She remained calm on the surface, without any panic in her heart.

Because she had arranged everything perfectly, ensuring that she wouldn't give herself away in the slightest.

If Emperor Rongcheng's men investigate, they will surely find evidence pointing to Shen Hechuan.

This was a grand gift she had carefully prepared for Shen Hechuan.

She was really looking forward to Shen Hechuan's reaction.

Looking at Consort Hui's expression, Shen Hechuan couldn't help but chuckle.

After Emperor Rongcheng finished speaking, he gave another instruction.

"Have them bring His Highness Prince Rui back."

Upon hearing this, Dexi immediately made the arrangements.

The entire hall fell silent immediately.

Emperor Rongcheng looked around at the people present, and finally fixed his gaze on Gu Jingchun.

“You, lift your head.”

Gu Jingchun seemed startled, and then slowly raised his head.

Emperor Rongcheng took a serious look at Gu Jingchun's face for the first time.

Looking at her, he thought to himself, "She is indeed quite beautiful; no wonder Shen Hechuan likes her."

However, judging from her worried and timid appearance, she is ultimately just a pretty face who can't handle anything.

Only someone like Shen Hechuan, who has never experienced the pleasures of a woman, would be interested in her. Given time, he will surely let go of her feelings.

With this in mind, Emperor Rongcheng felt relieved.

Perhaps it was because of the side of Shen Hechuan's heart that he revealed, or perhaps it was because of Jiang Xianhao's sudden appearance.

This led Emperor Rongcheng to show some leniency towards Shen Hechuan.

It also reminded him of the happy days he spent with Jiang Xianhao in those years.

Therefore, he also decided to give Shen Hechuan and Gu Jingchun a small chance.

Since Shen Hechuan insisted on being with Gu Jingchun.

So let's give him a chance. Once he's had his fill of her charms, he'll surely understand that there are plenty of women in this world.

During this time, he could also observe Gu Jingchun's actions.

If she and her son are relatively well-behaved, then the Crown Prince might be able to bring her into the Eastern Palace.

At that time, we can just give her any position.

When that time comes, with him keeping things under control, it certainly won't provoke strong opposition from the court officials.

As Emperor Rongcheng was pondering this, someone announced that the people who had gone to investigate had returned.

******

In a secluded little courtyard in Tiandu.

Prince Rui, Shen Mubai, was exceptionally happy today.

At that moment, he was enjoying a leisurely drink, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Because soon, he would receive news that Shen Hechuan had angered Emperor Rongcheng and was being punished.

He didn't expect Shen Hechuan to be crippled outright.

Even if it angered Emperor Rongcheng and disappointed his ministers, it would be enough for Shen Hechuan to bear.

Thinking of this, he felt even more at ease. He looked up and drank a cup of wine before looking at the bridal sedan chair not far ahead.

The bridal sedan chair has been brought back for quite some time now.

There was a lot of noise inside, with occasional impact sounds.

The people inside the presentation were putting in a lot of effort, trying to find a way out.

Shen Mubai chuckled softly, thinking to himself.

Go ahead and smash it, even if she breaks her head, she won't get out of there.

Because, just as his men brought the bridal sedan chair over, he ordered the entrance to be sealed off with wood.

This not only prevents the woman from escaping.

He could also watch the struggles inside, as if watching a play, and he was quite pleased with himself.

Seeing that the pot of wine was almost empty, the noise inside gradually subsided.

Prince Rui, Shen Mubai, stood up and walked a few steps to the front of the bridal sedan chair.

"Why did you stop crashing?"

"Keep crashing?"

Even if you smash your head against a wall today, it won't change anything.

Shen Mubai chuckled softly.

"Gu Jingchun, accept your fate. You can no longer marry Luo Ziqian today."

"However, considering that you are quite attractive, I can reluctantly let you experience the joy of your wedding night."

Shen Mubai smiled smugly as he said this.

"At that time, I can secretly give this news to Shen Hechuan. I'm sure he will be very happy."

Then he burst into laughter again.

A bang and a strange sound came from inside the bridal sedan chair.

This made Shen Mubai frown for a moment.

He didn't want Gu Jingchun to die in the bridal sedan chair, so he simply gestured to the servants to open the sedan chair while continuing...

"What's wrong? Are you angry?"

"Don't be angry. After all, I'm not the kind of man who can just take a fancy to any woman."

"You tricked me last time, so I'll trick you this time. That'll even things out. If you're obedient in the future, I might even give you a proper title!"

"After all, if you follow me, you will become an imperial concubine in the future, which is not comparable to that little wife of the Luo family."

As Shen Mubai spoke, he had already walked to the front of the bridal sedan chair.

Meanwhile, the wooden planks in front of the bridal sedan chair had already been opened.

Shen Mubai stared at the doorway, wanting to catch a glimpse of Gu Jingchun's terrified, broken-down crying appearance.

But as soon as the wooden plank was opened, a huge creature suddenly rushed out.

He was very fast. Shen Mubai only felt a blur before his eyes, followed by a sharp pain in his abdomen.

As a result, his body was instantly thrown into the air and then crashed heavily into the wall behind him.

He felt as if his whole body had fallen apart, and a wave of pain washed over him.

He clutched his stomach and collapsed to the ground, staring in shock at the "thing" running around in the yard.

"What...what is this?!"

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