The princess regretted it.

The announcement of this imperial decree stunned Wu Changfeng and Lan Zhu, as if struck by thunder. They froze in place, motionless. Their hearts felt like ice piercing their bones, a chill and despair spreading instantly. Wu Changfeng's eyes widened in disbelief; he had never imagined things would reach this point. Lan Zhu's face was pale, tears welling in her eyes, her heart filled with fear and helplessness.

Wu Anshuo's pupils also trembled, his eyes filled with shock and worry. He quickly looked up at Changsun Wuwang, who gave him a look of resignation and guilt. Wu Anshuo knew that today's matter could not be investigated further, so he could only grit his teeth and accept it. Moreover, the emperor's words were the imperial decree. He gritted his teeth, filled with resentment, but helpless.

Jiaoyu and Concubine Zhang, standing by, were overjoyed. Smug smiles appeared on their faces, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Although some felt that His Majesty's personal award was a bit too much for Lanzhu, seeing Jin'an's distress made them feel incredibly happy.

In reality, Jin An was incredibly happy. She wanted to see how Wu Changfeng would treat Lan Zhu, a gift from their father and a trusted confidant of the Third Prince. And how would Wu Changfeng explain his love for her once she was brought into the palace?

Seeing that Lan Zhu and Wu Changfeng didn't react, Eunuch Fuquan immediately spoke up, "Prince Wu, Miss Lan, why are you still standing there? This is a gift from His Majesty, a tremendous honor! Aren't you two overjoyed? You know, a marriage granted by His Majesty is a rare favor. Why don't you accept the decree and thank him? Don't let His Majesty down."

Eunuch Fuquan's voice shattered the silence, awakening the two still dazed. Lanzhu's eyes welled with tears, and she was about to say something when Ziyun secretly grabbed her and whispered, "What are you going to do? Disobey the emperor's order? Are you trying to kill yourself?" The word "disobey" struck Lanzhu like a hammer, and her body trembled slightly. Her knees buckled, and she fell to her knees with a plop. She leaned forward and kowtowed, saying, "Your servant bows in gratitude for the emperor's grace." Her voice trembled.

Wu Anshuo took the lead and knelt down first. Fan also pulled Wu Changfeng to kneel down. Wu Changfeng finally came to his senses and could only grit his teeth and kowtow to the emperor with his father and mother. Wu Changfeng hated Zhong Chuzhou in his heart, and his eyes were filled with anger and resentment. He secretly vowed that he would not let Zhong Chuzhou go.

Changsun Hongze nodded slightly, his expression still dignified. He swept his gaze over the crowd and slowly spoke, "Today's affairs have concluded. All of you, please follow me back to the main hall. The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet will continue. Please don't let this matter spoil the fun."

Everyone responded in agreement and followed the emperor towards the main hall. Secretly, they exchanged glances, each one revealing a complex array of emotions and thoughts.

Wu Anshuo's face was so gloomy it looked like water could drip out. He held Wu Changfeng and Fan tightly, hurriedly keeping up with the crowd. Wu Changfeng's heart was filled with resentment, the anger burning in his chest, but he had no way to vent it. He could only let his father pull him forward, the frustration in his heart making his face even uglier.

Lan Zhu, on the other hand, looked dazed, as if she had lost her soul. Princess Jin'an instructed Ziyun to support Lan Zhu and return directly to Feiyu Palace, leaving only Madam Zhao to accompany her. Lan Zhu's heart was filled with bitterness, and she followed Ziyun to Feiyu Palace in a daze.

Princess Jin'an stepped forward, supporting her grandmother, Madam Xue, and followed her. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, knowing that this battle had just begun. Mu Zixuan followed Zhong Chuzhou, secretly watching him. He had so many questions in his mind, but he also knew that now was not the right time.

Zhong Chuzhou looked at his cute appearance and couldn't help laughing. He patted Mu Zixuan's shoulder gently and whispered, "Don't be anxious, let's talk about it when we get back." Mu Zixuan nodded obediently, with anticipation in his eyes.

Everyone returned to the main hall, where the atmosphere was once again filled with singing and dancing. Musicians played melodious music, dancers danced gracefully, and guests toasted each other, creating a lively atmosphere. However, unlike before, everyone's mood had changed significantly.

Changsun Wuwang sat quietly at the table, his face as gloomy as the dark, overcast sky. He no longer had the slightest desire to socialize with the people around him. One hand gripped the wine glass tightly, as if it were about to shatter. He drank one glass after another, but the wine could not quench his restlessness and doubts.

He couldn't be sure if Princess Jin'an was aware of tonight's events. On the surface, it seemed highly likely that Zhong Chuzhou had orchestrated this commotion. However, he couldn't tell whether Zhong Chuzhou's actions were a reflection of the Duke of Huguo's intentions or simply his own. Regardless, Changsun Wuwang clearly understood that Zhong Chuzhou was someone to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, Wu Anshuo and Wu Changfeng, father and son, forced smiles to entertain the crowds who congratulated them. Their faces were etched with a stiff smile, as if forced and lifeless. Though they offered polite words, each one seemed hollow and powerless. Their hearts were filled with helplessness and anger.

Fan was even more furious. She thought, filled with resentment, her son hadn't even married yet, and now the Emperor had granted him a concubine! And one who was deeply favored by Princess Jin'an. This truly put them in a dilemma. They dared not make any move. A single mistake could anger the Emperor and bring disaster to the family.

The atmosphere in the main hall was particularly delicate amidst this complex web of emotions. As the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet drew to a close, Changsun Hongze nodded slightly, his expression dignified yet weary. He looked at the crowd and said slowly, "Today, at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, I hope you will continue to serve the court and work for the well-being of the people." Everyone responded in unison. Changsun Hongze, Concubine Zhang, and the others left first, and everyone bowed respectfully as they bid them farewell. Then, each of them dispersed, their own thoughts in their own thoughts.

As the guests departed, the lights in the palace gradually dimmed, and the noise died down. The palace maids and eunuchs busily cleaned up the mess and restored everything to its original state.

Princess Jin'an, accompanied by Nanny Zhao, slowly left the palace. She looked up at the bright moon in the sky, her mind racing. Though the palace banquet was over, she knew the road ahead was long and the struggle would continue.

Changsun Wuwang was the last one to leave the main hall. He had a feeling that what happened tonight was just the beginning and he had to find a solution as soon as possible.

.......