The princess regretted it.

The moonlight was like silver! It was dinner time, and in the main courtyard of the Protectorate's mansion, Protectorate Duke Zhong Jing and his wife, along with Zhong Chuzhou, were enjoying their meal. The carefree Protectorate Duke felt something was amiss today. His wife, Qin Susu, seemed in a very good mood. During the meal, she would often smile at her son, and that smile seemed quite meaningful. He also looked at his son carefully; he seemed no different from usual. He had no idea what was going on.

His seemingly normal son, Zhong Chuzhou, was actually not the same as usual. While he appeared normal on the outside, he was actually extremely nervous, his toes almost scratching through the soles of his shoes. After finally waiting for his father to put down his chopsticks, he immediately put them down and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief from a nearby maid. Then he stood up and bowed to his parents, "Father, Mother, I'm done eating. Enjoy your meal." With that, he wanted to quickly escape this uncomfortable place.

However, before he could take a step, Qin Susu put down her chopsticks, wiped the corners of her mouth elegantly with a handkerchief, and said with a smile: "Chu Zhou, why did you eat so little today and are you in such a hurry? Is there something urgent?"

Zhong Chuzhou's heart tightened, and he quickly said, "Mother, I'm not in a hurry. I'm just a little tired today, and I want to go back and rest early."

Qin Susu looked at her son's flustered look and smiled secretly in her heart. She smiled and said softly, "Oh! Since you are tired, go back and rest early."

Zhong Chuzhou felt as if he had been pardoned, and hurriedly said, "Yes, mother. I'll take my leave first." After saying that, he hurriedly left the main courtyard.

Duke Zhong Jing watched his son leave, looking as if he had fled in panic. Confused, he asked Qin Susu, "Madam, what happened today? Why do you and Chu Zhou seem so strange?"

Qin Susu smiled but said nothing, just looking at Zhong Jing with a mysterious look in her eyes. Zhong Jing felt uneasy when she looked at him, and couldn't help asking, "Madam?"

Qin Susu raised her hand, and the maids beside her came forward, cleaned the table neatly, and left. Before Qin Susu could speak, Zhong Jing asked, "Madam, please stop keeping me in suspense. Tell me what happened?"

Qin Susu then slowly opened her mouth and told everything that happened at the Lin Mansion and Princess Jin'an today.

Zhong Jing was startled at first, then his eyes widened in disbelief. Finally, he smiled as if suddenly realizing something, and said, "So that's how it is. It seems our son's lucky star has moved."

Qin Susu also nodded with a pleased smile and said, "Yes, it's rare for Chu Zhou to be so devoted to a woman. Princess Jin'an is intelligent, kind, and of noble status. If Chu Zhou can win Jin'an's heart, it would be a blessing for him. However, love cannot be forced; it depends on their fate."

Duke Zhong Jing of the Protectorate nodded slightly and said, "Madam, you are absolutely right. If Chu Zhou is so determined, we should strive for him. But we should not interfere too much, lest it backfire."

Qin Susu's smile faded slightly, and she sighed softly, saying, "I know this truth, but Chuzhou is not alone. Many brothers of his age in the capital are already fathers. I can't help but feel a little anxious."

Zhong Jing smiled and comforted her, "Don't worry, Madam. Let the children handle their own affairs. We only need to provide support and guidance when appropriate. I believe Chu Zhou will not let us down."

Qin Susu smiled helplessly at her husband and nodded slightly, "My husband is right."

Zhong Jing stood up and took his wife's hand, smiling and saying, "Well, my wife, I am also very tired today. Would you mind taking care of me more?"

Qin Susu's face suddenly became hot, and a blush spread across her cheeks. She glared at her husband and said, "You're so old, and you're still so unruly." Even so, her eyes were full of tenderness and love.

Zhong Jing laughed heartily, took Qin Susu into his arms, and said, "In front of Madam, I will always be as young as I was. Madam, please don't be partial to one and forget about the other, thinking only about your son."

Qin Susu gently pushed Zhong Jing and said, "Let go quickly! It would be disgraceful if someone saw us."

Zhong Jing refused to let go, saying, "What are you afraid of? There's no one else here. Madam, please spend more time with your husband." Qin Susu couldn't persuade him, so she let him hold her, her heart filled with sweetness. The couple snuggled together, enjoying this warm moment.

.......

The next day, Jin An was worried about Concubine Chun. After breakfast, he took Nanny Zhao and Han Shuang to Concubine Chun's place. Why did he bring Han Shuang? It was because of the dog's trouble yesterday. Nanny Zhao was worried and suggested taking Han Shuang with her. Jin An, still frightened by yesterday's incident, agreed.

When the three of them arrived at the courtyard, they pushed open the door and saw Concubine Chun sitting alone on a stone bench in the yard, reading a book quietly. The sunlight shone on her, adding a soft glow to her.

Hearing the sound of the door being pushed open, Concubine Chun looked up and saw Jin An and the others. A smile of surprise appeared on her face. She quickly put down her book and stood up to greet them. "Princess, you are here." Concubine Chun bowed slightly, her tone full of joy.

Jin An smiled and gave her a false helping, then said in a gentle voice, "No need to be so polite, Consort Chun. What book are you reading?"

Concubine Chun stood up straight and said with a smile: "They are just some medical books and notes, all brought from my mother's home. Princess, please come in and sit down first." As Concubine Chun spoke, she invited Jin'an into the house.

Jin'an smiled and nodded, then followed Concubine Chun into the house. At this moment, Gancao also heard the noise and came out from the inner room. Upon seeing Jin'an, he quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Princess."

Jin An raised his hand slightly, motioning Gan Cao to stand up, and said, "No need to be so polite."

Licorice bowed again with a look of joy on her face, and retreated to prepare tea. Concubine Chun invited Jin'an to sit in the main seat, looked at Princess Jin'an demurely, and asked softly, "Princess, why are you here so early today? What's the matter?"

Jin An was slightly stunned when he heard this. He turned his head to look at Nanny Zhao and then turned back to look at Concubine Chun, "Uh..., I heard that Gan Cao went to Feiyu Palace the day before yesterday, but I was not there at the time, and Gan Cao did not leave any words. I was wondering if Concubine Chun had something to talk to me about, so I came to see you today. Don't you think you don't know about this?" Jin An looked at the confusion in Concubine Chun's eyes when he said this, and felt that this might not be done by Concubine Chun's instruction.

At first, Concubine Chun was stunned by Jin'an's words, her brow furrowed slightly. She pondered, "The day before yesterday? Didn't I arrange for Gancao to go see the princess the day before yesterday? The day before yesterday?" Suddenly, she understood why Gancao had gone to Feiyu Palace. She felt a little embarrassed for a moment, unsure how to explain.