The princess regretted it.

After Jin An saw the Third Prince off, she paused for a moment. While she had no idea what her Third Prince's purpose was, given his unwavering demeanor, she assumed he had some ulterior motive. As for what exactly he was after, she'd know tomorrow. Anyway, she could just arrange for An Yi and the others to follow him in secret.

She then summoned Ziyun to help her prepare the clothing and supplies she would need for tomorrow's horseback riding. She then asked Hongyu to loosen her hair and light some calming incense, preparing to take a short nap. Then, as if remembering something, she asked Hongyu to call Hanshuang in.

After Hongyu left, Han Shuang bowed and said, "Princess, did you call me here because you have something to tell me?"

Jin An looked at Han Shuang and said slowly, "Han Shuang, you should also get ready and go to the enclosure with me tomorrow."

"Yes!" Han Shuang replied in a crisp and clear voice.

"However, Han Shuang, you came here before your brother just to take over the things in Zhao Ma's hands?" Jin An asked with a deep and inquiring look.

"Yes! Princess!" Frost replied without any hesitation.

"How did you know that Nanny Zhao would have something in her hand? Or do you know where we went today?" Jin An's eyes were deep, and there was a hint of oppression in his tone.

"Princess, I am a martial artist and am more sensitive to smells than ordinary people. When you and Nanny Zhao came back, I smelled a floral fragrance mixed with medicine that did not belong to the courtyard, so I knew that the princess must have brought something back. The Third Prince has evil intentions, and if he saw me, he would inevitably have some thoughts. That's why I took the initiative to step forward and take the things away. If there is anything wrong, please punish me, princess." Han Shuang answered respectfully, her eyes full of sincerity.

After hearing her answer, Jin An's eyes narrowed, and his voice was a little cold: "Who told you that the Third Emperor has ulterior motives?"

Han Shuang then realized that she shouldn't have said that. Her master had told her about certain people to be wary of when he asked her to protect the princess. She felt a little uneasy, her fingers unconsciously pinching a little harder, her heart in a state of panic.

Just as she was thinking about how to explain, she heard Jin An ask, "Did your aunt tell you, or did you hear it from someone else? What did my aunt tell you when she let you into the palace?"

Han Shuang breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Princess Jin'an's question, and spoke respectfully again: "Princess, it is true that my master told me before I entered the palace. He told me about the personnel situation in the harem and who needs to be guarded against and may bring danger to you. And after entering the palace, I could also see that the Third Prince's smile was not reflected in his eyes every time he looked at the princess. Such a person is not sincere." Han Shuang thought to herself, Princess, I didn't lie. It was my master who told me. I just didn't deny that my master is the second aunt.

Jin An saw she wasn't lying. Given her aunt's personality and her deep love for her, she'd undoubtedly explain every detail to Han Shuang. Furthermore, Han Shuang had been very attentive during her time in the palace. She nodded slightly, her doubts slightly lessening. With Han Shuang following her openly and Ye Yi and the others on guard, she wasn't afraid of any conspiracy.

She waved her hand, letting Han Shuang retreat. Jin An, indeed feeling somewhat exhausted, rose and lay down on the bed. The scent of the tranquilizing incense filled the air, gradually calming her. Soon, Jin An fell into a deep sleep. A moment later, a gray bird fluttered its wings from a corner of Feiyu Palace and flew away from the palace.

........

Late autumn nights always arrive with remarkable speed. Dusk, like a vast black curtain, slowly envelopes the entire palace. A gentle breeze picks up, bringing a hint of coolness, gently fluttering the palace curtains. In the distance, palace lanterns flicker faintly, as if narrating the palace's silence and mystery. Occasionally, a gentle sound breaks the profound stillness.

On this tranquil late autumn evening, Concubine Chun's courtyard, once serene and tranquil, was thrown into a flurry of activity by the sudden arrival of the current emperor's eldest grandson, Hongze. Concubine Chun always maintained a regular sleep schedule, and it was only her and Gancao who remained in the small courtyard. Since she didn't need Gancao to keep watch at night, when she retired to bed, Gancao followed suit and fell asleep in the side room.

So, when Changsun Hongze and Fuquan quietly arrived at the courtyard, everything was pitch black, with only the faint light from the lantern in Fuquan's hand. In this dim light, Fuquan secretly glanced at Changsun Hongze's face, which was clearly not looking good. Although the night was deep and dim, Fuquan, with the faint light of the lantern, was keenly aware that the emperor was in a very unhappy mood. Oh, this is like giving the current emperor a cold shoulder! It would be strange if he could be in a good mood!