The princess regretted it.

Chapter 247 Jiaoyu thanks the emperor

After the Second Prince arrived to inform the Emperor that Princess Jiaoyu's confinement had been lifted, the palace gates opened, and the previously silent Jiaoyu Palace gradually began to stir. The maids and eunuchs' faces lit up with joy, and they began to bustle about. Slowly, Jiaoyu Palace regained its vitality.

Jiaoyu looked at her second brother who had come to her palace again early this morning. He reminded her not to forget to thank the emperor and so on. She just smiled sarcastically and then returned to her composure. She called Xiangcao to help her wash and dress. Then she said to Zhangsun Yunji, "Let's go and thank the emperor."

The second prince looked at Jiaoyu carefully. She was wearing a long indigo brocade dress with a moon-white cloak embroidered with hibiscus patterns. Although she looked a little haggard and her face was a little pale, her expression was unusually calm, and her emotions seemed very stable.

The Second Prince couldn't help but wonder how she would react after he told her all that. He figured that since Jiaoyu was freed from her confinement, she would eventually learn about it, and perhaps even her father would tell her. He feared she would lash out again. It would be better for him to tell her now. He could see her reaction and offer some counseling.

After hesitating for a long time, he considered his words and spoke slowly: "Jiaoyu, you have been confined to this palace for a while. Something really happened outside. I thought I should tell you, but I hope you won't get too excited." He was very cautious in his words, fearing that any of his words would touch Jiaoyu's sensitive nerves.

Upon hearing this, Jiaoyu slowly turned her head to look at him. There was no ripple on her delicate face as she asked calmly, "What's the matter? Tell me." Her voice was cold, as if nothing in this world could easily disturb her heartstrings.

Seeing this, the Second Prince grew increasingly hesitant. He opened his lips, hesitated several times, and finally told Jiaoyu everything about the arranged marriage between Jin'an and Zhong Chuzhou, and his adoption into Concubine Ling's family. Throughout his recitation, his eyes remained fixed on Jiaoyu's expression.

Jiaoyu listened quietly, her dark eyes swirling with a thousand emotions, yet her expression remained unwavering, unmoved. She simply lowered her head, silently listening to the Second Prince finish his words. For a moment, she remained silent, the entire scene hushed to the point of a pin drop being audible. Only the gentle breeze caressed her, lifting a few strands of hair and fluttering against her cheek. No one knew she was clenching her hands tightly within her sleeves.

After a moment, she slowly raised her head, her gaze calm and unwavering as she turned to the Second Prince. Her eyes were so profound they were difficult to fathom, as if the news she had just heard were merely trivial and insignificant. She said calmly, "Is that all? I understand. Let's go, don't keep Father waiting any longer." With that, she took a step forward, heading toward the meeting with the Emperor, her posture as graceful as ever, her steps as steady as ever.

The Second Prince was genuinely stunned by her unusual calmness, frozen in place for a moment before regaining consciousness. He had assumed that, given Jiaoyu's temperament, hearing this news would inevitably lead to a temper, a few resentful complaints, or a look of sadness and loss. But he had never expected her to react so calmly, as if none of the matter concerned him. This, in turn, left him feeling uneasy and a bit uneasy. However, the situation was urgent, and he was about to meet his father. There was really no other way but to suppress his doubts and worries for the time being, thinking that he would find a suitable opportunity to talk to her properly and offer some counsel upon his return from his father's visit.

After Jiaoyu exited the palace, she paused, tilting her head slightly upwards to gaze at the azure, water-washed sky. She took a slow, deep breath, as if to absorb the free air into her lungs, dispelling the pent-up frustration and frustration she'd accumulated during these days of confinement. Her gaze, shrouded in thought, gazed at the layers of cumulus clouds above. She whispered to herself, "I'm out, Jin'an. Are you ready?" Those silent words revealed a determination and hidden anticipation that was barely perceptible to others, as if a silent contest was about to begin.

Then, as if flipping a switch, her expression instantly returned to calm, transforming back into the dignified, graceful princess she once was. Maintaining a demure and composed demeanor, she moved with graceful steps, silently following the Second Prince towards the Health Preservation Hall. Along the way, Changsun Yunji opened his mouth several times, wanting to speak to her, trying to break the slightly subdued atmosphere, but each time, as soon as he approached, he was repelled by her cold aura. That cold aura, like an invisible ice shell, tightly enveloped her delicate beauty, making it difficult to approach. The Second Prince could only helplessly shut his mouth and continue on his way, his deep worry only growing ever heavier.

When the two arrived at the Health Preservation Palace, the second prince stepped forward and told the eunuch at the door the purpose of their visit. After a while, the eunuch stepped sideways, made a "please" gesture, and welcomed the two in.

Jiaoyu bowed her head slightly, her expression calm, as she silently followed the Second Prince into the Health Preservation Hall. When they reached the center, the Second Prince first bowed and greeted the Emperor. She then stepped forward and kowtowed gracefully. She slowly knelt on the ground, folding her hands before her. Her tone was unhurried, yet full of respect, as she spoke, "Your son greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor." Her voice was a little hoarse and low, not as clear and crisp as usual.

As soon as Changsun Hongze and his sister entered the palace, his eyes fell on Jiaoyu. Her thin appearance showed that she had clearly lost a lot of weight during her confinement. Her once round cheeks had become slightly sunken, her chin had become increasingly pointed, and her whole person exuded a sense of fragility that was both pitiful and frail.

At this moment, he saw her performing such a great ceremony towards him. Her movements were very proper, without any violation of the rules. Her submissive look caught his eye. Even though he had been very upset about Jiaoyu's willful behavior before, most of it disappeared at this moment, as if it was blown away by a breeze.

He sighed softly, and the serious expression on his face relaxed a little. His tone unconsciously showed some concern, and he said, "Get up."