The Legend of Zhen Huan: Rebirth of An Lingrong: Counterattack to Become the Queen Mother

Chapter 241: Dangers Arise When Investigating the Secret Network

Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua discussed in a secret room in the palace.

Zhen Huan's eyes were firm. "Sister Hua Fei, Prince Shen's connections outside the palace must be complex and intertwined. We must not be careless in this investigation."

Concubine Hua nodded and said, "Of course, Zhen Huan, we must act separately. You start with the scholars and the literati, and I will investigate the wealthy businessmen."

Zhen Huan said, "Sister, this is a very good plan. I have arranged for Xiao Yunzi to take some smart people to watch the study that Prince Shen often visits to see if they can find anyone suspicious."

Concubine Hua sneered, "I have also sent Zhou Ninghai to find those merchants who have financial dealings with Prince Shen, and I will make sure they reveal their true intentions."

A few days later, Xiao Yunzi returned to the palace to report, "Your Highness, I discovered a mysterious scholar in the study, secretly exchanging letters with Prince Shen's staff. The scholar looked frail, but acted extremely panicked."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "Did you see the scholar clearly? Did you follow his whereabouts?"

Xiao Yunzi hurriedly said, "I followed him to a secluded courtyard, but there seemed to be guards around, so I didn't dare to approach rashly."

Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "You've done very well. Don't alert the enemy yet. Just keep watching."

Concubine Hua also received news. Zhou Ninghai hurried over and said, "Your Majesty, there is a wealthy businessman named Wang who has been frequently sending money and property to Prince Shen in recent months. I have also heard that this wealthy businessman Wang is involved with a mysterious organization."

Concubine Hua was surprised and asked, "A mysterious organization? Could it be related to a martial arts sect?"

Zhen Huan rushed over after hearing this and said, "It seems the power behind Prince Shen is far more complex than we imagined. We must find a way to get close to that wealthy businessman and find out the truth."

Hua Fei said, "That's not difficult. I'll find a reason to summon him into the palace and say we're discussing presenting precious treasures to the palace."

Wang the wealthy merchant was summoned to the palace and waited in a side hall. Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua slowly entered.

Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Boss Wang, I've long heard of your name."

Wang, the wealthy merchant, bowed hurriedly. "Your Highness, Imperial Noble Consort, Your Highness, Hua Fei, I am deeply troubled. I wonder why Your Highness is calling me?"

Concubine Hua said bluntly, "Boss Wang, I heard that you have close ties with Prince Shen. Is this true?"

Wang Fushang's expression changed: "Madam, this...this is all business dealings, nothing else."

Zhen Huan whispered, "Boss Wang, if you tell the truth, perhaps I and Concubine Hua can speak well of you in front of the Emperor. If you lie, your wealth and glory will be over."

Rich Merchant Wang's forehead was sweating as he hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, to be honest, the Prince of Shen did ask me to do some things for him, such as buying some rare items, and... also passing on information to some people in the martial arts world."

Zhen Huan pressed on, "What are the origins of those people from the Jianghu? What are they planning?"

Wang the wealthy businessman trembled and said, "I only know that they seem to be looking for a treasure, which is said to be of great help in the struggle for the great cause. This treasure seems to be related to the palace. I really don't know the details, Your Majesty!"

Concubine Hua shouted angrily: "How dare you, a profiteer, conceal this!"

Wang the wealthy businessman fell to his knees and said, "Please spare my life, Madam. That's all I know."

Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua exchanged a glance, and Zhen Huan said, "It seems we have to start with this treasure. Maybe we can find the key clue."

At this time, Prince Shen learned from his residence that the wealthy businessman Wang had been summoned to the palace. He secretly resented, "These two women are really difficult to deal with. But it won't be that easy to break my plan."

Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua continued to investigate and found that the clues pointed to an abandoned ancient temple.

Zhen Huan said to Concubine Hua, "Sister, this ancient temple has a strange atmosphere. We must be careful."

Hua Fei said: "What are you afraid of? With me here, those rats won't dare to do anything!"

But when they stepped into the ancient temple, they found the surroundings eerily quiet. Suddenly, hidden arrows were shot from all directions.

Zhen Huan exclaimed, "Sister, be careful!"

Concubine Hua angrily said, "Who is so bold as to plot against me?"

Their guards quickly protected their master and engaged in a battle with the enemy in the shadows. In this perilous moment, Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua fought side by side, but the road ahead was still shrouded in mystery. Whether they could overcome these crises and uncover the truth behind Prince Shen was still unknown. The only option was to forge ahead amidst these perils.