The princess regretted it.

In the main hall of the Minister of Revenue's residence, Concubine Zhang's brother, Zhang Hengrui, sat upright on a throne, leisurely scooping up a freshly served cup of tea with one hand, gently blowing on the steam. Beside him, on the coffee table, lay several exceptionally exquisite gift boxes, their carvings intricate and delicate. Zhang Hengrui narrowed his eyes slightly, savoring the tea's aroma, his expression radiating calmness.

Soon, Minister Lin hurried into the main hall, bowed to Zhang Hengrui, and said respectfully, "Commander Zhang, I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were coming, and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Please forgive me!"

Zhang Hengrui quickly put down the teacup in his hand, stood up, and bowed in return: "Minister Lin, there is no need to be so polite. I hope you will not be offended by my intrusive visit today."

Minister Lin quickly shook his head and said politely, "Commander Zhang, you are too kind. It is truly an honor for me to have you visit my humble abode. Come, please take a seat!"

"Please!" Zhang Hengrui also made an invitation and sat down. Minister Lin sat down on the other side of the table and asked calmly, "I wonder why Commander Zhang is here today?"

Zhang Hengrui pointed to the gift box beside him and said slowly, "It's just a small token of my respect. When the Imperial Concubine heard about your daughter's death, she was deeply saddened. Today, the Imperial Concubine specially ordered me to come and visit her."

Minister Lin's heart tightened. What on earth was the Imperial Concubine trying to say? But he showed a touch of gratitude and said, "Thank you for your concern, Imperial Concubine. It is truly an honor for me."

Zhang Hengrui turned sideways towards Minister Lin and asked slowly, "The Dali Temple has been investigating this matter for quite some time now, but there's still no progress?"

"Alas!" Minister Lin sighed heavily and said solemnly, "Lord Wang said they were investigating, but the situation was too chaotic at the time, so there are no concrete clues yet."

Zhang Hengrui remained calm and continued, "The Queen has always said that Miss Lin is of noble character, talented and beautiful, and worthy of being the Crown Prince's consort. What a pity!"

Minister Lin's expression suddenly turned ugly, and the resentment he felt towards Princess Jin'an, hidden deep in his heart, grew even deeper.

Zhang Hengrui's eyes flashed, and then he leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Minister Lin, I heard some rumors when I came here today. I wonder if you know anything about them?"

Minister Lin's heart sank a little when he heard this, but his brow furrowed as he said worriedly, "Commander Zhang, to be honest, I only just heard about this matter. My daughter didn't offend Princess Jin'an, but she has suffered this misfortune for no reason. I really don't know what to do."

Zhang Hengrui withdrew and said with an embarrassed look, "This matter is indeed difficult! Since it concerns Princess Jin'an, His Majesty can't get past it. Even the Imperial Concubine has to avoid her. Alas! This is an unprovoked disaster for your daughter."

Hearing this, Minister Lin felt even colder. It seemed like he would have to swallow this loss. It was just a pity for his daughter, whom he had nurtured with all his heart. He had originally hoped she would have a good marriage, but now he was afraid... Thinking of this, Minister Lin felt extremely aggrieved.

Zhang Hengrui pretended to be calm while drinking his tea, but he was watching Minister Lin's expression. He thought for a moment, put down his teacup, and said hesitantly, "Actually..."

Minister Lin, upon seeing this, understood that he had something to say, and hurriedly leaned slightly towards Zhang Hengrui, asking in a low voice, "Does Commander Zhang have any good suggestions?"

Zhang Hengrui pretended to ponder for a moment, then spoke in an enigmatic whisper, "Minister Lin, since His Majesty has handed this matter over to the Dali Temple, then whether you're the victim, have evidence, or have questions, you should all go to the Dali Temple according to the proper procedures. Don't you agree?"

Minister Lin suddenly realized, "I understand what Commander Zhang means." After a moment, Minister Lin hesitated again, "But Wang Zhengxing of the Dali Temple is a shrew. If he uses the excuse of too many case files as an excuse to delay, I can't do anything about it."

"Actually, the Empress and my father both understand your hardship. After all, we're all parents, and it's understandable that we should be thinking ahead. Your Majesty understands, too. Do you agree?" Zhang Hengrui raised his eyebrows slightly as he spoke. The implication was clear.

After hearing this, Minister Lin understood what to do next. He said nothing, but showed gratitude on his face and bowed to Zhang Hengrui.

Seeing this, Zhang Hengrui stood up, calmly straightened his clothes, and said, "It's getting late, so I won't disturb Minister Lin anymore. Goodbye."

Minister Lin hurriedly saw him off, saying, "Commander Zhang, take care."

Watching Zhang Hengrui's departing figure, Minister Lin's mind raced with thoughts. He understood what Zhang Hengrui meant. If he followed his instructions, it would signify his siding with the Zhang family. He felt a certain uncertainty. But when he thought of his daughter's miserable state, of all the years of hard work going to waste, he couldn't bear it. The humiliation was too much to swallow. With this in mind, Minister Lin summoned his steward and ordered him to prepare the carriage immediately.

Hence, there was the scene where Minister Lin angrily went to look for the Supreme Court Justice. Unfortunately, because Lord Wang had gone to the palace, Minister Lin had only come in a rage and left in a rage.

But he didn't know that not long after he left, Lord Wang returned to the Dali Temple in a dishevel.