The princess regretted it.

The visitor was none other than Princess Jin'an. Her red palace dress was a dazzling, vibrant color, like a blazing flame. Made of the finest satin, it was smooth and delicate, shimmering subtly in the sunlight. Embroidered across the dress was a delicate phoenix pattern in golden thread. The phoenix, wings spread, seemed lifelike, each feather meticulously crafted, as if ready to soar from the garment at any moment. The phoenix's eyes, inlaid with shimmering rubies, shimmered with a dazzling light.

The dress featured a high, stand-up collar, rimmed with a circle of white pearls. The round, plump pearls radiated a soft glow, creating a striking contrast with the red satin and highlighting the princess's noble demeanor. The cuffs were loose, bell-shaped, also embroidered with delicate patterns in golden silk thread. Gently waving the sleeves, the patterns seemed to flow, a breathtaking sight.

She wore a golden belt around her waist, with a huge sapphire in the center and a circle of small diamonds surrounding the sapphire, which sparkled brightly. The belt tightly bound the princess's slender waist, making her look even more graceful.

The skirt is long and sweeps the floor, with layers of red satin ripples like waves, each layer embroidered with a different pattern, including blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies... As she walks, the skirt sways gently, as if a gorgeous sea of flowers is flowing.

Princess Jin'an wore a magnificent golden phoenix crown in her hair, inlaid with countless gemstones, a dazzling display of color. Strings of pearl tassels dangled from either side of the crown, swaying gently with her movements, creating a melodious sound. She wore a pair of red embroidered shoes with golden floral patterns and high heels, accentuating her posture. She held a red round fan, intricately embroidered with floral and bird motifs, which complemented her court attire beautifully.

Everyone stood up again, and Zhao Wan'er could only stand up and bow together. "Greetings, Princess Jin'an!" Princess Jin'an waved her hand casually. "No need to be polite!" Then she walked to the chair next to Concubine Zhang and sat down. She put her chin on her hand and looked at Concubine Zhang. "Mother Zhang, I'm late."

Concubine Zhang's face was full of doting at this moment, and she said angrily, "I thought you wouldn't come today!"

Jin An smiled and said, "If Third Brother hadn't told me yesterday, I would have almost missed it. Mother Zhang, what are you guys talking about? You look so happy!"

Concubine Zhang's eyes shifted slightly, but before she could speak, a round-faced lady in a goose-yellow dress spoke up, "Princess, the Concubine was just discussing flowers with Sister Zhao. Sister Zhao said she loved peonies the most because they suited the Concubine best."

As soon as the words fell, the scene fell silent. Everyone knew what the peony symbolized, and everyone knew what the Imperial Concubine liked to hear. They also knew that these words could not be said in front of certain people, including the person before them. Everyone knew how profoundly the Empress's death had affected Jin'an! For so many years, Imperial Concubine Zhang had worked hard to cultivate a closer relationship with Jin'an, hoping for her approval and a chance at the Empress's position.

Jin An's pretty face darkened, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she said angrily: "How dare you!" The royal princess's pressure was instantly released!

Zhao Wan'er and the round-faced girl were so frightened that they quickly stood up, knelt down, and leaned over to the ground.

Jin An had a chilling smile on his face as he asked coldly, "Peony! What are your names? Which family are you from?"

"Princess, I am Zhao Wan'er, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, and I am Cheng Xiao, the daughter of the Junior Secretary of the Dali Temple." The two answered in panic.

"The Junior Minister of the Dali Temple! What a good upbringing! Why should I keep silent when I speak? What a great thing!" Jin An said quietly, "Lan Zhu, slap your face!"

Lan Zhu stepped forward and was about to raise her hand to wave it down when Concubine Zhang shouted, "Wait!" Lan Zhu had no choice but to retract her hand and look at Princess Jin'an.

The two people lying on the ground were pale, trembling all over, and even their lips were shaking. Concubine Zhang's face was also very ugly. Jin'an's behavior was equivalent to slapping her in the face. She knew the reason for Jin'an's anger, but after all, it was the banquet she hosted, and she could not escape responsibility. So Concubine Zhang said with a stiff smile: "Jin'an, this is just a conversation, it's not intentional, don't take it personally. Today is a flower viewing banquet, everyone is happy, can you please forgive them for my sake?"

Jin An, however, was not dissuaded by Concubine Zhang's persuasion. She looked coldly at the two kneeling on the ground, then glanced at Concubine Zhang and said slowly, "Mother Zhang, this is no small matter. What do they mean by openly mentioning peonies at this flower viewing banquet? This is disrespectful to my mother! Disrespectful to the royal family! It seems that the family education of the Zhao and Cheng families is indeed not commendable."

Concubine Zhang's expression darkened. She knew Jin'an had been resentful of her mother's death, and the Emperor, having lost her mother at a young age, doted on her even more. If she mishandled today's situation, it might further strain their relationship. She quickly added, "Jin'an, calm down. A small punishment would be a significant lesson. We're all here to enjoy the flowers today. Don't let these unpleasant events dampen your spirits."

Jin An was silent for a while, her eyes first fell on Concubine Zhang, then looked at the two people kneeling on the ground, and then slowly said: "In this case, then for the sake of Concubine Zhang's mother, punish them to copy the "Tao Te Ching" fifty times. This will not happen again. If there is a next time, I will never forgive you easily." After saying these words, she no longer looked at the two people kneeling on the ground, and the people on the side looked at each other, some were surprised, some were happy, and each had their own thoughts.

Concubine Zhang turned pale with rage. Zhao Wan'er had been a girl she had high hopes for, and she had wanted to observe her further to see if she could betroth her to her son, Changsun Yunji. But now, because of Cheng Xiao, Zhao Wan'er's reputation had been completely ruined. She had been publicly reprimanded by the eldest princess for her lack of upbringing and then punished by being forced to copy the Tao Te Ching. How could she possibly be qualified to enter the imperial family? Concubine Zhang glared at Cheng Xiao fiercely, then signaled to Aunt Qiuwen, the head steward beside her. Aunt Qiuwen immediately bowed and withdrew, arranging for someone to escort Zhao and Cheng out of the palace, carefully instructing them on how to explain the events of the day to the people of both families.

The imperial concubine had no intention of sending everyone to the imperial garden to admire the flowers, so she arranged them in the flower hall and presented them with a variety of cakes and fruits. The flower hall was decorated with great elegance, with carved beams and pillars and exquisite screens, which showed the luxury and nobility of the royal family everywhere.

To ease the atmosphere, Concubine Zhang calmed herself down and took out an eight-treasure jade chrysanthemum hairpin as a prize. She smiled and looked around. Her voice was gentle but carried undeniable authority. "It's a rare occasion for all the young ladies to gather together today. I've taken out this jade chrysanthemum hairpin as a prize. Ladies, please show off your talents to the fullest, for me and Princess Jin'an to feast our eyes on." Then she turned to Jin'an and said, "Jin'an, how about this?"