Back then, Princess Rongyang wanted it, but the Empress Dowager didn't give it to her. Now, she's given it to Gu Jinxi so casually, saying it's for him to play with.
Gu Jinxi was unaware of the item's value. When the Empress Dowager told him to play with it, he actually started playing with it, making Li Mama's scalp tingle with fear that he would break it.
Fortunately, Xiaoman and Lanxin, who are by Gu Jinxi's side, know what's good for her.
Taking advantage of the Empress Dowager's inattention, they quickly and carefully gave Gu Jinxi a few instructions.
She kept it simple, only telling Gu Jinxi, "This thing is so beautiful, I'm sure Mother will like it."
Upon hearing that Gu Jingchun might like it, Gu Jinxi immediately and carefully put it away, intending to give it to her mother later.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager and Shen Hechuan had already entered the study.
Where is Gu Jingchun?
She got straight to the point and asked directly.
Shen Hechuan didn't intend to hide it, so he nodded directly and said, "In my courtyard."
"You're insane!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager slammed her teacup down on the table with a thud, followed by a sharp shout.
"Shen Hechuan, do you know what you're doing right now?"
Shen Hechuan picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then spoke.
"Grandmother, don't worry, your grandson is perfectly clear-headed and knows what he's doing."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager immediately rebuked her.
"I think you've lost your mind."
"Have you forgotten who you are?!"
“You are the Crown Prince! And she is already betrothed.”
"Now, because of the explosion, people are spreading rumors about her relationship with Luo Ziqian in an almost mythical way."
"If the people knew that you were using your status to interfere, it would probably immediately cause their dissatisfaction."
"Your position as crown prince is probably not going to be secure for long."
"How can a crown prince with questionable personal morality govern the country?"
The Empress Dowager sighed softly as she spoke.
"Back then, your father ascended the throne with ruthless methods, his methods were unparalleled."
Even so, his position was nearly jeopardized because of the opposition from the court officials regarding your mother's affairs.
"And you already have Prince Rui and his mother eyeing you covetously. If they find out about this now, they will use it to deal with you first."
Shen Hechuan chuckled softly.
"Then let them come. When have I, Shen Hechuan, ever been afraid of them?"
“In the past, my grandson never took them seriously, nor did he ever really deal with them.”
Now that my grandson has people to protect, he will naturally protect them and will never let them suffer any harm.
He added a sentence as he spoke.
"Grandmother, please rest assured, I have made all the arrangements and will have results soon."
Shen Hechuan said confidently:
"In just a few more days, I will be able to go to Father Emperor and ask him to withdraw this decree."
Just then, Tianji rushed in.
"Something terrible has happened."
"Your Highness, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, something terrible has happened."
"News has just arrived that His Majesty has issued a decree ordering Miss Gu and Young Master Luo to marry this month."
"What?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Hechuan suddenly stood up.
An hour ago.
Emperor Rongcheng summoned Prince Rui to the main hall.
He knelt on the ground, his forehead covered in cold sweat from Emperor Rongcheng's scrutinizing gaze.
Under Emperor Rongcheng's questioning, he had no way to explain himself.
However, he was not entirely unprepared.
Even before he met Emperor Rongcheng, his mother had secretly passed on some explosive news to him.
Shen Hechuan secretly brought Gu Jingchun into the palace and hid him away.
This news will surely allow me to turn the tide.
Seeing the obvious anger on Emperor Rongcheng's face, he immediately lowered his head and sobbed.
"Father, I know nothing!"
"Your subject has no way of explaining it."
As he spoke, Prince Rui crawled forward a few steps.
"That day, it was Gu Jingchun who contacted me first, saying that he had something on the Crown Prince that he wanted to tell me."
At that time, I was afraid that the Crown Prince would be harmed by treacherous people, so I went there.
Little did they know that it was a trap.
Gu Jingchun actually used himself as bait, wanting to die with his son.
"If it weren't for my quick-witted subordinate who pulled me back that day, Father, you wouldn't be seeing me now."
He cried as he spoke, sobbing uncontrollably.
Even though Emperor Rongcheng was somewhat angry, he couldn't help but feel heartache at this moment.
After all, Prince Rui had to be carried back that day, and the wounds on his body were shocking; his face was also covered in bruises.
"However, at the time I did not understand why Gu Jingchun did this, but now that I know that Gu Jingchun is not dead and Luo Ziqian is the Crown Prince's man, then everything makes sense."
As he spoke, he kowtowed again and said:
“Father, I must accuse the Crown Prince of forcibly taking my wife and having an affair with Gu Jingchun, Luo Ziqian’s fiancée. He also used her as bait to frame me, and after the deed was done, he hid her in the Eastern Palace.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng suddenly stood up and looked at Prince Rui in disbelief.
"What did you say?"
"This matter is of utmost importance. Your Majesty, I would never lie. I beg you to investigate and you will know the truth."
Even after Prince Rui finished speaking, he couldn't help but feel smug.
Judging from the current level of public admiration for Gu Jingchun and Luo Ziqian.
If the people find out that Shen Hechuan has imprisoned Gu Jingchun, then his position as crown prince will be over.
Emperor Rongcheng's expression changed instantly.
Without any hesitation, he immediately ordered people to investigate.
He has a secret bodyguard who is responsible for investigating various matters for him.
Shen Hechuan personally carried Gu Jingchun back to the palace that day. Although he avoided the servants, he did not completely conceal his identity, so it was easy to investigate.
Soon, the news came back, and Emperor Rongcheng's expression changed completely.
He stared at Prince Rui, his expression unreadable.
Prince Rui remained kneeling on the ground.
He noticed Emperor Rongcheng's gaze and immediately added:
“Father, everything I have said is true. I have absolutely no intention of deceiving you or framing His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Such practices are truly improper, and if the officials were to find out, it would certainly damage the reputation of our royal family.
Therefore, after much deliberation, I have no choice but to tell you the whole story.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng slowly nodded.
"Um."
He said:
"You're right. You're becoming more and more sensible and considerate in your actions these days."
As he spoke, he slowly sat down on the dragon throne, looked down at Prince Rui, and continued:
"Now that you know the importance of this matter, you'd better watch your mouth from now on."
"In the future, if I hear any rumors that the Crown Prince has forcibly taken a subject's wife, I will hold you accountable."
Upon hearing this, Prince Rui immediately nodded, but just as he was about to reply, he suddenly realized what Emperor Rongcheng had said.
Only then did he look up at Emperor Rongcheng in disbelief.
But unexpectedly, he met Emperor Rongcheng's sharp eyes.
He looked at him, his eyes revealing his authority.
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