The princess regretted it.

The red door has a golden plaque, the stone lions are guarding, and the green tiles and eaves reflect the sunlight.

Inside the Grand Tutor's residence, Concubine Zhang's brother, Zhang Hengrui, had just returned from duty. He was tall and straight, with a handsome face and deep eyes, like a sturdy pine tree. Even in middle age, he still exuded a calm and powerful aura. He wore the uniform of the Left Commander of the Imperial Guard, which added a touch of majesty to his appearance.

Zhang Hengrui walked into the main hall, slowly unbuttoned his cloak, and casually handed it to the servant who had been waiting nearby. A maid respectfully approached with a cup of hot tea. Zhang Hengrui took the cup and was about to sit down to rest. Just then, the butler walked in, bowed, and said to Zhang Hengrui, "Sir, the master is waiting for you in the study. Please go there when you return."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hengrui hurriedly put down the teacup in his hand. He immediately stood up, strode out of the main hall, and walked towards the study. The butler hurriedly followed him. Zhang Hengrui walked in the corridor, the carved railings of the corridor gleaming with an ancient luster under the light. He tilted his head slightly and asked the butler who was accompanying him, "Butler Zhang, do you know why my father came to see me?"

The housekeeper bowed respectfully and replied, "Aunt Qiuwen from the palace came to visit today." Zhang Hengrui's eyes flickered with thought as he thought about what Cuiguo had said to him that afternoon. He nodded in understanding and said nothing more. He secretly speculated about the reason his father had called him, perhaps it had something to do with his sister in the palace.

Soon, they arrived at the study door. The butler stepped forward first, standing in front of the tightly closed study door. He bowed slightly and announced, "Master, the master is here." A strong and powerful voice came from the study: "Come in!" The voice was filled with an irresistible majesty.

Upon hearing this, the housekeeper gently pushed the door open with both hands, then stepped aside, made a gesture of invitation, and said respectfully, "Master!" Zhang Hengrui nodded slightly and stepped in. The housekeeper closed the door tactfully, retreated to a distance, and stood there quietly without making a sound.

An elderly man with half-white hair and a beard sat at the desk in the study. Though nearing sixty, he still exuded an air of authority without even being angry. His features were sharp and sturdy, and time had carved deep lines into his face, like an ancient wood carving, each line telling of the vicissitudes and glories he had experienced. His navy blue robe, of fine texture, accentuated his solemnity and imposing presence. He was Zhang Chengde, the father of Concubine Zhang and Zhang Hengrui, the current Minister of War and a high-ranking official of the third rank. At this moment, his brows were furrowed, as if he were deep in thought about something important. His furrowed brows resembled two mountain peaks, revealing his inner worry and deep thought.

Zhang Hengrui strode forward, standing before his father. He respectfully bowed to his father, Zhang Chengde, who sat in the main seat. His voice was steady and powerful, "Father." Zhang Chengde raised his eyes slightly, his deep gaze revealing an unfathomable emotion. He said calmly, "You're back! Please sit down." Zhang Hengrui replied, "Yes, Father," and took a seat beside him.

"Is everything under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Guards going well?" Zhang Chengde said slowly.

Zhang Hengrui straightened his back slightly and replied respectfully, "Don't worry, father. All matters under my jurisdiction are under control. The arrangements within the Imperial Guard are also proceeding as planned."

Zhang Chengde nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Don't take it lightly. Your sister needs help in the harem now, and the Imperial Guards are of great importance. Any mistake could lead to unpredictable consequences."

Zhang Hengrui replied solemnly, "Son, I understand."

Zhang Chengde was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you know if there have been any unusual movements in the palace recently?"

Zhang Hengrui thought for a moment and said, "The palace seems calm on the surface, but my son heard that something seems to be happening with Princess Jin'an. She was in danger outside the palace, and she has been acting differently since returning, disrupting my sister's flower viewing party."

Zhang Chengde narrowed his eyes slightly. "We need to keep a close eye on this matter, especially those around her. If there's an opportunity to exploit it, it might bring us unexpected gains. But remember, don't act rashly, or you'll end up in trouble."

Zhang Hengrui nodded in agreement. "My son will act with caution and keep an eye on the palace's developments. Father, did you ask me to come here today? Is there something else?"

"Well, there is indeed something. Today, Qiuwen, who is by your sister's side, came to the mansion to tell us that we should help investigate the incident in which old man Lin's daughter was hit by a car." Zhang Chengde picked up the teacup and gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the water. He took a sip of tea and spoke slowly.

Zhang Hengrui's heart trembled, and he hurriedly asked, "Why does my sister want to investigate this matter?"

Zhang Chengde raised his head slightly, looked at Zhang Hengrui and said, "She's worried that someone is deliberately targeting her. Because that Lin family woman upset your sister at the banquet, she's afraid someone will make a fuss about it. In the harem, even the smallest incident can cause a huge uproar, so we have to be on guard. It's good for her to be cautious."

Zhang Hengrui secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Father, please rest assured my sister. This has nothing to do with her."

Zhang Chengde's eyes flashed when he heard this. Realizing that something was wrong, he put down the teacup in his hand, turned around and looked at Zhang Hengrui with bright eyes, "Boss, do you know something?" His tone was slow but contained a hint of majesty.

Zhang Hengrui coughed lightly and pondered for a moment before speaking, "I heard from Jiaoyu's maid that Jiaoyu knew that Lin Qian had bullied her sister at the banquet, and she was very upset. Jiaoyu was heartbroken, sad, and blamed herself. I wanted to teach that woman a lesson. To vent their anger!"

"Ridiculous!" Zhang Chengde lowered his voice and shouted angrily, "So you arranged for someone to do this? Do you know how much of an impact it would have on Xinrou if this were to be discovered? She is currently in the Emperor's favor and is only one step away from entering the harem. And Yunji..."

Zhang Hengrui immediately stood up and knelt down, saying in a deep voice, "Father, please rest assured. I am not a reckless person. This matter has been carefully planned, and all traces have been cleared long ago."

Zhang Chengde looked at his eldest son kneeling in front of him, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. "Get up! Are you sure you have dealt with everything? Old Man Lin has brought this matter to the attention of His Majesty, and now His Majesty is aware of it and has ordered the Dali Temple to conduct a thorough investigation. So there must not be any mistakes."

Zhang Hengrui stood up and sat down upon hearing this, and replied respectfully, "Father, I have already made the proper arrangements. The Dali Temple will follow up the investigation, and this matter will lead to Princess Jin'an. Given Your Majesty's love for Jin'an, if he knew this matter was related to her, he would certainly find a way to suppress it. By then, this matter will be closed by finding someone to take the blame."

Zhang Chengde remained silent, his mind grappling with the situation. Now that the matter had been resolved, he could only do his best to deal with it. However, he also believed in his eldest son's abilities. It was just... "Boss, make arrangements. Find a way to get word of this matter involving Jin'an to Old Man Lin. Then tell Xinrou to find a way to incite Jin'an's entourage to rebel, so we can work together internally and externally. This matter can only be pinned on Jin'an." His tone was filled with cold determination, his eyes piercing with ruthlessness.

Far away in the palace, Jin An, leisurely swinging on a swing, suddenly felt a chill and shivered unconsciously. He muttered to himself, "Autumn has arrived."