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

Chapter 250: Dangerous Situation Makes Determination Stronger

In her secluded room in the palace, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong and Concubine Hua in a deep voice, "Prince Shen has become even more arrogant now. He even openly declared that he wants to take over the harem and the court for himself. Does he really think that we are weak and can be bullied?"

An Lingrong frowned, "Huan'er, since Prince Shen has such ambitions, I'm sure he's been planning this for a long time. We must not take it lightly."

Concubine Hua raised her eyebrows and shouted angrily, "He is just wishful thinking! As long as I am here, he won't get what he wants!"

Zhen Huan pursed her red lips. "Don't worry, sister. I've secretly instructed Xiao Yunzi to keep a close eye on the residences of Prince Shen and the important officials in the court. Report any unusual movements immediately."

Hua Fei nodded: "That's very good. But we can't just passively accept the attack like this, we need to take the initiative."

An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Huan'er, Sister Hua Fei, I heard that the important officials in the court have been collecting some secrets of the previous dynasty recently, and they seem to want to make a big fuss about it. Perhaps we can start from this aspect."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up. "Lingrong, this is a brilliant plan. Secrets of the previous dynasty? What exactly does he want to achieve with these secrets?"

Hua Fei was puzzled: "What purpose could there be? They simply want to bring down those who are related to us, so as to clear the way for their conspiracy."

Zhen Huan shook her head slightly. "I don't think it's that simple. This might involve some old events unknown to us. If we could get a head start on learning about them, we might be able to counter him."

An Lingrong asked, "Then how should we explore these secrets of the previous dynasty? We can't just ask those old ministers directly, right?"

Zhen Huan paced for a moment and said, "I'm reminded of someone, Eunuch Chen, who served the late emperor. He knows many secrets of the palace. If I could get his help, perhaps I could gain something."

Concubine Hua frowned: "Eunuch Chen has always lived in seclusion, how could he easily help us?"

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Don't worry, sister. I have my own way. I once learned that Eunuch Chen likes Biluochun tea from Jiangnan, and I happen to have some precious Biluochun tea. I can use it as a gift for you."

So, Zhen Huan took An Lingrong and Concubine Hua, and went to Eunuch Chen's residence with Biluochun.

Zhen Huan bowed respectfully, "Eunuch Chen, it's been a long time since we last met. How have you been?"

Eunuch Chen narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort Xi, has arrived. I'm sorry I failed to greet you. I wonder what brings you here today?"

Zhen Huan took out Biluochun and said, "Eunuch, this is some Biluochun from Jiangnan. I heard you like it, so I came here to give it to you."

Eunuch Chen's eyes lit up. "Ah, Your Majesty, thank you for your trouble. But I don't accept rewards without merit. You must be asking for something, right?"

Zhen Huan said frankly, "Eunuch, you are indeed wise. To be honest, we have heard that important officials in the court are collecting secrets of the previous dynasty. This may be detrimental to the harem and the court. Does Eunuch know the details?"

Eunuch Chen's expression changed slightly, and he whispered, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. I only know that the important officials in the court seem to be exploring the secrets related to a certain prince. It is said that this prince was once suspected by the late emperor of treason."

An Lingrong asked, "Who is that prince? And how is he related to Prince Shen?"

Eunuch Chen shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. I only know that if this secret were to be exposed, it would surely cause a huge uproar."

Zhen Huan thanked him, "Thank you for telling me, Eunuch. Don't worry, we will act with caution and will not implicate you."

After leaving Eunuch Chen's residence, Concubine Hua said, "This prince's affairs are becoming increasingly mysterious. Could it be that Prince Shen is trying to use this prince's affairs to incite some of the old ministers to his side?"

Zhen Huan said, "It's very likely. We still need to look for other clues to see if we can find out the identity of this prince."

A few days later, Xiao Yunzi hurriedly came to report: "Your Majesty, I discovered that the mysterious person went to the Prince of Shen's mansion again, and he also brought a package that looked very heavy."

Zhen Huan's eyes glared, "There must be something fishy going on. Xiao Yunzi, keep watching and see what they do next."

An Lingrong said worriedly, "Huan'er, I always feel like a big net is closing in on us. We must find a way to break out of this situation as soon as possible."

Zhen Huan held An Lingrong and Concubine Hua's hands. "Don't be afraid, Lingrong, sister. As long as the three of us work together, we will be able to overcome these difficulties. No matter what schemes they may have, we will not let them succeed. We must protect the peace of this harem and everything we cherish."

After Zhen Huan returned to the palace, she was still brooding over the matter of the prince. She called Liu Zhu over and said, "Go to the Imperial Household Department and quietly inquire if there have been any rumors circulating in recent years about the prince plotting rebellion. Don't alert him."

Liu Zhu took the order and left. Concubine Hua, in her own palace, instructed Zhou Ninghai, "Go and keep an eye on those old ministers to see if they have had any recent contact with Prince Shen or other important officials in the court. If anything unusual happens, report it to me immediately."

Zhou Ninghai responded and left. An Lingrong was in her own palace, searching through some ancient books, hoping to find clues about the prince's rebellious plan.

After Liu Zhu returned, she reported to Zhen Huan, "Your Majesty, the people in the Imperial Household Department are very cautious. We only vaguely heard that it was Prince Duan who was deposed many years ago, but no one knows the specific details."

Zhen Huan frowned, "Prince Duan? That name is unfamiliar. Why was he deposed? And what is his connection to Prince Shen?"

Hua Fei rushed over after hearing the news: "Who cares if he's Prince Duan? If he dares to block our way, he'll be punished."

Zhen Huan shook her head. "Sister, don't be reckless. We haven't figured out the situation yet. If we act rashly, we might fall into their trap."

An Lingrong hurried over, carrying an ancient book. "Huan'er, I found some records about Prince Duan in this ancient book. It seems that his dethronement was related to a rare spice that can cause hallucinations. The late emperor mistakenly believed that he was possessed by a demon, which is why he became suspicious."

Zhen Huan took the ancient book and examined it. "Spices? Could this be related to the spices you're good at, Lingrong?"

An Lingrong pondered, "I'm not sure. But if someone tries to use this spice to create chaos again, it will be troublesome."

Hua Fei said impatiently: "Then let's find the spice first and destroy it, and see how they can stir up trouble."

Zhen Huan said, "Sister, things are not that simple. We must first find the truth behind Prince Duan's dethronement. Perhaps we can find the key to cracking Prince Shen's conspiracy."

So, Zhen Huan arranged for someone to look for someone who had served in Prince Duan's mansion. After some twists and turns, they finally found an old maid.

Zhen Huan asked gently, "Mammy, you once served in Prince Duan's mansion. Do you know the truth behind Prince Duan's dethronement?"

The old nanny's eyes evaded: "My lady, I am just a rough man and I know nothing."

Zhen Huan saw that she was hiding something and whispered, "Mammy, if you tell us the truth, we will protect you. If anyone else knew that you were hiding this, I'm afraid disaster would befall you."

The old nanny hesitated for a long time before finally speaking, "Your Majesty, Prince Duan was actually framed by a traitor. The traitor mixed the prince's spices with hallucinogenic spices and planted spies around him, deliberately allowing the late emperor to see some false impressions when the prince was in a trance."

Zhen Huan asked, "Who is that traitor?"

The old nanny whispered, "I heard that he was a minister at that time, and he seemed to be from the same family as this important official in the court today."

Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Concubine Hua looked at each other and made up their minds.

Zhen Huan said, "It seems this conspiracy was premeditated, one thing after another. They want to use the incident of Prince Duan to repeat the drama of the past and achieve their ulterior motives."

Hua Fei said angrily, "Then we must not let them succeed. First, protect this old nanny and don't let her be silenced. Then we can discuss how to deal with it."

An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er, the conspiracy behind this is becoming increasingly complicated. We must be cautious."

At this moment, Xiao Yunzi came to report again: "Your Majesty, Prince Shen and important officials of the court were secretly discussing in the palace. They seemed to have mentioned a place called Shadow Valley. I wonder what it means."

Zhen Huan's eyes glared. "Shadow Valley? This must be the key to their conspiracy. We need to send someone to investigate."

Concubine Hua volunteered: "I'll take some people with me. We'll definitely turn that place upside down."

Zhen Huan stopped her, saying, "Sister, no. That place is bound to be full of dangers. Let's discuss a plan first, and then we can act."

The three of them sat together, discussing how to deal with the matter of Shadow Valley. They knew that this was a difficult challenge, but in order to protect the peace of the harem and the court, they had to move forward bravely. In this dangerous court struggle, they gradually uncovered the truth hidden behind the fog.