coobybook Chapter 287: Dangerous situation and truth
Chapter 287: Dangerous situation and truth
Zhen Huan's eyes were firm as she said resolutely, "Little Yun is clever and intelligent, and will definitely be able to find out some useful information. However, the palace guards must not slack off in the slightest."
An Lingrong frowned slightly. "Huan'er, Prince Ning dared to send someone into the palace so brazenly to assassinate him. His influence outside the palace must be formidable. Should we inform our family members and take extra precautions?"
Zhen Huan nodded. "Lingrong is absolutely right. I will write a letter to my father, asking him to send more people to the palace and keep an eye on those in the court who have close ties with Prince Ning. Sister Hua Fei, your mother's family is also quite prestigious in the court. I wonder if it would be possible to..."
Concubine Hua said proudly, "Hmph! I will give the order myself. If Prince Ning dares to touch my mother's family, I will make him regret it!"
Mei Zhuang said softly, "Although we have increased our guard, there are so many people in the palace, and it's inevitable that someone with ill intentions could be secretly bribed by Prince Ning. We still need to take a long-term view and find out Prince Ning's true intentions before we can completely resolve this matter."
A few days later, Xiao Yunzi returned with a report: "Your Majesty, I have discovered that Prince Ning has close ties with a certain martial arts sect. I have heard that this sect is skilled in poisoning. I am worried that they will harm you, Your Majesty."
Zhen Huan's expression changed. "Poison? What should we do? Lingrong, you are quite knowledgeable about spices. Is there any way to prevent it?"
An Lingrong pondered for a moment. "Huan'er, I can make some sachets filled with poison-repelling herbs and have them worn by everyone in the palace. However, this can only provide temporary peace. We must also quickly uncover Prince Ning's conspiracy."
Concubine Hua said anxiously, "What are you waiting for? Let Lingrong prepare the sachet!"
An Lingrong immediately went to prepare spices and make sachets.
At this time, Prince Ning was discussing with the leader of the martial arts sect in his mansion.
Prince Ning said in a deep voice, "The men I sent failed. Zhen Huan and the others must be on high alert now. Do you have any better ideas?"
The head of the sect said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have developed a colorless and odorless poison powder that can be spread through the air. As long as we quietly spread it in the harem, Zhen Huan and others will be poisoned to death."
Prince Ning hesitated and said, "Is this poison powder really that powerful? Please don't implicate innocent people."
The head of the sect said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. This poison powder will only target specific people. As long as we get the hair or personal belongings of Zhen Huan and others, we can poison them."
Prince Ning said, "Then do it as soon as possible. I will eliminate Zhen Huan and others as soon as possible and seize the throne."
It turns out that Prince Ning has coveted the throne for a long time. He believes that Zhen Huan and An Lingrong are favored in the harem, and Zhen Huan's father is quite powerful in the court, which hinders his plan. So he wants to get rid of them secretly, and then put the blame on others, causing chaos in the court, so that he can take the opportunity to ascend to the throne.
Zhen Huan and others were distributing sachets in the palace while continuing to investigate Prince Ning.
Chun Er came over and said to Zhen Huan, "Sister, I heard that Prince Ning has been meeting with a mysterious man recently. That mysterious man seems to be a quack."
Zhen Huan's mind was stirred: "A sorcerer? Could this be related to their poisoning? Chun'er, where did you get this information?"
Chun Er smiled and said, "I asked my little maid to ask outside the palace. She has a relative who works near Prince Ning's mansion."
Zhen Huan praised: "Chun'er, you have also learned to use your mind."
An Lingrong came over with the prepared sachets: "Huan'er, the sachets are ready. Let everyone in the palace wear them as soon as possible."
Zhen Huan nodded and ordered the palace maids to distribute the sachets.
Mei Zhuang said, "Now that we have the scented sachet to protect ourselves, we cannot let our guard down. We must quickly find evidence of Prince Ning's guilt and present it to the Emperor for his decision."
Concubine Hua said, "That's right! I just don't believe that Prince Ning can turn the tables!"
However, the people from the martial arts sect still managed to sneak into the harem and secretly spread poison powder near the palace where Zhen Huan and others often went.
One day, Zhen Huan and An Lingrong were chatting in the palace when she suddenly felt dizzy.
Zhen Huan was shocked and asked, "Lingrong, why do I suddenly feel unwell?"
An Lingrong also turned pale: "Huan'er, I feel the same way. Could it be..."
Both of them thought that they might have been poisoned and hurriedly called for the palace maids.
When the palace maids came in and saw Zhen Huan and An Lingrong in such a state, they were frightened and at a loss what to do.
Hua Fei and Mei Zhuang rushed over after hearing the news.
Concubine Hua said anxiously: "What's going on? How could he be poisoned suddenly?"
Mei Zhuang said calmly, "Don't panic, call the imperial physician quickly."
The imperial physician arrived and, after a brief examination, frowned, "The poison your majesty has contracted is extremely rare. I find it difficult to judge for the time being."
An Lingrong said weakly, "Could it be Prince Ning..."
Zhen Huan gritted her teeth and said, "It must be him! He is so cruel!"
Concubine Hua angrily said, "I will go to Prince Ning's mansion right now to settle the score with him!"
Mei Zhuang stopped Concubine Hua and said, "Sister, don't be impulsive. We are poisoned now. If we go, we will be trapped. Let's find a way to detoxify first."
Zhen Huan forced herself to say, "Mei Zhuang is right. Ling Rong, do you have any ideas?"
An Lingrong thought for a moment and said, "I once saw a method of detoxification in an ancient book. It only requires a few precious herbs."
Zhen Huan hurriedly said, "Whatever the herb is, find it as soon as possible."
So the palace maids left the palace to look for herbs.
When Prince Ning learned that Zhen Huan and others were poisoned, he thought the matter was settled and was very proud of himself in his mansion.
The leader of the martial arts sect said, "Your Highness, we must be careful about this matter. If Zhen Huan and the others find the antidote, all our efforts will be wasted."
Prince Ning said, "What are you afraid of? They have been poisoned and will surely die. I will immediately enter the palace and put on a good show in front of the emperor, blaming this incident on others."
In this critical moment, can Zhen Huan and the others find the antidote? Can Prince Ning succeed? In this dangerous harem struggle, how will they protect each other and continue to write their own legendary stories?