amaotonovel Chapter 257: Shadow Exploration and Danger
Chapter 257: Shadow Exploration and Danger
Zhen Huan frowned slightly: "Lingrong is right. This sudden attack by the Shadow Cult is definitely not accidental. There must be a deeper plan."
Concubine Hua was still furious: "No matter what his plan is, if he dares to act wildly under my nose, I will not let him off easily!"
An Lingrong whispered, "Huan'er, Sister Hua Fei, I'm thinking that the Shadow Cult came with such force today, but they haven't used their full strength yet. It seems like they're testing us."
Zhen Huan nodded. "I feel the same way. They might want to understand our strength and countermeasures so they can launch a more fierce attack next time."
Concubine Hua sneered, "Hmph! Next time? I'll make sure they're completely wiped out! But who's behind this Shadow Cult?"
An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "I've heard rumors that this Shadow Cult seems to have some connection to a minister in the court, but I don't know who it is yet."
Zhen Huan's eyes glared. "A minister in the court? If that's true, this matter becomes even more complicated. We can't jump to conclusions based on rumors alone. We need solid evidence."
Hua Fei asked, "Then how are we supposed to find evidence? We can't just search every minister's house one by one, right?"
An Lingrong said, "Don't worry, sister. I have an idea. We can start with those ministers whose activities are close to those of the Shadow Cult. We can secretly observe their every move and see if there is anything suspicious."
Zhen Huan praised: "Lingrong, this is a brilliant plan. Let's start by investigating the surrounding area, Xiao Yunzi."
Xiao Yunzi hurried forward: "My lady, I am here."
Zhen Huan ordered: "Take a few clever eunuchs and secretly monitor the residences of the ministers, especially their interactions with outsiders. Don't slack off in the slightest."
Xiao Yunzi took the order and left.
A few days later, Xiao Yunzi returned with a report: "Your Majesty, I have discovered that some mysterious individuals have been entering and leaving the residence of Lord Li, the Minister of Rites, recently. These individuals are acting furtively and appear to be bearing the markings of the Shadow Cult."
Zhen Huan's expression was solemn. "Minister of Rites? He has always kept a low profile in the court. How could he be involved with the Shadow Cult?"
An Lingrong said, "Perhaps he is just being used, or perhaps there is something else going on. We must find an opportunity to test him."
Hua Fei asked, "How do we test him? Just call him in and question him?"
Zhen Huan shook her head. "That's inappropriate. If he's really a member of the Shadow Cult, this will definitely alert them. We can invite him to a palace banquet and observe his behavior during the banquet."
At the palace banquet, Lord Li looked a little nervous.
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Master Li, you seem to be worried about something at the palace banquet today?"
Lord Li hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have been busy with official duties recently and am a little tired. I have no worries."
An Lingrong said softly, "Master Li, I heard your house is very busy these days. Is there any good news?"
Lord Li's expression changed slightly. "You are joking, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine An. Everything in my family is normal. There is no happy event."
Concubine Hua snorted coldly, "Master Li, is there some secret you cannot reveal?"
Lord Li's forehead was covered in sweat. "Empress Hua, I am loyal to the Emperor and have absolutely no secrets."
Zhen Huan saw this and had a plan in mind, but she still smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, Lord Li. I was just asking casually. Please enjoy this palace banquet."
After the palace banquet, Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong and Concubine Hua, "There must be something wrong with Lord Li. His reaction is too abnormal. We need to investigate his residence further."
An Lingrong said, "But his mansion must be heavily guarded. If we go there rashly, we might be in danger."
Concubine Hua said, "What are you afraid of? I'll bring my guards and rush in to see what he can do!"
Zhen Huan stopped her, "Sister, don't be impulsive. We can wait until the dead of night and have Xiao Yunzi and the others sneak in first to find out the situation before making a decision."
Late at night, Xiao Yunzi took a few agile eunuchs and carefully sneaked into Lord Li's mansion.
After returning, Xiao Yunzi reported to Zhen Huan, "Your Majesty, I found some secret letters in Lord Li's study. The letters seem to mention the Shadow Cult and a mysterious plan, but they don't mention the specifics, only the word 'moon'."
Zhen Huan was puzzled: "The word 'moon'? What does it mean? Is it a code name for a person? Or a place?"
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, I think this may be a key clue. We can start by looking for things or people related to the moon."
Hua Fei was impatient: "How long will it take to find out? I don't have the patience!"
Zhen Huan comforted her, "Sister, there's no need to rush this matter. We're already one step closer to the truth. As long as we continue to investigate, we'll definitely uncover the Shadow Cult's conspiracy."
At this time, another eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, Prince Shen recently met secretly with Lord Li. I wonder what they were discussing."
Zhen Huan's eyes turned cold: "Prince Shen? He's involved again? It seems that the conspiracy behind this is getting more complicated."
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, Prince Shen has always been ambitious. He is colluding with the Shadow Cult, surely to seek greater benefits."
Hua Fei said angrily: "This Shen Junwang is really haunting us! We must stop them as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."
Zhen Huan nodded. "Let's first inform the Emperor of this situation, and then discuss our next steps. The conspiracy between the Shadow Cult and Prince Shen must not be allowed to succeed. We must protect the peace of the harem and the court."