The princess regretted it.

Chapter 222 Adoption (2)

Everything Jin An had guessed about was happening inside and outside the palace. The palace had already erupted in commotion. First, when Concubine Zhang received the imperial edict, she collapsed to the ground, her emotions instantly losing control. She cried and screamed, demanding to see the emperor. Her shrill voice echoed throughout the palace, revealing endless sorrow and anger.

The second prince was also shocked when he received the imperial edict. He ran to the emperor and cried, begging to see him. The emperor didn't want to see him, so he knelt outside the imperial study.

Concubine Cen, however, laughed heartily in the palace, her laughter echoing through the empty palace, tinged with a mixture of pride and relief. She knew that even if the Second Prince was adopted under her name, given his age and deep feelings for Concubine Zhang, it would be difficult for him to truly acknowledge her as his mother. But so what?

In her heart, as long as she could smother Zhang Xinrou into the abyss of pain and despair, she would feel a sense of relief, as if all her grievances and hatred had been vented. She looked down at her frail, sickly, and slightly battered body and couldn't help but smile bitterly. This body had endured countless hardships and had long since lost the hope of bearing children.

She had, on countless lonely nights, shed tears under the cold moonlight, grief-stricken for not having a child of her own. But now, being able to take Zhang Concubine's beloved child, even if it was only in name, was a different kind of "victory."

She gently stroked the quilt beside her, a complex glint in her eyes. "Zhang Xinrou, ah Zhang Xinrou, you've come to this day. You used to bully me in every way, but now the tide has turned. Let's see how arrogant you can still be." Concubine Cen muttered to herself, the smile on her face growing colder.

Upon hearing this news, the people in the other palaces had varying reactions. Some secretly rejoiced that they had no ties to either of them, some secretly celebrated within their own palaces, and some, more thoughtful and far-sighted, chose to remain inactive, quietly observing the developments.

The only quiet places were Jiaoyu Palace and Concubine Chun's residence. Jiaoyu was under house arrest and had no idea what was happening outside. Concubine Chun was kept in the dark by Nanny Su, who had ordered all news to be blocked, preventing her from knowing anything.

Meanwhile, the news quickly spread to the Zhang family outside the palace. Upon hearing the news, Zhang's mother felt dizzy and black before her eyes, and she fainted. She has been bedridden ever since, and the whole family was thrown into chaos.

The men in the Zhang family were all anxious and rushed to the Grand Tutor's Mansion. They knew that this matter was of great importance. It not only concerned the fate of Concubine Zhang in the palace, but was also closely related to the rise and fall, honor and disgrace of the entire family.

A group of people sat together, discussing the implications of the imperial edict and possible remedies. The old Grand Tutor, personally in charge, frowned, his expression grave. Having experienced many ups and downs in the court, he was well-versed in the complexities and sensitivities of palace affairs. He keenly sensed a change in the Emperor's attitude toward the Zhang family. Previously, thanks to their family's power and influence, the Zhang family had always received some support in palace affairs. But now, this relentless imperial edict was like a bucket of cold water, mercilessly extinguishing any hope or complacency they had harbored.

The Grand Tutor spoke slowly, his voice low and hoarse, "This incident is probably no accident. The Emperor is so resolute, it's probably not just because of resentment towards Concubine Zhang's actions. I'm afraid he's wary of our Zhang family. If we want to salvage the situation now, we must be extremely cautious and must not act rashly, lest we leave evidence in the Emperor's hands, which would bring disaster upon our entire family."

Everyone else nodded, a solemn expression shrouding their faces. Zhang Hengrui then spoke up, "But we can't just stand by and watch my sister suffer in the palace while the Second Prince is adopted. Where will our Zhang family's reputation be? Our family's prestige will plummet."

"I will personally visit the palace later to find out the Emperor's true motives," the old Grand Tutor said slowly. He sensed that the Zhang Concubine's situation was more complex than it appeared, and that there must be other factors behind it. He felt the Emperor was using this opportunity to force the Second Prince to leave the Zhang family. Could it be that something in their relationship had aroused the Emperor's suspicions? Without a clear understanding of this, the Zhang family might be plunged into irretrievable ruin amidst this turbulent situation.

However, he had also made a wasted trip. Although the emperor did meet him, the reason he gave was that Concubine Zhang seemed to be crazy and had insulted the emperor's son by calling him a dog. When the old master heard this, he was stunned on the spot. He had never expected that the matter would be like this.

In his opinion, although Concubine Zhang was sometimes arrogant, she would not be so reckless and bold as to say such outrageous words to the prince.

But the emperor's face was serious, and his words were firm, clearly not a random excuse. The old master wondered if there was something else going on, but given the current situation, he couldn't argue any further.

The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, gazing coldly at the old Grand Tutor, and continued, "I was lenient with her last insult to Jin'an, considering her dedication to my service. But now, she refuses to repent and has gone even further, even openly claiming that the dog is my son. What is this? This is dissatisfaction with me and a blatant desecration of the royal dignity. Old Grand Tutor, how do you think I should tolerate her behavior? I adopted the Second Prince to Concubine Cen so that he could have a better environment to grow up in, free from such malicious words and insults."

The old Grand Tutor could only bow his head respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty is wise, but my granddaughter has always been a proud and arrogant person. Perhaps she lost her composure due to the house arrest. I hope Your Majesty will be lenient with her because of my loyalty over the years."

The Emperor frowned slightly, but did not relent. "Old Grand Tutor, I appreciate your loyalty. Otherwise, she would have been imprisoned in the cold palace. The state has its own laws. If I easily forgive her, how can I convince the people in the future? I have issued an imperial decree on this matter. You may withdraw."

Seeing this, the old Grand Tutor knew that further pleas were futile and could only reluctantly take his leave. He left the palace with heavy steps, his heart filled with worry. Although his visit to the palace had failed to change the situation, he had become more aware that the emperor's dissatisfaction with the Zhang family had been building for a long time. It seemed that the Zhang family would have to act more cautiously in the days ahead. He wondered what kind of torment his granddaughter would endure in the palace. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh.