyone gathered in the main hall. Concubine Wan clasped her hands together, looked at him with piety, and chanted something, praying for her brother's safety.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong stood aside, their expressions solemn. Zhen Huan whispered to An Lingrong, "I hope this prayer will have some effect and save the soldiers from the suffering of war." Her eyes were filled with hope, and she looked up slightly.

An Lingrong responded in a low voice: "Sister, God will surely know our feelings."

However, when the blessing ceremony was halfway through, a sudden gust of cold wind blew, the candles began to sway, and one of them mysteriously went out.

Everyone was shocked and whispered to each other.

The queen's face changed and she said loudly: "What is this sign? Is it an ominous sign?" There was a hint of fear in her eyes and her body leaned forward slightly.

An Lingrong's heart stirred. She approached the extinguished candle and examined it carefully, discovering that the wick appeared to have been tampered with. She was secretly alarmed, but remained calm on the surface. She said to Zhen Huan, "Sister, there's something strange about this candle. It looks like someone did it on purpose." A hint of doubt flashed in her eyes, and her brows furrowed slightly.

Zhen Huan's eyes flashed, she glanced at the people around her and said, "No matter who it is, if they dare to make trouble in this blessing ceremony, I will not let them off easily!" Her voice was not loud, but full of power, and her eyes were firm and resolute.

Afterwards, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong began to secretly investigate the matter. They found that it was Concubine Li who had instructed a young palace maid to tamper with the candles in an attempt to disrupt the blessing ceremony and create panic.

Zhen Huan brought evidence to Concubine Li. Seeing that the truth was revealed, Concubine Li was so scared that she knelt down and begged for mercy: "Empress Wan, I know I was wrong. I was confused for a moment. Please forgive me!" Her face was as pale as paper, her eyes were full of fear, and she kowtowed continuously.

Zhen Huan looked at her coldly: "Lipin, you have committed such a serious mistake, how can you be forgiven so easily? I will report this matter to the emperor, and he will make the final decision!"

After Zhen Huan reported the matter to the emperor, the emperor was furious and ordered Concubine Li to be confined to her house for reflection and her monthly allowance to be reduced.

After handling this matter, General Su Jin went to the battlefield smoothly. Everyone in the harem waited anxiously for news from the front line.

Days passed, and finally, news of victory came from the front. The general who defended the country defeated the enemy army, and peace was temporarily restored to the border.

When Concubine Wan heard the news, she cried with joy: "That's great, my brother has returned safely!" Her face was full of tears, but they were tears of joy, and her eyes were shining with excitement.

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong also breathed a sigh of relief. Zhen Huan smiled and said, "This is due to the general's bravery, and it is also a blessing for our dynasty." Her eyes showed relief, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly.

However, even as everyone was celebrating, An Lingrong noticed something unusual. She discovered that although Concubine Wan appeared delighted upon hearing the good news, a subtle worry lay hidden deep in her eyes.

An Lingrong was confused. She found an opportunity to be alone with Concubine Wan and asked softly, "Concubine Wan, now that the general has returned victorious, why do you still look worried?" Her eyes were full of concern, and she looked at Concubine Wan with her head slightly tilted.

Concubine Wan was slightly stunned, then she forced a smile and said, "Empress An, perhaps you have been too worried recently and haven't recovered yet."

An Lingrong felt that things were more complicated than they seemed, but she didn't want to ask any further. She knew that everyone in the harem seemed to have their own secrets, and these secrets, like hidden reefs, could at any time cause a storm to break out in the tranquil sea of ​​the harem.