The princess regretted it.

Chapter 355 Concubine Xian discovered the clue

Concubine Xian's expression was slightly restrained, and her originally gentle face was even more solemn. She leaned forward and said to Jin An in a low voice, "Your Highness, I discovered today that Xiangcao, who was beside Princess Jiaoyu, had met Concubine Zhang."

Upon hearing this, Jin An's eyebrows twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly, like a breeze across the lake, fleeting before returning to normal. Her expression remained calm as she lifted the teacup and took a sip. The rising steam blurred her eyes, but only her gaze, through the hazy mist, rested steadily on Concubine Xian's face. Her tone was as calm as water: "Oh? I wonder how you discovered this?"

Concubine Xian looked up eagerly, her eyes full of sincerity and urgency, and explained: "Your Highness, you know the purpose of my entering the palace, so you will naturally pay special attention to their every move. To be honest with you, Princess, since I stepped into this palace, I have been secretly arranging people to keep an eye on Concubine Zhang." Her words were urgent and coherent, as if she was showing her sincerity to Jin'an.

Jin An blinked. Concubine Xian was taking the initiative to hand over her handle to her! She had a perfect smile on her lips and nodded gently. "So, Concubine Xian is going to tell me this news?" She put down her teacup, folded her hands, and looked at Concubine Xian with an elegant demeanor.

"It's not just that," Concubine Xian said, unconsciously moving closer to Jin'an, her expression becoming increasingly mysterious. "It's that I discovered someone else was secretly following Xiangcao."

Jin An's eyes narrowed instantly, his heart skipping a beat as he wondered: Could she have discovered the secret guard? However, her expression remained calm, her tone as even as if she were just chatting casually: "Does your Excellency recognize that man?" As she asked this, her back straightened slightly, and a subtle chill flashed in her eyes. However, Noble Lady Xian was looking anxiously toward the door at this moment and didn't notice.

Concubine Xian nodded vigorously, her voice so low it was almost inaudible: "I noticed that person had appeared beside the Third Prince before. He must be his attendant."

Jin'an's tense body relaxed quietly upon hearing this. She leaned over to pick up the teacup, gently blowing away the hot air, skillfully concealing the complex emotions that flashed through her eyes. It turned out to be the Third Prince's men, not the secret guards. She pondered inwardly, wondering how she had neglected her Third Prince for so long. He was probably trying to stir up trouble in this complicated situation! He must have discovered Xiangcao's secret meeting with Concubine Zhang and was trying to seize the opportunity to do something to achieve his own goals. She just wondered how much he really knew.

On the surface, Jin An looked calm. She gently put down the teacup and spoke in a steady voice without a trace of emotion: "Thank you for your trouble, Concubine Xian. I will remember this matter." She picked up the teacup and took another sip. Her movements were neither hurried nor slow, elegant and calm.

After putting down the teacup, Jin An pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons before deciding to offer a few words of advice: "Third brother is a prince. His every move affects the court situation, and matters concerning him are even more complex. Your Excellency, you must be more cautious in your future actions and avoid rash actions to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Concubine Xian naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Jin An's words and quickly said, "Don't worry, Princess. I just happened to discover this and wanted to tell you so that you can make preparations early. I have no other intentions."

Jin An withdrew his gaze from Concubine Xian, nodded, and said gently, "Yes. Now that the New Year is almost approaching, it is good to be cautious in everything, but your own safety should still be the most important. Minister Lin and Madam Lin will be attending the New Year's banquet, so Concubine Xian will be able to see her parents."

Hearing Jin'an mention Minister Lin and Madam Lin, Concubine Xian's eyes flashed with a flicker of uncontrollable joy, but she quickly regained her composure. She bowed her head slightly, her tone tinged with gratitude, "Thank you, Princess, for your advice."

Jin An smiled slightly and said amiably, "The annual banquet is a rare opportunity for you to reminisce with your family. However, the palace has many rules and regulations, and there will be many people watching. I will suggest to my father in advance that you stay in your own palace to meet your family, so they can feel more at ease."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian was suddenly puzzled, but she didn't dwell on it at the moment, only thinking of the joy of being with her family. Without giving it much thought, she nodded immediately, her expression serious, "Thank you for your help, Princess. I will be careful with my words and actions."

Jin An knew she was a shrewd woman, and would surely understand the deeper meaning of this. According to palace rules, she was still only a noble, and her status was not high enough to allow her family to gather in the palace. And he couldn't have been unaware that suggesting she bring her family to his palace was an overstepping of the bounds.

Jin An glanced at her, his eyes full of meaning. "It's good that your Highness understands. The situation in the palace is complicated. A little carelessness could bring disaster upon yourself, and even your family. I think your Highness should be mentally prepared before entering this deep palace."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Xian's expression changed slightly. She then lowered her head and said softly, "Princess, you are right. I understand."

Jin An smiled faintly and said no more. She stood up, straightened her sleeves, and said calmly, "It's getting late, and I should go back. If you have nothing else to do, please go to bed early."

Concubine Xian quickly stood up and bowed respectfully, "Farewell, Her Royal Highness."

Jin An led Han Shuang out of Concubine Xian's bedroom. A chill wind blew against her face, and she couldn't help but pull her cloak closer. Han Shuang whispered, "Your Highness, why did Concubine Xian act this way today? Can you trust her?"

Jin An looked ahead, his tone calm, "She is still trustworthy at the moment. She just wants to take advantage of my influence."

Jin An raised his head slightly, his expression calm as water. "She has just entered the palace, she is weak and without any foundation. Moreover, she entered the palace with a purpose, not to mention that she must have entered the palace to fulfill her family's mission, so naturally she needs to find a backer. And I am her best choice right now."

Frost nodded thoughtfully.

"However, Han Shuang, please pay attention to the people around the Third Prince." Jin An's words made Han Shuang feel confused, but she did not ask anything. She just nodded again and said, "Yes, I understand."

Jin An narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a hint of coldness. His Third Brother was always a man of deep thoughts. Since he had sent people to keep an eye on Concubine Zhang and Jiao Yu, he must have some ulterior motive. Perhaps he could even get some unexpected results.

"Let's go back to the palace." Jin An said softly.

Han Shuang followed suit, and the figures of the master and servant gradually disappeared at the end of the palace road. The sky in the distance grew darker and darker, and there was an oppressive feeling that wind and rain would soon follow. The cold wind blew across the cheeks of passers-by like a blade, cutting them painfully.