0p0 Chapter 306 Ling Huan plans to consolidate the foundation
Chapter 306 Ling Huan plans to consolidate the foundation
An Lingrong's eyes were determined: "Huan'er, sister, where should we start to take precautions first?"
Zhen Huan brushed her hair gently from her forehead and thought, "Lingrong, you need to diversify the sources of spices for your spice shop so that no one can easily take advantage of you. I can send people to find some reliable spice producing areas and establish long-term cooperation with them."
Concubine Hua nodded and said, "Hanhuan, this is a very good plan. Furthermore, we need to expand the manpower in the palace. We need to pay more attention to those young palace maids and eunuchs. If there are any talents that can be used, we can recruit them for our own use. We can also be informed of any changes in the palace in a timely manner."
An Lingrong replied, "Sister, you are absolutely right. I have a maidservant who is very attentive and knows a little about spices. I can focus on training her and have her help me run the spice shop. She can also keep an eye out for news for us in the palace."
Zhen Huan frowned slightly: "But we have to be cautious when expanding our manpower, so as not to allow others to plant spies in."
Hua Fei sneered, "Who would dare to do that while I'm here? I'll be able to carefully identify those who betray me. If there are any who betray me, I won't let them off lightly!"
As she was talking, Chun'er came in with some snacks: "Sisters, take a break first and try these freshly made snacks."
Zhen Huan smiled and pulled Chun Er over: "Chun Er is always so considerate."
Chun Er blinked: "My sisters are discussing something important, and Chun Er wants to help."
An Lingrong said, "Chun'er, if you hear anything strange in the palace, you must tell us."
Chun Er nodded vigorously: "Of course, Chun Er will definitely prick up her ears and listen carefully."
A few days later, An Lingrong's maid came to report: "My lady, those newly arrived beauties have been wandering around the Imperial Garden these past few days, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally approaching those around you, my lady."
Zhen Huan's eyes flashed: "It seems that these concubines are not simple either. I must find a chance to test their abilities."
Hua Fei said: "It's not difficult. Find an excuse, hold a flower viewing banquet, invite them all, and see what tricks they can come up with."
At the flower viewing banquet, all the beautiful girls were dressed up.
Zhen Huan smiled softly, "The flowers in the Imperial Garden are especially beautiful today. May all of you be as beautiful as these spring blossoms."
A young lady said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort Xi, are so kind! It is such a blessing for us to see you in the palace."
An Lingrong noticed a flash in the eyes of a young lady, so she asked softly, "Sister, you seem to be worried about something."
The concubine hurriedly said, "Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort An, I have just entered the palace and am a little nervous."
Hua Fei said beside her: "In this palace, don't play any tricks. If you behave yourself, you will naturally live smoothly."
The concubine nodded hurriedly: "Yes, Concubine Hua is right."
At this time, Chun'er accidentally bumped into a concubine, and the handkerchief in the concubine's hand fell, revealing a corner of paper.
Chun'er hurriedly picked it up: "Sister, your handkerchief fell off."
The concubine's face changed and she reached out to grab the handkerchief.
Seeing this, Zhen Huan whispered, "Sister, why are you so flustered? Is there some secret hidden in this handkerchief?"
The concubine hesitated and said, "My lady, this is just a random doodle of mine. It's nothing surprising."
An Lingrong, however, keenly sensed something was wrong: "Can we take a look?"
The concubine had no choice but to hand over the handkerchief.
When Zhen Huan unfolded it, she found that it was a layout map of some palaces in the palace, with some annotations.
Zhen Huan's face darkened. "Sister, what does this mean? Why do you want to draw a map of the palace layout?"
The concubine fell to her knees with a plop: "Your Majesty, I was forced by my brother. He wanted me to gather information in the palace and draw this map so that I could act in the future."
Concubine Hua angrily said, "How dare your brother covet the affairs of the palace!"
An Lingrong asked, "Who is your brother?"
The concubine cried and said, "My brother is a minor official in the court. He has always wanted to be promoted. He wants to use me to get information in the palace so that he can curry favor with the powerful."
Zhen Huan said, "We will definitely report this matter to the Emperor. Please stay in the palace for now and don't make any more small moves."
After handling the matter, An Lingrong said, "The hidden dangers in this palace are truly hard to guard against."
Zhen Huan said, "As long as we work together, we will be able to eliminate these hidden dangers one by one."
Hua Fei said: "That's right, no matter who it is, if they want to mess with us sisters, they will have to pay the price!"
After that, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Hua Fei became more cautious, constantly expanding their power and spies in the palace, working hard to consolidate their own status and sources of wealth. They maneuvered carefully in the turbulent times and did not dare to slack off in the slightest.