The princess regretted it.

Chapter 226: There is such a thing?

After listening to Mu Xiang's words, Jin An lowered her head in thought. She struggled in her heart for a long time before she slowly raised her head and said with courage: "Grandfather, there is one thing that Jin An has never mentioned to others. In fact, my great aunt once asked me specifically if I was willing to marry Cousin Zhong. At that time, I was in a mess and was not ready to get married at all, so I did not answer my great aunt. I didn't even tell my father about this. After all, I really didn't want to talk about getting married so soon. I always felt that it was not time for me yet. So I buried this matter deep in my heart and never mentioned it to anyone." The more Jin An spoke, the smaller her voice became, and in the end it was almost as tiny as a mosquito. Her fair cheeks were already stained with a blush of embarrassment, and her eyes revealed some regret and embarrassment.

"There's this? You, why didn't you tell me?" Upon hearing this, Mu Xiang was slightly taken aback, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Then, he looked at his granddaughter with a hint of resignation, feeling both angry and amused. He was angry because she had kept such an important matter a secret from everyone, not even the Emperor. This girl was so self-sufficient. He was also amused because, looking at her shy appearance now, she really did look like a young girl who had just fallen in love, yet was still naive and shy.

He sighed softly and then asked, "So you mean the Duke of the Protectorate doesn't have any objections? Otherwise, the Grand Princess wouldn't have come to ask you." He thought to himself: No wonder the Duke of the Protectorate has intentionally or unintentionally asked him about Jin'an several times after leaving court. It turns out he has been coveting Jin'an as his daughter-in-law for a long time.

"The imperial aunt said that it was cousin Chuzhou who asked her to ask. I don't know whether Uncle Jing and Aunt Susu knew about it. At that time, the imperial aunt just asked me to think about it first, and then tell her if I figured it out. After that, she didn't ask me again, and I... I never mentioned this to the imperial aunt." Jin An bit his lower lip slightly, with a hint of panic and shyness in his eyes.

She was filled with anxiety, wondering if this incident would significantly diminish her great-aunt's impression of her. She reflected silently on her decision: it was indeed due to her instinctive fear and resistance towards marriage, a major life event, that she had chosen to avoid it without thinking, simply putting this matter of life and death aside. Now thinking about it, this approach was indeed inappropriate. She knew that if her great-aunt was angry with her, it was completely understandable.

Later, Zhong Chuzhou mustered up the courage to confess his feelings to her. At that moment, although her heart was touched, she only wanted to try to get to know him more deeply and see if they were really suitable for each other. However, before she could properly cultivate this budding relationship, she was immediately busy with her uncle's food supply and the affairs of Concubine Chun in the palace, which suddenly made her completely busy.

Then there were Lin Qian's affairs and her cousin's sudden departure from Beijing, leaving her with two more things to do. In that flurry of activity, she had unknowingly forgotten about this matter concerning her life. If her grandfather hadn't suddenly brought up the topic today, she probably wouldn't have thought about it.

After hearing Jin An's words, Mu Xiang once again took a helpless breath. He looked at his granddaughter, who seemed so intelligent and insightful in other aspects. How could she be so confused and clueless when it came to her lifelong affairs? It was even a bit late to realize it. It was really laughable that she could completely forget such an important matter.

He smiled helplessly and said, "Forget it, kid, you've made your grandfather a little at a loss for words about this matter. But it doesn't matter. I'll arrange for your grandmother and your aunt to visit the Grand Princess and the Duke's wife together. First, to find out what they think about you and Chu Zhou; second, they can chat about family matters and keep in touch. Don't worry about it. In my opinion, they have always had a very good impression of you, so just relax."

Upon hearing this, Jin An quickly stood up and bowed to Mu Xiangfu with a look of respect and gratitude. She said sincerely, "Jin An would like to express my sincere gratitude to my grandparents, grandparents, and aunt. I'm truly sorry that you've troubled me with so much worry and effort. I hope you won't tire yourself too much because of my affairs." She raised her eyes slightly, her eyes filled with gratitude for her elders, and she looked well-behaved and sensible.

Mu Xiang walked forward with a smile, gently helped Jin An up, his eyes full of love and care, and said: "You child, you are too polite. We are all your relatives. It is our duty to worry about you. How can we ask you to thank us so politely? You are like a treasure in our hands. No matter how big or small your affairs are, they are all important things that we care about. Now that this lifelong event is of paramount importance, we will naturally do our best to help you. We only hope that you can find a good home and live a harmonious and smooth life in the future. Then we will be relieved." After that, he patted Jin An's shoulder gently, as if to give her comfort and encouragement.

"Alright, come with me to meet your grandmother and your aunt, and let's discuss this matter in detail together." Mu Xiang spoke gently as he stepped forward and slowly led Jin An out of the study. The two of them walked along the winding corridor towards the backyard.

At this time, the sunlight shines through the gaps between the mottled leaves, casting dots of light and shadow, falling on them, as if laying a warm and soft filter for the road ahead.

Han Shuang and Zi Yun, who had been waiting outside the study, saw this and hurried to catch up, quietly walking behind Jin An. They glanced at each other and saw the faint blush on their princess's fair cheeks when she came out, and they couldn't help but feel a little curious.

They secretly wondered what had happened in the study that had caused the usually calm and composed princess to be so shy. However, despite their confusion, they didn't ask any further questions. They simply followed silently, their eyes filled with inquiring curiosity.

In fact, Jin An's heart was like the surface of a lake rippling with wind, unable to calm down the whole way. After all, her mind was full of thoughts. When she saw her grandmother and aunt soon, she really didn't know how they would react. Would they think she was being reckless and disrespectful?

When she arrived at her grandmother's backyard, she didn't see the disappointment she'd expected, nor did she hear any words of blame. Instead, she saw affection and love, and of course, even more curiosity! Two pairs of eyes, full of inquiry and curiosity, fell directly on her, and Jin An once again experienced what it meant to be restless.