The princess regretted it.

Chapter 289 Concubine Cen Confessed

Concubine Cen's heart skipped a beat after hearing Jin'an's words, and she became even more certain that this was targeting her and Concubine Chun. Her thoughts raced, and when she thought of Mingyue, who was still missing, her foreboding grew stronger. She secretly suspected that Mingyue had most likely fallen into someone's trap and was in grave danger.

When she raised her eyes, her gaze swept towards Jin An, and she quickly weighed the pros and cons in her heart. She knew very well that if she wanted to seize the initiative in this treacherous harem struggle, she had to let Princess Jin An know about this matter. After all, if Princess Jin An knew about it, it would be equivalent to the emperor knowing the details.

So, she bowed slightly, turned towards Jin'an, and said solemnly, "Princess, to be honest, I've always suspected that this was intentional. A few days ago, I was strolling in the Imperial Garden as usual to relax, and I accidentally walked into a relatively secluded area. I vaguely heard that a woman in this secluded courtyard was pregnant. At that time, my heart was shocked. In the harem, news is always confidential, and it came to my ears so suddenly that I couldn't fully believe it."

At this point, Concubine Cen paused slightly, as if recalling the scene of that day. "After I calmed down a little, I immediately sent people to investigate carefully. After a lot of twists and turns, I finally learned about Concubine Chun's affairs."

Concubine Cen sighed softly, a hint of self-mockery crossing her face as she continued, "Don't worry, Princess, you'll laugh at me. I've been in this palace for so many years, and I've seen all sorts of ups and downs, all kinds of intrigue and deception. How could I possibly believe in such random chance encounters or unfounded coincidences? Sensing the news was too strange, I immediately ordered my subordinates to find out who was behind this gossip. But who could have imagined that the people they sent out searched everywhere and found no trace of anyone, as if no one had ever discussed this matter in the Imperial Garden that day. It was completely clear, without a single flaw. Princess, just think about it. Who could be this person behind this? How could he have such incredible power to completely erase all traces?"

Jin An listened quietly and did not rush to answer. He just stared at Concubine Cen with deep eyes. His gaze seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts, trying to find out more secrets from them.

Concubine Cen didn't wait for Jin'an to respond. A bitter smile curved her lips, and she chuckled self-deprecatingly, then continued, "Ever since then, I've had a vague feeling that there must be some conspiracy, that someone was trying to harm Concubine Chun's unborn child. Just in case, I immediately had Mingyue secretly keep an eye on the area around the courtyard, hoping to find any clues. For several days, Mingyue returned and reported that everything was normal and she hadn't noticed anything amiss. But who could have predicted what would happen tonight? The courtyard suddenly caught fire, and the flames are raging. Until now, I haven't seen Mingyue since."

Speaking of this, Concubine Cen's eyes were slightly red. She slowly closed her eyes, trying to suppress the bitterness in her heart. After a moment, she murmured, "I don't know whether she has been killed by a villain or has fallen into the control of others. I feel... really worried." Her words were full of worry and guilt towards Mingyue, as if all these disasters were caused by her decision.

Jin An listened quietly to Concubine Cen's story, pondering her actions tonight. Although she still had doubts, seeing Concubine Cen's slightly tired and anxious face, Jin An believed her somewhat. However, she also knew that the affairs of the harem were complicated and that everything needed further investigation and verification, so she must not jump to conclusions too hastily.

She lowered her eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke calmly, "I will report this matter to the emperor truthfully. The emperor has always been wise. As long as you have done nothing wrong, the emperor will investigate thoroughly and clear your name."

"Who do you want me to clear?" At this moment, a low and majestic voice came from outside the door, like a thunder that broke the slightly solemn silence in the room.

As soon as he finished speaking, the door flung open, and the Emperor's eldest grandson, Hongze, strode in. He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, draped over a dark cloak. His expression was as solemn as the sky before a storm, gloomy and intimidating. Eunuch Fuquan trotted after him.

Upon seeing this, Jin An and Concubine Cen quickly stood up and respectfully saluted the emperor. The emperor raised his hand slightly, glanced at the two of them, and then gestured for them to stand.

Then, without waiting for the two to speak, he asked directly, "How is Concubine Chun?" Although the voice was trying hard to suppress anxiety, a hint of subtle concern could still be heard.

Concubine Cen hurriedly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and replied softly, "Your Majesty, the imperial physician is now carefully treating the patient inside. I and others have not yet received any definite information."

The emperor just said "hmm" softly, then took big strides and walked straight towards the inner room.

Concubine Cen looked at the emperor's back, and an inexplicable sadness welled up in her heart. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a self-deprecating smile. Then, she calmed down and quickly followed the emperor into the inner chamber.

At this moment, Ziyun quietly walked in. Jin'an nodded gently at her. Ziyun understood and quickly walked to Jin'an's side. She leaned over slightly and whispered, "Your Highness, the Prime Minister and the Marquis asked me to inform you that something unexpected happened in the palace today. They are afraid that things may not be peaceful, so they are leaving first. They also said that the princess will go to the Prime Minister's residence another day to have dinner together."

Jin An nodded calmly to show that he understood, and then followed him into the inner room.

Concubine Chun lay quietly on the bed, still showing no signs of waking up. Fortunately, Doctor Fang had already given her acupuncture, and she was only in a coma at the moment, her breathing was steady, and her life was not in danger for the time being, but her pale face was still heartbreaking.

When Doctor Fang saw the emperor come in, he hurried forward and respectfully reported to the emperor the diagnosis of Concubine Chun: "Your Majesty, Concubine Chun was overly frightened this time and inhaled a lot of thick smoke, which caused the fetus to be disturbed. The fetus is now a little unstable and there are signs of premature birth. In my opinion, Concubine Chun needs to stay in bed and rest for a period of time. She must not be disturbed again. She must also follow the prescription I wrote and take the medicine on time to ensure the safety of the dragon heir." After that, he handed the prescription to the emperor with both hands.

The Emperor took the prescription, glanced over it briefly, and then handed it back to Doctor Fang. He then waved his hand, signaling him to arrange for the preparation of the herbs. Seeing this, Doctor Fang and the other doctor quickly bowed to the Emperor and hurriedly left the room to make their arrangements.