An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

As she spoke, a look of loneliness filled Zhen Huan's eyes.

Having spent more than just this lifetime with Zhen Huan, An Lingrong knew that someone as intelligent as Zhen Huan would eventually come to her senses.

Earlier, Zhen Huan herself saw through Hao Ran's grand scheme, which was actually aimed at Consort Hua.

Now Zhen Huan can naturally see through it all. The emperor's repeated ambiguity in handling various matters is probably an intentional attempt to protect Consort Hua.

After all, this long and winding road, requiring the use of so many connections and resources, is something that ordinary families cannot manage or plan.

Today's events have even implicated the Empress. If it weren't for Consort Hua, who else in the harem would have such power?

However, both Lady Fucha and Lady Miaoyin were once imperial concubines who had received imperial favor.

Consort Li was once a woman the emperor often thought about, but after the incident, she had to be guided according to the circumstances, and her ending was so bleak.

Whether being in the inner palace and enjoying the emperor's favor is a joy or a sorrow, who knows?

And what in the harem lasts forever? Who can say for sure?

Looking at Zhen Huan's appearance, Shen Meizhuang said with heartache, "I understand. There are too many schemes in this harem. In the end, neither of us can escape them. Rather than being manipulated by others, we should take the initiative. I know that you have always been this way. If you were a man, you would definitely be able to fight on the battlefield and win a good reputation."

Zhen Huan smiled bitterly, took Shen Meizhuang's hand and placed it in her own, and said softly, "Sister Mei, we've known each other since we were little, and I know you've always been sincere to me. But seeing this so many times, it's hard not to feel heartbroken."

Not only are there the hidden arrows from the harem that are impossible to guard against, but also the unpredictable heart of the emperor.

As you and I both know, Consort Li was once greatly favored by the Emperor. Now that her affair has come to light, although she hasn't been banished to the Cold Palace thanks to the Emperor's leniency, she is now confined to Qixiang Palace, with no one allowed to visit her. Isn't this no different from being imprisoned in the Cold Palace? It's truly pitiful."

An Lingrong lowered her eyes, the hot tea in her hand had long since cooled, but because her thoughts were preoccupied, she had not taken a sip.

With tears welling in her eyes, Zhen Huan sighed softly, "When Ling Rong and I set up the trap, thinking back to the ghost incident a while ago, only Consort Li fell for it. I suppose that besides Consort Li being timid, she must have known something to be so frightened as to be overly frightened."

Then he thought that this matter must be related to Consort Hua, otherwise why would Consort Hua be in such a hurry to move Consort Li from Qixiang Palace to Yikun Palace?

That's why Lingrong and I discussed that perhaps we could get some information out of Consort Li so that we could put an end to the past and avoid being manipulated by others for no reason.

It just so happens that Lingrong is skilled in making incense, so we thought of preparing some of the incense that Lady Miaoyin usually likes and hiding them in handkerchiefs and silk flowers, waiting for an opportunity to switch them.

Seeing that Shen Meizhuang seemed puzzled, Zhen Huan said gently, "I once heard someone say that scent is the longest-lasting memory. A person may not be able to remember the scenery or people clearly when they are in a very tense and confused situation, but the scent at that moment can be firmly remembered. Sometimes, after many years, they may have forgotten other things, but they will still remember the scent."

So I thought that perhaps I could use the scent to help the frightened Consort Li recall something, and then get her to say something.

Lingrong was quite clever. She had interacted with Miaoyin Niangzi before and noticed a very special fragrance emanating from her. After some investigation, she discovered it was a type of sachet favored by Mongolians. The main ingredients were pine resin, sandalwood, dried tangerine peel, and a type of fragrant leaf found on the grasslands. This type of sachet was very common on the grasslands and was not only pleasantly fragrant but also insect-repelling. Lingrong found it intriguing and made a note of it.

Although these fragrant cakes are easy to make, they are also very common and readily available, so ordinary concubines wouldn't even consider them. Therefore, it's likely that only Lady Miaoyin in the entire palace would be willing to wear one. So I thought I might try using the scent of these fragrant cakes on Consort Li. That's why I asked Lingrong to prepare the fragrant bait, which was then soaked in a handkerchief and a silk flower.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang turned deathly pale and exclaimed, "How dare you be so bold? If Consort Duan had investigated thoroughly back then, wouldn't the investigation have led back to you?"

Zhen Huan looked at the panicked Shen Meizhuang and smiled slightly, saying, "In the end, Ling Rong is more careful than me. As soon as she saw that Consort Li was not in a good condition, she quickly took advantage of the chaos to change the handkerchief that had been soaked in the scented bait back."

Shen Meizhuang asked curiously, "But didn't Lingrong present her own handkerchief at that time?"

An Lingrong smiled playfully, "This was taught to her by Sister Wan. It's called 'switching the beams and pillars,' isn't it?" After saying that, she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and smiled lightly, "That day I thought that if we really wanted to investigate these verifiable things, we couldn't avoid them. We could only see if there was an opportunity to fish in troubled waters and stir up this pool of water."

I had brought an extra handkerchief with me that day, and I really didn't expect that Consort Duan would actually find it. Fortunately, everyone only thought of the similar embroidery styles and didn't consider that the handkerchief might have absorbed fragrance. I managed to get away with it by sheer luck.

Zhen Huan smiled faintly and remained silent. The fear she felt at that time was indescribable, but it was a risky move. Fortunately, she managed to escape unscathed. She didn't need to go into the details of the danger that day, lest Shen Meizhuang worry even more.

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang scolded angrily, "You two are too bold! That day was truly dangerous; even now, thinking back on it makes my heart pound. I never imagined that after you two moved in together, your ideas would only grow bigger. Huan'er, you've corrupted Lingrong!"

Upon hearing this, An Lingrong quickly smiled and smoothed things over, "Since living with Sister Wan, I not only feel more at ease, but my mind has also become much sharper, and I'm no longer afraid of being bullied. Moreover, Sister Wan is decisive in her actions and truly has the air of a female knight-errant, which makes me respect her greatly."

Shen Meizhuang was even angrier when she heard this. She glared at the two of them and said irritably, "Fine, fine, you two are now on the same page. All my worrying about you was for nothing."

Zhen Huan quickly comforted her, "How could that be? Of course we will listen to Sister Mei. We promise we won't let Sister Mei worry like this again." As she spoke, Zhen Huan quickly winked at Liu Zhu, who was standing next to her, "Go and get some of the osmanthus honey that I made myself last year. Make lotus root starch osmanthus sugar cake for Sister Mei."

Liu Zhu was very clever. She pouted and said, "My lady, do you still remember the lotus root starch and osmanthus sugar cake you made last time? It was so sweet it was like I had killed the candy seller. What a waste of such good osmanthus honey. Besides, don't you always say that Consort Shen's lotus root starch and osmanthus sugar cake is the best? You shouldn't show off your skills in front of Consort Shen."

Shen Meizhuang was both annoyed and amused. "You little rascal, Huan'er, you've really got a plan in mind. You two, mistress and servant, have worked together to outmaneuver me perfectly."

Knowing full well that my lotus root starch and osmanthus sugar cake is delicious, you still insisted on mentioning it in front of me, just because you knew I'd try to provoke you into making it for you, right? Well, I'm not making it today anyway; let us just taste the clumsy cooking of this esteemed lady from Dongguan."

Zhen Huan couldn't help but chuckle. She quickly went up to coax Shen Meizhuang into the small kitchen. As she pulled Shen Meizhuang away, she didn't forget to turn back and give An Lingrong a wink.

An Lingrong's eyes and brows were filled with smiles, and a warmth gradually rose in her heart. She really hoped that this moment could last a little longer.

But now, things are very different in the harem than in the past. The curtain has been raised, and I have no confidence in the future. Perhaps I can only take it one step at a time.