The princess regretted it.

Chapter 299 Concubine Cen's Concerns

Jin An saw Concubine Cen's panic and evasion at that moment, and realized that Concubine Cen was hiding something from him. Her pretty face sank, as if covered by a layer of frost, and she couldn't help but secretly wonder, Concubine Cen was so secretive, was she also involved in the thrilling disaster last night? In fact, it was not difficult for Jin An to understand that Concubine Cen had a secretive feeling in her heart. After all, they were in the same deep palace, and Concubine Chun and she were both concubines of the emperor's father. Under the palace rule that mothers are honored by their sons, who wouldn't want to fight for a place for themselves? Now that Concubine Chun has taken the lead and has an heir, it is natural for Concubine Cen to have some thoughts and emotions. However, if she dared to participate in such a heinous act of poisoning her father's offspring, she would undoubtedly be digging her own grave and there would be no redemption.

Thinking of this, Jin An opened her red lips slightly and said in a cold voice, "Empress Cen, I hope you can understand that this matter is of great importance. Last night, my father was concerned about the safety of Concubine Chun and stayed at Lanxin Palace for the entire night. Do you know?"

Jin An didn't speak too bluntly, remaining precise in her words. She secretly hoped that Concubine Cen would assess the situation and see the situation clearly. If she was truly implicated, confessing now might still save her family. If she wasn't involved, but merely noticed something, telling the truth earlier might earn her father's favor, allowing her to live the rest of her life comfortably and respectably in this secluded harem.

Concubine Cen naturally understood Jin'an's hidden meaning, and she felt deeply wronged. She had only hesitated to reveal the mysterious note, deeply concerned for Mingyue's safety. She knew that in this turbulent harem, if even a single word leaked, the enemy would most likely kill her, leaving her with no chance of survival.

At this moment, seeing that Princess Jin'an had become suspicious of her, and hearing the reminder and warning in her words, her eyes couldn't help but redden. She looked at Jin'an and said sadly, "Princess, are you doubting me? Princess, you know, I almost became a mother once. I experienced the joy of bearing a new life and also the heartbreaking pain of losing a child. How could I hurt a completely innocent child?"

At this point, Concubine Cen's tears began to flow, streaming down her pale cheeks like pearls falling to the ground. "Princess, I understand what you mean. In this harem, Mingyue is the only one who has been with me for so many years, understanding my feelings. But now, due to my arrangements, her whereabouts are unknown. I am already worried and anxious."

Seeing Concubine Cen's loss of composure, Jin'an temporarily suppressed his suspicions. An apologetic expression appeared on his face as he spoke slowly, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I didn't mean to doubt you. In fact, the reason I came to your palace was because I trust you deeply, and that's why I came here first to inquire about Mingyue's whereabouts. If we can find Mingyue, we'll most likely be able to follow the clues and catch the arsonist. This is also for the long-term peace and stability of the harem. Your Majesty, please consider this: such a dangerous person with evil intentions is lurking in the palace. Who knows if he will one day harm you and endanger your life."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen slowly pulled out her handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. She then stood up and, with a slightly slow pace, walked towards the dressing table. On the table, a variety of exquisite makeup items were displayed, emitting a faint glow in the dim palace. With a trembling hand, Concubine Cen lifted the makeup box from the table, gently opened it, and carefully pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. Then, she turned and slowly walked back.

Concubine Cen took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind. She slowly stretched out her hand and handed the note to Jin An. Her eyes showed a hint of helplessness and fatigue, and she said slowly, "Princess, please take a look!"

Jin An's face was filled with doubt, his brows furrowed slightly as he looked at Concubine Cen with bewilderment. After a moment's hesitation, he reached out to take the note. She lowered her eyes slightly, and with her slender fingers gently unfolded the paper. As her eyes touched the contents, her expression instantly became extremely solemn, as if shrouded in a haze. She raised her eyes sharply, her gaze fixed on Concubine Cen. "When did you receive this?" Her tone was serious and cold, as if shrouded in a chill.

"Just last night," Concubine Cen raised her hand and gently stroked her forehead, as if trying to relieve the endless fatigue and worry, "The palace maid heard a noise outside and went out to check, and found this note, but no sign of the visitor." As she spoke, she slowly walked to her seat, sat down with a slightly weak posture, her movements slow and heavy.

"So, this was your Majesty's previous concern?" A hint of realization flashed in Jin'an's eyes, as if he understood the reason for Concubine Cen's hesitation just now.

"That's right." Concubine Cen nodded gently, her eyes filled with sadness and helplessness. Still feeling down, she spoke slowly, "I'm worried about Mingyue's safety. I think the other party passed on this note to warn me not to interfere in this matter. I'm really afraid... afraid that if I'm not careful, Mingyue will be harmed."

Jin An sighed softly, his eyes filled with a hint of disappointment. He looked at Concubine Cen helplessly and said, "Your Majesty, you are so concerned that you are distracted! Have you ever considered whether the other party will really spare Mingyue's life after this incident? In this harem, the only people who can keep secrets are probably the dead. Don't you understand this, Your Majesty? If you keep concealing this matter, I'm afraid that not only will Mingyue die, but you, Your Majesty, will also be unable to escape the clutches of the evil and be assassinated."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen's delicate body trembled violently, and the color drained from her face instantly, as if struck by lightning. She sat there in a daze, her eyes empty and hopeless, clearly struck by Jin'an's words. Her lips trembled slightly, and she tried to say something, but something seemed to be choking her throat, and no sound came out. Only the fear and regret in her eyes grew stronger, permeating the dim palace and sending a chill down her spine.

Jin'an's words were like a thunderclap, waking Concubine Cen from the maze of worry she had woven. Concubine Cen's heart suddenly shook, as if a basin of icy water had been poured over her from head to toe, chilling her entire body. She thought to herself, how foolish she truly was! The harem was always full of treacherous circumstances, filled with hidden dangers. It wasn't difficult for someone to vanish quietly from this world without a trace.

Moreover, she had witnessed such cruel things in the past. The unbearable memories flashed in her mind again like ghosts, and that person was still... Thinking of this, her eyes turned involuntarily to Jin An, with a hint of unspeakable compassion and guilt in them. The complex emotions intertwined and flickered in the depths of her eyes, as if hiding a secret buried by the years.