Feng Moran spoke with a smile.
"Why don't you just open it yourself and see?"
Zhang Tianlin mustered his courage and stood up. He then opened the box with his hands, revealing a large pile of gleaming gold.
When Zhang Tianlin saw the gold, his eyes gleamed with greed, and he subconsciously rubbed his hands together.
Feng Mo Ran spoke.
"This is a gift I carefully prepared for you."
Zhang Tianlin then came to his senses and quickly refused.
"Your Highness, what do you mean by this? I cannot accept such a reward without merit. Please forgive this servant for daring not to accept it."
Such a large box of gold could buy several houses in the capital. Feng Mo Ran wouldn't have given her so much gold for no reason.
Feng Mo Ran then got down to business.
"Of course, I also have a favor to ask. If you agree to cooperate with me, this is my gift to you."
Zhang Tianlin took a deep breath, feeling a mix of surprise, joy, and fear.
With a feeling of unease, Zhang Tianlin asked the question.
"Your Highness, what do you wish me to do?"
Feng Mo Ran stood up from her seat and spoke as she walked.
"His Majesty once issued an edict ordering me to investigate the wrongful conviction of the Prince of Libei. I've heard that this matter is related to Prime Minister Shen. If you agree to be my inside man, this gold is yours."
Although Zhang Tianlin was greedy, he wasn't stupid. If he fell into this vortex, it would be difficult for him to get out, and he might even perish because of it.
So Zhang Tianlin stood up and bowed.
"Your Highness, our master is loyal to his duty. How could he be involved in a wrongful case? It seems that Your Highness has only heard rumors."
Upon hearing this, Feng Mo Ran's expression suddenly darkened, and a cold, sharp light flashed in his eyes.
When Zhang Tianlin met Feng Moran's gaze, he felt a chill in his heart and couldn't help but avoid her eyes.
Feng Mo Ran spoke.
"How could I possibly rely on hearsay to answer the Emperor's orders?! Are you questioning the current Emperor?"
Zhang Tianlin quickly slapped his own mouth with his hand.
"Yes! This servant has spoken recklessly, please forgive me, Your Highness!"
Feng Mo Ran's face was gloomy.
"I heard that your hometown is in Chiyang Prefecture."
Zhang Tianlin nodded.
"yes!"
Feng Mo Ran spoke in a cold voice.
“I wish to befriend you, so I ordered someone to bring your entire family from Chiyang Prefecture to the capital.”
Zhang Tianlin was taken aback and stared at Feng Moran in disbelief.
He never imagined that the dignified Feng Moran would be so despicable as to threaten him with his own family.
"Your Highness! I beg you to show mercy and spare his wife and children, for they are innocent."
A smile appeared on Feng Mo Ran's face.
"Sigh... I brought them here to show goodwill and to treat you as a friend. I will take good care of your family, so don't overthink it."
Zhang Tianlin was caught in a dilemma. Now that Feng Mozhan was using his family as leverage, he had no choice but to agree.
After much deliberation, Zhang Tianlin finally sighed.
"Your Highness, please feel free to give any orders."
Feng Mo Ran patted Zhang Tian Lin on the shoulder.
"That's right. As the saying goes, a wise man knows when to yield. As long as you do as I say, I guarantee you wealth and honor."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Feng Mo Ran spoke.
"Please sit down, let's eat and chat."
Although Zhang Tianlin didn't know what Feng Moran wanted him to do, he knew in his heart that it definitely wasn't anything good.
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