The princess regretted it.

Chapter 312 Jin'an's Obstruction

The Emperor frowned slightly at the Second Prince's response, as if he were considering something. Before he could speak, a clear, urgent voice suddenly rang out from outside the hall: "Father!" As soon as the voice fell, Jin An's figure flashed into the hall. With light, lotus-like steps, she walked to the front of the hall and gracefully bowed to the Emperor. Then, she raised her head, looked at him with a firm gaze, and said, "Father, there are still doubts in this matter. Please don't jump to conclusions so quickly."

After hearing Jin An's words, the emperor's expression eased slightly, and he slowly asked, "Oh? What's the doubt?"

Jin'an looked at the emperor and answered word by word: "Father, I heard that the palace maid Yundou is from my second brother's palace. But if my second brother really set the fire on purpose, how could he leave so many handles so easily? Not to mention that it was too strange that the blood-stained palace clothes and precious ornaments were found. Just talking about Yundou, as a palace maid beside my second brother, she had already followed orders, so how could she easily confess and give up my second brother when she could not bear the torture? Isn't this courting death? Moreover, I heard that my second brother is a kind person and has no grudge against Concubine Chun. There is really no reason for him to do such a heinous thing. I beg your Majesty to investigate in detail and don't wrongly accuse a good person." Jin'an spoke sincerely and clearly, and every word was loud and clear. Everyone in the hall heard it clearly.

The emperor listened to Jin'an's words, his mind awash with doubt. He wondered, "What does Jin'an mean by this? Hadn't she provided me with these crucial clues before? Why is she now contradicting my earlier view?" He stared at Jin'an intently, trying to discern some clue from her expression.

At this moment, Jin'an winked at him in a subtle, almost unnoticeable way. The emperor, ever so astute, instantly understood what Jin'an was suggesting, realizing he must have made some new discovery. He immediately followed Jin'an's lead and said, "Since that's the case, I will take Yundou away for a thorough interrogation. Yunji, until this matter is thoroughly investigated, please set aside your current affairs."

The Imperial Guards immediately obeyed the order, swiftly advancing and deftly dragging the collapsed Yundou away. As Yundou was being dragged out of the hall, her gaze shifted to the Third Prince, whose back was turned. Her eyes seemed to hold a thousand words, as if concealing endless resentment and resentment.

Yundou's betrayal was like a heavy blow, hammering the Second Prince's heart and inflicting an unprecedented blow. Having lived a relatively comfortable life since childhood, this was his first experience of such a heartbreaking betrayal. His mindset was already shattered, and he sank into a deep state of self-doubt, appearing dejected and lonely. He remained expressionless in response to the Emperor's words, showing no emotional response. He simply kowtowed mechanically and respectfully, muttering, "Your son, I will obey your father's command." His voice was low and weak, revealing an endless sorrow.

When the Third Prince appeared and spoke those words of dissuasion, his expression instantly hardened, his mouth twitching slightly, his heart filled with resentment and unwillingness. He had thought today would be a golden opportunity to smoothly and completely overthrow the Second Prince, but he hadn't expected a sudden appearance to ruin his entire plan! He gritted his teeth and cursed Jin An inwardly, blaming her for meddling in his affairs and ruining his plans.

However, the Third Prince had been working in the palace for many years and was well versed in the art of forbearance. He quickly adjusted his emotions, suppressed his anger, and kowtowed to the emperor, shouting, "Father, you are wise!" The voice sounded quite sincere, but his slightly trembling hands revealed his inner unrest.

When the Third Prince heard Jin'an's words, his expression froze. He had thought he could easily pin the Second Prince down today, but unexpectedly, a Cheng Yaojin appeared midway! He gritted his teeth and cursed Jin'an inwardly for ruining his plans. However, he quickly regained his composure and kowtowed to the Emperor: "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Alright! Jin'an stays, everyone else leave!" The Emperor said slowly, waving his hand gently. His voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable authority. The Second and Third Princes bowed and withdrew. Seeing them leave, Eunuch Fuquan also bowed and withdrew. In a moment, the Emperor and Jin'an were the only two remaining in the hall, empty and silent.

Jin An walked slowly forward and came to the side of the emperor. Before she stood still, the emperor asked, "Jin An, what do you mean?" Although there was some doubt in his voice, there was no blame. He just locked his eyes on Jin An, as if he wanted to see through her thoughts.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me for my recklessness and presumptuous behavior today." Jin An bowed with dignity and sincerity, "There are a few things I still don't understand. First, what do you think of my Third Brother's actions today? He heard that someone close to my Second Brother had been arrested, so he rushed here, and then he was so eager to get Yundou to confess. His words were full of mysteries, which was truly puzzling.

Secondly, what is Yundou's motive for suddenly accusing my second brother? As far as I know, Yundou was arranged by Concubine Zhang to be with my second brother. If Concubine Zhang didn't have sufficient control over her, how could she have placed her with her most trusted son? All of this, in my opinion, is fraught with doubt. I think there may be something hidden within this that we are unaware of, which is why I rushed in without even notifying you.

"Also, I have another idea." Jin An paused slightly, as if he was choosing his words, and then added, "I think this matter could be used cleverly to test who the Zhang family's spies are in the palace, and also to see how the Zhang family reacts after hearing the news. In this way, maybe I can help father clear away the layers of fog and find the truth." After saying that, Jin An lowered his head and stood quietly, waiting for the emperor's response.

After hearing Jin'an's words, the emperor's eyes flashed with admiration. He looked at Jin'an with considerable satisfaction and said slowly, "Alright! Father has no intention of blaming you. Father has long harbored suspicions about the doubts you mentioned. Moreover, I noticed earlier that Yundou's expression towards the Third Brother was a little off. Therefore, I do not intend to punish your Second Brother immediately."

"You, by coming in and saying this, have done the Emperor a small favor. He can use your words to suppress this matter. As for these doubts, I will arrange for people to investigate them, so don't worry about them. When your uncle comes back, find time to visit him. He has always loved you the most."

Upon hearing this, Jin An nodded gently and replied, "Yes. I understand." After a brief pause, she seemed to remember something and gently asked, "Father, Concubine Xian has already entered the palace. Because of the fire, you haven't summoned her yet, right?"