The princess regretted it.

Chapter 188 Women's Army?

After seeing off her eldest grandson, Hongze, Princess Jin'an slowly sat down in her chair, her heart filled with joy and anticipation. However, at the same time, her father's worries also quietly welled up in her heart. She knew that her father's arrangement was the best policy. Not to mention the others in the palace, just looking at Concubine Zhang's methods, if she knew that Concubine Chun was pregnant with her father's child, she would definitely use any means to eliminate her.

Jin An frowned slightly. It seemed he needed to go to Concubine Chun as soon as possible to discuss with her how to prevent possible danger. At the same time, Jin An was secretly thinking that although it was not yet certain whether Concubine Chun was pregnant with a boy or a girl, as long as the baby was born safely, it would break the current deadlock in the harem.

Should we select some more reliable people to go to Concubine Chun's side and protect her and her unborn child, preventing Concubine Zhang and the others from taking advantage? At least we should ensure that the child is safe until next year's selection. By then, more young and beautiful women will enter the palace, and those people will shift their focus to the new arrivals. And by then, Concubine Chun's child will be secure.

Jin An thought about it and decided that none of the people around her would be suitable to go there. They would be too conspicuous. After much deliberation, she walked to the window and gestured outside. A moment later, Ye Yi flashed into the room, bowed respectfully, and said, "Princess."

"Ye Yi, I have something to tell you. Concubine Chun is pregnant. Can you arrange a secret guard to go to Concubine Chun? I want someone to secretly guard Concubine Chun and the baby in her belly." Princess Jin'an told Ye Yi directly.

"Princess, we don't have any female secret guards. If the Empress in the harem is guarded by men, it may cause many inconveniences. We need to ask for the Empress's wishes on this matter." Ye Yi answered after a little thought.

After hearing Ye Yi's words, Jin An suddenly realized what had happened. Indeed, she had been negligent. She nodded, "You're right! I hadn't considered that. I'll find time to visit Concubine Chun later and ask her what she thinks."

Ye Yi glanced at Princess Jin An, wanting to say something but stopping himself. Jin An turned her head to look at him and said, "Just say whatever you want to say."

"Yes, Princess. Please forgive me for being so blunt. I think you are taking her too seriously. She is just a noble lady now. And I guess the emperor should have arranged someone to protect her in secret." Ye Yi thought about it again and again, and finally made up his mind to express his thoughts.

After listening to Ye Yi's words, Jin An stared at Ye Yi for a while, then slowly said, "Ye Yi, are you worried that Concubine Chun will become arrogant because of her favor? Or do you think I shouldn't get too close to the concubines in the harem?"

Ye Yi didn't answer, but bowed his head. Jin An slowly walked towards Ye Yi, "Ye Yi, can you answer me a question? Who do you think is more qualified to be the crown prince, my second brother or my third brother?"

Ye Yi looked up at Jin An, still without answering. However, that look showed that he also thought these two were not suitable candidates. Jin An reached out and patted Ye Yi's shoulder gently, "Ye Yi, you have followed me for a while, and you know what kind of person my third brother is. If he were to take that position in the future, you can imagine what the situation in Jin would be like. And as for my second brother, hey, then Jin would have to change its surname."

Ye Yi pursed his lips tightly. "Since the previous two are not suitable, why not find another one? Although the emperor is now middle-aged, there is still time to train a good heir." Jin An said slowly.

After hearing Jin'an's words, Ye Yi knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and bowed his head and said, "Princess, you are very thoughtful and far-sighted, and I admire you. However, this matter is of great importance, and the affairs of the harem are complex and changeable. If you get involved, you may face many risks. Please think twice before acting."

Ye Yi paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, if the princess is determined to do so, then this subordinate will swear to protect her to the death. I will obey the princess's orders even if it means death."

Jin An lowered his eyes to look at the top of Ye Yi's head, smiled lightly, and reached out to support Ye Yi. "Get up! I have never doubted your loyalty, and I understand what you mean. I tell you this frankly because I hope you can understand my considerations. The situation is complicated now. Second and third brothers are not good choices. If we don't find another way out, the future of Jin will be worrying. How can I be safe in this situation? And Concubine Chun's pregnancy may be that glimmer of hope. I am not getting involved in the affairs of the harem rashly, but I have to do it. I need your help to complete my plan."

Ye Yi looked up at Jin An's sincere eyes. There was no pressure from a superior, only trust between companions. A strange warmth rose in Ye Yi's heart, and he said solemnly, "I understand. I have a suggestion. Princess, why don't you seek the help of the Grand Princess? She has a women's army unique to Jin. She has many talented people in it, and perhaps she can find suitable female secret guards to protect Concubine Chun. Furthermore, the Grand Princess holds a high position in Jin. With her support, your actions will be much smoother."

"My great-aunt has a women's army? How come I've never heard of it?" Jin An's eyes widened slightly at Ye Yi's news. She frowned, lost in thought, and after a moment, she said, "This is a serious matter. Are you sure the news is true? If such an army truly exists, why has it never been revealed to the public? Does my father know about it?"

"Your Majesty is aware that this group of soldiers is a legacy from the reign of Emperor Taizu, personally trained and organized by the then Grand Princess. They are capable of fighting alone and possess exceptional abilities. They can serve as vanguards and scouts during marches, charging ahead to gather crucial intelligence; they can also remain hidden in busy cities, transforming into secret guards and remaining in the shadows, silently safeguarding the safety of the imperial family.

At the time, Emperor Taizu did not prevent the Grand Princess from forming this army; instead, he tacitly approved its existence and even issued a secret decree explicitly declaring the group's position under the Grand Princess's control. However, this army has always maintained a low profile, rarely appearing publicly, and thus remains largely unknown. "I only learned of this news from Your Majesty when I chanced upon it while carrying out a mission instructed by Your Majesty. After much deliberation, I felt that this information might be of assistance to the Princess, and therefore boldly mentioned it to her," Ye Yi explained respectfully.

"My great-aunt has such a heroic side. No wonder most people in the court fear her." Jin An nodded slightly, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Her expression was thoughtful as she spoke softly, "No wonder my father holds her in such high esteem. Having such a mysterious army could indeed play a huge role at a crucial moment." Jin An was filled with curiosity about this team and even more admiration for her great-aunt.