jdhmnovel Chapter 200 Ling Huan Returns to Jingtao
Chapter 200 Ling Huan Returns to Jingtao
A few days later, the person who went to investigate the spice shop was inexplicably murdered. Upon hearing the news, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were horrified.
An Lingrong trembled and said, "Huan'er, what should we do? They even dared to touch the Queen Mother's people. They want to fight us to the death!"
Zhen Huan's face was solemn. "It seems we have underestimated the ruthlessness of our opponents. But the more so, the more we cannot retreat. Lingrong, we must quickly find more powerful evidence to expose their conspiracy, otherwise we will be doomed."
An Lingrong bit her lower lip. "But where does this evidence come from? The account book has some clues, but it's not completely clear."
Zhen Huan pondered for a moment. "Let's not worry about that for now. The most urgent matter is the spice shop. Don't panic. I've asked Brother Zhen to handle the matter of your father's ten thousand silver notes. He's very thoughtful and will definitely be able to find some clues, and perhaps even find the person behind this."
With tears in her eyes, An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, if you can get through this hard time, I, An Lingrong, will repay you with a generous gesture."
Zhen Huan held her hand and said, "We are sisters, why say such things?"
Soon after, Zhen Yuandao entered the palace.
Zhen Huan asked anxiously, "Brother, how is the matter going?"
Zhen Yuandao's expression was calm. "I've been investigating the silver note for a long time and discovered that Lord Li is indeed behind it. He seems to be plotting a major conspiracy, colluding with several officials. I'm afraid he was also secretly behind the spice shop incident."
An Lingrong angrily asked, "Why is Lord Li targeting us like this?"
Zhen Yuandao glanced at her and said, "My Lady An, your spice shop is booming, and you've even been awarded a plaque by the Emperor. You've already been the subject of jealousy and resentment. Lord Li is just the one in front of the crowd, and there may be other forces behind the scenes fanning the flames."
Zhen Huan frowned, "Brother, how should we respond?"
Zhen Yuandao pulled out a sheaf of paper from his bosom. "This is the list of officials I've found who colluded with Lord Li, along with some of their correspondence. While it's not exhaustive, it's still useful. For now, we can present this to the Emperor. However, the risks are considerable, so we need to plan carefully."
An Lingrong hesitated and said, "Will the Emperor believe us? What if Lord Li turns against us..."
Zhen Huan's eyes were firm. "We have this evidence in hand, which is better than sitting and waiting for death. We can also try to insinuate ourselves and make the Emperor suspicious of Lord Li."
Therefore, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong made careful preparations, intending to make suggestions to the Emperor at the right time.
That day, in the imperial garden, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong met the emperor by chance.
Zhen Huan bowed: "May the Emperor be blessed."
The emperor smiled and said, "Huanhuan, Lingrong, why are you here today?"
Zhen Huan said gently, "Your Majesty, Lingrong and I have recently heard some interesting stories from the court and would like to share them with Your Majesty."
The emperor was curious: "Oh? What's the matter?"
An Lingrong whispered, "Your Majesty, I've heard that Lord Li has close ties with many officials in the court, and seems to be forming a clique for personal gain. Furthermore, I have a strong feeling that he is involved in the false accusations against my spice shop."
The emperor frowned slightly: "Is there any evidence?"
Zhen Huan presented the stack of paper: "Your Majesty, this is something that Lingrong and I found by chance. Although I dare not make a definitive statement, I hope Your Majesty will understand."
The emperor took it, flipped through a few pages, and his face darkened. "I will handle this matter myself."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other and saw a glimmer of hope in each other's eyes.
However, Lord Li, upon hearing the news, would not sit idly by. He entered the palace to beg for an audience with the Emperor, crying, "Your Majesty, I am innocent. This was deliberately framed by Zhen Huan and An Lingrong. I have devoted my life to the court, how could I have done such a thing?"
The emperor's doubts arose again, and he summoned Zhen Huan and An Lingrong to confront them.
When Lord Li saw them, he sternly asked, "Zhen Huan, An Lingrong, why are you slandering me?"
Zhen Huan responded calmly, "Master Li, if you have nothing to hide, why are you so flustered? Is the evidence we presented fabricated?"
An Lingrong also said, "Sir, do you really think no one knows what you have done in the court?"
Several people argued endlessly in front of the emperor, and the emperor was unable to make a decision for a while.
Seeing this, Zhen Huan bowed to the Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, Lingrong and I are willing to accept any investigation to prove our innocence. Please also investigate Lord Li thoroughly. If we have falsely accused you, we are willing to accept the punishment."
The emperor pondered for a long time and said, "I need to consider this matter again. You can leave now."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong had no choice but to retreat, knowing that this fight was far from over.
Back at her residence, An Lingrong was filled with worry: "Huan'er, the Emperor seems to distrust us. What should we do?"
Zhen Huan comforted her, "Don't worry. The Emperor is not a foolish ruler. He will investigate thoroughly. We just need to wait patiently for good news. In the meantime, we must be careful to guard against Lord Li's revenge."
But before the emperor could conduct a thorough investigation, Lord Li secretly sent people to take action against Zhen Huan and An Lingrong.
That night, a sudden commotion erupted outside Zhen Huan's residence. Alerted, Zhen Huan and Jin Xi got up to investigate. They saw a group of men in black fighting with the guards.
Zhen Huan was shocked: "Lingrong!" She was worried about An Lingrong's safety and wanted to go to An Lingrong regardless of the danger.
Jin Xi tried to stop her: "Your Majesty, no, it's dangerous outside!"
Zhen Huan resolutely said: "I can't abandon Lingrong!"
At this time, An Lingrong was also attacked by men in black. An Lingrong hid in the house, trembling and praying silently in her heart.
Fortunately, Zhen Yuandao was prepared and arrived in time with his guards to repel the men in black.
Zhen Yuandao went inside to check: "Sister, Miss Lingrong, I hope you are all right."
Zhen Huan was still terrified: "Brother, thank you so much. How dare Lord Li be so bold!"
An Lingrong cried, "When will this end?"
Zhen Huan's eyes were firm: "Lingrong, don't be afraid. After this incident, the Emperor will surely see Lord Li's true face. We will definitely survive this."
After the storm subsided, the Emperor discovered the truth and found that Lord Li had indeed committed many illegal acts and was severely punished. Zhen Huan and An Lingrong finally won the palace struggle temporarily, but they knew that the road ahead was still full of thorns.