The princess regretted it.

Zhang Hengrui, who was standing beside Minister Zhang, couldn't help but speak up. "Grandfather, although Ji'er has a good chance of winning, I've found out about the Third Prince. He's not as indifferent to fame and fortune as he appears. He's been secretly recruiting and cultivating his own people. Furthermore, the Emperor seems to value him more than before and has assigned him many government responsibilities. My sister is now in control of the harem, and the Emperor has no intention of expanding it. Why don't we settle this matter before he's fully grown? I'm worried that if we miss this opportunity, it will be even more difficult to accomplish this in the future."

Grand Tutor Zhang slightly raised his eyelids, which had drooped with age, and gazed at Zhang Hengrui for a moment with a deep, piercing gaze. Then he slowly spoke, "Hengrui, why are you still acting so rashly? Haven't you reflected on what happened last time? The Third Prince has made some moves, but they aren't serious enough to cause any serious trouble. The Emperor is still in his prime and is always sensitive to matters concerning opposition to the Crown Prince. If we act too hastily, we'll only bring trouble upon ourselves. Besides, Ji'er hasn't done anything significant yet, so this isn't the best time to bring this up."

Zhang Hengrui opened his mouth, about to respond, but was silenced by a cough from Minister Zhang. Minister Zhang nodded slightly and said, "Father, you're absolutely right. So, what should we do now?"

Grand Tutor Zhang pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Didn't Hengrui say that the Third Prince has done a lot of things in private? Then keep a close eye on him and investigate thoroughly. As long as his private affairs are exposed, even if His Majesty spares him, he will lose the chance to take the throne. Then, won't the throne belong to Ji'er from now on?"

Zhang Hengrui's initially sullen heart suddenly cleared up after hearing his grandfather's words. That's right! As long as those who threaten Ji'er's ascension are eliminated, then Ji'er will undoubtedly be the successor, right? And it had to be his grandfather, a veteran of three dynasties. His schemes were profound.

Zhang Hengrui nodded quickly and replied, "Grandfather, you're right. I'm stupid and didn't even think of this. I've already arranged for someone to keep a close eye on the Third Prince. I'll gather all his evidence one by one and expose it to him at the right time."

"In that case, Chengde." The old Grand Tutor nodded slightly, then raised his eyes to look at Minister Zhang, "Write a letter back to Xinrou. The most urgent thing is to let her find a way to continue to win over His Majesty's heart! Maintain the current status quo well. Don't worry about other things for now!" As he said that, the old Grand Tutor folded the letter from Concubine Zhang on the table, handed it to Zhang Chengde, and signaled him to destroy it himself.

Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui both stood up. Zhang Chengde stepped forward, took the letter, and said respectfully, "Yes, Father. I will handle this matter properly."

Just as he was about to bow and leave, the old Grand Tutor suddenly asked, "Has there been any letter from Zhenyuan?"

Zhang Hengrui quickly replied, "Grandfather, I haven't received it yet. But I think it should be soon."

"Well! He's been away from home for so many years, it must have been hard on him. Okay! Let's all go back!" The old master simply nodded slightly and said lightly. Zhang Chengde and Zhang Hengrui bowed and slowly left the study.

Night fell quickly, and the streets of the capital were bustling with activity. Lanterns glowed softly, illuminating the streets and alleys. Shops were ablaze with light, and shop assistants warmly greeted passersby. The aroma of various snacks filled the air, making one salivate. The streets and alleys were bustling with people.

In comparison, the palace seemed rather desolate. While one could see the busy comings and goings of the palace maids and eunuchs, they all went about their business quietly and in an orderly manner. Aside from the clatter of the imperial guards patrolling the palace and the occasional bursts of singing and musical instruments, most of the sounds came from the palaces within the harem.

Tonight, most of the palaces in the harem were still lit late at night. Though fewer than at the beginning, there were still some patrons who refused to give up, and almost all of them had dressed up meticulously. However, their hopes remained unfulfilled. Tonight, the Emperor once again took Fuquan to Concubine Chun's residence, avoiding the crowd. They were no longer turned away, and Concubine Chun had already prepared hot tea for them when they arrived, so even Fuquan had a cup.

At first, Fuquan wasn't used to the tea, but since His Majesty was present, he couldn't let on. But Concubine Chun seemed to see through Fuquan's thoughts. She smiled gently and said softly, "Eunuch Fu, this tea might be a little strange at first, but drinking it regularly is good for your health." Fuquan forced a smile and took another sip.

However, after drinking it twice, Fuquan began to appreciate its flavor. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his hands and feet were not as cold as before when he was on duty at night. Now, every time Gancao gave him the medicinal tea, he smiled brightly. Changsun Hongze felt that he could not bear to look at him, and muttered in his heart, this old guy is really useless, and now he has lost his composure because of a cup of medicinal tea. When Concubine Chun turned around to make tea for herself, she raised her foot and pretended to kick Fuquan, telling him to get out. Fuquan smiled and retreated with the tea in his hand.

Standing outside the door, Fuquan sighed inwardly. Every time the Emperor came to see Concubine Chun, his mood became more relaxed. Lately, the Emperor has been drinking the medicinal tea Concubine Chun prepared, and his temper has improved significantly. He never imagined Concubine Chun was such a wonderful person. He has Princess Jin'an to thank for this.

Jin An was currently nestled in bed, enjoying the midnight snack Qing Li had made for her. After returning home, she'd been sitting there brooding for so long that she'd grown sleepy, so she went to bed and skipped dinner. But now she was awake, hungry. She'd tried to hold it in, but she couldn't fall asleep. She didn't know if it was because she'd slept well or because she was hungry.

Han Shuang was on night watch tonight. She heard the princess tossing and turning in bed and pushed the door open to check. As luck would have it, while she was talking to Jin An, his stomach growled! It growled! Jin An was a little embarrassed at the time, and a blush spread across his face. Han Shuang couldn't help but laugh at this and whispered, "Princess, it seems you're hungry. Let me get you something to eat."

Jin An waved his hand and said, "No need. It's so late now, it's already past mealtime. Where can we get food?"

Han Shuang rolled her eyes and said, "No, Princess, it will hurt your body if you starve yourself like this. Besides, you won't be able to sleep. I'll go and think of a solution, please wait." After that, she turned and left.

Jin An was too late to stop her and could only helplessly watch Han Shuang's departing back. Then he compromised and sat up from the bed, leaning against the headboard, waiting for Han Shuang to come back.