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

Chapter 266: The Storm Subsides and the Motivation Rises

When Zhen Huan heard the Queen making a scene in the palace, she remained calm: "The Queen has run out of tricks. Throwing a tantrum like this only undermines her own dignity."

An Lingrong sighed softly, "Huan'er, although this crisis has been resolved, as long as the Empress is not removed, there will be no peace in the harem."

Concubine Hua's beautiful eyes were filled with murderous intent. "Hmph! She's like a grasshopper in autumn, she won't be able to jump for long. If we can bring down the people around her this time, we will definitely be able to completely defeat her next time."

Zhen Huan shook her head slightly: "Sister, we must not underestimate the enemy. The Queen's foundation is still there. Although she is under house arrest, she still has followers. We must deal with it carefully."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er is right. I always feel that there is something hidden behind this. Why would Eunuch Wang from the Imperial Household Department collude with the Queen's maid to frame my spice shop?"

Zhen Huan thought for a moment: "There must be a greater interest driving them. Perhaps someone has promised them a favor and wants to use them to deal with us."

Hua Fei asked, "Who could it be? Besides the Queen, who else hates us so much?"

Zhen Huan said, "The hearts of people in the harem are unpredictable. Perhaps we have accidentally offended someone, or perhaps someone wants to take advantage of the Queen and reap the benefits."

An Lingrong gritted her teeth and said, "No matter who it is, I will find out. We can't let them plot against us again."

At this time, Bao Que hurried in to report, "Your Majesty, I've heard some news. That eunuch Wang seems to have dealings with a spice shop outside the palace. That spice shop has always been jealous of our spice shop's business. Could it be them?"

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "It's very possible. But how could they convince Eunuch Wang? There must be someone else pulling the strings."

Zhen Huan said, "We can start with that spice shop and send someone to secretly watch them and see who they come into contact with."

Concubine Hua said, "I don't believe I can't find the mastermind behind this. Zhou Ninghai, bring more people with you and help me investigate thoroughly."

Zhou Ninghai took the order and left. Zhen Huan continued, "Now that the Queen has lost power, I'm afraid everyone in the harem will become increasingly agitated. We must plan ahead and win over those who can be won over."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I think Concubine Cao is worth a try. She is thoughtful and sensitive, and is currently in an awkward position in the harem. If we can lend a hand, perhaps she will come to us."

Concubine Hua frowned: "She? She has always been with the Queen. Can we trust her?"

Zhen Huan said, "Sister, Concubine Cao is only trying to survive in the harem. Now that the Queen has fallen, she will naturally seek another way out. If we give her a chance, she will definitely be grateful."

So, Zhen Huan sent for Concubine Cao. Concubine Cao came to Zhen Huan's palace, looking a little uneasy: "Your Majesty, what do you want from me?"

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Noble Lady Cao, you are aware of the Queen's current situation. You are exceptionally intelligent in the harem, and Noble Consort An, Consort Hua, and I all admire you. If you wish, you can come to our side, and we will certainly treat you well."

Concubine Cao hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I have offended you many times before. Can you really let bygones be bygones?"

An Lingrong said, "Sister Cao, as long as you treat me sincerely, we will not dwell on the past."

Hua Fei also said: "Humph! This palace keeps its word. If you come over, you will have your own benefits in the future."

Concubine Cao thought for a moment, then knelt down and said, "Thank you for your kindness, my lady. I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

Zhen Huan helped Concubine Cao up: "Okay, from now on we are sisters. Do you know anything about the Queen?"

Concubine Cao whispered, "Your Majesty, I heard that the Queen had a secret correspondence with a minister of the previous dynasty, and it seemed that they were planning something."

Zhen Huan was shocked: "Do you know which minister it is?"

Concubine Cao shook her head: "I don't know. I only heard that the minister's surname was Zhao."

Zhen Huan said, "Okay, you go back first. If you have any news, please let us know."

Concubine Cao took her leave. Zhen Huan asked, "Who is this minister surnamed Zhao? It seems that the affairs of the harem are involving the former dynasty and are becoming increasingly complicated."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, no matter what, we must first investigate thoroughly. We cannot allow the Queen the opportunity to make a comeback."

Hua Fei said, "As long as I'm here, she won't be able to do anything. Let's first thoroughly resolve the matter of the spice shop, and then deal with the Queen."

A few days later, Zhou Ninghai returned with a report: "Your Majesty, I have discovered that the owner of that spice shop met with a mysterious man. That mysterious man offered him a large sum of money to bribe Eunuch Wang. However, I have not yet discovered the identity of that mysterious man."

Zhen Huan said, "Keep investigating. We must find this mysterious person."

In this harem, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei are like walking in the fog. Although there are many difficulties and challenges, they rely on their wisdom and courage to clear the fog step by step and move towards their goals. Their friendship is like a bright light, illuminating each other's way forward. In this deep palace full of conspiracies and intrigues, they write their own legendary chapters. Every step is full of unknowns and hopes, and every difficulty becomes a test for them to become stronger.