amaotonovel Chapter 217 Ling Huan bravely moves forward through the fog
Chapter 217 Ling Huan bravely moves forward through the fog
Zhen Huan said respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise. With Your Majesty making the decision for us, we feel at ease."
An Lingrong also said, "Your Majesty, Zhao Qinian has been operating in the court for many years and his power is complex and intertwined. I hope Your Majesty will be very careful when conducting a thorough investigation."
Hua Fei then interjected, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be resolved quickly to avoid any further complications. I wonder what schemes Zhao Qinian might come up with."
The emperor nodded slightly: "I know what's going on. You may withdraw."
Zhen Huan and others thanked him and left.
As they reached the palace entrance, An Lingrong whispered, "Huan'er, do you think the Emperor can truly root out that old fox Zhao Qinian this time?"
Zhen Huan frowned slightly. "This Zhao Qinian is extremely cunning. Although the Emperor has ordered a thorough investigation, I'm afraid the process won't be smooth. However, as long as we can find enough evidence, he will be unable to escape."
Hua Fei snorted, "Who cares! We can't just rely on the Emperor, we have to think of a way ourselves. I don't believe he can be flawless."
Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Sister, you're right. We might as well start with the officials who had close ties with him. Perhaps we can find some clues."
An Lingrong asked, "But how could those officials easily reveal the truth?"
Zhen Huan said, "We can try this indirectly, starting with their families or servants. Lingrong, you're an expert at making spices. You could create some unique spices that can help people relax and soothe. We can use this to get closer to the officials' families and extract information from them."
An Lingrong's eyes lit up: "Huan'er, this is a very good plan. I will go back and prepare it now."
Hua Fei said, "Then I will order Song Zhi to keep an eye on the mansions of those officials to see if anyone unusual comes in or out."
A few days later, An Lingrong arrived with the prepared spices. "Huan'er, I've added some special ingredients to these spices. The scent is light and elegant, yet soothing. It's perfect for approaching those ladies."
Zhen Huan took it and smelled it: "Lingrong, your spices are indeed exquisite. Let's go now."
They first arrived at Minister Li's house. Upon hearing that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong had arrived, Minister Li's wife hurried out to greet them, saying, "I didn't know Concubine Xi and Concubine An were so kind to come. I hope you will forgive me for not welcoming you."
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "You are so polite, Madam. Today, Concubine An and I have acquired some fine spices, and I wanted to taste them with you."
Madam Li hurriedly said, "The two noble concubines are so kind to me. I am overwhelmed."
After everyone was seated, An Lingrong lit the spices. The curling green smoke dissipated, and a faint fragrance filled the room.
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Madam, do you like this spice?"
Madam Li took a deep breath and said, "Oh, this fragrance is so refreshing. I have never smelled such a wonderful fragrance before."
An Lingrong said, "As long as Madam likes it, that's good. Actually, this spice has another wonderful benefit: it can relieve stress and alleviate insomnia. Madam, you must be tired from taking care of household affairs every day, so you can use more."
Madam Li said gratefully, "Thank you, Noble Concubine An, for your concern. I'm afraid the two ladies didn't come here just to bring spices, did they?"
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, and Zhen Huan slowly spoke, "Madam, you are very intelligent. To be honest, there have been some recent events at court involving some officials. We have heard that Minister Li has close ties with some of them, and we would like to ask Madam for some information."
Madam Li's expression changed slightly. "This... I am just a woman, and I don't know what's going on in the court."
Hua Fei said from the side: "Madam, you know that the palace is closely connected with the court. If an official really has ill intentions, once the incident is exposed, it will probably implicate the whole family. If you know anything, please tell me, for the sake of Minister Li and his family."
Madam Li hesitated for a moment and said, "I do occasionally hear you mention Master Zhao, and your words seem to express awe for him. As for the rest, I really don't know."
Zhen Huan nodded: "Thank you, Madam, for telling me. Madam, don't worry, if Minister Li is not involved, he will not be implicated."
After leaving Minister Li's house, An Lingrong said, "It seems that Zhao Qinian has a high prestige in the court. Even Minister Li is in awe of him."
Hua Fei said: "Humph! The more this happens, the more it shows that there is something wrong with him. Let's go to another place to have a look."
Then, they visited several officials' residences. Although they did not get much information, they gradually pieced together some clues. It seemed that Zhao Qinian was secretly planning a huge conspiracy involving military pay and food.
Zhen Huan said solemnly, "If he really tampered with the military pay, it would be a matter that would shake the foundation of the country and must not be tolerated."
An Lingrong said worriedly, "But we don't have any solid evidence yet. It's difficult to convict him based on just the few words from these officials' families."
Hua Fei said: "We will organize these clues and present them to the emperor, and then ask the emperor to send people to conduct an in-depth investigation."
Zhen Huan said, "That's the only way. But we still need to be careful not to let Zhao Qinian notice our actions, otherwise he will definitely harm us."
However, Zhao Qinian got wind of their actions and secretly sent people to set a trap on the palace road, intending to murder Zhen Huan and others.
On this day, when Zhen Huan and others were on their way back to the palace, they passed by a forest when suddenly several hidden arrows shot out from a tree.
An Lingrong exclaimed, "Be careful!"
Zhen Huan reacted quickly, pulling An Lingrong aside and asking, "Who is it? How dare you assassinate me in the palace?"
Concubine Hua angrily said, "It must be that Zhao Qinian's doing!"
The guards immediately engaged the assassins, but they seemed to have been prepared, with a large number of men and strong martial arts skills.
Zhen Huan said to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, take Concubine Hua and find a safe place to hide. I will hold them back."
An Lingrong said anxiously, "Huan'er, no, it's too dangerous!"
Zhen Huan said, "There's no time to argue. Let's go!"
An Lingrong and Concubine Hua had no choice but to retreat deep into the woods. Zhen Huan pulled a dagger from her sleeve and fought the assassin.
Zhen Huan dodged the arrows while shouting, "Who are you? Who ordered you to do this?"
The assassins did not answer, but continued to attack.
Just as Zhen Huan was losing ground, the sound of horse hooves could be heard in the distance. It turned out that Prince Guo had heard about the unusual movement in the palace and had come with his guards to support them.
Prince Guo shouted, "Don't be afraid, Concubine Xi, I'm here!"
With the help of Prince Guo, the assassins were quickly repelled.
Zhen Huan breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving me in time."
Prince Guo dismounted and saluted, "Your Highness is very polite. I heard there was a fight here and was worried about your safety, so I rushed over."
Zhen Huan asked, "Your Highness, do you know who sent these assassins?"
Prince Guo frowned. "Although I don't have any evidence yet, I think it must be someone related to the matter your majesty is investigating. Your majesty, please be more careful in the future."
Zhen Huan nodded: "I understand. I will remember your kindness today, Your Highness."
After returning to the palace, Zhen Huan informed the Emperor of this incident. The Emperor was furious: "Zhao Qinian is so bold! How dare he assassinate the imperial concubine in the palace! I must expedite the investigation and bring him to justice!"
Zhen Huan and others know that as the investigation deepens, the danger is getting closer and closer, but they have no way out and can only continue to fight the dark forces to the end and protect the peace of the harem and the court.