The princess regretted it.

Chapter 229: The Duke of Huguo Enters the Palace to Discuss Marriage

When Jin An heard her father's words, her cheeks instantly flushed, as if stained by the sunset glow. Her heart raced, and she cursed herself for being so useless. She felt like a simple girl, feeling shy and nervous, yet also a hint of indescribable anticipation.

She turned slightly to the side and secretly glanced up at the crowd. She saw that the eyes of the Grand Princess were filled with love and expectation, and the Protectorate and his wife also had kind and happy expressions. She paused, then, with shyness and a hint of coquettishness, she tried her best to calmly say, "Your Highness, I will obey your father."

The emperor's eldest grandson, Hongze, gently patted Jin'an's hand, his smile growing wider as he said, "Child, this is a matter of your lifelong importance, and your father will respect your wishes. I also know Zhong Chuzhou well. Despite his playful nature, he has a good nature, and is courageous and responsible. We have known each other since childhood, and we have a long-standing friendship. If you are truly happy, your father will make the decision and arrange this marriage for you."

Jin An could tell that her father also approved of this marriage. She thought of Zhong Chuzhou's promise, and her heart was moved and warmed. She was also willing, but she hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

It turned out that just as she had left the Prime Minister's residence, Prime Minister Mu had already mentioned that he would arrange for someone to present a proposal to the Emperor to select a concubine the next day. This proposal was bound to cause controversy, potentially further delaying the marriage between Jin An and Zhong Chuzhou. So he immediately sent his wife and daughter-in-law to the Protector's Residence to discuss the matter with the Grand Princess and the Protector's couple. The Grand Princess and Qin Susu immediately agreed and came to the palace.

Jin An was now thinking about how hastily this marriage was arranged while Zhong Chuzhou was away from the capital. Wasn't it a bit hasty? What if he found someone else in the future? Would he resent the marriage? Would he take his anger out on her, neglect her? Her concerns weren't about distrusting Zhong Chuzhou, but rather a fear of repeating the same mistake. She wanted to confirm it once more, to give herself more confidence.

Therefore, she slightly turned sideways, facing the Grand Princess, and asked softly, "Grandaunt, I heard that Cousin Chuzhou is not in the capital right now. This matter concerns his lifelong event, and he is not present. Is it inappropriate to decide it like this?"

The Grand Princess waved at her lovingly, motioning her to come over. Jin An had no choice but to slowly walk up to her. The Grand Princess took Jin An's hand, patted it in her palm, and said, "Don't worry, if he knew, he would be so happy! We came here because we understand his feelings. Chu Zhou has been fond of you since he was a child and is completely devoted to you. In the future, he will definitely take good care of you and ensure that you have a smooth and worry-free life." After saying this, she blinked at her. Jin An understood that her great-aunt was hinting at the incident she had said to her last time she entered the palace. She bit her lip shyly and said nothing.

Qin Susu observed Jin'an's reserved demeanor, wondering if he might have concerns about marriage. A gentle smile played across her lips as she spoke softly, "Jin'an, have you heard the rumors about Chuzhou? I know you're a bright and perceptive child, and those rumors might be making you hesitate. However, I won't say much. I only hope you can spend more time with Chuzhou and get to know him better. Then you'll know the truth of the rumors."

Your uncle and I have already discussed this. After you get married, you can move to the new residence His Majesty has bestowed upon you. That way, there won't be all those red tape and unnecessary interruptions from others. You two can live your lives freely, accompanying each other in harmony." After saying this, she looked at Jin An with gentle eyes, as if giving her endless comfort and encouragement, hoping to dispel the haze and uneasiness in her heart.

"Well, everything your aunt said is true. Jin'an, don't be afraid of Chuzhou. In the future, if that kid doesn't know what's good for him and dares to make you unhappy, you don't have to endure it, just deal with him. If you feel it is inconvenient for you to deal with it, or his behavior is really too much, just tell me. Although I am getting older, my body is still strong, and my fists are still powerful. I will definitely not let you suffer any grievances." The Protector of the Country Zhong Jing raised his chin slightly, then nodded in agreement, his voice sonorous and powerful.

Jinan watched them, one after another, express their approval of the marriage. From their earnest words, earnest gazes, and warm demeanor, she truly felt the heartfelt sincerity of the three elders. Beyond being moved, she felt a surge of heat on her face, a heat that spread throughout her body until she felt like she was on fire. Although she had married once before, the circumstances and state of mind were distinctly different this time, and she still felt nervous and shy.

A trace of helplessness and a plea for help flashed across her eyes, and she subconsciously looked in the direction of her father. However, what she saw was her father grinning with a very happy face, and that smile was full of relief and joy.

Jin An sighed inwardly. Forget it, could this emperor still want her? He doted on her every day, but why, at this critical moment, was he so focused on having fun, completely ignoring her own predicament? She looked at her father eagerly again, her eyes filled with pleading and resentment, truly pitiful.

Fortunately, this time the emperor finally noticed something. He coughed twice, restrained his smile, and said, "Okay, aunt, since you said that this is also what Chuzhou wants, and Jin'an has no objection, then let's settle the marriage. I will issue an imperial decree to grant the marriage later. There are many other matters to be arranged later, such as matching the two people's horoscopes and asking the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to choose an auspicious date. Jin'an, go back first." Although there was still some unconcealable joy in his words, he finally rescued Jin'an from the predicament, so that she would not continue to suffer in this awkward atmosphere.

The emperor's words made Jin An breathe a sigh of relief. After quickly bowing to everyone, she turned around and, with light lotus steps, floated out of the Health Preservation Hall like a gust of wind. Her back seemed a little hurried, as if some ferocious beast was chasing her.

Only after exiting the palace did she slow her pace slightly, her hand resting on her chest as she breathed softly. The blush still lingered on her face, her heart still racing as her mind replayed the events that had just unfolded within the palace. She felt both shy and nervous about this sudden marriage, yet also moved and warmed by the public's enthusiasm and support for it. Yet, a lingering sense of unease and uncertainty lingered within her. At this moment, she simply wanted to find a place where she could calm her mind and sort through her swirling emotions.

She couldn't think of where to go for a moment, and she simply didn't want to go back to Feiyu Palace. Looking up at the garden gradually emerging ahead, she thought about going to the Imperial Garden. It was cold now, and since her father rarely went there, the concubines generally didn't like to come out either. This would be perfect for a walk alone, some peace and quiet.