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

Chapter 196 Ling Huan's plan to break the rumor and protect herself

Zhen Huan's face was solemn as she spoke to An Lingrong, "Lingrong, Lord Li is spreading malicious rumors in the court, and the situation is urgent. I have arranged for your father to live with my mother and have asked my brother to protect him with all his might. This will temporarily keep your uncle safe and prevent others from finding leverage against him and causing further trouble."

An Lingrong looked at Zhen Huan gratefully: "Huan'er, you are always so thoughtful! But this rumor is so strong, what should we do? If the emperor believes it, we will be doomed."

Zhen Huan pondered for a moment, her eyes firm. "We must not lose our composure. The most urgent task is to find evidence to prove our innocence. I have asked Jin Xi to secretly investigate the source of this rumor to see if they can find the person behind it."

An Lingrong paced anxiously, "Huan'er, everyone in this palace is waiting to see us laughed at, eager for our complete defeat. Why would Lord Li frame us like this? Is it simply to disrupt the situation regarding the prince's military command?"

Zhen Huan shook her head slightly. "I'm afraid it's more than that. Perhaps he has someone behind the scenes, trying to use this incident to completely eliminate us and gain benefits for others."

At this time, Zhen Huan's brother Zhen Yuandao arrived to ask for an audience. He entered the palace, bowed to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong, and said, "Sister, Miss Lingrong, while I was protecting Lord An, I noticed some suspicious people wandering outside the mansion, seemingly monitoring Lord An's every move."

Zhen Huan frowned. "It seems they want to find more things to exploit from Uncle An. Brother, do you have any countermeasures?"

Zhen Yuandao said confidently, "I've already sent more people to drive away those suspicious individuals. Furthermore, I've also set up some secret guards in the mansion just in case. However, we can't just sit there passively on the defensive all the time; we need to take the initiative."

An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Brother Zhen is right. We can't just wait to be drowned by rumors. Huan'er, can we go and ask to see the Emperor and prove our loyalty and innocence to him?"

Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Directly requesting an audience with the Emperor may not be a good idea. He may be furious right now, and going there rashly could backfire. Let's gather evidence first, and then go see him when we're confident enough."

An Lingrong nodded helplessly: "That's the only way. But where do I even start looking for evidence?"

Zhen Huan said, "Since Lord Li dared to spread rumors in the court, he must have left some clues. We can start with the people around him, such as his staff and attendants, and see if we can get some information from them."

An Lingrong agreed, "Huan'er, this is a very good plan. I can also ask my mother and Concubine Xiao to keep an eye outside the palace to see if they can find anything unusual. They have been running the spice shop for many years and have extensive connections, so perhaps they can be of help."

Zhen Huan nodded. "That's great. If we work on both fronts, we'll definitely be able to find evidence quickly."

A few days later, Jinxi came to report, "Your Majesty, Young Master, I've discovered that Lord Li has been meeting frequently with a mysterious individual. Each time, he comes late at night and his movements are cryptic. I've also discovered that one of Lord Li's staff seems disgruntled and has expressed dissatisfaction with some of his actions."

Zhen Huan was delighted. "It seems we've found a breakthrough. Keep an eye on that aide and find a chance to interact with him to see if you can get any useful information from him."

An Lingrong also said, "Huan'er, my mother and Concubine Xiao have also received news. They heard that some unidentified people often come and go in a remote house in the capital, and that the house seems to have some connection with Master Li."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "This must be the key. We must find a way to go to that house and investigate."

An Lingrong was a little worried: "Huan'er, this is too dangerous. The mansion must be heavily guarded. If we go there rashly and are discovered, we will be dead."

Zhen Huan gritted her teeth and said, "We have come to this point. There is no turning back. However, we cannot act rashly. I think we can find an excuse, such as going to a nearby temple to pray, and then pass by the house on the way, and then take the opportunity to investigate."

An Lingrong hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Huan'er, I'll listen to you. I just hope that this time we can succeed, find evidence, and clear our name."

Zhen Huan and An Lingrong meticulously planned their journey, accompanied by a few trusted aides, pretending to pray at a temple and heading towards the mansion. Along the way, they felt a wave of trepidation, unsure of what awaited them. But determined to clear their name, they bravely pressed forward. As they neared the mansion, their ability to uncover evidence and avoid danger remained uncertain.