Upon hearing Hua Yan's words, An Shuli was stunned, obviously not expecting this turn of events. When he looked back at Prime Minister Zhao, the expression on the latter's face had vanished without a trace, replaced by a mixed hue of pale and anger.
An Shuli hadn't anticipated that the information he had extracted from Little Zhongzi yesterday, which he had thought could be well utilized, would be exposed by Hua Yan today.
The implications in Hua Yan's words might have been about inquiring after her, but both she and An Shuli knew clearly that it was the news about the Crown Prince that he was really after.
Inquiring about the Crown Princess Consort was one thing, but probing into the affairs of the Crown Prince and having it known was a far more significant matter.
Over the years, many had attempted to pry into the affairs of the Crown Prince, but the Eastern Palace was a solid fortress that none could breach.