The next day, as soon as Shen Shi opened his eyes, he heard Qing Yu report: "Master, Prime Minister Lin is waiting for you outside."

I was so startled that I was scared away from being sleepy. Did he sleep until noon?

Looking completely bewildered, Shen Shi asked, "What is the time of day now?"

“It’s already the hour of Mao (5-7 AM),” Qingyu replied.

It's only six or seven o'clock. What important matter could Prime Minister Lin have that requires him to come see him so early?

Then, inevitably, when Chen Shi was deep in thought, he thought of Gu Yuanbai.

No way! No way!

As it turns out, Shen Shi's guess was correct; Prime Minister Lin had come for Gu Yuanbai.

Prime Minister Lin, who was sitting in the reception room, was drinking tea on an empty stomach. If it weren't for the presence of other people, he would have paced back and forth anxiously.

I returned to the Prime Minister's residence yesterday after handling official business, and it was already dark.

Upon hearing his youngest daughter's report that Gu Yuanbai was disobedient and needed to be replaced, and that he would be expelled from the Prime Minister's residence.

Even the usually amiable Prime Minister Lin couldn't help but slap his daughter.

You must know that Gu Yuanbai is no ordinary person; he was entrusted to him personally by the Emperor.

Prime Minister Lin was puzzled as to why the Emperor would take care of the descendants of King Wu.

But the emperor's orders cannot be disobeyed. Over the years, Prime Minister Lin has been diligently taking care of Gu Yuanbai.

If it weren't for the Emperor's wishes, and the fear of being discovered for making an exception, Prime Minister Lin would have preferred to keep this great figure around, fearing the slightest mishap.

Prime Minister Lin appointed Gu Yuanbai as a bodyguard because he thought it was a good job. He wouldn't have to serve anyone in a servile manner, and there was no real danger in protecting a young lady.

It was supposed to be a win-win situation, but the daughter actually tried to drive the person away!

In a fit of rage, he questioned Lin Han'er and learned that Gu Yuanbai was currently in the Fifth Prince's villa.

If it weren't for the late hour and the fear of being discovered if he went too late, Prime Minister Lin would have come to demand the person last night.

If something were to happen to Gu Yuanbai, wouldn't he have betrayed the Emperor's trust?

Worried, the elderly Prime Minister Lin did not sleep all night.

I couldn't wait to arrive at Chenshi's villa before dawn.

Arriving too early, before Chen Shi had even gotten up, Prime Minister Lin had no choice but to sit in the reception room and wait.

Prime Minister Lin was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but Chen Shi was calmly and unhurriedly putting together his clothes.

When meeting your future father-in-law, you should dress up nicely to make a good impression.

Chen Shi changed his belt three times before finally nodding in satisfaction. It took him a full half hour just to get dressed.

By the time he finished washing up and everything was ready, the sun was already blazing.

As soon as Shen Shi entered the living room, he saw Prime Minister Lin's anxious expression and gradually began to understand the situation.

But Prime Minister Lin, lost in thought, didn't even notice anyone coming.

Shen Shi could only greet him, "What kind of wind is blowing today? It even blew Uncle Lin here?"

Upon hearing his voice, Prime Minister Lin was overjoyed, and the anxiety on his face disappeared.

"Your humble servant greets the Fifth Prince," Prime Minister Lin hurriedly greeted him, his tone tinged with joy.

Prime Minister Lin was determined to get the person he wanted, and since Gu Yuanbai was originally a member of the Prime Minister's household, it was only right for him to bring him back.

Although Shen Shi was a prince, he always respected him and would never dare to embarrass him.

Unaware of the weight in his heart, he saw Prime Minister Lin bowing and quickly reached out to help him up.

"Uncle is always so polite, I really don't know what to do!" Shen Shi said helplessly.

"Haha..." With his mind preoccupied with Gu Yuanbai's matter, Prime Minister Lin didn't know how to respond and could only laugh awkwardly twice.

The two sat down. Because Prime Minister Lin had arrived so early, Shen Shi hadn't even had breakfast in order to see him.

"Bring me a few plates of snacks," Shen Shi said to his trusted confidant Qing Yu, deliberately not ordering a maid.

Prime Minister Lin, who was standing to the side, was pondering how to start the conversation.

The complex and conflicted look on Shen Shi's face confirmed his guess from yesterday.

In that case, Gu Yuanbai's value would be even more immeasurable. For the sake of future plans, Shen Shi decided to keep Gu Yuanbai.

Having made up his mind, Shen decided to strike first.

“Uncle Lin, your timing is perfect. I have something to tell you.” He picked up a pastry and took a bite.

"What is it? Fifth Prince, please give your orders!" Prime Minister Lin asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing serious. Yesterday, a guard from the Prime Minister's residence was recuperating in my villa. Judging from his appearance, he is a promising talent. I'm currently short of such a man. I wonder if Uncle Lin would be willing to part with him?"

Chen Shi spoke casually to Prime Minister Lin.

Prime Minister Lin was shocked. He had come to ask the Fifth Prince for the people, so how did it turn into the Fifth Prince asking him for the people?

He immediately refused, saying, "No...he..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Shi interrupted him.

"Why is Uncle unwilling?" Prime Minister Lin's reaction was within his expectations. Shen Shi raised an eyebrow and said, "Is this person rather special, and Uncle cannot?"

After speaking, his sharp eyes stared intently at Prime Minister Lin.

Prime Minister Lin was surprised that the usually gentle and polite Fifth Prince would take such a tough stance on this matter.

The Fifth Prince is indeed not to be offended, but Gu Yuanbai is someone appointed by the Emperor. Having been in officialdom for decades, Prime Minister Lin can still tell which side is more important.

The Emperor instructed him to act in secret, which Prime Minister Lin could not say directly, as it was the Emperor's order.

To protect Gu Yuanbai, Prime Minister Lin had no choice but to risk his life.

He knelt before Shen Shi, his voice filled with sorrow, and cried out, "Fifth Prince, this old minister is unable to comply!"

Seeing Prime Minister Lin kneeling before him, unable to get up, Shen Shi felt a pang of sadness.

He didn't want to make things difficult for a good official who was responsible to the people and loyal to the court.

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