The princess regretted it.

Changsun Hongze frowned slightly after hearing this. He glanced at Minister Lin, who was kneeling on the ground, and wondered if Jin'an was coming for him. Although he was also annoyed by Minister Lin's recent behavior, he hadn't yet said anything about taking action to replace him. After a moment, he said, "Announce."

The eunuch took his orders and left. A moment later, Princess Jin'an came in. She bowed to Changsun Hongze and said, "Your son greets the emperor."

Changsun Hongze looked at Princess Jin'an, his expression softened a little, and asked, "Jin'an, what brings you here at this time?"

Princess Jin'an glanced at Minister Lin and said, "Father, I heard that Minister Lin was in the Imperial Study, and I guessed why he came. So I came to plead for him."

That's right, when Princess Jin'an learned that Minister Lin had entered the palace, she guessed why he had come. Anyway, the truth of the matter would soon come to light, and now was the right time for her to take action. As long as she came forward to ask her father not to hold Lin Song accountable, she didn't believe that Lin Song would not remember her kindness.

Zhang Sun Hongze was slightly startled and asked, "Plead for mercy? Why are you pleading for him?"

Princess Jin'an said, "Your Majesty, Minister Lin has served for many years and has always been loyal. Miss Lin was injured this time, and his wife was also worried. I believe that Minister Lin has no intention of deliberately attacking Jin'an. There may be other hidden reasons, please investigate. I implore your Majesty to consider Minister Lin's loyalty and show leniency."

Changsun Hongze looked at his daughter and felt quite relieved. Thinking that his daughter was so kind-hearted, able to distinguish right from wrong, and able to plead for others at this time, it was clear that she had a broad mind.

His gaze slowly shifted to Lin Song, who knelt below him. The anger that had subsided slightly could not help but surge back up. In his heart, he had already come to believe that his Minister of Revenue was very likely being used. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "How foolish!" With a sullen expression, he asked, "Minister Lin, did you hear what Princess Jin'an said?" Changsun Hongze's voice was intimidating without anger, and carried a clear questioning tone.

Minister Lin shuddered slightly and kowtowed quickly, saying, "I, your humble servant, thank you, Princess Jin'an! Your Highness is so kind and compassionate, and I, your humble servant, am deeply ashamed."

Princess Jin'an walked over to Changsun Hongze's side and gently tugged at his sleeve. "Father, I don't think Minister Lin did this intentionally. Furthermore, both the Imperial Aunt and I have said in front of everyone today that we won't take it to heart. Father, Minister Lin has served diligently for many years and is loyal to you. Please be lenient with him."

Zhang Sun Hongze looked at Princess Jin'an, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. He sighed slightly, turned to look at Lin Song, and said in a deep voice: "Minister of Revenue Lin Song, listen to the announcement!"

Minister Lin was feeling very nervous and uneasy. He quickly replied, "Your Highness is here."

Changsun Hongze's face was serious. He said, "Lin Song, you are the Minister of Revenue, but you failed to control your family properly, which led to trouble. I consider your many years of service and your achievements, so I will be lenient this time. I will deduct six months' salary and order you to return home to reflect on yourself, strengthen your family traditions, and teach your family to be cautious in their words and actions. If you do something like this again, I will not forgive you."

Minister Lin burst into tears and kowtowed in thanks: "I obey your command and thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" He had expected to be severely punished, even dismissed from office, but he had never expected Princess Jin'an to come forward and plead for him! He had also remembered everything the Dali Temple Minister had said earlier.

Changsun Hongze waved his hand, signaling him to withdraw. Minister Lin kowtowed again, then slowly stood up and respectfully left the imperial study.

Jin An looked at her father's tired face and felt distressed. She squatted slightly, resting her head on Changsun Hongze's arm, and said softly, "Father, please don't overwork yourself. Take care of your health."

Changsun Hongze looked at the little person resting his head in his arms with eyes full of love. He gently reached out and touched Jin'an's hair, saying softly, "Our Jin'an is really thoughtful. Father will take care of your health. Father knows that you have been wronged. Don't worry too much about these things. Take good care of yourself."

Jin An murmured, "Father, I don't feel wronged, but I just can't understand why I was blamed for her broken leg after I simply mentioned it at the Imperial Concubine's flower viewing banquet, saying that Miss Lin's dance was comparable to the Imperial Concubine's.

After hearing this, Changsun Hongze narrowed his eyes slightly and asked casually, "Did Miss Lin dance at the flower viewing banquet? Was she a good dancer?"

"Well, father, you don't know, the eldest daughter of the Lin family dances as lightly as a flying swallow. Not only do I like it, but the imperial concubine also liked it very much and praised her." Jin Anzhuang said unintentionally.

"Oh! Did the imperial concubine give her any good gifts?" Changsun Hongze continued to ask, his tone was flat, but there was a deep meaning in his eyes.

"Hmm? This, I don't remember! But it seems that there was no reward at that time, and I'm not sure whether there was any reward afterwards." Jin'an said slowly while recalling.

Changsun Hongze nodded slightly, his expression thoughtful. He gently stroked Jin'an's head and said softly, "Okay, go back! Father will not let you suffer in vain."

Jin An slowly stood up and bowed gracefully, "Father, I will withdraw from here."

Changsun Hongze nodded gently. Jin'an then left the imperial study. Jin'an had no idea that after she left, Changsun Hongze's expression darkened and he told Fuquan and the other eunuchs to leave. Then, he summoned the golden-armored guards and, with a solemn expression, made some arrangements.