By the time they returned to the general's mansion, the sun had already set and dusk was approaching.

Jing Anle and Afang had just changed their clothes when there was a knock on the door.

This Qing'an Residence was specially arranged by the old lady for Jing Anle to rest in. At this moment, the only person who came to see her was probably her cousin Qin Zhihua. Sure enough, the sound outside the door confirmed her guess.

"Princess? Are you inside?"

Qin Zhihua also found it strange. This morning, when Jing Anle came to the General's Mansion, she said she wanted to rest for a while before she could even speak to her.

But it was getting late. Qin Zhihua wasn't urging her, but rather that the palace gates would be locked soon, and Jing Anle, who hadn't yet established her own residence, naturally had to return to the palace before the gates were closed.

Just then, the door opened from the inside. "Greetings, Miss Biao," Afang quickly bowed.

"No need for formalities. Where is the princess?"

“Cousin!” Jing Anle said as she walked out, smiling. “Look at me, I slept for so long without you even noticing.”

Jing Anle had just changed her clothes, with a strand of hair still loose beside her ear, looking unusually charming and innocent. Qin Zhihua found it very cute and said with a smile, "I'm just afraid the courtyard is too simple, and I'm worried that the princess won't be able to rest well."

"Not at all. The pillows are soft, the mattresses are thick, and even the incense is very pleasant. It's clear that they put a lot of thought into it."

That's true. The old lady and Qin Zhihua put a lot of thought and effort into decorating this room, hoping that Jing Anle would be comfortable and satisfied.

As they walked outside, Qin Zhihua listened to Jing Anle's words and felt even more that this princess was not only beautiful but also had a kind personality.

Stepping out of the courtyard gate, there was a small lake in the mansion. The two walked side by side along the lake, with Afang following behind. The evening breeze was refreshing and pleasant.

"Princess?"

"Hmm?" Jing Anle stopped in her tracks. She noticed Qin Zhihua's hesitation and continued, "Cousin, please speak frankly."

"Does the princess still remember Chu Mingyue?"

Jing Anle thought for a moment, and the image of a girl appeared in his mind. He nodded and said, "Chu Mingyue, the daughter of Prime Minister Chu?"

I had met Chu Mingyue once at the last flower-viewing poetry gathering, and I found her to be very easy to get along with, both intelligent and sensible.

"Grandmother has taken a liking to Miss Chu..." Qin Zhihua paused, not continuing.

Jing Anle was too clever; she knew almost instantly what Qin Zhihua was going to say next.

"Does Grandmother want Miss Chu to be our sister-in-law?"

Actually, these topics shouldn't be discussed by these young ladies from wealthy families. It seems that Qin Zhihua considers Jing Anle one of her own, which is why she confided in her.

Qin Zhihua nodded. "Although my brother is of marriageable age, I asked him for his opinion in private. Does the princess know what he said?"

Jing Anle's heart skipped a beat, thinking that this matter was related to her.

“My brother said that since we have enjoyed the family’s glory, we must also bear the family’s responsibilities. As for our children, we have no choice.” Qin Zhihua looked at the gloomy sky, her face filled with complex emotions.

“My cousin has a strong sense of righteousness.” Perhaps because of the pain he experienced in his previous life, Jing Anle felt that romantic feelings were not worth being sentimental about.

Throughout history, from royalty to officials, the goal has always been to connect power and maximize benefits. It is rare to find people like Qin Yin and Emperor Jing who are together because of their feelings.

But Qin Zhihua was different. Although she was a sheltered young lady from a wealthy family, she had her own thoughts. She sighed, "But my brother doesn't like her!"

“Cousin?” Jing Anle took her hand, wanting to comfort her.

Qin Zhihua looked at Jing Anle, her tone dejected, "Do you think I'll have to marry someone I don't like in the future?"

Jing Anle patted her hand. After all, she and Jing Fengyao were in love, so it was normal for her to have such concerns.

"Don't worry, with me here, as long as you and your brother love each other, no one can separate you."

When Jing Anle said this, her tone was gentle, yet Qin Zhihua couldn't help but believe her.

"As for my cousin..."

Speaking of Qin Xiuyuan, Jing Anle suddenly felt that being liked by someone wasn't necessarily a good thing, since you couldn't be with him; that person was someone you loved but couldn't have.

"How is my brother?"

Jing Anle looked into Qin Zhihua's eyes, sighed, and said, "Chancellor Chu is powerful and influential, and is deeply trusted by the Emperor. Uncle was also a brave and capable general. Although Uncle is currently claiming illness and rarely goes out, do you think this matter is so simple?"

Since ancient times, the hearts of emperors have been as deep as the sea. How could Emperor Jing allow his capable ministers to form a powerful alliance? Wouldn't that be like shooting himself in the foot?

"It's all probably just my grandmother's imagination."

After this analysis, Qin Zhihua understood the deeper meaning and breathed a sigh of relief. At least now her brother didn't have to marry the person she liked.

……

The night was as still as water. Jing Anle had just returned to the palace when the palace gates were locked.

Afang handed Jing Anle a letter, "Princess, it was sent by Ningwen."

Juwentang is the largest intelligence organization, and Ning Wen is a member of Juwentang.

"Mu Ping is really amazing. She can even plant someone next to Princess Rou," A Fang said.

"Princess, what does it say here?"

The contents of the letter were similar to Jing Anle's thoughts. Jing Rou was indeed going to be involved with Murong Peifeng and Qi Zhi. Jing Rou, you are a princess now. Is power and status really that attractive to you?

"It shows the appetite of evil people, it's outrageous!" Jing Anle exclaimed.

Hmm? Afang was somewhat puzzled.

"Alright, Afang, go and pour me a cup of tea."

"Yes, princess!"

Jing Anle watched A Fang's retreating figure, wondering how much hardship Mu Ping had endured to achieve her current success, only to relinquish it all now, simply because her mother had saved her.

……

Two days ago.

Mu Ping had just returned, but she was already preoccupied. "Princess, this servant has something to say."

She had just recovered from her injuries and was eager to return to serve Jing Anle, and no one could persuade her otherwise.

Jing Anle put down the book in her hand and said, "Speak your mind."

"Now that Princess Rou has lost her confidant, why don't we help her find another confidant and place him by her side? It would be beneficial for us."

Anle had actually considered this matter, but since she didn't have a suitable candidate, she was still considering it.

Perhaps Mu Ping saw through Jing Anle's thoughts, and said, "Time is of the essence now. If we delay any longer, I'm afraid we won't have such a good opportunity anymore."

Jing Anle nodded. Mu Ping's words were correct. Firstly, Jing Rou was short of people at the moment. Sending people over now would catch them off guard and avoid arousing suspicion. Secondly, waiting until Jing Rou found suitable people before sending them over would be too deliberate.

"Since you put it that way, do you already have a suitable candidate in mind?" Jing Anle asked.

"Your Highness is wise. I am an old acquaintance of the second-in-command of Juwentang. There are many spies in the group. It will not be too difficult to choose a suitable person!"

Jing Anle knew that since Mu Ping had spoken up, she must be confident about the matter. "Alright, I'll leave this to you!"

"Yes, princess."

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