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

Chapter 225 Ling Huan's Anecdotes Chapter Youqing

Zhen Huan strolled through the palace gardens, accompanied by An Lingrong. Sniffing the flowers, Zhen Huan said, "Lingrong, even though the Lipin incident is resolved, I still feel a little uneasy."

An Lingrong tilted her head slightly. "Huan'er, are you worried that there are still remnants of the group, or are you worried about something else?"

Zhen Huan sighed, "Although Concubine Li's thoughts aren't deep, it's hard to say whether there's someone behind her plotting. This harem, beneath its tranquility, is like a deep pool with surging undercurrents."

An Lingrong held Zhen Huan's hand and said, "Don't be afraid, Huan'er. No matter what happens, we will face it together. Don't worry about yourself."

Zhen Huan smiled broadly, "Lingrong, I feel much more at ease with you here. Do you remember when we first entered the palace? Back then, we were young and naive, facing the dangers of the harem with nothing but courage."

An Lingrong's eyes revealed a hint of nostalgia: "How could I not remember? On the day of the selection, Huan'er, you rescued me, and I knew you were someone I could make friends with. From that moment on, I was determined to join hands with you and overcome this difficult time in the harem together."

Zhen Huan sighed, "Yes, time flies. Now we have gone through many ups and downs, but our friendship has become even deeper."

At this time, Chun Chang came over and said, "Sister Huan, Sister Lingrong, you are here! I heard that the cold palace is very scary. After Lipin was locked up, she kept crying and making a fuss."

An Lingrong scolded, "Chun'er, don't get too involved in these things. You might scare yourself."

Chun Changzai pouted, "I'm not afraid! I'm just curious. How could Concubine Li, who usually looks so arrogant, do such a thing?"

Zhen Huan patiently explained, "Chun'er, in this harem, people's hearts are unpredictable. To win favor, some people will lose their minds and do whatever it takes."

Chun Changzai nodded, not quite understanding: "I understand. Then I don't want to be like her. I just want delicious food and the company of Sister Huan and Sister Lingrong."

As the three were talking, a young palace maid came up to report, "Empress Xi, Empress An, the Imperial Household Department has sent some new fabrics, saying they are for you two to make new clothes."

Zhen Huan said, "Let's put it in the side hall for now and look at it another day."

After the maid left, An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, the Imperial Household Department is being quite attentive right now. I think they're trying to curry favor with us now that the Empress is under house arrest and Nian Gengyao's property has been confiscated."

Zhen Huan sneered, "These people are used to changing their attitudes according to the situation. However, we can also use this fabric as an opportunity to do something with it."

An Lingrong asked doubtfully, "Huan'er, are you saying..."

Zhen Huan lowered her voice and said, "We can make some innovations in the style of this fabric to impress the Emperor and consolidate our position in the palace."

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Huan'er, this is a brilliant idea! I recently got some new spice recipes that can be incorporated into the fumigation of fabrics, giving them a unique fragrance."

Zhen Huan praised, "Lingrong, this is a great idea! This way, our clothes will be unique."

After a few days, the new clothes were ready. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong wore the new clothes and went to the Imperial Garden, deliberately lingering in the places where the emperor often passed by.

The Emperor saw them from afar and was drawn over: "Hanhuan, Lingrong, your clothes today are very unique."

Zhen Huan bowed and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this is a surprise that Lingrong and I specially prepared for you. The material for the dress was newly sent by the Imperial Household Department. We put some thought into the design and the incense. I wonder if Your Majesty likes it?"

The emperor sniffed it and said, "This fragrance is elegant and pleasant. I like it very much."

An Lingrong also said: "As long as the emperor likes it, we concubines also hope to add some novelty to the emperor's life."

The emperor was delighted and said, "Since you are so dedicated, I will not treat you unfairly."

But at this moment, a young eunuch suddenly ran over in a panic: "Your Majesty, it's bad, there's a fire in the cold palace!"

The emperor frowned and said, "What's going on? Go check it out!"

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, each seeing a hint of doubt in the other's eyes. Zhen Huan said, "Your Majesty, let us go and take a look together. After all, the cold palace is also part of the palace. If anything goes wrong, it could be disastrous."

The emperor nodded in agreement. When everyone arrived at the cold palace, they saw a raging fire and the palace maids were running for their lives.

Zhen Huan discovered that Concubine Li was also in the crowd. Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were mad. "It's all your fault! You're the ones who caused me to be like this! Even if I die today, I won't let you go!"

An Lingrong hid behind Zhen Huan and whispered, "Huan'er, she seems to be crazy. Could she have set the fire on purpose?"

Zhen Huan shook her head: "It's not clear yet, the most important thing is to put out the fire first."

Everyone scrambled to put out the fire, and fortunately it was finally brought under control. However, Concubine Li disappeared in the chaos.

The emperor was furious: "Such a thing has happened in my harem! Investigate thoroughly and find Concubine Li!"

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong returned to the palace. Zhen Huan sat on the couch, thinking, "Lingrong, the disappearance of Concubine Li is likely a big problem. If she harbors resentment, she will definitely cause trouble in the palace."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, we must strengthen the palace's defenses, especially our residence. I can mix some spices that will repel evil spirits and serve as a warning."

Zhen Huan nodded: "That's all we can do. I hope this is just a false alarm, but it seems this harem will never be truly peaceful."

In the days that followed, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong sent people to search for Lipin's whereabouts while continuing to maneuver in the palace. They feigned condescension with the various concubines while also secretly keeping an eye out for any possible danger.

One day, Zhen Huan received an anonymous letter that simply read, "Danger is approaching, be careful of the person behind this." Zhen Huan held the letter, puzzled: "Lingrong, who could be behind this? Is it Concubine Li? Or someone else?"

An Lingrong read the letter, her brow furrowed. "Huan'er, no matter who it is, we can't let our guard down. It seems the harem struggle is about to stir up new waves."