"I dare not disobey the imperial decree, but Your Highness…I really dare not offend you, so I can only agree temporarily. Fortunately, the young master and the prince arrived in time, making me repent. I have submitted the real evidence to Lord Cui."

When the emperor heard this, his face suddenly darkened and anger surged in his eyes.

He always thought that Ren Wang was a loyal and honest brother, but he didn't expect that he had such thoughts in secret.

"Prince Ni? He actually personally intervened in this case?" The emperor's tone was filled with anger and disbelief.

Gu Nanyuan bowed and whispered, "Your Majesty, Zhao Cezhi is just a puppet in front of the stage. The real mastermind behind the scenes is the core of the hidden forces in the capital. If you don't investigate thoroughly, I'm afraid Your Majesty will not be able to predict how many undercurrents are behind the scenes."

The emperor had a gloomy expression, and he was obviously suppressing his anger.

He has always loved King Ren, but today's facts are intolerable to him.

He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Nanyuan, Cui Xu, you two must thoroughly investigate this matter. I want a result on the gambling house and the loan sharking."

Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu looked at each other, and Cui Xu immediately bowed and said, "I will go all out to thoroughly investigate the usury and gambling houses in Beijing, and will never tolerate any corrupt officials."

The emperor nodded with satisfaction, then looked at the prince with determination in his eyes: "I'll leave the matter of Prince Ren to you to investigate secretly. I... didn't expect that he would be suspected of treason."

The prince had a serious expression and bowed deeply: "Don't worry, father. I will make sure to find out everything he did."

Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu began to secretly investigate gambling houses and loan sharks, and successfully figured out the relationships behind the various noble families and ministers in the court.

There are many people involved in lending money at high interest and taking dividends, but the most deeply involved among them is actually the third prince's mother's family.

There is also the clue of Zhang Shun. After interrogating him for a long time, Cui Xu finally pried open his mouth. He finally admitted that he was just a scapegoat. It was King Ren who gave him a large sum of money to let him go to jail for Zhao Cezhi.

This matter involved too many people, so Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu decided to summarize the investigation results and report them directly to the emperor.

Only the emperor's personal decision can ensure that subsequent actions are foolproof.

The emperor sat in the imperial study, reading the secret memorials submitted by Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu.

A thick stack of lists, filled with the names of the major noble families in the capital and the relationship networks of officials.

The emperor's face gradually became gloomy, and the memorial in his hand trembled slightly.

He didn't expect that so many important officials and nobles of the court were involved behind this gambling house and loan sharking, and even the maternal family of the third prince was deeply involved.

Now seeing this list, the emperor was furious.

You can be angry, but you can't act blindly.

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, staring at Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu, a hint of deep thought flashing in his eyes.

After a moment, he said in a deep voice: "I have decided not to alert the enemy for the time being. I will punish Zhang Shun based on the false evidence to calm everyone's doubts. As for Zhao Cezhi and the Third Prince behind them, I want you to continue to monitor them secretly and wait for the right time to take action."

Gu Nanyuan and Cui Xu looked at each other and bowed together, saying, "I obey your orders."

The emperor nodded slowly, his expression slightly relaxed, and continued: "If this matter is handled properly, it will not only clean up the corrupt officials in the court, but also weaken the forces behind the third prince and ensure the stability of the court. I believe you can do it well."

Gu Nanyuan lowered his eyes, and in his heart he agreed with the emperor's decision.

After reporting the official business, Gu Nanyuan began to report his personal affairs: "Your Majesty, I have another favor to ask of you."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor looked up at him and chuckled, "Is it about Miss Lin's marriage? I have heard that you two are already engaged."

Gu Nanyuan smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please understand. Miss Lin and I are in love and have already made an engagement, but we have been busy with court affairs and have not been able to get married. Now that everything has been arranged, I beg Your Majesty to grant us the marriage."

The emperor smiled, with a bit of generosity and kindness in his eyes: "Okay! I will arrange the marriage as soon as possible. Not only that, I will personally witness your marriage!"

Gu Nanyuan was greatly shocked when he heard this. He immediately knelt down and burst into tears of gratitude: "Your Majesty, I have no way to repay your kindness. I can only perform my duties loyally to repay your grace!"

The emperor's trusted eunuch, Eunuch Zhuang, personally went to the Lin family to deliver the imperial edict granting marriage.

The Lin family members did not dare to be negligent and knelt in the front yard early in the morning.

Eunuch Zhuang walked slowly into the Lin Mansion, holding a golden imperial edict in his hand with a solemn expression.

Everyone in the Lin family held their breath and waited.

Lin Shiyuan and Sun Rong stood at the front, while Lin Ruoxuan knelt quietly beside them, with a hint of nervousness in her eyes and slightly sweaty palms.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims--" Eunuch Zhuang cleared his throat and read out the imperial edict aloud. His voice was clear and each word was sonorous.

"Gu Nanyuan is loyal and brave, and is both civil and military. Lin Ruoxuan, the eldest daughter of the Lin family, is dignified and virtuous, and has both moral integrity and talent. I am pleased with their marriage, and I have granted their marriage rights. We will choose an auspicious date and time to complete the wedding ceremony. I will personally witness the marriage. I decree this—"

After the imperial edict was read, everyone in the Lin family kowtowed and thanked the emperor: "Long live the emperor!"

Eunuch Zhuang looked at Lin Shiyuan and Sun Rong with a smile on his face, and whispered, "Congratulations, Master Lin. The Lin family is so blessed to have such a great event!"

Lotus Sun raised her head quickly, choking with excitement, "Thank you, Grandpa. You must have made this trip in person. It's hard work!"

Eunuch Zhuang waved his hand gently and said with a smile: "Madam, that's not the case. I am honored to be able to convey the order for the prince and Miss Lin. The emperor attaches great importance to your marriage. Lord Lin and Madam must prepare well."

Lin Shiyuan replied respectfully: "Yes, I will definitely live up to the emperor's kindness."

After Eunuch Zhuang left, the front yard of the Lin family suddenly became very lively, and people gathered around to congratulate them.

As soon as the imperial decree of marriage was issued, the marriage between the Gu and Lin families quickly became a hot topic in the capital.

Officials, nobles, and even aristocratic families with whom the family was not close on a regular basis came to the Lin residence to express their congratulations. The number of people who came to visit was almost more than that during the Chinese New Year.

The front yard of the Lin family was bustling with people and cars.

Ladies, young men and young ladies from various noble families sent gifts and blessings one after another.

Lin Shiyuan and Sun Rong were overwhelmed and had almost no time to rest.

"I'm really exhausted this time," Lotus Sun whispered to Lin Shiyuan while chatting with the ladies. Her tone was a little tired, but she couldn't hide her joy. "But all the hard work is worth it."

Lin Shiyuan nodded, with mixed feelings in his heart: "Yes, it doesn't matter if I am a little tired to receive this honor."

However, just when the Lin family was in full swing, Qi Zeshen brought Qi Sijun and Mrs. Qi to "request a date" and set the date for his wedding with Lin Ruoxue.

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