The princess regretted it.

Chapter 119 No Newcomers, Old People Are Okay

The Empress, overwhelmed by the Crown Prince's death, grew increasingly ill, and ultimately, she succumbed to the pain and passed away. In her final moments, she clutched the Princess's hand, her eyes filled with reluctance. She uttered no final words. The Princess wept so bitterly that she nearly fainted.

At that time, Concubine Zhang was standing by, shedding tears in a hypocritical manner, saying things that seemed comforting but were actually ulterior motives. The princess was already heartbroken, and after hearing Concubine Zhang's words, she impulsively ran to the emperor and made a scene.

Zhao Ma couldn't quite recall what they said, but she remembered the princess's harsh words, accusing His Majesty of not caring enough about the Empress and the Crown Prince. His Majesty's face turned pale, but he couldn't bear to lose his temper with the princess. From then on, His Majesty stopped filling his harem.

Madam Zhao looked at Princess Jin'an, her eyes filled with heartache. She spoke slowly, "Princess, you were so heartbroken at the time that you said many angry words. Concubine Zhang fanned the flames, further agitating you. I only remember you accusing Your Majesty of having so many women in the harem, harming the Empress, and saying that Your Majesty failed to protect the Empress and the Crown Prince. I can't quite remember the details."

Princess Jin'an listened to Madam Zhao's words with a frown on her face. She couldn't remember being so impulsive, nor could she remember what Concubine Zhang had whispered into her ear. She felt even more guilty towards her father and even more disgusted with Concubine Zhang.

She murmured, "Alas! Mammy, am I very unfilial?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao hurriedly said, "Princess, please don't say that. You were simply heartbroken and impulsive at the time. His Majesty has never blamed you. You have always been his most beloved daughter."

Nanny Zhao gently held Princess Jin'an's hand and continued, "Princess, please don't blame yourself for this. That was all Concubine Zhang's conspiracy. She deliberately whispered those words in your ear to create a rift between you and His Majesty."

Zhao Ma had never said these things before. Initially, it was because the princess was young, and she felt it was best not to tell her, lest she be overwhelmed and turn to Concubine Zhang. At that time, although Concubine Zhang was still only a concubine, she was also favored in the palace. The Zhang family was growing increasingly powerful. She was worried that if the princess angered Concubine Zhang, distressing the Zhang family, she would be framed by them.

Later, even as the princess grew older, she remained somewhat unprepared for Concubine Zhang. Nanny Zhao hesitated several times, fearing that a hasty revelation would make the princess seem meddling. Furthermore, the princess, absorbed in her own world at the time, seemed unconcerned with the harem's infighting, and Nanny Zhao felt reluctant to forcefully disclose these dark matters to her, lest her peace of mind be disturbed. Furthermore, even as the princess grew older, Concubine Zhang's influence within the palace grew increasingly entrenched. Nanny Zhao worried that if the princess learned the truth, impulsive action would only lead to greater trouble. Therefore, these words remained buried in Nanny Zhao's heart, unspoken.

Jin An took a deep breath and then exhaled heavily. She said slowly, "I must make up for the mistakes I made in the past. Father should have some new people around him. After all, he has too few descendants."

Upon hearing this, Nanny Zhao's face turned pale and she quickly lowered her voice, saying, "My little mistress, you must not say this outside! His Majesty's harem and offspring will be taken care of by others. You are His Majesty's daughter, so you must not say such things carelessly."

It's no wonder Nanny Zhao was frightened. After all, Jin'an was still unmarried, and it was no place for her to interfere in the affairs of her father's harem. In this strictly hierarchical palace, if such words were to get out, who knows how much trouble and criticism they would cause. As a princess, Jin'an, despite her noble status, must be cautious in her words and actions, especially when it comes to matters concerning the emperor's harem, which are a matter of great concern to the country. When she was a child, her behavior could be attributed to excessive grief, but now that she has grown up, she can no longer act so rashly.

Jin An's heart softened slightly as she watched Madam Zhao's panicked expression. She gently raised her hand and patted the hand that Madam Zhao was holding tightly, her eyes filled with soothing intent. "Madam, don't be so panicked. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I plan to let my grandfather handle this matter. Think about it, and the selection process is still a long way off; it won't take place until February of next year."

As she spoke, she observed Madam Zhao's expression. Seeing that Madam Zhao's face still hadn't fully recovered, she rolled her eyes and decided to find another topic to divert Madam Zhao's attention. She tilted her head slightly and revealed a playful smile. "Okay, Madam, I'm really hungry right now. Can you go see if Qingli's dragon beard pastry is ready?" After saying this, Jin An gently touched his stomach, as if to emphasize his hunger.

When Nanny Zhao heard Jin'an say he was hungry, she instantly shifted all her attention to the matter. Her face was filled with anxiety, and she secretly blamed herself for letting the young master go hungry. "Oh, my goodness, I was inconsiderate. I'll go check on him right away." Nanny Zhao responded quickly, bowed quickly, then turned around and hurriedly walked towards the small kitchen.

Jin An looked at the corner of Zhao Ma's clothes swaying because of the huge swing when she left, and smiled. Then, she supported her chin with her hand, her eyes became a little distant, and she stared at a place in a daze, thinking in her heart: "There is still some time before the draft, I have to find a time to meet Lin Qian. There are no newcomers at the moment, so old people will do. But who should I choose?" She frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

She thought about it and came up with a plan: let Hongyu go out and take a look around, first to find out the personalities of these old palace people. Hongyu knew a lot of people, so it would be a good idea to let her go. Thinking of this, she stood up and walked to the door. The breeze gently brushed her cheeks, blowing a few strands of her hair. She said to the maid who was sweeping outside the door, "Go and call Hongyu."

The maid quickly put down the work in her hands, bowed and left.

Hongyu soon arrived, carrying a basket of freshly picked roses, their petals juicy and fragrant. These were meant for Princess Jin'an's evening bath. After entering the room, she placed the basket on a nearby table and approached Jin'an Fuli, saying, "Princess, what do you want from me?"

Jin An's eyes sparkled as he waved at her, signaling her to come closer. Hong Yu was slightly startled, then quickly stepped forward.

When she approached, Jin An reached over the table and casually grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds that Qingli had just roasted and placed them in Hongyu's hand. The seeds were still slightly warm and exuded a faint aroma.

This move successfully confused Hongyu. She looked puzzled, her eyes fixed on the melon seeds in her hand, then raised her eyes to look at Jinan. Jinan then whispered a few words in her ear. The more Hongyu listened, the wider her eyes opened, and the more confused she looked. It seemed that she didn't understand the purpose of Jinan's arrangement.

Jin An straightened up after he finished speaking, and gently put the melon seeds in Hongyu's hand into her pocket. He said softly to Hongyu, "Go, but don't let Aunt Zhao find out."