The princess regretted it.

Jin An was slightly startled, then feigned displeasure and said angrily, "Third brother, what do you mean by that? Could it be that in your eyes, I am such a profit-seeking person? Have I never given you anything in the past? And when was it ever because I had something to ask of you? Humph!"

Changsun Wuwang hurriedly apologized, "Jin'an, please don't misunderstand. It was Third Brother who spoke inappropriately, and that was absolutely not his intention."

Jin An's face was still gloomy, and he pouted slightly as he asked, "What exactly does Third Brother mean?"

Changsun Wuwang hurriedly explained, "Third Brother was thinking, I can't accept such a precious gift from you for nothing. I feel uneasy. So I thought, if I can do my best for Jin'an, I'll feel better."

Jin An sneered inwardly, "How hypocritical! I'm afraid I've almost convinced myself I'm a good person!" But a faint smile appeared on her face, and a glimmer of brilliance flashed across her eyes. She said slowly, "Third brother, you're too kind. I gave you a gift only because of our brotherly love, there's no need for so many twists and turns. Don't worry about it, third brother. If you really feel sorry for me," she paused, "I really want to go horseback riding in the suburbs these days, but father is always worried about me. If you can say a few good words for me in front of father so that I can get what I want, that would be great."

Zhangsun Wuwang's eyes were filled with doting. He looked at Jin'an, smiled, and nodded, saying, "This isn't difficult. I'll find the right opportunity to speak to the emperor on your behalf. However, please be careful when riding in the suburbs. Third brother will accompany you. Okay?"

Jin An responded happily, "That's great! Father will feel at ease with my third brother accompanying him." The brother and sister chatted for a while, and then Jin An stood up to say goodbye.

Zhangsun Wuwang personally escorted Jin'an to the door and watched her leave. The smile on his face gradually faded, and his eyes grew darker. He narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering what was going on in his mind.

Here, a scene of deep affection between brother and sister was unfolding, while inside Wuqiu Palace, a mother and daughter were plotting.

After arriving at Wuqiu Palace, Changsun Jiaoyu ordered Concubine Zhang to send all the attendants out, claiming she had something important to discuss. Having witnessed her daughter's behavior the previous day, Concubine Zhang knew her daughter's cunning and scheming, so she immediately understood her intention and obediently ordered Qiuwen to take everyone out, instructing her to be vigilant.

Only Princess Jiaoyu and her mother, Concubine Zhang, were left in the room. Concubine Zhang sat upright in the main seat, and Princess Jiaoyu sat down beside her. She whispered, "Mother, my uncle sent a message yesterday saying that someone was behind Jin'an's revelation, and he and my grandfather suspected it was..." She raised three fingers and gestured at Concubine Zhang.

"Is it him?" Concubine Zhang was skeptical. She had no choice but to admit she had never seen him possess such talent. "Does he have such abilities?"

"I have my doubts, too. But mother, think about it. From childhood to adulthood, isn't he the only one who has always been by Jin'an's side, and Jin'an is the closest to him?" Princess Jiaoyu said rather indignantly. "Furthermore, today, the emperor just gifted Jin'an with a bunch of goodies, and as soon as Eunuch Fuquan left, Jin'an took the gifts and went to Cuiyuxuan."

"Do you know what Jin'an gave him?" Concubine Zhang asked after hearing this.

"I don't know exactly what it is, but I know the gift box is long and probably a masterpiece," Princess Jiaoyu replied. "Mother, if he hasn't helped Jin'an in any way, then given his current personality, why would she be so flattering? There's definitely something fishy going on."

Concubine Zhang nodded slightly, her expression solemn. "You are right. It seems that this Zhangsun Wuwang is indeed problematic. We must be on guard. We must quickly ask your uncle and grandfather to investigate him thoroughly. Find out who he associates with and what kind of power he has. Find out what he is up to behind the scenes."

Concubine Zhang's mind raced with thoughts: His Majesty's adult sons were now her and her own Ji'er. She had previously ignored him, primarily because he lacked support from her family and connections within the court. He usually appeared nonchalant and possessed a gentle and docile disposition. But now that her father and brother had their suspicions, she had to be on guard. If he harbored hidden ambitions and plotted something deliberate, the consequences would be disastrous.

Princess Jiaoyu nodded and said, "Don't worry, mother. I will go and tell my uncle right away." After that, she stood up and prepared to leave.

Concubine Zhang warned, "Don't make this matter public, so as not to alert the enemy. You should spend more time with Jin'an and try to get some information from her."

Princess Jiaoyu replied, "I understand, my daughter." Then she hurriedly left Wuqiu Palace.

After Jiaoyu left, Concubine Zhang summoned Qiuwen and whispered to her to use her connections within the palace to keep an eye on Zhangsun Wuwang. She also let Jiaoyu handle the liaisons outside the palace, as Qiuwen would be too obvious a target. Her daughter's reputation for gentleness and kindness was well-known, so no one would doubt her.

As Jiaoyu and Qiuwen left, two breezes blew through Wuqiu Palace.