The princess regretted it.

Inside the imperial study, a stillness reigned, the air thick with the faint scent of ink and a solemn atmosphere. The current emperor, Changsun Hongze, wore a bright yellow dragon robe. The five-clawed golden dragon embroidered with gold thread shone brightly in the candlelight, appearing to be lifelike and ready to soar into the air at any moment.

From birth, Changsun Hongze was groomed as the crown prince, learning the art of statecraft, military strategy, and cultural etiquette. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and courage. Growing up, he faced numerous challenges and trials. The court's open and covert infighting and external threats didn't defeat him, but instead strengthened his resilience.

After ascending to power, he recruited talented individuals and implemented a series of reforms to improve administration, develop the economy, and strengthen national defense. After years of hard work, the Jin Dynasty gradually prospered, and the people's lives improved. He was a wise ruler praised by the people.

Though now middle-aged, he still exudes a captivating charm. His face resembles a sculpture meticulously sculpted by time, its edges and corners defined. His sword-like brows, slanting down to his temples, are as black as ink yet exude a steely resolve. When slightly furrowed, he exudes an air of unspoken authority. His eyes, deep as the abyss, seem to conceal boundless wisdom and experience. His lips, tightly pursed, are gracefully lined, and when lifted, they reveal a reassuring smile. An exquisite crown secures his still-inky black hair, embodying his imperial dignity.

His complexion, though not as fair as it was in his youth, possessed a mellow, bronze-like hue, the result of years of experience, exuding the charm of a mature man. A carefully trimmed short beard on his chin accentuated his steadiness and dignity.

Even though the years have left some marks on his face, this cannot conceal his handsomeness and extraordinaryness. Instead, it makes him more charming and attractive like a mature man.

At this moment, Changsun Hongze sat before the imperial desk, his posture as straight as a pine tree, embodying the majesty of an emperor. On the desk, a delicate Duan inkstone emanated a rich aroma of ink, and several wolf-hair brushes were neatly placed. Next to it was a paperweight, holding down a pile of memorials.

Changsun Hongze lowered his head slightly, his expression focused and solemn, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed, and his deep eyes fixed on the memorial in his hand.

Xiao Luzi at the door gently pushed the door open and walked in. Eunuch Fuquan in the hall saw him and stepped forward. Xiao Luzi whispered a report to Eunuch Fuquan beside him.

Changsun Hongze did not raise his eyes, and asked softly: "Fuquan, what's the matter?"

Eunuch Fuquan hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Princess Jin'an is outside requesting an audience."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Hongze immediately put down the memorial he was reviewing, a look of joy instantly appeared on his face, and he said loudly, "Let her in."

"Yes!" Eunuch Fuquan responded and slowly walked out the door backwards.

Outside the door, Princess Jin'an was waiting quietly with Qingli, her graceful figure. When Eunuch Fuquan saw Princess Jin'an, he quickly bowed and saluted, saying respectfully, "Princess, His Majesty has summoned you. It's been a while since you've been here, and His Majesty has been thinking of you!"

Jin An nodded slightly, a gentle smile blooming on his face, and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Eunuch Fu. Eunuch Fu has been working hard by my father's side, and I have seen it all."

Eunuch Fuquan quickly said humbly, "Princess, you are too kind. Serving Your Majesty is my duty. Your filial piety is commendable. You often visit Your Majesty, and Your Majesty is very happy."

Jin An smiled and replied, "It's my duty. Father is busy with state affairs, so I should spend more time with him. I wonder if Father is in good health these days?"

Eunuch Fuquan nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty is in good health, Princess, there is no need to worry. Your Majesty will surely feel more relaxed upon seeing the princess."

Jin An nodded gently and said, "That's good. I'll go in and pay my respects to Father."

Eunuch Fuquan stepped aside and made way, bowing again and saying, "Princess, please."

Princess Jin'an lifted her skirt lightly and stepped gracefully into the imperial study. As soon as Changsun Hongze saw Princess Jin'an, a warm smile immediately broke out on his face, his eyes full of love.

"Jin'an, come here quickly so I can take a good look." Changsun Hongze extended his hand to Princess Jin'an. Princess Jin'an stepped forward quickly, bowing slightly. "Father, are you well," Princess Jin'an said softly.

Changsun Hongze stepped forward to help Jinan up and pulled her to sit on a chair nearby.

At this time, Princess Jin'an signaled Qingli to present the food box. She opened the box herself, and the exquisite lotus cake appeared before Changsun Hongze.

"Father, this is lotus cake. How does it taste?" Princess Jin'an looked like she was presenting a treasure.

Changsun Hongze smiled faintly. He picked up a piece of lotus cake and put it in his mouth to savor it carefully. The crisp texture and sweet taste blossomed on his tongue. The aroma of flour, the savory egg, the sweetness of syrup, it was like a symphony for the taste buds. Changsun Hongze smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly. He thought to himself that this taste didn't seem like the work of the imperial chefs in the palace. Hmm—An'er seemed to have a maid who was skilled in cooking. I guess it must have been her handiwork!

Princess Jin'an looked at Zhangsun Hongze expectantly. Seeing his smiling face, she asked happily, "Father, how is it?"

"An'er, this cake tastes great. I like it very much." Changsun Hongze praised with a smile. "Who made such delicious cakes?"

"I made it myself!" Princess Jin'an raised her chin slightly and said proudly.

Jin An made it himself? Chang Sun Hongze was surprised for a moment, then shook his head and smiled, as if he understood. "Hahaha! Tell me, what do you want father to help you with?" Chang Sun Hongze looked down at her jokingly.

"Father, don't you believe me?" Changsun Jinan pouted, looking unhappy.

Seeing this, Qingli knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this lotus cake was indeed made by the princess herself. She brought it to Your Majesty as soon as it was finished."

Changsun Hongze was no less shocked than Nanny Zhao and Qingli before. This was a pastry made by the hand of the legitimate princess, a person he had never touched before! His eyes suddenly felt hot, and his heart ached slightly. His An'er had grown up!

Seeing her father's expression, Chang Sun Jin'an felt a surge of guilt. She had always relied on her father's favoritism to act recklessly, never truly appreciating his toil and hardships. Now, seeing her father so moved by a plate of pastries she had made, she felt even more deeply that she had been so naive.

"Father, I was naive in the past and caused you so much worry. In the future, I will become more sensible and help you." Princess Jin'an said softly, a determined glint in her eyes. Changsun Hongze shook his head slightly and reached out to stroke Princess Jin'an's hair. "An'er, there's no need to feel guilty. You will always be my most beloved daughter. Seeing you so well-behaved and sensible now, I am very happy."

"By the way, Jin'an, your third brother came to me and asked me to investigate the last time you left the palace, and I agreed. However, this time, your father must arrange secret guards to protect you, and there can be no further delay!" Changsun Hongze added.

Jin An's eyes were filled with tears as he nodded and said, "Thank you, Father!"

The father and daughter looked at each other for a moment, their hearts filled with tenderness. The atmosphere in the imperial study was warm and touching, as if time had stood still at this moment.

Suddenly, Eunuch Fuquan walked in hurriedly: "Your Majesty, the Minister of Revenue requests an audience!"