0p0 Chapter 193 Ling Huan and the family survive the crisis
Chapter 193 Ling Huan and the family survive the crisis
Upon hearing the rumors, An Lingrong was horrified, her eyes welling up with tears. She said anxiously, "Huan'er, this news is like a bolt from the blue! I know my father well; he would never commit such corruption or bribery. This must be a malicious accusation!"
Zhen Huan held her hand tightly, her eyes firm, "Lingrong, don't panic! Together, we sisters will surely uncover the truth and clear our uncle's name. There's no point in panicking now. Let's calm down and think about our response."
An Lingrong took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "Huan'er, you're right. But who is the mastermind behind this? How could they be so cruel as to destroy the foundation of my family?"
Zhen Huan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Lingrong, anyone who could spread such rumors at this time must be someone who is wary of us. Perhaps it's a merchant with ties to your spice shop, or perhaps someone in the harem who hates you and me is secretly instigating this."
At this moment, Zhen Huan's personal maid, Jin Xi, whispered, "Your Majesty, my lady, in my humble opinion, we should quickly send someone to investigate the source of this news, perhaps we can find some clues."
Zhen Huan nodded. "Jinxi is absolutely right. Lingrong, I'll send someone to do it immediately. Don't worry, I will stand by you and will never let you be alone."
An Lingrong was filled with gratitude, tears welling up in her eyes. "Huan'er, I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. With you by my side, I feel like I have found a backbone."
A few days later, the spy returned to the palace with a report: "Your Majesty, Young Master, I have learned that this information originated from the residence of a high-ranking official. This official has close ties with Concubine Jing's brother, who was once punished, and has also been exchanging secret letters with Concubine Li in the palace."
Zhen Huan frowned, "This Li Changzai? She usually keeps a low profile, how could she be involved in such a conspiracy?"
An Lingrong gritted her teeth and said, "Huan'er, no matter why she said that, I must find her and ask her for the truth!"
The two of them then led their attendants to the residence of Li Changzai. Seeing them approach, Li Changzai looked flustered, but forced herself to remain calm and saluted: "Greetings to Sister Huanhuan and Sister Lingrong. I wonder what brings you here?"
Zhen Huan looked her straight in the eyes and spoke with authority, "Li Changzai, are you aware of the recent rumors in the palace that An Lingrong's father is corrupt and accepting bribes?"
Li Changzai's eyes flickered as he stammered, "Sister... I've only heard a little bit about it, but I don't know the details."
An Lingrong sneered, "Have you heard anything about it? You colluded with ministers outside the palace to spread this rumor, and you still dare to quibble!"
Upon hearing this, Concubine Li's face turned pale and she fell to her knees. "Sisters, please forgive me! That minister came to me and promised me great rewards. He said that if I could help spread the rumor in the palace, he would protect my position and give me countless jewels. I was blinded by greed and made such a big mistake."
Zhen Huan glared at him, "You've put others in dire straits for your own selfish reasons. Do you understand the serious consequences?"
Li Changzai burst into tears and begged for mercy, "Sisters, I know I was wrong! I am willing to confess to the emperor and ask for his forgiveness."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, and Zhen Huan said, "Wait a minute. If you truly repent, then hand over the letters you exchanged with that minister and other evidence. We will report this to the Emperor, and perhaps we can plead for a lighter sentence for you."
Li Changzai scrambled to her feet, found the letter, and presented it to Zhen Huan: "Sister, they are all here. I will give them all to you."
After leaving Li Changzai's palace, An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, this evidence can prove my father's innocence."
Zhen Huan shook her head, "Lingrong, this matter is probably not simple. Why did that minister frame your father? There must be something hidden."
An Lingrong's heart sank. "Huan'er, what do you mean?"
Zhen Huan said, "We need to investigate the minister's background and motives, as there may be a subsequent conspiracy."
After a careful investigation, it was finally found out that the minister's plan in the court was unintentionally sabotaged by An Lingrong's father, so he held a grudge and devised this vicious plan to take revenge on the An family, and to stir up disputes in the harem, in an attempt to reap the benefits.
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong presented the emperor with evidence and the results of the investigation. After bowing, Zhen Huan stated, "Your Majesty, An Lingrong's father was deliberately framed by court officials for corruption and bribery. Here are the evidence and the details of the investigation. Your Majesty, please examine them."
The Emperor took it and examined it carefully, his face furious. "I detest court jesters like these and those who stir up trouble in the harem! Pass on my decree; that minister be dismissed from his post and imprisoned, never to be reappointed. Consort Li, complicit in the frame-up, shall be punished with house arrest for three years, to reflect on his mistakes!"
An Lingrong kowtowed in thanks, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your wisdom and for clearing my father's name."
Zhen Huan also said: "Your Majesty is wise. This is the only way to ensure peace in the harem and court."
After leaving the Emperor's palace, An Lingrong breathed a sigh of relief: "Huan'er, this time I completely depend on you. Without your planning and help, I really don't know what to do."
Zhen Huan smiled faintly: "You and I are sisters, supporting each other is our duty. However, the palace struggles are endless, so we still need to be cautious."
Before they can catch their breath, a mysterious Taoist priest enters the palace, claiming to be able to concoct an elixir of immortality for the Emperor. The Emperor believes him, and many of his concubines vie to curry his favor. However, this Taoist priest seems to have a particular prejudice against Zhen Huan and An Lingrong. What new challenges will his entry into the palace bring to the two?