The princess regretted it.

Chapter 319 Bamboo tube

After falling down, the Third Prince's expression was one of shock and anger. He looked around hurriedly, but could not see a single person. He could only grit his teeth and curse the "culprit" who was hiding somewhere in his heart, but he was helpless. He could only get up dejectedly with the help of Xiao Xizi who hurried over, and limped back to the house.

When the secret guard reported the information she had gathered to Jin An, mentioning her own unauthorized assault on the Third Prince, she quietly glanced up at him, fearing she would rebuke her for her presumptuous actions. Unexpectedly, Jin An was momentarily taken aback, then a smile broke across her face. She tried to suppress it, but then, imagining the scene, she couldn't help but burst out laughing. The secret guard breathed a sigh of relief, her lips curling upwards.

When the secret guard who had gone to the Second Prince returned and reported the shocking news, Jin An's smile vanished instantly. She was stunned. Her eyes widened. She had never imagined that the Zhang family could be so bold. In this palace, under the Emperor's nose, they actually harbored such heinous and rebellious thoughts.

Jin An's brow furrowed as she paced back and forth across the room, each step revealing her inner anxiety and unease. She knew the gravity of this matter was immense; if mishandled, it would inevitably unleash a bloody storm, potentially plunging the entire palace and even the imperial court into turmoil. But she was momentarily at a loss as to how to respond.

After all, there were no clues at this point. This was merely the Second Prince's eavesdropping, not proof. Furthermore, the Second Prince didn't know the exact locations of these strongholds. Any rash action would likely alert the enemy, and the Zhang family would surely destroy all relevant evidence. They might even earn the reputation of being wary of meritorious officials and intolerant of others.

Without solid evidence, Jin An knew it was best not to tell her father rashly. After all, this matter involved so many people. If she alerted those with ulterior motives, further investigation would be difficult. However, if she wanted to investigate secretly, she simply didn't have enough people around her. After much thought, she felt that her only option was to ask her grandfather for help. Moreover, now that her uncle had returned, they should be able to investigate these matters.

Thinking of this, Jin An did not dare to delay for a moment and immediately ordered Han Shuang to get the carriage. Her tone was hurried and serious, urgent: "Han Shuang, go and arrange the carriage quickly. I need to go to my grandparents' house soon. This matter cannot be delayed."

Han Shuang, upon hearing Jin An's urgent order, understood the urgency of the matter and quickly responded, then hurried off to make arrangements. Soon, everything was ready, and the two of them hurriedly boarded the carriage heading out of the palace. The driver whipped his whip, and with a crisp "crack," the carriage sped off towards the Prime Minister's residence, its wheels rolling and raising a cloud of dust.

Zhang Hengrui's spies within the palace quickly relayed the news of the incident at the Health Preservation Palace to the Zhang family. In his spacious study, Zhang Hengrui frowned slightly and softly asked the old Grand Tutor seated in the Grand Tutor's chair, "Grandfather, the Emperor didn't convict Yunji in court, but merely ordered him to suspend his duties. What exactly does this mean?" His eyes were filled with confusion. He wasn't sure if the Emperor had truly believed their carefully orchestrated story, and if he had already cast his suspicions on the Third Prince.

Upon hearing this, the old Grand Tutor subconsciously tightened his hands that were resting on his crutches, and the expression on his weather-beaten face became even more solemn. He said in a deep voice: "The emperor is suspicious by nature. How could he believe something so easily before he has thoroughly investigated it? However, the Third Prince's move today has helped us inadvertently. I think the emperor should have become a little suspicious of him. Let's keep a close eye on their future movements, and then wait for an opportunity to act." Before he finished speaking, the voice of the butler asking for a meeting suddenly came from outside the study, interrupting his thoughts.

The old master frowned slightly, slowly raised his eyes and looked towards the door, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes. Zhang Chengde understood and winked at Zhang Hengrui. Zhang Hengrui hurriedly stood up, walked quickly to the door of the study, opened it with his hand, and said to the butler waiting outside, "Come in."

The butler bowed respectfully to Zhang Hengrui before cautiously entering, holding a small bamboo tube and bowing slightly. Zhang Hengrui casually closed the door behind him. The butler tiptoed quietly to the old Grand Tutor and Zhang Chengde, bowing to each in turn, his movements extremely respectful, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

Zhang Chengde's attention was immediately attracted by the bamboo tube in the housekeeper's hand. His eyes were shocked and a look of surprise appeared on his face. He stepped forward, stretched out his hand to take the bamboo tube, and asked impatiently: "When did you receive this?" He looked so anxious, as if the bamboo tube contained something extremely important.

Seeing this, the housekeeper quickly replied, "Master, this was just received. As soon as I received it, I brought it here without stopping. Please take a look, Master."

Zhang Chengde nodded slightly, looking very calm, and said in a flat tone: "Well, you can leave first." His expression seemed as if this was just an ordinary little thing.

The butler did not dare to be negligent in the slightest. He bowed quickly and then tiptoed out of the study, closing the door gently. The whole process was so quiet that not a single unnecessary sound was made.

Seeing this, Zhang Hengrui couldn't wait to walk to his father Zhang Chengde and asked, "Father, what's the news?" His eyes were fixed on the small bamboo tube, eager to know what important content was hidden inside.

Zhang Chengde did not answer him immediately, but subconsciously glanced at the old master sitting at the top with a questioning look in his eyes.

The old master raised his chin slightly. Although the movement was small, it revealed unquestionable majesty, and signaled him to open the bamboo tube and check.

Zhang Chengde understood and carefully removed the wax seal from the bamboo tube. He then slowly opened the tube and poured out a small paper roll. The paper roll was tightly rolled, and he gently straightened it, his movements gentle and cautious, as if he was afraid of damaging it. Then he slowly opened it and carefully read the contents on it.

Zhang Hengrui stared at his father from the side. His father's expression became more and more solemn as he read the contents of the note. His brows were tightly furrowed and his eyes were full of worry.

Zhang Hengrui became more and more anxious and couldn't help asking again: "Father, what's written on it? Is there something wrong? Where did it come from?" His voice was filled with uncontrollable anxiety.