She had so much curiosity in her heart.

Since the incident with the Shen family, Gu Zhixing has kept a closer eye on Shen Jintang, making her take medicine and recuperate as if she had some serious illness.

As for official business, she wasn't even allowed to get involved.

After keeping her for half a month, Gu Zhixing finally agreed to let her out.

As soon as Shen Jintang had a free moment, he went to the palace and found the eldest princess.

Since the last time the eldest princess quarreled with the emperor, the emperor had stripped her of her power and taken over the reins of government.

Shen Jintang was quite curious: Did the Eldest Princess relinquish power so easily?

why is that?

With this curiosity in mind, Shen Jintang followed the palace maid toward the palace where the eldest princess was located.

Turning past a carved screen wall, the scene before her made Shen Jintang pause slightly.

In the courtyard in front of Yongning Palace, a swing sways gently in the wind, and an unfinished chess game is set up on the stone table next to it. A few petals fall between the black and white pieces, as if they were deliberately placed as embellishments.

Several golden birdcages hung under the eaves, where thrushes were singing sweetly, their melodious songs harmonizing with the tinkling of the copper bells on the eaves.

"Come in."

The eldest princess's voice came from the inner palace, tinged with a hint of languor, as if she had expected her to come.

Shen Jintang straightened his clothes and stepped inside.

The light inside the hall was soft, and the scent of sandalwood lingered faintly in the air.

The eldest princess leaned against the chaise longue by the window, wearing a moon-white wide-sleeved robe, with only a white magnolia hairpin in her hair, her simple and elegant appearance was completely different from her usual noble demeanor.

She was holding a book in her hand, and only when she saw Shen Jintang come in did she lazily put it down.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Shen Jintang said, bowing.

"No need for formalities." The princess raised her hand, and a piece of the jade bracelet on her wrist slipped off. "Someone, bring tea."

Two palace maids appeared silently, one carrying a gilded tea set and the other carrying snacks.

The pastries were exquisitely made, resembling miniature versions of flowers from all four seasons, arranged on a celadon plate, like a miniature spring scene.

Shen Jintang took a seat at the Princess's signal, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the furnishings in the hall.

The treasure cabinet was no longer filled with memorials and documents, but with all sorts of precious objects; instead of maps and military reports, an unfinished traditional Chinese painting of flowers and birds was spread out on the desk.

If she hadn't been so aware of the methods of the person in front of her, she would almost have believed that the princess was truly content to be a wealthy idler.