nashuaworldcup Chapter 198 Ling Huan Returns to the Palace to Plan a New Chapter
Chapter 198 Ling Huan Returns to the Palace to Plan a New Chapter
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong hurried back to the palace. Along the way, An Lingrong was still in a state of panic: "Huan'er, this time we were surrounded by dangers. If it weren't for you and my quick wits, I'm afraid we would have had a hard time escaping."
Zhen Huan brushed her hair gently from her forehead and said, "Yes, Lingrong. In this palace, conspiracies and intrigues are everywhere. However, after this incident, we have also obtained the key account books. As long as we use them wisely, we will be able to expose the conspiracy behind it."
An Lingrong nodded slightly: "I hope so. However, there is still something in my heart that I can't let go of."
Zhen Huan glanced sideways and asked, "Lingrong, what's bothering you so much?"
An Lingrong bit her lower lip and said, "My father's concubine, Aunt Bai, and my two younger sisters, six and twelve. I'm really worried about their safety in the mansion. The palace is in turmoil, and I'm afraid the mansion will be affected as well."
Zhen Huan held her hand and comforted her, "Lingrong, don't worry too much. Tell me, how do you want to arrange for them?"
An Lingrong looked up at Zhen Huan, her eyes full of anticipation. "Huan'er, I'd like to ask your brother for a favor. Ask Brother Zhen to take Aunt Bai and my two sisters to his house. That way, I can feel more at ease."
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and replied, "That's a good idea. My brother has always been chivalrous and would definitely agree. However, this matter needs to be carefully considered and we can't rush into anything, lest it attract attention."
An Lingrong said gratefully, "Huan'er, if you can do this, I will feel much more at ease. I have been inconvenienced in this palace, and it is all thanks to you."
Zhen Huan smiled faintly and said, "You and I are sisters, so why thank me? However, before we can settle them, we must first deal with the current situation. We must be extremely careful with this account book."
An Lingrong asked, "Huan'er, how do you plan to use this account book?"
Zhen Huan lowered her voice, "This account book has a lot of implications. Let's first find a reliable person to carefully check the contents and find solid evidence. Then we can find the right time to present it to the emperor. We must not alert the enemy and let the person behind the scenes take precautions."
An Lingrong agreed, "Huan'er is absolutely right. However, there aren't many trustworthy people in the palace. Who should I turn to for verification of the accounts?"
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Jin Xi, who is by my side, is cautious and thoughtful, and is qualified for this task. I will discuss it with her first."
Upon returning to the palace, Zhen Huan immediately summoned Jin Xi and informed her of the account book incident. Jin Xi said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. I will do my utmost. However, we may encounter many obstacles along the way. Please be careful, Your Majesty and the young lady."
An Lingrong said to Jinxi, "Jinxi, I'm leaving everything up to you. If there's anything going on, please let us know."
Jin Xi nodded and said, "Don't worry, my lady, I will keep an eye on it."
Later, An Lingrong mentioned to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, I always feel that the conspiracy behind this is more than just this. The Taoist priest's matter, the prince's dispute over the military commander, and the forces behind this account book, all seem to be connected by an invisible thread."
Zhen Huan frowned, "Lingrong, you're not without reason. I have a hunch too. There's a powerful force in the palace secretly manipulating everything. Everything we've experienced is just pawns in their game."
An Lingrong said worriedly, "Then how should we respond? Our strength is so small, how can we contend with this force?"
Zhen Huan's eyes were firm. "Although our power is limited, as long as you and I work together, and with the help of those who truly care about us, we may be able to break through. Let's start with this account book and uncover the truth step by step."
As they were speaking, the eunuch Xiao Yunzi came to report, "Your Majesty, someone from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that there have been some problems with the spice supply in the palace recently. They said that the spice shop outside the palace of Princess An seems to be in trouble."
An Lingrong was shocked. "What's going on? My spice shop has always been operating smoothly, how could it suddenly go wrong? Could someone have done this on purpose?"
Zhen Huan comforted her, "Lingrong, don't worry. Let's first understand the situation and then make a decision. Who knows, this might be another conspiracy by the person behind the scenes, trying to put pressure on you from outside the palace."
The two of them then went to the Imperial Household Department, only to see the chief steward of the department say with an embarrassed look on his face: "My two young masters, this spice shop has been reported, saying that the spices they supply contain prohibited substances. What should we do?"
An Lingrong said calmly, "My Lord, my spice shop has always strictly adhered to palace regulations, and the spices we use are all legal. Someone must have maliciously framed me. Please investigate."
The head steward of the Imperial Household Department rubbed his hands and said, "My lady, the person who reported it is very convincing and has even produced so-called evidence. Our family is also in a difficult situation."
Zhen Huan said, "My lord, there must be a misunderstanding. Lady An's spice shop is quite famous in the palace, and the Emperor once inscribed a plaque for it. How could it be that something was forbidden? Please don't just believe one side of the story. Let us investigate."
The head steward of the Imperial Household Department hesitated and said, "Well... well, my two young ladies, I'll give you some time, but this matter is urgent and can't be delayed for too long."
After leaving the Imperial Household Department, An Lingrong angrily said, "Huan'er, someone must have deliberately framed me to destroy my spice shop and cut off my escape route."
Zhen Huan analyzed, "Lingrong, don't be angry yet. Let's think about it. Who would attack your spice shop at this time? Is it a business competitor of yours, or the person behind the palace conspiracy?"
An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "I think both are possible. That business rival has always been jealous of my spice shop's business, and if the person behind the scenes wants to attack me, the spice shop is a good place to start."
Zhen Huan nodded. "No matter who they are, we can't let them succeed. Let's send someone to the spice shop to investigate and see what the so-called evidence is. At the same time, I'll have my brother expedite the placement of Aunt Bai and your sister to avoid any further complications."
An Lingrong said gratefully, "Huan'er, thank goodness you're by my side. If it weren't for you, I really don't know how I would have faced these difficulties."
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "We are sisters. We share happiness and hardship. As long as we don't give up, we will be able to carve out a path of our own in this palace."