The princess regretted it.

Chapter 349 Sense of Mission

It was noon when Jin An stepped out of the Duke of Huguo's mansion. The sun hung high in the sky, but it seemed drained of all warmth by the bitter winter. It shone a cold, white light, casting a shadow on the earth, yet offering no warmth. The chill wind, like a knife, scraped across his face, piercing his skin with a sharp, painful bite, as if reminding him that the harshness of winter had penetrated deep into his bones.

At this moment, Jin An sat quietly in the warm carriage. The bottom of the carriage was covered with thick cushions, as soft as spring grass. The furry fox fur curtains hung around it completely blocked out the cold outside.

She leaned against the side of the carriage, her eyes closed, seemingly calm, but her mind was churning as she replayed her conversations with Zhong Chuzhou and the Grand Princess at the Protectorate's residence. The thought of the Zhang family's terrifying plot to treason rippled through her heart, and worry surged like a surging tide, nearly drowning her.

Ever since she left the Grand Princess's courtyard, Han Shuang had noticed her worried look. She knew something extremely important must have happened to make the princess so worried.

Inside the carriage, Han Shuang glanced at Jin An, who was silent and lost in thought, and tactfully chose not to interrupt him. She simply sat quietly by his side, silently sipping hot tea.

Recalling that in the Duke of Protectorate's Mansion, after Zhong Chuzhou finished explaining some of his father's plans, the room fell into a brief silence, with only the "crackling" sound of the burning charcoal fire.

Jin An took a deep breath, his worries easing a little. He knew that his father, grandfather, and the Duke of Huguo had already made secret arrangements for this matter.

Although she had heard from Jiaoyu and the Second Prince about the Zhang family's private army, and guessed from her grandfather that her father might also know about it, she had not expected the Zhang family to take action so quickly. It seemed that recent events had pushed them to a breaking point.

But she was still very uneasy in her heart. Jin An tried to calm himself down and looked up at Zhong Chuzhou with a firm look in his eyes: "Cousin Zhong, since we all know about this, I can't intervene outside, but I can still find a way in the harem. If there is anything I can do, just tell me."

Zhong Chuzhou looked at Jin'an, feeling both relieved and distressed. "Jin'an, I understand your perspective. This matter is dangerous. Like Your Majesty, I certainly hope you can take precautions and protect yourself. I don't want you to be put in any danger."

He paused briefly, then continued, "We've already made arrangements for the front court and the outside world, and I believe there won't be any major problems. However, the situation in the harem is complicated, and now that the Empress is pregnant with the heir, we need to prevent them from taking desperate measures. That's why I asked my grandmother to suggest to His Majesty that you get involved. You're very thoughtful, and if you can make some arrangements in advance, it will naturally be more effective. Before the New Year's banquet, if you can cut off Concubine Zhang, the Second Prince, and Jiaoyu from contact with the outside world, then the harem will be more secure."

Jin An nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "I have arranged for people to keep an eye on Concubine Zhang and Princess Jiaoyu, but Second Prince has never behaved abnormally, so he doesn't completely trust the Zhang family."

After hearing Jin'an's words, the Grand Princess looked up at him with a deep meaning in her eyes, but she didn't say anything.

Jin An paused when she saw this, then continued, "I'll arrange for someone to keep an eye on Second Brother after I return. If anything happens, I'll send someone immediately." She suddenly looked at Zhong Chuzhou, "Should I send a message to you or go directly to Father?"

"Well, it would be more convenient and quicker if you tell His Majesty. His Majesty will find a way to make the arrangements." Zhong Chuzhou replied without much thought. He was thinking that if there was anything in the palace, it would be faster to go to the emperor than to him, and a countermeasure would be arranged faster. Besides, His Majesty also had secret guards around him that were unknown to the public.

Jin An nodded, she thought so too. Then she asked, "What do I need to do at the palace banquet?"

"You just need to participate as usual. Your position will definitely be close to His Majesty. Once something happens, you must be close to His Majesty as soon as possible." Zhong Chuzhou said softly.

At this time, Zhong Chuzhou took out a small brocade bag from his bosom and handed it to Jin An: "This is a specially made signal flare. Keep it with you. If you encounter an emergency, just pull the thread and the signal flare will be launched into the air. Our people will come to support you immediately."

Jin An took the brocade bag and solemnly put it into his sleeve. The three of them once again deliberated and discussed the possible scenarios, not missing a single detail and formulating corresponding response strategies for every possible situation.

As the carriage slowly moved forward, Jin An kept reviewing these plans in her mind. When she thought of the Zhang family's rebellious plan, although she knew that her father and others had a countermeasure, her worries were still like a surging tide, surging in her heart wave after wave.

After all, the Zhang family is deeply entrenched in the court, having meticulously cultivated its power over the years. Its numerous allies and complex influence are like a vast, hidden spider's web, reaching every corner of the court. No one can guarantee that my father and his men's plan will be foolproof and completely eradicate the Zhang family's influence. If any loophole slips through the net, or if any link goes awry, the consequences will be disastrous.

Those enemies hiding in the shadows, ready to strike a fatal blow at any moment, sent a chill down Jin An's spine. She knew that if she wasn't careful, the entire court would be plunged into a bloodbath, and the people would suffer.

She pondered to herself that while she couldn't maneuver the court as her father and Zhong Chuzhou had, she was now in the harem, with Concubine Zhang imprisoned. Zhong Chuzhou had previously said that her father had already eliminated a large number of the Zhang family's spies. But there was no guarantee that they had been completely eliminated. Who knew where the remaining spies were hiding? The slightest movement could alert the enemy.

It seems that the only thing we have to do now is to pay close attention to the movements of Jiaoyu and Zhangpin. As long as we find their secret spies, we should quietly deal with them and try not to let them find out.

"Princess, there's a traffic jam at the intersection ahead. I'm afraid we'll be delayed for some time." The driver's voice came from outside the car, gently interrupting her thoughts.

Jin'an murmured a soft "hmm," then slowly lifted a corner of the curtain with her fair fingers and peered out. The streets were bustling with activity. People, carrying bags and carrying things, were busy shopping for New Year's goods, their faces lit with anticipation. The cacophony of hawkers and laughter intertwined, creating a bustling scene.

Watching this lively scene, Jin An couldn't help but feel a strong sense of mission. She secretly clenched her fists and made a decision in her heart: she must not let this beautiful scene be ruined.