The princess regretted it.

Who says people can't share their sorrows? Look at Mu Zixuan in the Prime Minister's Residence and the people in the study. Although they each have their own sorrows, they are inextricably linked to each other to some extent.

Mu Zixuan yearns to join the military and achieve great things, strengthening himself to protect the people and, naturally, his family. He's filled with passion, eager to shed his blood on the battlefield, prove his worth, and pursue his ideals. However, the expectations of his family and his inner struggles linger, leaving him deeply perplexed. He wonders if his choice is the right one, nor what hardships and dangers await him in the future.

Everyone in the study room hoped only that the food and fodder would arrive safely at their destination, aiding the border troops in defeating the enemy and safeguarding peace along the border. They understood the importance of food and fodder in war; a single mistake could lead to defeat, bringing untold disaster to the nation and its people. They shouldered a heavy responsibility, and every decision could affect the lives and fates of countless people.

Although Mu Zixuan and the others in the study held different positions and roles, their goal was the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of its people. Their anxieties stemmed from uncertainty about the future and concerns about important matters. In this sense, their anxieties were connected.

Of course, their worries would soon turn around. Just like Zhong Wenqing, who had just returned from the Duke of Huguo's mansion, came back to his mother-in-law's yard with a piece of news.

She sent everyone else out of the room and asked Nanny Gui, who was by her mother-in-law's side, to wait outside. Mrs. Xue, the prime minister's wife, saw her arrangements and knew she must have something important to discuss, so she didn't say anything to stop her.

After Zhong Wenqing and everyone else left, she went forward and sat next to her mother-in-law, whispering, "Mother, I'm undecided about something."

"Didn't the Grand Princess send a message asking you to return to the Duke of Huguo's Mansion today? What's the matter?" Xue asked doubtfully.

"I don't know where my mother got the news that my husband wanted Zixuan to marry Jin'an, so she called me back home today and talked to me about these things." Zhong Wenqing said softly.

Xue was also somewhat suspicious. Besides her family, Jin'an was the only one who might know. Unsure of Jin'an's attitude, they feared the news would damage his reputation. They hadn't even disclosed it to the Emperor. How did the Grand Princess know this? She pondered for a moment, "Has Zixuan been out of the palace these past few days?"

"No," Zhong Wenqing said without hesitation, "A-song followed him and didn't leave the palace." What she didn't know was that Mu Zixuan had gone to the Duke of the Guardian's Mansion the moment he heard the news, and she hadn't given A-song the order yet. With that little time, the news had already reached the ears of the Duke of the Guardian's Mansion's Prince Zhong.

Xue frowned slightly, lost in thought. After a moment, she slowly spoke, "This matter is indeed a bit strange. Has this news spread throughout the capital?"

Zhong Wenqing shook his head and said, "It seems that the Grand Princess has her own channels. But Wenqing, when you go back today, what is your mother's attitude towards this matter?" Xue continued to ask.

Zhong Wenqing looked embarrassed and said, "My mother doesn't quite agree with this marriage."

"Why?" Xue straightened her waist and leaned forward slightly, looking at Zhong Wenqing and asked.

"Mother said that the Prime Minister's Office is currently biding its time. The 200,000 troops under my husband's command are a thorn in the eyes of some people, and they are planning to replace him. If I marry Jin'an, I will become an even greater target of public criticism. And by then, not only will I not be able to protect Jin'an, the Prime Minister's Office will most likely be unable to defend itself."

Xue frowned slightly, lost in thought. She had to admit that Zhong Wenqing's mother had a point. The situation at court was complicated, with various factions vying openly and covertly. The Prime Minister's Office truly needed to proceed with caution. "This matter truly requires careful consideration," Xue said slowly. "Wenqing, do you have any ideas?"

Zhong Wenqing shook her head and said, "I don't know what to do. I also like Jin'an very much. She is the same age as Xuan'er. If it works out, it will give Xuan'er more responsibility. But what my mother said makes me worried. My husband is still in the northern border. Jin'an hasn't replied yet, and I don't know what she thinks. I'm wondering if I should wait for this matter?"

Mrs. Xue sighed and said, "It's true that we haven't considered it too much. The Grand Princess's insight into the court is certainly more accurate than ours. Well, let's not rush into making a decision. Let's see Jin'an's attitude first. And Zixuan, when I spoke to him that day, I saw resistance in his eyes. We have to consider his feelings. After all, this marriage affects his lifelong happiness."

Zhong Wenqing nodded, "Then my daughter-in-law will go see Zixuan in a while, and my mother will talk to him about his father's situation to see what he thinks."

Xue also nodded gently. Zhong Wenqing then stood up, bowed to Xue, and left.

After Zhong Wenqing left, Nanny Gui walked into the room and saw Xue sitting there quietly, not saying a word. Nanny Gui hurried forward, poured a cup of hot tea for Xue, handed it to her with both hands, and said softly, "Old Madam, would you like to go for a walk in the yard?"

Since Princess Jin'an came to the Prime Minister's Mansion, the old lady's spirits have improved. She also likes to stroll in the yard on weekdays, just because Jin'an once said that walking more is good for the body.

Aunt Gui could see that the old lady was in a bad mood at the moment, so she thought of making this suggestion, hoping that the old lady would think of Jin'an and perhaps she would feel better.

Unfortunately, this suggestion did not work today. The old lady waved her hand and said, "No need. Please help me to the inner room. I want to rest for a while."

Nanny Gui was only slightly startled, then she stepped forward, helped the old lady to her feet, and headed to the inner room. After helping Xue lie down, Nanny Gui quietly left the room.

In the Imperial Study, Changsun Hongze was listening to Fuquan's findings. It seemed Jin'an had stumbled upon Concubine Chun. However, the Emperor, naturally suspicious, felt that since this matter seemed directed at him, he might as well investigate it himself.

So, he shifted his gaze from the memorial in his hand to Fuquan and said, "Where is the medicinal tea that Jinan gave you last time? Go and make a pot." Fuquan hurriedly took the order and left.

Changsun Hongze's hands drummed intermittently on the table. Thinking back to what Fuquan had said earlier, about Concubine Chun living alone in the side courtyard, self-sufficient and secluded for so many years, he became more interested. Every woman in the palace was trying to attract his attention, but she, on the other hand, was almost forgotten by everyone. It seemed she was someone who could hold her own.

The emperor's suspicions hadn't affected Concubine Chun and Jin'an. Today, Jin'an came to Concubine Chun's place again. She had been troubled by the things her maternal grandparents and the eldest princess had said in the past few days, so she wanted to come to Concubine Chun's place to find some peace and quiet.