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

Chapter 310 Ling Huan takes precautions

Zhen Huan sipped her tea and said slowly, "Although the matter of Concubine Ning has been resolved, this harem is like an impenetrable dark forest, teeming with dangers. We still need to discuss some measures to prevent any more treacherous people from causing trouble."

An Lingrong put down the handkerchief in her hand and replied, "Huan'er is absolutely right. I think we should select trustworthy palace maids and eunuchs around us and treat them well so that they will be loyal to us."

Concubine Hua nodded slightly. "That's a good idea. Those traitors must not be kept around any longer. The maid in charge of my palace was incompetent a few days ago, so I sent her to the Xinzheku and replaced her with a smart and loyal one."

Zhen Huan thought for a moment and then said, "Also, it would be best if we could set up a secret code or passage between the three of us palaces so that we can look after each other in times of crisis."

An Lingrong's eyes lit up: "Huan'er, this is a brilliant plan! However, the construction of this secret passage must be extremely secret and cannot be discovered by others."

Hua Fei said, "Leave this matter to me. I will find some reliable people to handle it. I will make sure that the secret passage is built with unparalleled ingenuity, so that no one will know about it."

As she was speaking, Chun'er came running over in a hurry: "Sisters, I heard that there's a new imperial physician in the palace recently. He's very handsome, but many of the young palace maids don't dare to get close to him!"

Zhen Huan laughed and said, "Chun'er, your little head is always full of these things. But we must also keep an eye on this new imperial physician, and make sure he is not taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er is right. I will send someone to investigate the background of this imperial physician and find out his origins."

A few days later, An Lingrong's maid replied, "My lady, the imperial physician's name is Wei Lin. He was recently recommended by the Imperial Hospital. I've heard he's quite skilled, but he once had dealings with a minister outside the palace, so the details are still unclear."

Zhen Huan frowned slightly. "This Wei Lin has connections with ministers? This matter cannot be underestimated. We must find an opportunity to test him."

Hua Fei said, "That's not difficult. Just say I'm not feeling well and ask him to come and treat me. Then we'll see how he responds."

When Wei Lin came to take her pulse, Concubine Hua sat upright on the couch, her eyes sharp: "Doctor Wei, you must treat me well. If there is even the slightest mistake, I will not forgive you."

Wei Lin bowed respectfully and said, "Don't worry, Empress Hua. I will do my best."

After taking her pulse, Zhen Huan asked, "Doctor Wei, I heard you had contact with ministers outside the palace. Is that true?"

Wei Lin's expression was calm. "To the Empress Xi, it is true that I have had some contact with you, but it was because I treated his family. There is no other connection."

An Lingrong carefully observed Wei Lin's expression and said softly, "Doctor Wei, the hearts and minds of people in the harem are complicated. You should know your duty and avoid getting involved in disputes."

Wei Lin bowed again and said, "Your Highness, I will always remember your teachings."

After Wei Lin left, Concubine Hua said, "This Wei Lin seems calm and composed, but I always feel that he is not that simple."

Zhen Huan said, "Whether he's simple or not, we have to be more careful. In today's harem, less trouble is worse than more, but we can't be afraid of trouble."

After some time, a palace banquet was held in the palace.

At the palace banquet, with singing and dancing, a foreign envoy came to the court and presented many rare treasures.

The envoy said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Qing, we, a foreign nation, have come to offer treasures and express our hope for friendly relations between our two nations. At the same time, our king would like to ask Your Majesty if one of his princesses could marry into our kingdom, thus strengthening the friendship between Qin and Jin."

The emperor pondered for a moment and said, "I need to discuss this matter with the harem before making a final decision."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other and saw worry in each other's eyes.

Zhen Huan said softly, "I'm afraid the princess's marriage will stir up another storm in the harem."

An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, no matter what, we must first understand the situation in this foreign country. What will we do if we marry the princess into a land of tigers and wolves?"

Concubine Hua said, "What are you afraid of? If you really want to choose a princess, just let those who are usually restless go."

Zhen Huan shook her head: "Sister, the princess's marriage is related to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. We can't be so hasty."

After the banquet, Zhen Huan and others began to investigate foreign affairs. They found merchants and envoys who had been to foreign countries to inquire about the situation.

A merchant said, "My Lady, although that foreign country may appear prosperous on the surface, it is actually quite harsh towards women. If the princess marries there, she will probably suffer."

One envoy also said: "I have heard that the harem struggles in foreign countries are even more brutal. If the princess leaves, I am afraid she will not have a good ending."

Zhen Huan frowned, "It seems that we need to come up with a comprehensive plan for the princess's marriage."

An Lingrong asked, "Huan'er, can we make a suggestion to the Emperor, asking him to give her a larger dowry and requesting that the foreign nations treat the princess well, and sign a written document as proof?"

Zhen Huan nodded: "This is the only way. I hope the emperor can listen to our advice and not let the princess fall into despair."

Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Concubine Hua were in trouble in the harem, but they made preparations in advance, used their wisdom to avoid danger, and hoped to maintain peace, fearlessly continuing their legend.