The princess regretted it.

After Jin'an and Nanny Zhao left the Jade Pavilion, she slowed down her pace. She hadn't gotten anything out of Changsun Wuwang, but she could tell he was hiding something from her. She didn't want to go back, so she decided to wander the Imperial Gardens. It was autumn, and the chrysanthemums and hibiscus flowers were in full bloom, a dazzling display of golden and pink. She strolled among the blossoms, taking in the fresh fragrance and cool autumn breeze, and her mood gradually relaxed.

Zhao Ma Ma didn't say anything, just quietly followed behind Jin An. Jin An walked aimlessly, and as she walked, she sniffed hard and smelled a faint herbal fragrance. "Ma Ma, do you smell any herbal fragrance?" Jin An turned her head and asked Zhao Ma Ma.

Aunt Zhao also sniffed hard and said, "Princess, it really smells like herbs."

She was curious about when the aroma of herbs would appear in this deep inner palace. She looked around and saw a vine-covered wall not far away. The aroma seemed to be coming from there. Jin An started walking in that direction, and Madam Zhao quickly followed.

Standing outside the courtyard wall, the herbal fragrance became even stronger. The courtyard wall was covered with layers of oval green leaves. A breeze blew, gently lifting waves of leaves. Mixed with the herbal fragrance coming from inside the courtyard wall, it made people feel inexplicably peaceful. Jin An didn't remember being in this place before. She tilted her head slightly and asked Zhao Ma Ma behind her, "Ma Ma, whose courtyard is this?"

Madam Zhao bowed and replied, "Princess, I now remember that this must be Concubine Chun's courtyard."

"Noble Lady Chun?" Jin An thought about it in his mind, but had no memory.

"Yes. This Concubine Chun is said to be from a noble family in Jiangnan. Her maternal grandparents are a family of doctors. She has been influenced by her mother since she was a child and has some knowledge of medicine. I heard that not long after Concubine Chun entered the palace, she claimed to the outside world that she was in poor health and asked to recuperate in this side hall. The emperor agreed. Maybe she planted medicinal herbs in the yard herself." Nanny Zhao said softly.

"In that case, let's go visit Concubine Chun." After hearing what Madam Zhao said, Jin'an became even more curious about Concubine Chun.

Madam Zhao hesitated for a moment and said, "Princess, isn't it inappropriate to visit so hastily?"

Jin An smiled and said, "It's okay, I just went to say hello, it's not a big deal."

So Jin An brought Madam Zhao to the gate of Concubine Chun's courtyard. The gate was closed, so Jin An asked Madam Zhao to knock on the door.

After a while, a palace maid opened the door and saw Jin An. She quickly bowed. "Princess, I am sorry for not welcoming you in person. Please forgive me."

The maid said respectfully. Jin An waved her hand slightly and said, "No need to be so polite. This princess is passing by here and heard that this is Concubine Chun's courtyard, so she came to visit."

The maid was a little embarrassed when she heard this. Nanny Zhao stepped forward and scolded her, "What are you still standing there for? Princess Jin'an is here to visit. Go and tell her!"

"Madam, please don't be rude!" Jin An hurriedly stopped her. Then he smiled and said to the palace maid, "Is it inconvenient for you, my dear?"

The palace maid quickly said, "Noble Lady Chun is currently tending to the herb garden in the courtyard. I'm afraid this may be impolite."

Jin An's smile widened. "Oh! That's perfect for me. I'll go check out some herbs. Lead the way!"

The palace maid had no choice but to step aside and said, "Princess, please come in."

Jin An walked into the courtyard, which was elegantly decorated, with flowers, plants, and trees arranged in a patchwork pattern. To one side of the courtyard stood a small herb garden, where some common herbs were planted. Although small, the garden was well-maintained, with a variety of herbs lush and green, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

In the herb garden, a woman in simple green clothes was bent over and busy. She was weeding and watering the herbs skillfully and carefully.

Jin An looked at the person in the herb garden and asked the palace maid, "Is that Concubine Chun?"

The maid replied respectfully, "Princess, yes."

Jin'an slowly walked forward. Hearing the gentle tinkling of her jewelry and the clatter of footsteps, Concubine Chun gently straightened and turned to look. Jin'an gazed intently, beholding Concubine Chun's face, pure and elegant, like a delicate ink painting. She wore no makeup, her skin white as snow, pure and natural. Her hair was wrapped in a scarf the same color as her clothes, simple yet dignified. The absence of ornaments like pearls and hairpins in her hair undoubtedly accentuated her simple and elegant beauty, like a pure flower quietly blooming in the depths of the palace, exuding a unique tranquility and gentleness.

This calm and tranquil demeanor completely overshadowed the small, mud-stained hoe in her hand. Surprise welled up in her eyes when she saw Princess Jin'an. The maid who had been behind Princess Jin'an had already hurried over, taking the hoe from Concubine Chun with one hand and supporting her out of the herb garden with the other.

Concubine Chun emerged from the herb garden, her shoes stained with mud. She bowed awkwardly, her face slightly flushed, and said shyly, "I didn't know the princess was coming. I'm sorry for not coming to greet you. I hope you'll forgive me. I was busy in the herb garden and hadn't had time to dress and greet you. It's truly rude."

Jin An smiled pretentiously and gave her a slight support. "No need to be so polite, Consort Chun. I just happened to pass by today and smelled the fragrance of the herbs. I was a little curious. I just wanted to see the difference between growing these herbs and growing flowers."

Concubine Chun lowered her head and smiled, "Princess, please go into the room and wait for a moment, while I go change my clothes."

Jin'an nodded and said, "I'm sorry to bother you, please do as you please!" Then he went into the house with Madam Zhao. Madam Chun, accompanied by the palace maid, went into the house to bow her head and then went to the side room to wash.