The princess regretted it.

Chapter 230: Heart-to-heart talk with Concubine Chun

Jin An gently gathered her cloak around her shoulders and walked gracefully along the winding path of the Imperial Garden. Just as she was about to turn toward a pavilion ahead, a white figure suddenly darted out from the garden beside the path like lightning. Jin An was caught off guard, startled, and involuntarily stumbled back two steps. After stabilizing herself, she saw the figure lunge at her feet. Jin An instinctively reacted and kicked it. With a loud "woof," the figure rolled over.

Jin'an frowned slightly at the familiar barking. A closer look revealed it was, as expected, Concubine Cen's beloved dog. Lately, Concubine Cen's favor within the palace had grown steadily, her status rising like a rising tide. The dog, seemingly basking in her master's glory, had become a regular visitor to the Imperial Gardens, frequently wandering freely and occasionally venturing out to play, much to the annoyance of the others.

The puppy was kicked so suddenly by Jin'an that it immediately let out a series of whimpering sounds, its voice full of grievance and pain. It curled up on the ground, looking at Jin'an pitifully, its body still trembling slightly.

Jin An raised her eyes slightly and looked around. In the distance, she saw some palace maids busy with their own affairs, but she didn't see the maid who usually served by her side, feeding the dog. She was already somewhat afraid of these furry little animals, and after being frightened by the dog last time, she disliked it even more. She wanted to have the dog taken away, but she hadn't had anyone accompany her when she came to the Health Preservation Palace today, and there was no one to order around.

She cast her eyes towards a young eunuch who was sweeping fallen leaves from the path not far away, and called out softly, "You, come here."

The young eunuch was stunned at first, but then he reacted and quickly put down the broom in his hand. He took small steps and hurried over. When he arrived in front of Jin An, he hurriedly bowed and saluted, saying respectfully, "This servant greets the princess."

"Well, no need to be so polite. Just take this dog to Concubine Cen." Jin An raised his hand and pointed at the little white dog that was still whimpering on the ground, and said to the little eunuch.

The young eunuch quickly replied, "Yes," and then turned around and cautiously approached the little white dog. The dog, perhaps accustomed to the comings and goings of people in the palace, wasn't afraid of strangers. When the young eunuch gently held it in his arms, it only whimpered softly twice before nestling in its bed obediently.

The young eunuch, holding the little white dog, bowed to Jin'an and turned away. Jin'an didn't take it to heart. She looked at the pavilion in front of her and felt a little desolate. Suddenly, she didn't want to go there anymore.

A gust of cold wind blew, making her face a little scratchy. She couldn't help but want to drink some hot tea, and suddenly she remembered the medicinal tea made by Concubine Chun. After drinking the medicinal tea she prepared for a while, she felt less afraid of the cold this winter. Ever since she became friends with Concubine Chun, she especially liked to go to her to chat and drink tea. She liked that unique atmosphere.

Whenever they met, Concubine Chun possessed the gentle, peaceful, and calm demeanor of a Jiangnan woman. She spoke softly and tenderly, her perspectives were original and unique, and her perspective was broader than that of the average woman in seclusion. Her words and smiles were gentle and approachable, and Jin An felt particularly at ease with her. His father must have recognized these qualities in Concubine Chun; otherwise, given his temperament, he wouldn't have made so many arrangements for her.

Thinking that I hadn't visited her for a few days, I went straight to Concubine Chun's place.

Concubine Chun's belly was now showing its full potential. She was now eating and sleeping well, and in a good mood. The weight she had lost during the pregnancy had returned, and she seemed even rounder. Her already gentle and beautiful face was now even more radiant, as if enveloped in a soft and unique glow, emanating a unique allure of the love and happiness of impending motherhood.

Seeing Jin'an approaching, she raised her lips and smiled gently. With the help of her maid, Gancao, she slowly stepped forward to greet him. Seeing this, Jin'an quickly quickened his pace and approached. "My lord, please be careful!" Jin'an said quickly.

"It's okay. The imperial physician said that the fetus is now stable and can move around properly, which will be beneficial for future delivery." Concubine Chun said softly with a warm smile on her face. After that, she took Jin'an's hand, opened the curtain and walked into the house.

The room was warm. Nanny Su had arranged for Xing'er and Yue'er, whom she brought with her, to prepare tea and pastries. Xing'er tactfully stepped forward to take the cloak that Jin'an had taken off and placed it on a shelf beside him.

Jin'an and Concubine Chun sat down one after another. Jin'an picked up the teacup on the table and took two sips. A warmth flowed down his throat into his heart, dispelling the slight chill around his body.

"Princess, why did you come alone today without anyone to accompany you?" After Nanny Su brought a soft pillow and carefully placed it behind her, Concubine Chun leaned back slightly and asked softly. Her starry eyes, filled with expectation, gazed at Jin'an, a calm and kind smile on her face.

"I went to see my father earlier. On my way back, I realized I hadn't been here for a few days, so I wanted to come see you and your little brother in your belly, so I came straight here." Jin An said with a faint smile. "Is your little brother doing well in your belly these days?"

Concubine Chun stroked her belly with her hand, her face filled with happiness. "Very well behaved. Now I no longer vomit and can eat and sleep well."

Looking at Concubine Chun's happy face, Jin An couldn't help but ask, "Concubine Chun, can I ask you a question?"

Concubine Chun sat up straighter, looked at Jin'an's expression, and then subtly glanced at Gancao and Nanny Su. They understood and quietly led everyone out of the room.

After everyone left and the room was quiet, Concubine Chun slowly spoke, "Princess, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask."

"My dear, do you think we women must marry and have children to be happy? But how do we choose a partner? How can we know that the person we choose is the right one? What if we choose the wrong one?" Jin An raised her eyes, a trace of confusion and inexplicable sadness in them. She recalled the desolation of not being loved in her previous life.

Concubine Chun, listening to Princess Jin'an's question, assumed she was infatuated, but then she noticed a hint of sadness in Jin'an's eyes. Her thoughts turned, wondering if she was thinking of the Empress again. After a long pause, she spoke slowly, "Marriage in this world is like a blossoming flower hidden deep within the mists. It seems beautiful and alluring, but in reality, it's difficult to clearly perceive and truly grasp. The world urges us women to always adhere to the principle of 'obey your father before marriage, obey your husband after marriage, and follow your son after your husband's death.' We cannot choose our fathers, and we need to teach our sons. However, our husbands are crucial figures in our lives and should be chosen with the utmost care. Therefore, a man's character is of paramount importance. Only a man of pure heart, integrity, and responsibility, even if he cannot promise you untold glory and endless wealth, will never drag you into an abyss of despair."