Chapter 321: Palace Troubles Make the Heart Stronger
Chapter 321: Palace Troubles Make the Heart Stronger
Zhen Huan's eyes were sharp as a torch. "Although Jianqiu and the young eunuch have been captured, something is fishy going on. I'm afraid the Queen has a plan in mind."
An Lingrong nodded and said, "Huan'er is quite right. The Queen has been planning this for many years and it won't be exposed so easily. We have to dig deeper."
Concubine Hua raised her eyebrows and said, "I don't believe she can turn the tables! I must root out her conspiracy!"
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "First, imprison Jianqiu and the young eunuch separately. I'll go and test Jianqiu's intentions. Lingrong, you figure out a way to break through the young eunuch. Sister Hua Fei, please increase security in the palace to prevent any further incidents."
An Lingrong replied, "Okay, I'll use some spices to make the eunuch unconscious, and perhaps he'll tell the truth."
Zhen Huan arrived at the place where Jianqiu was being held. Seeing Jianqiu's stubborn expression, she whispered, "Jianqiu, you have followed the Queen for many years and your loyalty is evident. But now you have committed such a serious crime. If you confess the truth, you might still have a chance of survival."
Jianqiu snorted coldly, "Zhen Huan, don't be so hypocritical. I won't betray the Queen."
Zhen Huan continued, "Do you really think the Queen will protect you? At this point, she'll definitely sacrifice her pawns to save her chariot. Why would you risk your life for her?"
Jianqiu was slightly stunned, a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes, but she still gritted her teeth and remained silent.
On the other side, An Lingrong lit special spices in front of the young eunuch, and the young eunuch's eyes gradually became blurred.
An Lingrong said softly, "Tell me now, what plans does the Queen have? Tell me, and you will suffer no more."
The young eunuch murmured, "The Queen... The Queen has also planted people in the Imperial Hospital. If the Emperor shows any signs of improvement, they will secretly take action..."
An Lingrong was shocked and hurried to tell Zhen Huan.
Zhen Huan's expression changed. "This Queen is so cruel! We must inform the Emperor immediately and send more people to protect the Imperial Hospital."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Hua immediately dispatched her trusted confidants to the Imperial Hospital.
Zhen Huan requested an audience with the Emperor and told him everything: "Your Majesty, the Empress has secretly instructed us to murder Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to investigate this matter."
The Emperor was furious: "How could this happen! Pass on my order to thoroughly investigate the Empress!"
The Queen was confined to the palace for investigation. However, she had been in the palace for many years and her power was deep and complicated, and many people were still secretly working for her.
A concubine came to show her goodwill to Zhen Huan and the others: "Empress Xi, Empress An, Empress Hua, the Empress has lost her power. I hope you will take good care of me in the future."
Zhen Huan sneered, "I only look at sincerity. If you have second thoughts, don't blame me for being heartless."
An Lingrong said, "Most of the people in the harem are fence-sitters. We shouldn't trust them easily."
Concubine Hua said, "Who cares! If anyone dares to do anything unlawful, I will not let them off lightly!"
However, during the investigation, some rumors unfavorable to Zhen Huan and others arose again, saying that they framed the queen and wanted to dominate the harem.
Zhen Huan said angrily, "It must be the Queen's followers who are causing trouble! We can't just sit back and watch."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, we can make public the evidence we collected on the Queen's crimes so that everyone can know the truth."
Concubine Hua clapped her hands and said, "This is a great plan! Let's see how those people can continue to confuse right and wrong!"
So, Zhen Huan and others compiled the evidence and circulated it in the palace, and the rumors gradually subsided.
But new troubles arise again. A war breaks out on the border, and the harem is needed to assist in the supply of materials.
Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong and Concubine Hua, "This is a matter of national importance. We must not make any mistakes and must work together."
An Lingrong said, "I can mix some spices that can invigorate the mind, heal wounds and relieve pain, and send them to the border to help the soldiers."
Hua Fei said: "I will urge the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure that supplies are timely and sufficient."
In this series of events, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Concubine Hua either cracked conspiracies, or resisted rumors, or prepared for war. They always stood side by side, kept their hearts to the light, and moved forward with determination amidst the difficulties in the palace. Their legend continues.
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