The official sized up the abbot and said:
"I am an official of the imperial court, here to read the imperial edict from the Emperor."
The abbot was greatly surprised upon hearing this. Their temple was a small monastery with a history of several hundred years, but it was not well-known. Today, the emperor had issued an edict, and he did not know whether it was a blessing or a curse.
The abbot dared not be negligent and knelt down. Seeing this, the other monks also knelt down.
The official nodded, took out the imperial edict, and began to read it aloud.
The abbot and the monks listened attentively, and after the imperial edict was read aloud, they finally understood what was going on.
It turns out that the sweeping monk in their temple was actually a prince from a powerful celestial country. He had completed his period of cultivation and was returning to the palace to marry the princess.
The emperor ordered the temple to immediately hold a ceremony to allow the prince to return to secular life.
The abbot and the monks accepted the imperial decree and expressed their gratitude. Over the years, the sweeping monk had worked diligently and conscientiously, doing the hardest and most tiring work in the temple without ever complaining.
The sweeping monk is not only a prince of the Celestial Empire, but also about to become the son-in-law of the Golden Kingdom, which is an honor for their temple.
It is believed that after this incident, their temple will become known to the world, and its incense offerings will become increasingly prosperous.
The host dared not delay and immediately held a ceremony to allow Li Ru to return to secular life.
At this time, Li Ru was still confused and accepted the ceremony held by the monks to allow him to return to secular life.
The ceremony concluded quickly, and Li Ru knelt before the abbot, expressing his gratitude to the temple for its shelter and care over the years.
The abbot was really reluctant to see Li Ru leave. Over the years, the sweeping monk had worked quietly and done a lot for the temple.
Next, the group changed Li Ru's clothes. After a flurry of activity, Li Ru's appearance was completely transformed, which amazed everyone present.
Before leaving the temple, Li Ru took out a small cloth bag, filled it with some sand from the ground, and then left the temple, looking back every three steps.
Li Ru rode a tall horse and walked in the middle of the group. This was the first time Li Ru had come down the mountain in many years.
The group quickly entered the imperial city. The news had already spread, and people flocked to the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the prince of the great celestial empire.
Li Ru's return to the palace was warmly welcomed by members of the royal family. His marriage to a member of the royal family of the Great Northern Dynasty was a major event for them.
In the palace, Li Ru met the emperor and empress, who were his father-in-law and mother-in-law. He quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.
At this moment, the emperor and empress looked at Li Ru and liked him even more. Although many years had passed, Li Ru was still the same, majestic and imposing. They were very satisfied.
Seeing Li Ru looking around, Li Xue walked over, took Li Ru's hand, and asked:
"Brother, do you want to see your wife? Not now. A woman of marriageable age cannot see her husband. You need to be patient for a few more days. You will be able to see your wife on your wedding night."
Li Ru felt embarrassed by Li Xue's words and said, "Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? I was just checking if you were here."
"Really?" Li Xue grinned mischievously.
Of course, those around them couldn't understand their conversation. Many people didn't know the relationship between Li Ru and Li Xue. Only after hearing the emperor's introduction did everyone realize that they were siblings.
In the following days, the palace became bustling with activity. The princess's wedding was a major national event, and the court was to announce it to the world.
As the two major powers in the Golden Kingdom, they should be informed first that the emperor is short of money, so they can take the opportunity to fleece them. Zhao Xian is also considering giving them a big gift.
My own system is full of good stuff, and I'm not short of money. I feel that it's not a good idea to buy things from the system to give away, because if I keep giving them away, my secrets might be discovered by others.
It seems I should think of a way to send some unique gifts.
Three days before the princess's wedding, the emperor met with Zhao Xian that morning to continue discussing the details of trade between the two countries. Li Ru, the prospective son-in-law, was also present.
The emperor knew that after Li Ru's wedding, he would take the princess back to the Northern Dynasty, and that he would need Li Ru's help in future trade between the two countries.
At first, Zhao Xian came to the palace, claiming to be an envoy of the Great Northern Dynasty, who came to discuss trade between the two countries.
At the time, this was just Zhao Xian's excuse. He planned to take Li Ru back after finding him, and he couldn't care less about the trade between the two countries.
To his surprise, the search for Li Ru took a dramatic turn. Not only did they find Li Ru, but the Fourth Prince also became the in-law of the Emperor of Jindian Kingdom.
It seems I can't fool them anymore; I must take this matter seriously. I must report it to the emperor upon my return. Trade between the two countries is beneficial to both the nation and its people, and the imperial court will surely support it.
Just as the emperor was engrossed in his conversation with Zhao Xian, someone came to report that the crown prince was requesting an audience. The emperor did not even raise his head, but gestured for the crown prince to come in.
"Father, I have something important to report."
The emperor was somewhat surprised to see the crown prince in such a hurry.
"Why is the Crown Prince in such a hurry? What happened?"
"According to reports from our spies, the Peng family is preparing congratulatory gifts, totaling two hundred boxes."
"That's a good thing. They sent so many congratulatory gifts all at once. I couldn't be happier."
"Father, think about it. When did the Peng family become so generous? They prepared two hundred large boxes all at once. There must be something fishy going on."
The Crown Prince's words immediately caught the Emperor's attention. He looked at the Crown Prince and asked:
"Could it be that the box doesn't contain gifts, but swords? Are they plotting a rebellion?"
"I think so too, but the specifics are unclear at the moment. I have already arranged for someone to investigate in detail, and I expect to get accurate information tomorrow."
They must have planned this all along, choosing to rebel during the princess's wedding. Father should have made preparations earlier.
"The Crown Prince's guess is not without reason. They are worried that once the court opens trade with the Celestial Empire, its strength will increase greatly, and the good days of their Peng family will come to an end. Therefore, they chose to make their move at this time."
Once the Peng family succeeds, they will replace the imperial court, then take over the Xie family, and the Kingdom of Jindian will belong to the Peng family.
"Then what should Father Emperor do? What methods should be used to thwart the Peng family's conspiracy?"
"No rush. Crown Prince, find out the Peng family's true intentions as soon as possible, and then tell me."
"Your subject obeys the decree." The Crown Prince then left.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian frowned. He hadn't expected the Peng family to choose this moment to launch their attack.
After enduring ten years of hardship, Li Ru had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. With his wedding date fast approaching, he couldn't let the Peng family ruin his good fortune.
Thinking of this, Zhao Xian looked at the emperor and said, "The princess's wedding is imminent, and the Peng family has chosen this time to rebel. If Your Majesty quells the rebellion, I will represent the Great Northern Dynasty to lend Your Majesty a helping hand."
Upon hearing this, the emperor sighed. The court only had a 5,000-strong imperial city guard, but due to the court's lack of funds, the soldiers were poorly equipped and unable to contend with the Peng family's power.
Even if they were to win by chance, they would suffer heavy losses, which would then be exploited by the Xie family.
Moreover, the Peng family came prepared this time; they will avoid conflict with the imperial guards and directly target members of the royal family to seize the capital.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
