The princess regretted it.

Chapter 347 The eldest princess’s invitation

After the emperor and his entourage had completely left, Xiangcao finally felt relieved and hurried back to Jiaoyu Palace. She quickly walked over to Jiaoyu, looked around cautiously, and after confirming that no one was around, she lowered her voice and quietly told Jiaoyu about Concubine Zhang's arrangements.

Jiaoyu frowned after hearing this and hesitated for a moment, thoughts racing through her mind. Then, a flicker of determination flashed in her eyes, as if she had made up her mind. She quickly walked to the desk, grabbed a brush, dipped it in ink, and hurriedly wrote a letter on the paper.

After writing, she carefully folded the letter and carefully placed it in an envelope. She handed it to Vanilla, her eyes full of expectation and instructions: "Do everything you can to get this letter to my grandparents as soon as possible. Don't make any mistakes."

Vanilla quickly extended her hands, respectfully took the envelope, and carefully placed it in her arms. After curtsying, she quietly retreated, her steps hurried but trying not to make any noise.

The next day, in the court, the emperor reprimanded Zhang Hengrui again, saying that as the left commander of the Imperial Guard, he was responsible for patrolling the harem, but he neglected his duties, causing everyone in the harem to be in danger and their safety was no longer sustainable.

The officials in the court who were impeaching the Zhang family were instantly excited and stood up one after another, speaking harshly and mercilessly.

The impeachment screech was like a surging tide, leaving Minister Zhang feeling irritated. He clutched his imperial scepter tightly, his knuckles turning white, yet he could only suppress his rage as he listened to the harsh rhetoric. After the court session, he walked out of the palace, a look of exhaustion on his face.

At this moment, a young eunuch came towards him. Minister Zhang noticed the young eunuch with alertness, tilted his head slightly, and quickly looked behind him to make sure no one else was paying attention.

He straightened his back and pretended to walk towards the young eunuch naturally. At the moment when the two passed each other, Zhang Shangshu had a letter in his hand. With skillful and concealed movements, he hid the envelope in his sleeve in the blink of an eye.

During the entire process, there was no verbal communication between the two. From a distance, it looked like just the normal exchange of personnel in the palace. No one could have noticed that they had just completed a secret handover.

Minister Zhang clutched the letter tightly in his hand and hurried out of the palace. Only after boarding the carriage back home did he relax his guard slightly and take out the envelope. Upon opening it, his expression instantly grew solemn, his already furrowed brows now twisted into a deep, round frown.

He pondered for a moment, put the letter back into the envelope, then leaned his head against the wall of the carriage and slowly closed his eyes. His mind was like a churning sea, thinking about how to deal with the situation.

.......

Jin'an was busy dressing up at this time. She suddenly received an invitation from her great-aunt, the Grand Princess, who said that she had found a treasure and asked her to come to her house to see it.

Speaking of which, since Jin An's marriage to Zhong Chuzhou was finalized, she had not been to the Duke of Huguo's residence. She had no choice but to take this invitation seriously.

Hongyu was already gesturing with her hair, a white jade hairpin. The hairpins were delicately carved with orchids, simple yet elegant. "Princess, do you think this hairpin is suitable?"

Jin An nodded slightly: "Let's take this."

With the skillful hands of Hongyu and Ziyun, Jinan was quickly dressed. She wore a light pink silk dress with delicate peach blossom patterns embroidered on the hem, and a white fox cloak on the outside. She looked gentle and dignified.

"Princess, the carriage is ready." Han Shuang walked in and reported quietly. Jin An stood up, took the hand warmer handed to him by Ziyun, and walked out the door.

After getting into the carriage, Jin An leaned back against the soft cushions and slowly closed her eyes. She had hoped to use this moment of tranquility to rest and recuperate, but the events of last night surged through her mind like a tide. She had also heard that her father had finally taken Mingyue away and arranged for someone to keep her under strict supervision.

Jin An knew that this matter was of great importance. She hoped that her father would handle it fairly and restore the truth. However, when she thought of Mingyue's uncertain life or death, she couldn't help but worry. She was not even sure whether Mingyue could survive this disaster safely.

Recalling how her father had gone to see Jiaoyu alone last night, and how everything in Jiaoyu Palace remained normal afterward, with no personnel under control, Jinan secretly suspected that her father might be intent on saving Jiaoyu, perhaps even planning to shift the blame onto someone else and hastily close the case. Thinking of this, she frowned slightly, feeling a mixture of emotions.

Just as he was lost in thought, the carriage slowly stopped and Han Shuang's voice came from outside to remind him softly: "Princess, we have arrived at the Duke of Protectorate's Mansion." Jin An opened his eyes, straightened his clothes, and got off the carriage with the help of Han Shuang.

Qin Susu, the wife of the Duke of Huguo, had been waiting at the door. Upon seeing Jin'an, a smile immediately spread across her face. She took delicate yet graceful steps and quickly approached him. When she was still a few steps away from Jin'an, she bowed slightly and performed a standard formal greeting. "Princess, you're finally here. Your mother-in-law has been waiting to see you for quite some time."

As she spoke, she turned sideways, made a gesture of invitation, and said enthusiastically: "Princess, please come in. The mansion is ready and waiting for you. Your mother-in-law has recently obtained some rare things. I thought that your princess is knowledgeable and would be able to appreciate them for you." Her tone was intimate and respectful, and there was nothing wrong with it.

Jin'an had a gentle and decent smile on her lips. She moved lightly with lotus steps, returned the greeting elegantly, and said softly: "I'm sorry, Jin'an. I've been busy with trivial matters in the uterus recently, which has delayed me for some time. I have to apologize to the imperial aunt later." Her tone was gentle, and her words were full of apology, but she did not lose the dignity of a royal princess.

Jin An, led by Qin Susu, crossed the threshold and entered the Duke of Huguo's residence. They arrived at the Grand Princess's courtyard in the inner courtyard, where several wintersweets bloomed proudly in the snow, dotted with tiny goose-yellow petals. A rich fragrance permeated the cool air.

Qin Susu led Jin'an to the door of the Grand Princess's room. With a perfectly placed smile on her lips, she leaned forward and said softly, "Princess, your mother-in-law is waiting for you inside. I won't bother you for now."

After she finished speaking, she turned to look at Han Shuang again, her tone kind and gentle: "Miss Han Shuang, I have prepared some goodies for the New Year, all specially picked for the princess. Come with me to get them, and I will bring them back to the princess later."

Han Shuang subconsciously cast her gaze towards Jin An, her eyes filled with inquiry. Jin An knew that her great-aunt must have something important to discuss with him alone, so he nodded slightly, indicating that Han Shuang should follow Qin Susu. After receiving the instructions, Han Shuang followed Qin Susu confidently, her figure gradually disappearing into the corner of the courtyard.

Jin An raised his hand and gently pushed open the carved wooden door. The room was warm, the floor heater burning brightly. A charcoal fire crackled in the corner, dispelling the chill from outside.