The princess regretted it.

Lin Song was stunned for a long moment by Lin Qian's words, though he already had a certain appreciation for them. If his daughter could enter the palace and earn the emperor's favor, then he, Lin Song, and the entire Lin family would undoubtedly reach new heights. Yet, the thought of his daughter's transformation still brought a wave of heartache. He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the scenery outside, silent for a moment. The breeze gently rustled the corners of his clothes, as if revealing the inner struggles within him.

He said solemnly, "Qian'er, have you really decided?"

"Well, yes! My daughter has made up her mind!"

Lin Song turned around, his eyes full of worry, "Don't you regret it? You know, once you enter the palace, it's like entering a deep sea!"

"Father, even if I don't enter the palace, do you think I can find a good family in the future? Even in the ordinary marquis's mansions, how many are clean? And if my daughter enters the palace, at least she won't become a bargaining chip for them to control you." Lin Qian's voice was crisp and firm, echoing in the quiet room.

Lin Song looked at his daughter, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He sighed deeply and nodded helplessly, "Okay, since you've made your decision, then I support you. I also owe Princess Jin'an a favor this time, so I'll visit Prime Minister Mu another day."

The Lin family father and daughter discussed their plan, and the atmosphere in the Grand Tutor's Mansion was somewhat depressing after receiving the emperor's oral order.

The tall gates of the mansion were tightly closed, as if shutting out the outside noise and chaos. On the corridors within the mansion, servants walked cautiously, not daring to make a single sound.

In the main hall, the Grand Tutor sat upright in the main seat. His eyes, which had been tempered by time and experienced many vicissitudes of life, were like a bottomless cold pool. At this moment, he was slowly looking back and forth between the father and son.

Though he was already well over seventy, his age hadn't diminished his aura of authority. His slightly furrowed gray brows were like two sharp swords, poised to unleash a chilling edge. The wrinkles on his face were like ravines carved by time, each line telling of his turbulent past. He pursed his lips, his presence imbued with a commanding presence that made people straighten their backs and dare not breathe under his gaze. The Grand Master still held the cane tightly in his hand, his knuckles white with the strain, and the cane, as if carrying his wrath, trembled slightly.

Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui stood quietly at the bottom, not daring to utter a word. After Eunuch Fuquan read out the emperor's oral order, the two were called to the study by the old Grand Tutor. At this moment, the study was filled with a dull atmosphere. The old Grand Tutor sat there with a gloomy face, and did not speak from beginning to end. He was like a silent mountain, exuding a chilling pressure. The father and son did not dare to ask questions, but only lowered their heads, nervously waiting for the Grand Tutor to speak. The study was eerily quiet, with only the occasional faint sound of breathing.

The Grand Master silently examined the father and son for a long moment before finally speaking. His voice was deep and powerful, like thunder rumbling through the study. Though slightly aged, it still held a powerful authority. Every word carried a tremendous weight, sending shivers down one's spine.

The Grand Tutor raised his chin slightly, his eyes as sharp as knives as he stared intently at Zhang Hengrui and Zhang Chengde. "Do you two understand the profound meaning of His Majesty's instructions?"

Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui, father and son, quickly bowed. Zhang Chengde said, "Please, father, help us resolve our doubts." Zhang Hengrui followed suit, "I respectfully follow grandfather's instructions."

The Grand Tutor narrowed his eyes slightly, his fierce gaze intensifying. He snorted softly, tapping his cane lightly on the ground with a dull thud. "Your Majesty, this oral order is a warning to the Grand Tutor's House."

"Hengrui, this is all because of your rash actions. You are to blame for this." The Grand Tutor looked at Zhang Hengrui, his eyes filled with both reproach and a hint of disappointment. Zhang Hengrui lowered his head, not daring to meet the Grand Tutor's gaze.

The Grand Tutor turned his gaze to Zhang Chengde. "Chengde, as Hengrui's father, you failed to properly educate him, and you are also at fault." His tone was stern. The Grand Tutor straightened his back slightly. Although he was over seventy years old, he still exuded an awe-inspiring majesty. His eyes darted back and forth between the father and son, as if trying to read their minds.

"Although our Zhang family seems to be at its peak and enjoying the emperor's favor now." The Grand Tutor narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression solemn, and the wrinkles on his face, which had experienced the vicissitudes of life, trembled slightly, as if telling the ups and downs of the family along the way.

"Look, nowadays, in the court, how many people envy and hate our Zhang family. However, you should know that the higher you stand, the more cautious you should be. It's lonely at the top, and behind the glory and grace, there are often endless crises. Your Majesty's favor is as unpredictable as the changing weather. Today the emperor's favor is strong, but tomorrow the situation may change suddenly." Although the Grand Tutor's voice was a little old, it was steady and powerful. Every word was like a heavy hammer hitting the hearts of Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui, father and son.

"Your Majesty's instructions serve as a warning to us. We must not be carried away by momentary elation. We must always maintain a reverent heart and be cautious in our words and actions. In this treacherous court, one wrong step could lead to eternal ruin. Only by treading cautiously and with utmost care can we ensure the long-term prosperity of our family." The Grand Tutor tapped his cane lightly, making a dull sound, as if emphasizing the importance of his words. Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui, father and son, wore solemn expressions.

Zhang Hengrui's face was as calm as water, and there was no trace of inner turmoil. However, deep down, he felt that his grandfather was too cautious. The emperor's only adult sons were Ji'er and the unpresentable eldest grandson Wuwang. In his opinion, the world would sooner or later belong to the Zhang family. The reason why the emperor asked him to deliver the compensation in person this time was just to appease Minister Lin. In addition, the matter implicated Princess Jin'an, so the emperor was a little annoyed. But even so, the emperor could only do this. After all, the Zhang family's power in the court was at its peak, and the emperor had to be cautious.

Zhang Hengrui was secretly calculating in his mind, but he still maintained a respectful look on his face as he listened to his grandfather's teachings.

The Grand Tutor, having spoken so much at once, felt a little weary. He leaned back slightly in his chair, slowly closed his eyes, and after a brief rest, he addressed Zhang Chengde, "Chengde, you are now the head of this family. You must always bear in mind the heavy responsibility that rests on your shoulders. The family's glory, success, and failure all depend on you. You must lead the family forward with composure and wisdom. Do not lose your way due to temporary gains, nor become complacent with modest achievements. Remember, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. While the Zhang family may seem prosperous today, crises are always around the corner. You must plan carefully, handle matters appropriately, and ensure the stability of the family, so that you can live up to the expectations of our ancestors."

Zhang Chengde lowered his head, his expression respectful and solemn, and said in a deep voice: "Father's teachings, your son will remember them in his heart."