The princess regretted it.

Chapter 214 This matter has been decided and cannot be discussed further.

After Zhang Chengde finished his plea, the hall fell into a dead silence. He waited for a moment, but no response came from the emperor, and his heart sank. He dared not raise his head rashly, but could only raise his eyelids stealthily and cautiously, quietly paying attention to the movements above and ahead, trying to catch a glimpse of the emperor's attitude from the silence.

After hearing Zhang Chengde's words, Changsun Hongze simply looked at him calmly, his eyes as deep as the ocean, so profound that it was impossible to discern his true emotions. "You're really reckless. Even at this point, you're still trying to beg for mercy in a roundabout way." He snorted inwardly, but his expression remained impassive.

After a long while, he slowly spoke, "The matter has been settled and cannot be discussed further. You may leave." He spoke each word slowly, without any ups and downs, but with an unquestionable majesty.

These few simple words had Zhang Chengde in a cold sweat. Although the Emperor's tone seemed calm, the meaning behind his words was clear. This time, there was truly no room for maneuver. He regretted his luck and was thankful that he had been subtle.

He did not dare to delay any longer, and quickly prostrated himself on the ground, tremblingly responding: "Yes, Your Majesty. I... I obey your order and will withdraw now." After saying that, he stood up easily and left in a hurry.

Looking at the figure moving much faster than usual, Changsun Hongze felt increasingly unhappy. He sat in the imperial study in a depressed mood until Jin'an arrived.

Jin'an's words comforted him. He reached out and patted Jin'an's hand, saying with emotion, "My daughter has grown up." His eyes softened, looking at Jin'an with loving care. "But don't worry, as long as your father sits on this throne, I will do my utmost to protect you and will never let you suffer such bullying again."

Jin An nodded heavily, "Yes! I believe father. Did father go to Concubine Chun's place today?" She changed the subject at the right time, wanting her father to think about something happy.

When Changsun Hongze heard Jin'an's words, his mind instantly shifted to Concubine Chun. When he thought of Concubine Chun, a gentle smile appeared on his face. He thought of Concubine Chun's gentle and lovely appearance, and the child she was carrying in her belly, which was his own offspring.

Concubine Chun has always been so considerate. Every time she sees him, she always says some caring words just right, allowing him to feel a rare warmth and tranquility in this busy and intrigue-filled palace life.

"I haven't been there today, but I'm thinking about her, so I'll go see her later." There was a hint of anticipation in Changsun Hongze's voice.

Jin An watched his father's expression change and felt relieved. Knowing that he had successfully changed the subject, he smiled and said, "Noble Consort Chun must be looking forward to seeing you, Father. She's pregnant and needs your care."

Changsun Hongze reached out and tapped Jin'an on the forehead, scolding with a smile: "You naughty boy, how dare you tease your father." Although his words contained a hint of feigned anger, the doting in his eyes could not be concealed.

Jin An stuck out his tongue and smiled coquettishly, "Father, I am also looking forward to this upcoming little brother."

This "younger brother" pleased Changsun Hongze. In the palace, the issue of offspring has always been extremely important. Moreover, he had always intended to train a new heir.

The smile on Changsun Hongze's face grew even wider. He gently stroked Jin'an's head, his eyes full of love, and his voice became exceptionally gentle. "Haha, Jin'an, when the time comes, you must act like an older sister and love your brother well."

Jin An nodded vigorously again, a bright smile on his face, "Don't worry, Father! No matter how many brothers and sisters I have in the future, I will definitely be a qualified sister."

Changsun Hongze laughed heartily again, and Fuquan, who was serving beside him, also showed a sincere smile on his face. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, and his eyes narrowed into slits.

Fuquan had served the Emperor for years in this palace, and had long since developed a keen eye for understanding. A few simple words from this woman regarding Concubine Chun and their unborn child lifted the Emperor from the pent-up frustration he'd been feeling over the Zhang family situation, and a hearty smile appeared on his face once again. How could a princess so well-versed in the Emperor's thoughts not be cherished? He was even more certain of Princess Jin'an's status; she was clearly the crown jewel of the Emperor's heart, and no one in the harem could surpass her.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the palace became particularly warm and harmonious, as if all the troubles and disputes were thrown behind at this moment, leaving only the strong father-daughter affection slowly flowing in the air.