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

Chapter 271: The Secret Exploration Determination is Unbreakable

An Lingrong frowned slightly and said with some concern, "Huan'er, the capital is so big, and the family business is so spread out. Where should we start?"

Zhen Huan gently held An Lingrong's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, Lingrong. We will first send reliable people to investigate the family's several major industrial sites in the capital. Perhaps we can find some clues."

Concubine Hua nodded aside, "Well, that's all we can do. I'll have Zhou Ninghai take a few clever eunuchs with him and split up to investigate."

A few days later, Zhou Ninghai returned to report, "Your Majesty, we have visited several old sites, but most of them are deserted. There is only one old house that looks like someone has been there recently. I also found a handkerchief in the house with a strange pattern embroidered on it."

As he spoke, Zhou Ninghai presented the handkerchief. Zhen Huan took it and examined it carefully. "This pattern looks like some kind of marking, but I've never seen it before. Lingrong, are you familiar with this?"

An Lingrong took the handkerchief, examined it carefully, and shook her head. "Huan'er, I've never seen this pattern before. But I think it must have been left by someone related to that family."

Hua Fei said anxiously: "Then this is not it, and that is not it. Aren't we in a deadlock again?"

Zhen Huan thought for a moment and said, "Don't panic, sister. We can quietly ask in the palace if anyone recognizes this pattern. Perhaps someone among the palace maids or eunuchs knows."

So the three of them asked the palace maids and eunuchs they trusted in the palace.

Zhen Huan asked Jin Xi, "Jin Xi, you've been in the palace for many years. Have you ever seen this pattern?"

Jin Xi looked at the handkerchief carefully and said, "Your Majesty, this pattern looks familiar to me. I think I've seen similar embroidery at the home of an old maid who seems to be working in the cold palace."

Zhen Huan's eyes lit up: "Go and find that old nanny quickly, and remember not to alarm others."

On An Lingrong's side, Bao Que also brought news: "Your Majesty, I heard from a young eunuch that this pattern seems to be related to a mysterious organization. That organization is secretly operating in the palace, but its specific purpose is unknown."

An Lingrong was shocked. "A mysterious organization? How could there be such an organization in the harem?"

Concubine Hua also received a report from Zhou Ninghai: "Your Majesty, I have heard that this pattern seems to be related to the descendants of the previous dynasty. Some say that although the family has declined, there are still descendants who are trying to restore the country. This pattern may be their signal for communication."

Concubine Hua's eyes widened. "Descendants of the previous dynasty? How dare they stir up trouble in the harem?"

The old maid Zhen Huan had sent for arrived. Zhen Huan asked gently, "Mammy, do you recognize the pattern on this handkerchief?"

The old maid looked at the handkerchief and trembled as she said, "Madam, this... this is the symbol of a noble from the previous dynasty. I once saw a woman in the cold palace. She had a scent bag with this pattern embroidered on it."

Zhen Huan hurriedly asked, "Where is that woman now?"

The old nanny said, "I don't know. I only know that she was quietly taken out of the cold palace and her whereabouts are unknown."

An Lingrong said, "This matter is becoming increasingly bizarre. Could it be that the descendants of the previous dynasty are truly in the palace, and are they connected to the matter we are investigating?"

Concubine Hua gnashed her teeth and said, "No matter who it is, if they dare to make trouble under my nose, I will never let them off easily!"

Zhen Huan pondered, "Let's keep quiet for now. Continue to secretly investigate the whereabouts of that woman, and who in the palace from the previous dynasty is involved."

An Lingrong nodded: "Huan'er is right. If we alert the enemy now, we might end up in even greater danger."

Although Concubine Hua was reluctant, she could only nod and say, "Alright then. But I don't have much patience. If I catch them, I'll make them pay!"

In the days that followed, the three of them explored the palace more cautiously. They questioned many elderly people who had served in the cold palace or had lived in the palace for many years, but they found few clues.

One day, An Lingrong was walking in the imperial garden when she suddenly heard two little palace maids whispering in the corner.

Little Palace Maid A: "Have you heard? Strange things have been happening in the palace lately. It seems to be related to someone from the previous dynasty."

Little Palace Maid B: "I've heard that too. I also heard that there's a place where there's always a strange light at night, and it's really scary."

An Lingrong's heart moved, and after the young palace maids left, she immediately went to find Zhen Huan and Concubine Hua.

An Lingrong said anxiously, "Huan'er, Sister Hua Fei, I heard two young palace maids discussing in the Imperial Garden that there were strange lights in some places in the palace at night. Could it be related to the descendants of the previous dynasty?"

Zhen Huan said, "It's very likely. We'll send someone to investigate tonight."

Concubine Hua said excitedly: "Finally, there is a new clue! I must go and see for myself tonight who is playing tricks on me!"

Zhen Huan advised, "Sister, let the guards go ahead and scout the way, and we will support them from behind. This will be safer."

Concubine Hua thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, I'll do as you say. But I can't wait to uncover the truth behind this!"