coobybook Chapter 322: Preventing Problems from Emerging and Making Clever Plans
Chapter 322: Preventing Problems from Emerging and Making Clever Plans
Zhen Huan moved lightly, her expression solemn. "Although the Queen is under house arrest, her followers are still around. I'm afraid they might secretly stir up trouble and try to overturn the verdict."
An Lingrong nodded slightly, her brows furrowed slightly. "Huan'er, we must first investigate everyone around the Queen, especially those who frequently have contact with the outside world, to prevent them from passing on information or continuing to plot evil."
Concubine Hua's beautiful eyes were filled with murderous intent, and she gritted her teeth as she said, "That's right! We must not let them take advantage of this opportunity! I will give the order immediately and send more people to keep an eye on them."
Zhen Huan gently waved her jade hand: "Sister, wait a minute. If we make a big fuss, we might alert the enemy. Why not start with some insignificant palace maids and eunuchs, offer them a generous reward, and perhaps we can find out some truth."
An Lingrong's eyes lit up. "Huan'er, this is a brilliant idea. I have some precious spices that can be used as rewards. They will surely be tempted."
Concubine Hua nodded: "That's fine. Then I'll do as you say and proceed quietly."
A few days later, a palace maid came to report: "Your Majesty, I discovered that Cuiguo, who is always beside the Queen, often secretly exchanges items with a eunuch from the Imperial Household Department. The eunuch is acting suspiciously and there seems to be something fishy going on."
Zhen Huan's eyes glared, "Can you see clearly what it is?"
The maid shook her head. "It was dark, so I couldn't see clearly. I only saw that it looked like a small package."
An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Don't worry. I'll concoct a scent that can enhance eyesight. The next time Cuiguo encounters that eunuch, I'll have someone nearby secretly administer it. Perhaps they'll be able to spot something."
After the spices were made, they arranged them.
Sure enough, when Cuiguo met the eunuch again, the people in ambush used the spices to see clearly that there were some letters in the package.
Concubine Hua shouted angrily: "Catch them for me!"
Cuiguo and the eunuch were captured. Concubine Hua snatched the letter and unfolded it. Her face changed drastically: "Zhen Huan, Lingrong, this letter actually contains content of collusion with ministers of the previous dynasty. It seems that they are planning to rescue the queen and even harm us!"
Zhen Huan took the letter, read it carefully, and sneered, "How bold of them! They think they can succeed just like that?"
An Lingrong said, "Huan'er, we must report this to the Emperor immediately. With these letters, the Empress and her allies will surely be held accountable."
Zhen Huan shook her head slightly. "The Emperor has just recovered from his illness and shouldn't be provoked. Furthermore, while these letters mention something, they don't provide any details. We need to investigate further and root out the entire conspiracy before we can strike a fatal blow."
Although Concubine Hua was unwilling, she also knew that what Zhen Huan said made sense: "Then according to your opinion, what should we do?"
Zhen Huan said, "We can first detain Cuiguo and the eunuch in a secret place. Lingrong and I will personally interrogate them and uncover more secrets. Sister, please keep an eye on the Queen's followers outside and report any unusual activity immediately."
An Lingrong and Zhen Huan arrived at the place of imprisonment.
Zhen Huan gazed at Cuiguo and said slowly, "Cuiguo, if you tell the truth, I, considering your many years in the palace, may be able to give you a lighter sentence. Otherwise, the Queen is now in a state of distress, so why should you be buried with her?"
Cuiguo fell to her knees and cried, "Your Majesty, I was forced into this situation. The Empress threatened me that if I didn't follow her orders, my whole family would be killed."
An Lingrong asked softly, "What conspiracy did you exchange with that eunuch in the letters? Did they contain any follow-up plans regarding poisoning the Emperor?"
Cui Guo trembled as she spoke, "Your Majesty, the letter did mention that they were going to try to sow dislike in the Emperor towards the ladies, and that someone outside the palace would cooperate. I don't know how this will be implemented, but I do know that the eunuch seems to have connections with a certain Lord Li, and that Lord Li will try to mediate within the court."
Zhen Huan and An Lingrong looked at each other and saw worry in each other's eyes.
Zhen Huan asked, "Who is this Lord Li? It seems we still have a long way to go in our investigation. Lingrong, we must be careful and not fall into their trap."
An Lingrong nodded firmly: "Don't worry, Huan'er. As long as we sisters work together, we will be able to overcome this crisis, protect this harem, and move steadily towards our goal."
Amidst the turbulent circumstances of the harem, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Concubine Hua are closely connected. Using wisdom as their sword and courage as their shield, they search for the truth in the thick fog and stick to their hearts amidst the stormy waves. Although the road ahead is unpredictable, they are fearless and determined to continue writing their own legendary chapters. No matter how fierce the storm is, they will never change their determination and vow to create an immortal legend deep in this palace.