Finally, the emperor made a decisive decision, displaying the ruthless and decisive demeanor of an emperor, and resorting to all kinds of thunderous methods.

Sternly worded imperial edicts were issued like snowflakes from the majestic imperial palace, and a large number of yamen runners quickly moved into various wards, markets, and alleys of the capital.

Dressed in neat official robes and carrying sharp long knives at their waists, they patrolled day and night without rest. Their imposing presence was like that of heavenly soldiers descending to earth, awe-inspiring and terrifying to villains.

All the restaurants, teahouses, and bookstores in the city, which are places where news gathers, were placed under strict surveillance if they showed any signs of spreading rumors.

Once verified, those who spread rumors will be punished, at best, by being paraded in public with heavy wooden cangues on their heads, standing in the bustling city streets with a face full of shame, losing all face.

Those who committed serious crimes were bound hand and foot and imprisoned in a dark and gloomy jail, where they suffered the most iniquities, with no one to turn to for help.

Under this almost iron-fisted crackdown, rumors seemed to hit an impenetrable wall, their momentum sharply reduced, and they gradually disappeared.

Although things appeared calm on the surface, behind the scenes, the gossiping voices continued like an undercurrent, surging silently and intermittently for a long time.

When people gather together, they still unconsciously lower their voices and whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity and a desire to spy.

After all, royal secrets always pique people's curiosity, as if they have a fatal attraction that makes people unable to resist.

Fortunately, in the past two years, as time has slowly passed, like a gentle brush, it has gradually worn away people's memories.

In addition, new interesting stories and strange tales kept emerging on the streets and alleys of the capital, diverting everyone's attention, and those gossips finally disappeared.

During the period when rumors were rampant, all three thought that their imperial sister would remain secluded in her residence. Unexpectedly, Ning Shuyao suddenly made a surprising move.

She was dressed in a simple, moon-white gown, perfectly tailored, the hem of which fluttered gently in the wind, further accentuating her tall figure and ethereal气质.

She carried a small, exquisite bundle on her back, which was bulging and probably contained some essential soft clothing.

Her steps were light yet carried an unwavering resolve as she declared that she would leave the capital city that had confined her for so many years, travel across the beautiful landscape, and witness the vicissitudes of life and the warmth and coldness of humanity.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor and the two princes were shocked and at a loss for what to do. The three of them took turns trying to persuade her, citing many dangerous examples from the past, in an attempt to dissuade her from the idea.

However, Ning Shuyao's mind was made up, and nothing could change it. Her gaze was firm and unwavering as she stared straight ahead, as if she could already see the beautiful mountains and rivers in the distance.

Seeing that they couldn't persuade her otherwise, everyone could only sigh and let her go, thinking it would be good for her to go out and clear her head.

However, the Emperor was still worried and arranged for a large number of highly skilled secret guards.

These bodyguards were all handpicked, each possessing unique skills, able to scale walls and rooftops with ease, and with keen hearing and sharp eyesight, like night owls.

They remained hidden in the shadows, following her like shadows, protecting her without disturbing her enjoyment of the trip.

They silently protected and escorted her, ensuring that the princess always walked within a safe range.

Time flows on, and to this day, those turbulent days of the past remain deeply etched in their hearts like a branding iron, impossible to erase.

Whenever I think back to that time, it feels like I'm in a nightmare from which I can't wake up.

Fortunately, even the fiercest storms eventually subside, and everything has been turned over a new page, becoming a distant memory occasionally reminisced about over tea.

All three eyes were focused on the princess, whose lips curled into a serene smile.

She then gently shook her head a few times, the movement light yet firm, clearly indicating that she was alright.

Seeing this, the tension in their hearts finally eased, and they breathed a sigh of relief, their tense shoulders slowly relaxing.

They were so eager to know the truth of what happened back then that they all turned their gazes to Qin Qianluo, their eyes filled with urgency and anxiety, waiting for what would happen next.

Upon hearing Qin Qianluo's question, 001 kept her in suspense, saying, "Don't be impatient, Luo Bao. I will tell you everything later."

Back then, Jiang Ling went to great lengths to marry the Princess.

When he proposed marriage, the betrothal gifts he brought were piled up like a small mountain. All kinds of rare treasures, silks and satins were carefully selected by him, just to win a smile from the beauty.

He wrote love poems until his hands cramped, each word brimming with deep affection, weaving his love for the princess into every detail.

Fortunately, heaven rewards those who persevere. Because of the life-saving grace, Jiang Ling got his wish and welcomed the princess into his home in a grand manner, becoming the enviable imperial consort.

On the day of the wedding, the scene was truly magnificent. The streets and alleys of the capital were packed with people, who crowded around the wedding and spread the word about this blessed union.

Red silk fluttered in the air like radiant clouds, the grand procession was magnificent, and gold and silver jewels glittered, showcasing the luxurious style of the royal family.

After their marriage, the couple became even more affectionate, inseparable, and always together.

Their every move exuded sweetness, leaving onlookers speechless with admiration. They remarked that the couple's life was truly blissful, making them the envy of everyone.

The late emperor watched as his beloved princess, whom he had cherished and raised, found her ideal husband and was to be well cared for for the rest of her life.

He felt incredibly relieved, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Time waits for no one; even an emperor cannot escape the fate of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

Within a few years, the late emperor's health deteriorated significantly. As the affairs of state became increasingly burdensome, his energy waned. After careful consideration, he resolutely passed the throne to the current emperor.

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