The princess regretted it.

At the palace gates, Lord Wang Zhengxing, the Minister of Justice, who had been sitting in a carriage with a trepidation all the way, finally arrived. When the carriage stopped, Lord Wang Zhengxing didn't get out immediately. Instead, he sat inside, trying to calm his uneasy mood. After a moment, he slowly reached out and lifted the curtain, then stood up and stepped out of the carriage.

After stopping, he looked up at the two solemn red lacquer doors before him. The copper nails on the doors gleamed majestically in the sunlight. He took a deep breath, then straightened his clothes, holding the tablet in hand, and walked towards the palace gate with steady steps.

The guards at the palace gate saw him approaching and stopped him for a routine inspection. Then they saluted respectfully and stepped aside to let him pass.

Entering the palace gates, Lord Wang Zhengxing walked with steady, square steps down the long, broad, deep palace path. Dappled sunlight shone on the bluestone slabs, yet it offered little warmth, only accentuating the chill. The palaces towered majestically on either side, yet at this moment, they were silent. An occasional breeze blew along the path, lifting Lord Wang's robes with a gentle rustling sound, adding to the profound stillness. Walking this path, a path he had traversed countless times, his footsteps were now remarkably clear, each one akin to treading upon his own nervous heart, intensifying his anxiety. He exerted himself with great effort, striving for steady steps.

In this way, Lord Wang Zhengxing walked all the way to the outside of the imperial study and explained his purpose to the young eunuch waiting outside. After hearing this, the young eunuch bowed and said, "Please wait a moment, Lord Wang. I will go in and tell you."

Wang Zhengxing nodded slightly. The young eunuch entered the imperial study and came out a moment later. He gestured to Wang Zhengxing, "Sir Wang, His Majesty has summoned you."

Wang Zhengxing straightened his clothes again, took a deep breath, and holding the tablet in both hands, he bowed and stepped steadily into the imperial study. Inside the imperial study, the emperor's eldest grandson Hongze was sitting behind a desk, looking intently at a memorial.

Wang Zhengxing came to a place ten steps away from the imperial desk, lifted his robe, knelt and saluted, and said respectfully: "Your humble servant Wang Zhengxing pays homage to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

Changsun Hongze raised his eyes slightly upon hearing the voice, put down the memorial in his hand, and said calmly, "Please stand up. What is the purpose of your request to see you, Lord Wang, at this time?"

Wang Zhengxing stood up, bowed his head slightly, and replied solemnly, "Your Majesty, this is a case file concerning Minister Lin's residence. I have something important to report."

On this side, Lord Wang is tense and the imperial study is solemn, while in another place deep in the palace, it is relaxed and joyful.

After yesterday's rain, the morning air was fresh, as if washed by a shower, with a hint of coolness that made her feel particularly refreshed. Princess Jin'an had risen early, stretched her legs and limbs in the courtyard, and, after working up a slight sweat, returned to the palace to freshen up. She was now sitting at the dining table, preparing for dinner.

In the inner room, Nanny Zhao was carefully sorting Princess Jin'an's clothes, muttering, "Princess, you've been getting up early in the morning to stretch your body lately. It's good for you. Look at your complexion, it's much better than before." Jin'an just smiled and said nothing. She especially enjoyed listening to Nanny's nagging.

Ziyun and Hongyu were busy setting up the breakfast table. Ziyun said softly, "Princess, the blood swallow soup prepared by the imperial kitchen looks delicious today. It was specially sent by the imperial kitchen. Please try it." Hongyu placed a basket of crystal dumplings, a plate of jade cabbage, and a dish of honeydew melon on the table and said with a smile, "Princess, there are also these. Sister Qingli prepared them specially for you this morning. Please try them too."

Princess Jin'an watched the busy people around her, her heart filled with warmth. She hadn't planned to deal with Lanzhu anytime soon. She didn't want to see her every day, but she also didn't want her to find out. So, she assigned her a good job—reorganizing and cataloging the items in the warehouse. That way, she wouldn't have time to hang around her anytime soon.

Changsun Jinan sipped the blood swallow soup, savoring its delicate texture. She then picked up a crystal bun and placed it in her mouth. The thin skin and generous filling were delicious. The refreshing taste of the jade cabbage contrasted with the sweetness of the honeydew melon. Princess Jinan enjoyed this peaceful and beautiful morning, feeling particularly relaxed.

Since her rebirth, she has been slowly changing herself and letting the people around her slowly adapt to this change. She has no other intentions, just to protect the people who have truly protected her.

At this moment, she looked at the warm people around her and enjoyed a heartwarming breakfast, and her heart felt equally warm.

Different from the warmth here, the imperial study seemed a bit chilly.