The princess regretted it.

Chapter 267 Zhangpin Can't Wait

Jiaoyu looked at her mother's cautious attitude, and the resentment and resentment deep in her heart spread like wild weeds. However, seeing her mother's resistance, she could only act in a roundabout way.

She suppressed the turbulent waves in her heart, tried to force a sincere expression on her face, and said softly: "Mother, I understand that what I said just now was just a moment of anger and resentment, which led to my speaking without thinking and talking nonsense. You can rest assured that I solemnly swear to you that I will never do anything to disobey my father. Besides, you also know that I am alone and weak, how could I have the ability to do such a treasonous thing." As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly, as if she was ashamed of her reckless words, but a barely perceptible sinister glint flashed in her drooping eyes.

Zhangpin's heart finally relaxed a little after hearing her words. Her heart was in a mess and she needed some quiet time to sort out the myriad of thoughts.

Then, she once again solemnly warned Jiaoyu not to act recklessly and rashly on her own. Her serious expression and solemn tone seemed to etch this warning deeply into Jiaoyu's heart. Only then did she let Jiaoyu leave.

Before leaving, Concubine Zhang quietly called Yundou to her side and, speaking in a low voice, gave her a few careful instructions. Her gaze was filled with worry and vigilance, as she solemnly instructed her to pay close attention to Jiaoyu's every move. If anything unusual happened, she was to report it immediately or go to Zhang Hengrui. She also told her to tell Zhang Hengrui that she would find a way to get her out and would send a message again if she needed his help.

Jiaoyu knew her mother didn't truly trust her, and there were things she didn't know where to find, so she still had to ask her mother for help. But if her mother didn't trust her, she wouldn't let her get her hands on them. So, she often went to Zhangpin's place. The palace guards were used to it! After all, they just had to make sure the people inside didn't leave! The emperor only confined her, not banished her to the cold palace.

Seeing Jiaoyu come to visit so frequently and appearing so docile and gentle, Concubine Zhang's tension gradually eased. She secretly thought that perhaps, as Jiaoyu said, it was just a random outburst of anger.

That day, Jiaoyu arrived, bearing a carefully crafted Poria cocos cake. Seeing her endearing and attentive demeanor, Concubine Zhang felt a surge of tenderness and warmth, and her resolve to find a way out of this situation grew even stronger. Although Jiaoyu hadn't spoken directly, she knew from her words that those opportunists in the palace had been neglecting her, both overtly and covertly. She couldn't sit idly by.

Zhangpin took the Poria Cocos Cake, took a small bite, and then chewed it slowly, savoring it carefully, nodding slightly as she ate. Jiaoyu looked at Zhangpin expectantly and asked softly, "Mother, how does it taste? It took me over an hour to make it, and I wonder if it will suit your taste?"

"What? You made this yourself?" Concubine Zhang was surprised. She quickly put down the Poria Cocos Cake and took Jiaoyu's hand to examine it carefully. Sure enough, on her finger, which was once as tender and slender as a scallion, there was a noticeable blister, obviously caused by a burn.

Seeing this, Concubine Zhang felt extremely distressed. She blew gently on the bubbles and said with concern, "Why do you have to do it yourself? Mother has plenty of food here. Otherwise, you can just tell someone else to do it."

A subtle glint of understanding flashed across Jiaoyu's eyes; this was exactly the effect she'd hoped for. Feigning guilt, she pulled her hand back, muttering softly, "It's okay, Mother. I'm not hurt. Mother isn't someone else; how could I ask someone else to do this for me? And as long as Mother likes me, I'm happy."

Zhangpin glanced at her with eyes full of pity, "Your mother knows your heart! Look at such a big blister, how can it not hurt? Don't lie to me."

Jiaoyu reached out and took Zhangpin's arm, pouting her little mouth and coquettishly saying with a little girl's coquettish manner, "How dare I lie to you, mother? You were just trying to coax me. It's Concubine Cen who's in charge of all harem affairs now, and she and you have always been at odds. Besides, her precious animal has been killed, and someone clearly pointed the finger at Jin'an, yet she denied it to please him. Who in the palace doesn't know how much she dotes on that dog? Now she's pouring all her hatred into us... uh, onto you, mother. I'm sure she'll find ways to treat you harshly. How can you, mother, ever eat well?"

Zhang Concubine was extremely perceptive and grasped the hidden meaning in her words. If this were true, then Ji'er had been adopted into her name, effectively falling under her control. Now, it was just herself and Jiaoyu. Her expenses were indeed being slashed, and Jiaoyu was her own daughter. How could Concubine Cen treat her well? Jiaoyu's time away from home was surely harder than she had anticipated.

At this moment, she desperately longed to be free and free. She had feigned illness, but the Emperor had merely dispatched a royal physician, never even showing his face. Furthermore, Yundou had reported that the Emperor's visits to the secluded courtyard had become increasingly frequent. She had heard that the woman was becoming increasingly pregnant, yet she still couldn't recall her identity. The situation was urgent, and she knew she couldn't wait any longer. Once the child was born, it would be too late.

She glanced up at Jiaoyu and, with a subtle wink, beckoned her closer. Jiaoyu's heart leaped, a surge of inexplicable excitement welling up in her. She quickly stood up and scrambled to Zhang Concubine's side. Zhang Concubine lowered her voice and whispered something in her ear. Jiaoyu's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she nodded repeatedly, a beaming smile spreading across her face.

Jiaoyu couldn't contain her inner ecstasy, as if she already saw victory within reach. She eagerly declared, "Mother, this is a brilliant plan. I'll arrange it right away." Without waiting for Concubine Zhang's response, she quickly turned and walked out with brisk steps. Her eagerness was evident, as if she feared even a second of delay would lead to missing out on this opportunity.

Zhangpin looked at Jiaoyu's hurriedly leaving back, opened her mouth to say something but didn't have time, so she could only raise her voice and say, "Be careful!"

Jiaoyu was in an excited state at the moment. She did not stop and did not even turn her head. She just replied from a distance: "Don't worry, mother! I know!" The words floated in the air, but she had already quickly walked across the wall, and her figure gradually disappeared from Zhang Pin's sight.