The princess regretted it.

Chapter 354 Bearing

In Feiyu Palace, Jin An was listening to the secret guard's report. After learning about the conspiracy between Concubine Zhang and Xiangcao, Jin An's expression became solemn. She said to the secret guard, "Go down and continue to monitor their every move." The secret guard took the order and left.

Jin'an pondered for a moment, then told Hongyu to pack the freshly made snacks and went to the imperial study with Hanshuang.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor was concentrating on reviewing memorials. Seeing Jin An come in, he was startled for a moment, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, and he asked, "What's this all about?"

Jin An approached with light lotus steps, and with a smile, gestured for Han Shuang to present the snacks in her hand. Her voice was gentle and soft, "This son, on a whim, made some snacks himself today. Thinking that your Majesty must be busy with government affairs all day and must be very tired, I hurriedly brought some over. I wanted to ask your Majesty to try some and take a rest."

Upon seeing this, Eunuch Fuquan quickly stepped forward, took the snack from Han Shuang's hand, and placed it on the emperor's table. The emperor took a look at the exquisite snacks, then looked at Jin An, a smile on his face: "You are thoughtful." He picked up a piece, tasted it, and nodded in praise: "It tastes good."

Jin An smiled slightly, then turned to Han Shuang and said, "You go out first." Upon hearing this, Han Shuang hurriedly bowed and saluted, then retreated lightly.

The Emperor watched all this unfold before him, calmly setting down the snacks in his hand and glancing sideways at Fuquan beside him. Fuquan, having served the Emperor for many years and knowing his thoughts like the back of his hand, instantly grasped his meaning and quickly bowed and withdrew, gently closing the study door behind him.

After everyone left, the emperor's expression straightened, his eyes sharp as torches, and he looked at Jin'an meaningfully.

Jin An took a step forward, his expression turning serious. He leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Father, I have just made an extremely important discovery and must report it to you immediately."

The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? What's the matter?"

Jin An reported the information obtained by the secret guards - Jiaoyu sent Xiangcao to Wuqiu Palace to find Zhang Pin, and reported everything Zhang Pin had instructed Xiangcao to do, his tone calm but every word clear.

As the emperor listened, his face gradually became gloomy and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

After Jin An finished speaking, the emperor shouted, "How courageous!"

After a moment's silence, he said with some disappointment, "Jiaoyu was ultimately led astray by the Zhang family! When she was little, she was clearly..." He glanced at Jin'an and stopped talking, "I thought she was still young and her character was unsettled, but I didn't expect her to be so bold and do such a rebellious thing!"

Jin An lowered her head and remained silent. She couldn't say anything more at this point. Her father had few children and disliked sibling violence. She only needed to report what she had discovered truthfully and wait for her father's decision.

The emperor took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and said in a deep voice: "It seems that the Zhang family has made a lot of preparations over the years, and their hands have long been extended to the palace. How audacious! Zhang Fei, relying on my favor, as my concubine, instead of cultivating yourself and improving your character, you colluded with foreign officials and even corrupted Jiaoyu! It is really difficult to win over people's hearts!"

Jin An gently advised, "Father, please calm down. Sister Jiaoyu has been deceived by others. I believe that once the truth is revealed, she will understand her mistakes. Father, please give her a chance to mend her ways."

The emperor glanced at Jin'an with a complicated expression. "Jin'an, you're now showing more of your mother's generosity. However, this matter is of no small importance, and I cannot tolerate it."

Jin An nodded respectfully: "Father, your majesty is wise, and I understand."

The emperor pondered for a moment and waved his hand: "Then you can go back first. I will make the decision on this matter."

Jin'an bowed respectfully and said, "The weather is getting colder. Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. I will take my leave now." After bowing, she turned and left the imperial study.

"Princess Jin'an!" Jin'an, who was walking side by side with Han Shuang on the way back to Feiyu Palace, suddenly heard a crisp shout.

She paused, instinctively turning to look in the direction of the voice. She saw Lin Qian, now known as Consort Xian, dressed in a water-blue palace dress, perfectly tailored to her figure, perfectly framing her slender frame. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with delicate patterns, highlighting her status and honor. She wore a moon-white cape, its soft, fine fur fluttering gently in the breeze, accentuating her graceful figure and gentle temperament.

Concubine Xian, accompanied by her maidservants, walked towards her with light steps and a smile on her face. Seeing this, Jin An stopped and turned to face Concubine Xian.

Concubine Xian came closer, a gentle and friendly smile on her face. She bowed slightly, saluted Jin An with an elegant posture, and said in a clear and pleasant voice: "Greetings, Princess Jin An."

Jin An raised the corner of his mouth and returned a polite smile. Han Shuang beside him also bowed. "Where are you going, Lady Xian?" Jin An asked with a smile.

"I have come here specifically to look for Her Royal Highness the Princess," Concubine Xian said gently.

"Looking for me? What's the matter?" A hint of doubt flashed in Jin'an's eyes, and his gaze couldn't help but look at Concubine Xian.

"It's really cold outside. Princess, could you please come to my palace and have a chat?" Concubine Xian raised her head slightly, her eyes full of sincere invitation, "I have some personal matters to discuss with Your Highness the Princess alone." She gently wrapped her cloak tightly around herself.

Jin An's eyes flashed, "Since Concubine Xian has invited me, how can I refuse?" Jin An smiled slightly, his tone gentle but with a hint of caution.

She turned her head to glance at Han Shuang, who immediately understood and silently took a half step back, maintaining a distance that could both protect her master and not disturb the conversation.

When Concubine Xian saw Jin'an agreed, her smile grew wider, and she extended her hand and gestured "please," "Princess, please come this way."

The two walked side by side, Concubine Xian's gait light and graceful, while Jin'an walked calmly, his expression indifferent. A cold wind swept across the palace walls, picking up a few fallen leaves. Concubine Xian gently gathered her cloak and said softly, "The weather is getting colder."

Jin An nodded, looked at the gloomy sky, and said gently: "Yes! It looks like it might snow!"

"If it snows, it would be most pleasant to sit around the fire, brew tea, and admire the plum blossoms." Concubine Xian said slowly with a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.

"Are you missing home, Concubine Xian?" Jin An glanced at Concubine Xian.

Concubine Xian lowered her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's almost the end of the year, and this is the first time I'm spending the New Year away from my parents. I'm really not used to it. I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Princess."

Jin An smiled when he heard this and said nothing more.

Soon, the two arrived at Concubine Xian's bedroom. The room was elegantly decorated, with a charcoal fire burning brightly, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Lady Xian asked her maid to wait outside the house. Seeing this, Jin An nodded to Han Shuang, who understood and stayed outside.

Concubine Xian personally poured Jin'an a cup of hot tea and offered it to her with both hands: "Your Highness, please have some tea."

Jin An took the teacup and took a sip. The fragrance of the tea filled the air, and the warmth reached her heart. She put the teacup down and looked up at Concubine Xian. Her tone was gentle but with a hint of inquiry: "I wonder if Concubine Xian has anything to say?"