An Lingrong after rebirth

"As for shirking my responsibilities, that is even more impossible. I am in good health and there is not much to do in the yard. I can't find any reason to shirk my responsibilities."

Taking care of the little brother?

"Lian'er replied, then immediately shook her head and said, 'No, if I use this reason, the Queen will immediately say that the Queen is not considerate enough and will immediately take away the power of the palace.'"

"An Lingrong smiled. That's right. We can't advance or retreat. The Queen's schemes always fail. What should we do? Does the Queen want to do it?"

Now that things have come to this, is there any other solution for me?

"This was said in a dejected tone, but An Lingrong's tone was not at all dejected, and the smile on her face was even brighter. How this palace banquet will go is another matter, but she will be able to play the victim in front of Shen Meizhuang later."

"When she thought of this, An Lingrong's smile became even brighter. She reached out and pulled Lian'er, saying, "Let's go quickly. I still need to discuss this with Concubine Jing and Sister Mei!"

"Lian'er didn't understand why An Lingrong was in such a good mood when the trouble was right in front of her. She could only obey and quicken her pace. The master and servant went towards Rugu Hanjin together."

…………

"After a cup of tea, the three of them sat at the table, one holding a cup of tea, and their faces all looked unhappy. Does the Emperor have any other opinions on this matter?"

An Lingrong smiled bitterly and said, "No, I haven't." She looked up at Shen Meizhuang and said, "The Emperor has agreed to let me handle this matter this time, and the help of Wanpin is indispensable."

"When An Lingrong said this, her tone was very strange, which immediately caught Shen Meizhuang's attention. Rong'er, what do you mean by this?"

Originally, the emperor could have listened to me for a few words due to the short time, and perhaps there was still room for maneuver in this matter. However, when the queen mentioned this matter, Wanpin suddenly said, "I often hear Sister Mei say that I do things properly. I will definitely be able to do this well without any mistakes."

"This flowery stand is supported by everyone. Wanpin has said so. Can I still refuse? I can only agree to this matter."

Shen Meizhuang was stunned after hearing An Lingrong's words, "Huan... Why would Wanpin do this?"

"After An Lingrong heard what Shen Meizhuang said, a hidden smile flashed across her lips. Shen Meizhuang had never been like this before. She was called Zhen Huan."

Now, this title is also changing silently. "No matter what she does, she said such words at this critical moment. Forcing Sister Shu to take this matter, what is the difference between this and roasting someone on the fire?"

Concubine Jing was listening nearby and then spoke up in disapproval, clearly disdaining what Zhen Huan was doing. "Hey, I think I've never offended Concubine Wan, and I don't know why she doesn't like me."

An Lingrong sighed. Maybe it was because I was on good terms with Sister Mei that made Concubine Wan unhappy, that’s why she acted like this!

"Shen Meizhuang pursed her lips, not knowing how to respond to An Lingrong's words for a moment. Concubine Jing continued, saying that relationships between people are mutual, and I also know something about Concubine Wan."

"I heard that before she was a concubine, only the virtuous sister came to Suiyuxuan, and she had never been to Yonghe Palace. This time, after the miscarriage, the virtuous sister came several times but was rejected by her."

"I haven't even met her once. How can you have such a good relationship with her? Is it worth it for my sister to devote herself to her without asking for anything in return?"

"Jing Fei's words were so straightforward that Shen Meizhuang frowned slightly! After a moment, Shen Meizhuang's expression slightly relaxed. Sister Jing Fei was right. People should really be kind to each other."

"Rong'er and I used to have some friendship, but Rong'er and I are friends for life. I know clearly which is more important. Rong'er, I am sorry for you in this matter. I shouldn't have told others about your hosting of the palace banquet."

"An Lingrong hurriedly grabbed Shen Meizhuang's hand after hearing this. What are you talking about, Sister Mei? I'm not blaming you for telling you this. Besides, everyone in the palace knows that Sister Jingfei and I organized the palace banquet."

"What Wanpin said now is just to make fun of my sister. How could it be that my sister really let the secret slip? My sister also said that my sister and I are friends who have lived together for a lifetime. I can still remember clearly what happened when I came to the garden last year."

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to give birth to Xiaoliu safely. You're really embarrassing me by saying that." An Lingrong spoke sincerely, and the look she gave Shen Meizhuang was equally sincere. The two held hands tightly, looked into each other's eyes, and unexpectedly, they felt a feeling they had never felt before.

Concubine Jing saw the two of them like this and chuckled. She said, "Oh, look at you two. You have a long life ahead of you. Why are you going to be separated by life and death like this?"

"The difficult matter is right before our eyes. You two sisters should first think about how to conduct the palace banquet! Concubine Jing's words brought the two back to their senses and they smiled at each other."

"An Lingrong loosened one hand, while still holding the other, and said, 'Sister Jingfei, although the emperor asked me to take charge of this palace banquet, he did not say that I cannot ask for help from others. This time, I will have to trouble you, Sister Mei, and my younger sister to take charge together.'"

These are all trivial matters, why should we be so polite to each other?

"Concubine Jing waved her hand, signaling An Lingrong not to be polite. An Lingrong then smiled and said that palace banquets always have rules. I asked Qiufang to invite Huang Guiquan, the chief steward of the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

"Huang Guiquan? Will he listen to orders? Huang Guiquan is a distant relative of Concubine Hua."

"An Lingrong looked at Concubine Jing and her voice remained still. Concubine Jing also reacted immediately and smiled. They have the same goal, so they can naturally become friends. It turns out that my sister has already made a plan. I admire her."

"So Huang Guiquan will be here soon. Please ask Sister and Sister Mei to help instruct him to do what he should do. I still have to go to Qingliang Palace."

"Don't worry, sister. I know what to do!" Concubine Jing nodded in agreement. An Lingrong did not delay any longer and took Lian'er out of Rugu Hanjin Chao Qingliang Palace.

Qingliang Hall

"Hua Fei leaned back in her chair, holding a piece of iced watermelon on a silver skewer in her hand. She took a bite and showed a slightly comfortable look on her face. This hot weather was making people irritable."

"Songzhi kept waving her fan at the side. Songzhi glanced at the ice in the palace that was almost melting. Don't worry, your majesty. Huang Guiquan is in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. All the ice in the Ministry of Internal Affairs is for our Qingliang Palace."

If your majesty feels hot, I will ask Huang Guiquan to bring another ice bucket! Concubine Hua raised her eyelids and said, "You can add more, but don't be stingy with the money. Don't let people gossip and give the old woman the queen a handle."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everyone in the palace knows that Your Majesty is generous. If Your Majesty wants to cause trouble here, she won't be able to find any fault."

"The Concubine Hua curled her lips and let out a smug smile. That's natural. With her brother's constant support, how can she compare to the Empress's family, the Ulanara clan?"

"Songzhi smiled after hearing this, but didn't say anything. Zhou Linhai limped in from outside the palace and said, "Your Majesty, Concubine Shu is here. She wants to see you for something!"

"After hearing this, Concubine Hua frowned, "Concubine Shu, what is she doing here?"

"Your Majesty, Concubine Shu didn't say anything, she just said she would tell you in person! Hua Fei's eyes flashed with a strange color, and after a moment of silence, she nodded and said, "Let her in!"

"Yes." Zhou Linhai went downstairs and brought An Lingrong in a moment. He looked up and saw An Lingrong kneeling and saying, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to Her Majesty Hua Fei. May Her Majesty be blessed with good health."

"Get up!"

"Hua Fei's voice was as lazy as usual. An Lingrong couldn't help but curl her lips. Thank you, Empress Hua Fei!"

"An Lingrong stood up. Concubine Hua stared at her for a moment. Seeing that she looked normal, she spoke again, "Songzhi, please take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Stepping back a few steps and sitting down, An Lingrong turned around and took the box from Lian'er, saying with a smile on her face, "I heard that Your Majesty likes crab cakes, and Qiufang beside me happens to be good at it."

"I asked her to make a portion today. I would like to ask Your Majesty to taste it and see if it tastes good. I wonder if Your Majesty would be so kind as to do me the honor!"

"Hua Fei didn't understand why An Lingrong did this or what her intention was, but she felt that if An Lingrong wanted to attack her, she wouldn't have come to her door so brazenly."

"I think there will be no problem with this crab cake, but Concubine Hua has always been indifferent to others and will not easily accept favors from others!"

After a pause, I said, "There is no shortage of crab cakes in my palace, so I'd better leave the ones made by Concubine Shu's palace to the Sixth Prince!"

"If Sixth Prince knew that Your Majesty cares so much about him, he would definitely be very happy. But this dish today was specially made for Your Majesty by me."

"I don't know what's wrong with An Lingrong. Her words are not as serious and respectful as before!"

When Concubine Hua saw the smile on An Lingrong’s face, she swallowed her refusal!

"Seeing that Concubine Hua stopped talking, her expression eased a lot. An Lingrong knew that Concubine Hua agreed. She glanced at Lian'er, and Lian'er came forward holding the box."

"Songzhi glanced at Concubine Hua and saw that she had no intention of refusing. Then she took the box from Lian'er. She placed it on the table next to Concubine Hua and opened the lid of the box. A burst of fragrance filled her nose."

"Hua Fei likes crab cakes the most. She was attracted by the taste and turned her head to take a look subconsciously. There was a look of surprise in her eyes."

"This crab cake is indeed different from the usual ones. The people in your palace are quite capable! It is her blessing to be praised by the Queen."

"An Lingrong responded, Songzhi took a small plate and picked up a piece for Hua Fei. When Hua Fei took a bite of the crab cake, the satisfaction on her face became even stronger."

"Nodded. Yes. Tell me, what brings you here today?"

"Your Majesty is so good at foresight. I admire you!" An Lingrong complimented, and before Concubine Hua could speak, she told Concubine Hua about the palace banquet that the Queen had ordered.

"After hearing this, Concubine Hua was silent for a moment, then looked up at An Lingrong. Do you want me to instruct Huang Guiquan to do his best to assist you in organizing the palace banquet?"

"Your Majesty is smart, I admire you. Concubine Hua doesn't care about An Lingrong's compliments. She just leans over and asks me to help you with a crab cake?"

"An Lingrong smiled and turned to look at the palace. Concubine Hua reacted without any hesitation. Songzhi, wait for someone to go down and guard the door."

"When An Lingrong saw Concubine Hua being so sensible, she was a little confused for a moment! But after thinking about it, she decided to suppress the thought that would doom her forever."

It’s not time yet…

"In the blink of an eye, there were only two people left in the palace. Even Lian'er was taken away. Concubine Hua picked up another piece of crab cake. Tell me?"

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. When I was pregnant, it was thanks to the Queen's care that I will never stand on the side of Jingren Palace in my life. Even if the Nian family is becoming more powerful and the Queen favors the harem."

"But it's hard to stand alone. If Your Majesty helps me today, I will not hesitate if Your Majesty needs me in the future."

"Hua Fei stared at An Lingrong, as if she was unable to react for a moment. An Lingrong would speak so bluntly about her grievances with the Queen."

"Aren't you afraid that I will spread what you said today?" An Lingrong chuckled and shook her head. "I believe that Your Majesty is not such a person."

"Ha ha……"

"Hua Fei chuckled. You know me better than I do? Your Majesty is decisive and also dislikes Jingren Palace. I will not have such worries."

"An Lingrong responded and continued: "I have also been plotted against by Wanpin regarding this palace banquet. I think Your Majesty would like someone to stand with you and suppress Wanpin's limelight."

"Then a hint of interest appeared in Concubine Hua's eyes, and she sat up slightly. "Do you have a way to suppress that bitch Zhen Huan?"

"Your Majesty, I am not someone who would not take revenge! An Lingrong's expression was firm, which made Concubine Hua feel a little strange."

"Zhen Huan is favored by the Emperor, so even if she wants to discipline her, she needs a reason. But ever since Cao Moqin was confined, I haven't thought of a way to discipline Zhen Huan for a long time."

"Now that I have heard An Lingrong's affirmation, how can I refuse! Well, as long as you can suppress that bitch Zhen Huan, I will let Huang Guiquan help you this time."

"Your Majesty also knows that Zhen Huan is more favored than others. If you want to get rid of her, it will not be successful in one or two days..."

"As soon as Concubine Hua raised her hand, I knew what you meant. You just wanted Huang Guiquan to listen to you first. I can agree to this, but Concubine Shu, you must know that if you deceive me, I will not let you have a good end!"

"Empress Hua's tone became more serious, but An Lingrong's expression remained unchanged. Your Majesty, rest assured, I am not a person who goes back on my word."

"Hua Fei stared at An Lingrong for a while, and when she saw that she was looking at her without flinching, she curled her lips and said, "Then I am waiting for your good news!"

"After saying this, Concubine Hua turned around and said loudly to the outside of the door: Songzhi!" The palace door was hastily pushed open, and Songzhi hurried in. Her Majesty, your servants are here.

"Go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and tell Huang Guiquan that if he fails to handle the matter of Concubine Shu, he will be beheaded and brought to me."

"Empress Hua is decisive. Once she has made a decision, she will not drag her feet." Song Zhi did not ask the reason, but knelt down and turned away. An Lingrong said, "Then I would like to thank Her Majesty Hua."

Hua Fei waved her hand and said, "No need to say this. I'm tired. Please go now!"

"An Lingrong didn't care about Concubine Hua's attitude. She stood up and bent her knees. Yes, I'll take my leave!"

"After leaving Qingliang Palace, Lian'er came to meet me. "My queen," An Lingrong said, "go back. This matter is done."

"Lian Er smiled immediately after hearing this, nodded quickly, and helped An Lingrong walk faster. Apart from Concubine Jing, Concubine Hua has been assisting in palace affairs for the longest time."

"With her secretly helping An Lingrong to organize this event, and Huang Guiquan's full cooperation, a small Qiqiao Palace Banquet will naturally not be difficult at all."

"The seventh day of the seventh month arrived quickly. Yixiu sat beside the emperor and watched the orderly situation. Under her calm expression, there was a hint of impatience that was almost invisible."

She actually did it...

"But Yixiu's expression remained unchanged, and she returned to normal almost instantly. It was just a small calculation, and it didn't matter if it didn't succeed."

"The Emperor sat in the middle, his expression full of satisfaction. Concubine An Lingrong stood up and said, "Your Majesty, the palace banquet was very good today. It seems that it was right to let you assist in managing the six palaces."

"An Lingrong knelt down, and the emperor praised her. If it weren't for the help of Concubine Jing and Sister Mei, I wouldn't have been able to do it so smoothly."

"At this point, An Lingrong glanced at Concubine Hua who was sitting in the first seat. Eunuch Huang Guiquan from the Ministry of Internal Affairs also made great efforts this time."

"As soon as these words came out, the Queen's eyes narrowed suddenly and she glanced between An Lingrong and Concubine Hua. She immediately understood why this was so smooth."

"No wonder Huang Guiquan is so obedient. It turns out that Shupin is just like Cao Moqin before, and has become Hua Fei's dog. I sneered in my heart."

"That's good. After a while, An Lingrong will naturally know what kind of personality Hua Fei has. She will also know what it means to really seek the skin of a tiger."

"Take your eyes away from An Lingrong. Yixiu raised the wine glass and said, 'Your Majesty, I toast you.'"

"The emperor laughed heartily and waved his hand at An Lingrong, motioning her to sit down. He then raised his glass and clinked it with Yixiu's, and they each drank it in one gulp."

"Yi Xiu became quiet, Su Peisheng waved his hand, the sound of silk feet rang out, and several dancers slowly walked in, attracting the attention of most people."

"Shen Meizhuang pulled An Lingrong's sleeve and said, "You must be tired after being busy for so long. I brought your favorite lotus root powder and osmanthus sugar cake. You can have two pieces first."

"An Lingrong's eyes lit up slightly. Since Sister Mei is thinking about me like this, I will definitely use two more pieces," Shen Meizhuang glared at An Lingrong. You can't change your talkative nature no matter where you are. Come and eat.

"After saying that, Caiyue came forward and placed a small plate in front of An Lingrong. An Lingrong had just taken a bite and was about to praise her when suddenly a voice rang out."

"Today's meals were all prepared by Concubine Shu, why did you choose other snacks yourself! An Lingrong's brows flashed with impatience."

"Turning her head to look at the other side of her, Zhen Huan, who had just spoken, had a cold look in her eyes. But in just a moment, An Lingrong guessed the other party's intention of suddenly speaking."

"Does Concubine Wan think that the dishes at today's palace banquet are not good?" Zhen Huan was stunned. She didn't expect An Lingrong to not answer her, but ask back.