0p0 Chapter 175 Ling Huan's chess game and marriage plan
Chapter 175 Ling Huan's chess game and marriage plan
Zhen Huan looked off into the distance, worriedly saying, "Lingrong, this foreign princess is coming with such force, and the Emperor's eyes have been fixed on her for days. What should we do?"
An Lingrong sighed softly, "Huan'er, don't worry. Let's first see what the princess's intentions are, and then make any plans."
A few days later, a grand banquet was held in the palace, at which the foreign princess performed a dance. She was dressed in gorgeous clothes and danced gracefully, captivating everyone.
Zhen Huan whispered to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, look at her dance. It seems to be telling you something. I'm afraid she has other intentions."
An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er, I also think this dance has ulterior motives. Let's see how the Emperor reacts."
After the dance, the emperor was delighted and rewarded them with many treasures. After thanking him, the foreign princess looked at Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, a subtle look flashing in her eyes.
Zhen Huan stood up and said with a faint smile, "Princess, your dance is so graceful. This has really broadened my horizons."
The foreign princess bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, Concubine Xi, are too kind. In my country, women are all good at singing and dancing to please their loved ones."
An Lingrong's heart moved, and she asked, "Princess, you are so beautiful and talented, I'm sure you have many admirers in your country, right?"
The princess smiled and said, "My Lady An, you are joking. I am only devoted to the Emperor and wish to accompany him in this palace."
At this time, Chun Changzai said innocently: "Princess, what do you do in your country?"
The princess replied, "Chun Changzai, I often ride horses and practice archery in my own country, and I don't feel as constrained as I do in this palace."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other and both felt that the princess had a straightforward personality, but seemed to have a hidden edge.
After the feast, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong strolled in the garden. Zhen Huan said, "Lingrong, this princess may seem innocent, but she's actually quite complex. Her phrase 'to please her beloved' must have been a taunt to us."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I feel the same way. If she wants to gain a foothold in the palace, she will definitely find a way to suppress us. We must strike first."
Zhen Huan thought for a moment: "But we know very little about her situation. If we act rashly, we might end up in a passive position."
An Lingrong thought for a moment and said, "Huan'er, I heard that she has a personal maid who often passes messages to people outside the palace. Perhaps we can start from there."
Zhen Huan nodded: "This plan is feasible. Let Jinxi make arrangements and find a smart palace maid to investigate the situation."
A few days later, the maid reported back, "Your Majesty, I've learned that the foreign princess has been secretly exchanging letters with a minister from her own country. The letters seem to mention that in order to gain a firm foothold in the palace, some obstacles must be removed."
Zhen Huan's eyes turned cold: "It seems that this princess wants to attack us. Lingrong, we can't just sit there and wait for death."
An Lingrong said calmly, "Huan'er, let's inform the Emperor first, but we can't appear to be deliberately framing him."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong approached the Emperor. After bowing, Zhen Huan tactfully said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that princesses from foreign countries often correspond with ministers in their own countries when they miss their homeland. This is perfectly normal. However, I am concerned that the rules of this palace differ from those of other countries. I am afraid that the princess might break some of the rules due to her longing for home, which would bring disgrace to the royal family."
The emperor frowned slightly: "Hanhuan, I will pay attention to this matter. You can leave now."
After leaving the Emperor's palace, An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, the Emperor doesn't completely trust us. We have to find another way."
Zhen Huan said, "I think the princess is quite conceited about her dancing. We might as well make a fuss about it."
An Lingrong's eyes lit up: "Huan'er, are you saying you want to find someone who dances better than her?"
Zhen Huan nodded, "Exactly. We can hold a dance competition in the palace and invite the princess to participate. Let her know that the palace is full of talented people."
An Lingrong smiled and said, "Huan'er, this is a brilliant plan. But it's hard to find someone with such outstanding dancing skills in a short time."
Zhen Huan said, "I think of someone. Sister Mei's dancing is quite outstanding, and she is of the same mind as us. We can ask her for help."
So, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong went to consult with Shen Meizhuang. After Zhen Huan explained her purpose, Shen Meizhuang readily agreed: "Huan'er, Lingrong, don't worry. I will lend you a helping hand."
On the day of the dance competition, everyone in the palace came to watch. The foreign princess confidently walked onto the stage and performed a dance. Everyone cheered.
When it was Shen Meizhuang's turn, she danced gracefully in her elegant dance costume. Her movements were like flowing clouds and water, exuding a cool and elegant aura.
After the dance, everyone praised Shen Meizhuang's dancing skills as superior. The foreign princess's face changed slightly, but she still pretended to be calm: "Sister Meizhuang's dancing skills are indeed superb. I am ashamed to be inferior to her."
Shen Meizhuang smiled and said, "Princess, you are too kind. I only know a little about dancing, how can I compare to your exotic charm."
This competition may seem like a mere contest of dancing skills, but in reality it's a covert confrontation between Zhen Huan and An Lingrong and a foreign princess. Although they have temporarily gained the upper hand, they know that the harem struggle is far from over and more challenges lie ahead.