The princess regretted it.

Chapter 385 Any suggestions?

Jin An's suggestion caused the three people in the hall to look at her at the same time. She looked back at them calmly and seriously, and asked in confusion: "Why? Second brother, third brother doesn't want the reward?"

The moment these words left his mouth, the atmosphere instantly became tense, as if a hint of awkwardness quietly spread through the air. Changsun Yunji's mouth twitched slightly. He had only mentioned a possible event whose future was uncertain. How could he have the nerve to ask for a reward? But if he replied that he didn't want one, wouldn't that be a bit indecent and too hypocritical?

He hesitated for a moment, his expression somewhat unnatural. He chuckled dryly twice, scratched his head, and said, "I appreciate the emperor's sister's kindness, but your third brother and I haven't done anything concrete, so to talk about rewards like this, second brother really... really feels unworthy."

Changsun Wuwang secretly groaned. Since the second brother hadn't brought up the subject of the Yu envoy, his casual introduction was already a stretch. He'd been thinking about leaving quickly and making other plans. But Jin'an's move caught him completely off guard. He maintained a respectful smile, but his mind raced, mulling over a countermeasure.

After a moment's hesitation, he stepped forward and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I am eternally grateful for the concern of your Imperial Sister. But I believe that as children of the royal family, it is our duty to share your worries and seek the welfare of the people, and we should not aim for rewards. If I am rewarded for my suggestions today, I am afraid that others will gossip and think that I am seeking fame. I hope Your Majesty will revoke your order. It will not be too late to discuss rewards when I have real achievements in the future." He spoke humbly and politely, politely refusing the reward and cleverly expressing his loyalty to his father.

"Father, you see, my two elder brothers are so humble and polite, while I am the one who is rash and inconsiderate." Jin An pursed his lips slightly, with a bit of naivety and self-blame on his face.

She bowed slightly with an elegant demeanor, then turned around, looked at Changsun Yunji with a smile, and said in a soft voice: "Second brother, you and third brother must have other brilliant ideas. Why not take this opportunity to raise them all? In this way, father may be more willing to consider and adopt your suggestion. Second brother, what do you think?" Jin'an winked playfully as he spoke.

The emperor had already caught on to something, and suspicions were brewing within him. The second son was known for his simple-mindedness and impulsiveness, which was unsurprising. But the third son, known for his meticulousness, had braved the blizzard and even brought the second son along for a meeting. Was he really just here to discuss a plan for dealing with this undetermined and uncertain snowstorm? Or did he have a different agenda?

He quietly narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing as he scanned his two sons, trying to detect a flaw in their expressions and gestures. "Second son," the emperor suddenly spoke, his voice low but tinged with the authority of a superior. "Since your sister has spoken, if you two have other important matters, you might as well report them as well." He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on the armrests of the throne.

Changsun Wuwang's face paled slightly at this point; he could already foresee what was about to happen. If his father asked, his second son, given his foolish nature, would surely answer truthfully. In fact, if he had been forthright and forthright about the Yu envoy, his father would at best have harbored suspicions, believing him to be well-informed and overly concerned with court affairs.

But now, I first brought up the matter of advising on the snow disaster and stirred up a lot of trouble. Now I mention the envoy from the State of Yu again. In the eyes of my father, my behavior seems very suspicious, and he will definitely suspect that I have ulterior motives.

As expected, Changsun Yunji's voice rang out in the hall, "Reporting to the Emperor, your son and your third brother came here today because there is indeed another matter." As soon as these words fell, the third prince Changsun Wuwang became extremely anxious and hurriedly winked at the second prince. However, Changsun Yunji was concentrating on replying respectfully, his eyes always fixed on his father, and he didn't notice his third brother's little movements at all.

"Oh? Tell me, what's the matter?" The emperor looked normal, but there seemed to be dark clouds quietly surging in his deep eyes. His tone was very calm, as if he was just chatting about family matters.

"I, your sons, came here today because I heard about the envoys from the State of Yu coming to the capital."

"The Yu Kingdom's envoys have just arrived in the capital, and the news has reached the palace so quickly?" The emperor's question seemed casual and understated, like a casual remark. When Jin An came to inquire about this news, he knew in his heart that either the Zhong family or the Mu family had sent her the message.

The Zhang family stood behind the second son. It seemed that the information was leaked by the connections arranged by his mother. The Zhang family's network of connections, both inside and outside the court, was indeed intricate and extensive.

"I didn't know that. I only learned about it today from my third brother." Changsun Yunji was stunned for a moment, then he confessed, "My third brother told me that the envoys from the State of Yu had arrived in the capital. Regarding the subsequent reception arrangements, my third brother and I are willing to follow the arrangements of the emperor and share his worries."

Changsun Wuwang's face had turned pale. Hearing Changsun Yunji's blunt words, he felt a wave of grief. Before the emperor could even speak, he dropped to his knees, "I am guilty. Please punish me, father!"

The Second Prince was completely stunned by his kneeling. Changsun Yunji's eyes widened in bewilderment. He first looked at his third brother, who was kneeling and apologizing, then at his father, whose expression was unpredictable. His brain instantly shut down, completely unable to comprehend the situation.

Jin An's lips curled up imperceptibly, a faint arc forming. She silently grumbled, "Sincerity is the ultimate weapon." It seemed to be true. Her Third Brother, usually incredibly shrewd and calculating, had outsmarted himself this time. His meticulous planning had only landed him in such an awkward position. It was truly absurd.

The emperor's gaze slowly shifted from the Second Prince to the Third Prince, who knelt on the ground. The flickering candlelight in the hall stretched his figure long, casting a shadow on the shining golden brick floor.

"Third son, what crime have you committed?" The emperor's voice was steady and unhurried, yet it seemed to chill the air in the palace. Hearing that it was the third son who had told the second son, his fear of this third son deepened. It seemed that the third son had quietly cultivated his own network of connections.

Changsun Wuwang rested his forehead on the ground, his voice trembling slightly, "Your son shouldn't have pried into important court matters without permission. The Yu Kingdom's envoy's visit to the capital is a major court event. All matters are arranged by the relevant departments, and the decision rests with the emperor, my father."

Jin An stood aside, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. Her third brother, however, knew how to cut his losses in time. However...