The princess regretted it.

Han Shuang quickly removed the box from her person and placed it solemnly on the table. Then, bowing slightly, she said, "Noble Lady Chun, this is the gift from the Emperor that the Princess sent to you." She stepped back, tilting her head slightly, and motioned for Ye Yi to also remove the box and place it on the table. Ye Yi remained silent, silently placing the items on the table before quietly retreating behind Han Shuang.

Concubine Chun's eyes slowly fell on the boxes on the table, revealing a complex emotion. After a moment, she turned her head to look at Han Shuang. Han Shuang replied respectfully, "This is a gift from the princess to you."

Concubine Chun didn't quite understand Han Shuang's words. She thought she might still be frightened. Seeing her puzzled expression, Han Shuang explained, "Today, the Emperor sent some rewards to the princess and sent a message to her to pass them on to you. So the princess specially sent a gift to congratulate you on your imperial favor. To avoid attracting attention, she asked Ye Yi to bring me here quietly. We didn't mean to frighten you and Miss Gancao. It's truly our fault."

Gancao was also confused. She muttered quietly, "Why did the Emperor send the reward to Concubine Chun to the princess? What's the point of doing it so quietly?" Concubine Chun beside her shared the same doubts, but she knew that in this palace, the Emperor's actions had their own reasons, and it was not her place to question them. So, even though she had doubts, she didn't ask them out loud.

Ye Yi and Han Shuang both heard Gancao's words. After all, their hearing was far more acute than that of an average person. Han Shuang herself had the same doubts, so she didn't react to them. However, Ye Yi, upon hearing Gancao's words, assumed that Gancao was dissatisfied with Princess Jin'an, and suddenly raised his eyes and looked at Gancao coldly. Gancao suddenly felt the deep chill of that gaze, and when she looked up at Ye Yi, she flinched in fear. Her head dropped, not daring to look up.

Concubine Chun also noticed Ye Yi's cold gaze and knew that Gan Cao's words were too much. She quickly shouted, "Gan Cao, don't be rude! His Majesty has his own reasons for doing things, and it's not your place to criticize him."

Concubine Chun also noticed Ye Yi's cold gaze. She also knew that Gan Cao's words were presumptuous. She quickly scolded him, "Gan Cao, please don't be rude! His Majesty has his own intentions in his actions. It's not your place to make irresponsible comments." Gan Cao quickly knelt down and admitted her mistake. Concubine Chun turned to Han Shuang and the others, forcing a smile on her face. "I'm so sorry, my servant, I don't know the rules. Please don't be offended."

Han Shuang realized by now that Gan Cao's words had hinted at doubt. However, since Concubine Chun had already reprimanded her, and had spoken so eloquently, she couldn't say anything else. She could only say, "Your Excellency, your words are too kind. However, this arrangement was the Emperor's idea. I believe he knew that our princess had a good relationship with you, so he asked us to pass it on. As for the reason for this arrangement, I don't know."

Ye Yi also withdrew his gaze and restrained his fierceness. He returned to his previous state and stood silently behind Han Shuang.

Concubine Chun breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I wonder if the princess has any other instructions?"

Han Shuang thought for a moment and replied, "The princess only asked us to deliver the reward and has no other instructions. If you have any questions, please send someone to inform the princess at any time."

Concubine Chun nodded and said, "Thank you for the trip, Miss Han Shuang and Master Ye Yi. I will definitely remember the princess's kindness."

Han Shuang and Ye Yi nodded slightly, then turned and left. Concubine Chun watched them leave for a long moment before slowly rising and turning to Gan Cao. She bent down to help Gan Cao up, saying softly, "Get up. Remember to be careful not to speak carelessly. Your Majesty has shown me great favor. If this favor is revealed to others, things won't be as peaceful around us as they were before. The hearts of people in this palace are complex, and the slightest misstep could lead to irretrievable ruin. You and I, master and servant, must be even more cautious and careful not to bring disaster upon ourselves by a slip of the tongue."

Licorice's eyes were red, and she choked with sobs as she replied, "Don't worry, my lord. I'll remember this and be careful with my words and actions in the future."

Concubine Chun nodded slightly, a look of determination and worry in her eyes. She had a vague suspicion about the Emperor's arrangements today. Perhaps the Emperor feared that if others learned of his favor, trouble would ensue. Therefore, he had used Princess Jin'an to convey this favor. Princess Jin'an must have understood His Majesty's intentions and arranged for someone to deliver it secretly.

Although she tried to console herself with these thoughts, she couldn't help but feel a sense of grievance. She felt like someone who couldn't see the light of day, blessed by the Emperor's grace, yet forced to act in secret. In this deep palace, she was already treading on thin ice, and now she was even more uncertain about what lay ahead. She sighed softly, a lingering melancholy lingering in her heart. But she also understood that the Emperor must have had his reasons for this action, and that she had to be cautious in her words and actions to survive in this complex situation. She silently warned herself not to let a moment of grievance distract her, but to remain alert and prepared for any possible situation.