The princess regretted it.

Zhangsun Wuwang and Wu Anshuo's hearts tightened! A flicker of panic flashed across their eyes as they exchanged a glance. "Did this dandy really know something? Could he be the one who did what happened today?" Both of them pondered this inwardly, beads of sweat gradually forming on their foreheads.

Changsun Wuwang lowered his head, his mind racing, pondering the best way to handle the situation. Wu Anshuo's expression darkened, his teeth clenched tightly, his heart filled with anxiety. He knew full well that if what happened today were to be exposed, the consequences would be disastrous.

Lan Zhu was also panicked after hearing this. She didn't know where she had revealed her flaw. Her heartbeat accelerated rapidly, and cold sweat broke out in her palms. She tried to recall every move she had made, trying to find a loophole that Zhong Chuzhou might have discovered. Her eyes were filled with fear and anxiety, like a frightened deer. She looked at Jin An with tears in her eyes and shook her head repeatedly. Jin An didn't say anything, just looked at her with a look that said, "I believe you."

After hearing Zhong Chuzhou's words, Chang Sun Hongze's gaze grew deeper, like a bottomless, cold pond. He slowly scanned the crowd, his suspicion growing stronger.

Changsun Wuwang saw his father's expression and thought to himself that something was amiss. He cast his gaze across at Wu Anshuo and his son, his mind racing, trying to think of a solution to the current predicament. After much deliberation, he felt that there was only one solution worth trying.

He gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and said respectfully to the emperor, "Father, I think there must be some misunderstanding about this matter. As far as I know, Prince Wu is a self-disciplined and upright person. Perhaps it was because of your grace tonight that he drank a few more glasses at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet and got drunk. He accidentally saw someone fall into the water, and when he was not very clear-headed, he instinctively jumped into the water to rescue him. Unfortunately, he was drunk and choked himself. Most drunk people will not remember what they have done after they sober up." After Changsun Wuwang finished speaking, he lowered his head nervously and did not dare to look up at the emperor. He was uneasy, wondering if his words could make his father change his mind about the matter.

Changsun Hongze looked at his third son with a certain surprise. In his impression, this son usually indulged in poetry, songs, calligraphy, and painting, pursuing only elegant pursuits, always avoiding the court or the palace where people competed for attention. But today, he stood up and spoke out for the first time, which was a stark contrast to his usual style.

Changsun Hongze couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly, a look of inquiry in his eyes. He began to reassess his son, pondering the reason behind his actions today. Was it a spur of the moment action? Or was there a deeper meaning behind it?

Changsun Wuwang's heart was pounding, and a slight sweat broke out on his back. He knew that speaking up today would undoubtedly attract the attention of those with ulterior motives. However, he had to show up, otherwise it would be difficult to appease Wu Anshuo and his son. They were his important allies in this power struggle, and if he failed to give them an explanation, it would likely affect his plans.

Changsun Jiaoyu tilted her head slightly to look at Changsun Wuwang, listening to his words, her mind racing. "Is this a play on hero saving the damsel in distress? It's a good idea, though. One is Jin'an's favorite, and the other is someone who has feelings for him and saved his life. Given Jin'an's personality, if his favorite becomes the concubine of this lifesaver, then Jin'an won't choose Wu Changfeng again. Then, Marquis Jin Wu's chances of winning over Jin'an will be completely gone. And as long as Jin'an is unhappy, she's happy."

Thinking of this, she gently tugged at her mother's sleeve. Concubine Zhang tilted her head to look at her. She whispered, "Mother, Lan Zhu is Sister Jin'an's favorite. Now that this has happened, wouldn't her reputation be damaged? I heard that Prince Wu is attracted to Sister Jin'an. This must be heartbreaking for Sister Jin'an."

After hearing Changsun Jiaoyu's words, Concubine Zhang narrowed her eyes slightly, thinking to herself, "Marquis Jin Wu is trying to climb the social ladder! Humph, I won't let you succeed." A glint of shrewdness and calculation flashed in her eyes. After a brief pause, a meaningful smile appeared on her face, one that seemed to conceal countless thoughts and strategies. Then, she walked lightly and quietly towards Changsun Hongze.

Concubine Zhang approached the Emperor, tilted her head slightly, and whispered softly into Changsun Hongze's ear, "Your Majesty, I think it's possible that what they say is true. The guards in our palace have always been on high alert, and there has been no incidents in all this time. This Wu Shizi has always been an upright person. At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet tonight, he may have had a few too many drinks. In his drunken state, he saw someone fall into the water and instinctively jumped in to save them, not realizing that his drunkenness would also put him in trouble. Your Majesty, think about it, if it weren't for this, with Wu Shizi's character, he would never do anything that would damage his reputation. Moreover, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Your Majesty is kind and lenient. Why not treat this as an accident and give him a lenient sentence, so as not to cause unrest to everyone on this festive day."

Changsun Hongze turned to look at her, his eyes full of inquiry, motioning her to continue. Concubine Zhang continued, "Your Majesty, Prince Wu has helped Princess Jin'an many times before, proving he is a good person. Now that he and Jin'an's maid have both fallen into the lake, their reputations have been damaged. It would be inappropriate to allow Lanzhu to remain with Jin'an. In my opinion, Your Majesty, why not have Prince Wu take Lanzhu as his concubine? That way, the matter can be resolved, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? What do you think?"

Changsun Hongze was already somewhat impatient with the delay in today's affairs. Hearing Concubine Zhang's words, he frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. On the one hand, he had many doubts about the matter and had not yet fully investigated it. If there were any instability in the palace, it would be absolutely intolerable. On the other hand, he felt that Concubine Zhang's proposal did have some merit. If Prince Wu took Lanzhu as his concubine, the matter might be resolved quickly, and it would also avoid any further disturbances at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

After a moment of contemplation, he looked up at Jin An and waved to her, signaling her to come over. Jin An patted Lan Zhu and said, "Don't worry, I trust you. I'll let my father make the decision for you." He then let go of Lan Zhu's hand, and Nanny Zhao supported her and slowly walked over.

Jin'an walked before the Emperor, bowed slightly, and whispered, "Father." Changsun Hongze reached out and took Jin'an's hand, then leaned over to whisper to her, "Jin'an, Father knows you've always loved this servant of yours. Now that she and Prince Wu were rescued from the water at the same time, her reputation has been tarnished. Father wishes to grant Lanzhu to Prince Wu as his concubine, thus fulfilling her devotion to you. Do you agree? Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, so this matter shouldn't be made public. As for the details, Father will have someone secretly investigate."

Jin An was secretly delighted, but on her face, she suppressed her sadness for the greater good. Her eyes welled up, and her voice choked with emotion, she said, "I understand. Everything is up to my father." She lowered her head slightly, as if trying to control her emotions, which made one feel pity. However, only Jin An knew that this was exactly the outcome she had hoped for.

Changsun Hongze gently patted Jin'an's hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd once more before he spoke in a deep voice, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and we shouldn't let this matter disturb our enjoyment too much. Wu Shizi Changfeng is a brave and extraordinary young man with great potential. This maid Lanzhu, though of a somewhat limited status, has been well-educated and well-mannered within the palace, and is also well-mannered and well-mannered. Furthermore, she is also quite beautiful. Now that they have both fallen into the lake, their bond is profound. After much deliberation, I have granted Lanzhu the title of Wu Shizi Changfeng's concubine, and will select a date for the ceremony. This matter is now finalized, and no one shall make any unwarranted comments. Violators will be severely punished!"