The princess regretted it.

Chapter 242 Entering the Palace at the Same Time (1)

At the gate of the imperial palace in the capital, Prime Minister Mu and the Duke of Huguo dismounted from their carriages one after the other. They exchanged glances, their gazes lingering briefly on a scroll held in the other's hand, and each tacitly understood the other's purpose.

Half an hour ago, both the Duke of Protectorate's Mansion and the Prime Minister Mu's Mansion received a letter by carrier pigeon. The letter received by Prime Minister Mu's Mansion was from Mu Zixuan. Upon receiving it, Prime Minister Mu and the others were quite surprised, having never expected it to be from him. After all, this child had been away from the capital for so long, and this was his first letter home. As for why he'd thought of sending a pigeon, it was simply childishness, just joining in the fun. He'd seen Zhong Chuzhou write a letter to the Duke of Protectorate's Mansion, and he'd thought to himself, "I've accomplished so much in the northern border this time. Even my father praised me so highly. Why not write about my achievements to my grandfather and the others, so that everyone in my family can be proud of me?"

When Prime Minister Mu read the contents of the letter, he was so excited. A great victory in the north, such great news should be reported to the emperor immediately. So he ordered his servants to harness the carriage and hurried to the palace.

The Duke of the Protectorate received a letter from Zhong Chuzhou. The letter detailed the entire battle situation in the northern border and the Yu Kingdom's upcoming plans. He also specifically stated that he would not be returning to the capital with the Zhenbei Army, but would be investigating a matter with Mo Qing, Changsheng, and others. He also urged them to monitor the Grand Tutor's Office. Upon receiving the letter, the Duke of the Protectorate dared not delay. He quickly consulted with the Grand Princess and the old Duke, then hurriedly entered the palace with the letter.

Look, the two of them arrived at the palace gate almost at the same time, one in front and one behind. After getting off the carriage, the Duke of Protector of the Country stepped forward and saluted Prime Minister Mu. Then, without much conversation, the two of them hurried into the palace and went straight to the Health Palace.

When they arrived outside the Health Preservation Hall, they heard the Emperor cursing inside. The curses came through the hall door, full of energy, and it was obvious that he was very angry. The two of them stopped at the same time, looked at each other, and subconsciously took three steps back. After retreating to the side, they stood sideways and waited for the person inside to come out.

After a while, the Second Prince retreated from the Health Hall in a somewhat embarrassed manner. Mu Xiang glanced at the Second Prince and saw that he looked much more haggard now. He no longer had the bright youthful spirit he once had. Instead, he looked a little withered, completely devoid of his former vigor and vitality.

Before the second prince had taken two steps, the third prince, Changsun Wuwang, also came out. Unlike the second prince's listless state, the third prince had an upright posture, steady and powerful steps, and was dressed in gorgeous clothes, which made him look even more majestic.

He wore a perfectly composed expression of humility, but his slightly upturned eyes revealed an unconcealable smugness. He quickly stalked forward, catching up to the Second Prince, who was walking forward with his head lowered. His face instantly filled with seemingly genuine regret and sorrow, and he spoke with concern, "Brother, I'm useless and can't help you. I'm afraid Concubine Zhang will have to put up with it for a while. But thankfully, Jiaoyu's confinement has been lifted. Don't be too sad; you've done your best."

Second Prince Changsun Yunji slowly raised his lowered head, a wry smile spreading across his face, one filled with helplessness and self-mockery. He sighed softly, his tone revealing an indescribable weariness and desolation. "Third brother, Second Brother doesn't blame you. Father's still furious, and how can you be blamed for this? Or maybe Mother has gone too far... Alas, I'm useless and can't help Mother. I can only do my best and leave the rest to fate."

After a pause, he continued, "Third brother, you go back first. I have to go to Jiaoyu. She has been in a bad mood recently, so you don't have to accompany me." The reason why the second prince insisted on not letting Changsun Wuwang go to Jiaoyu Palace with him was mainly because he didn't want the third brother to see Jiaoyu's possible loss of composure.

The second prince was filled with love and worry for his sister. In his eyes, he was the older brother and had the responsibility and obligation to protect his sister's dignity and respect.

In reality, the Third Prince had no intention of following. He knew full well that Changsun Jiaoyu wasn't as easily fooled as Changsun Yunji. He only needed to stir up trouble behind the Second Prince's back; there was no need to confront Jiaoyu head-on.

So, he wore a helpless and embarrassed look, his eyes just right with a hint of concern and regret. He glanced at Changsun Yunji, sighed deeply, and then bowed slightly, clasped his fists, and bowed respectfully to the Second Prince. Seeing this, the Second Prince reached out and patted the Third Prince on the shoulder, then left.

The Third Prince stood up and gazed at the Second Prince's receding figure. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, a subtle glint of cunning and complacency flashing across his eyes. He then lowered his head, straightened his clothes, and walked away.

What he didn't know was that his actions and expressions were seen by the Prime Minister Mu and the Duke of Huguo who were waiting nearby. They took it all in without a word, their eyes meeting and they understood each other.

After he left, Prime Minister Mu and the Duke of Huguo slowly walked to the entrance of the Health Preservation Hall. Prime Minister Mu said to the eunuch at the entrance, "Please tell the eunuch that this old minister and the Duke of Huguo have important matters to report to the Emperor."

The eunuch nodded in agreement and hurried inside to report. He quickly emerged, opened the door, bowed slightly, and respectfully invited the two of them in. The two men straightened their clothes at the same time, then entered the Health Hall one after the other.