Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

As night fell, the last ray of afterglow in the sky was swallowed by the heavy clouds. The lights came on, adding a bit of warmth and liveliness to the quiet night. The lights in the Lin family's study were brightly lit, as if it was the only bright place in the darkness. On the window lattices of the study, the exquisite carvings cast mottled light and shadows, which contrasted with the furnishings in the room.

Lin Xiaofeng stood in the middle of the study, wearing a blue shirt, with a handsome face and a majestic look between his eyebrows. He was severely reprimanding the beautiful women in front of him. Some of the women lowered their eyebrows to show their displeasure, but none of them dared to look him in the face.

The faint sound of Li Lingjue crying and shouting from next door was like a shrill sound in the night wind, making the atmosphere in the study even more tense. Lin Xiaofeng frowned and his voice became louder and louder: "Old women are in charge, the house will fall down! Stand still! Don't be so frivolous!" His voice echoed in the study, like thunder, shaking everyone's mind.

Li Han, the mistress of the Lin family, stood there expressionlessly. She was wearing a plain long dress, and her figure was straight, like a pine tree. Although her face was calm, her eyes were shining with determination. As if she was used to her husband's way of scolding, she did not show any fear.

Lin Taohua, the concubine of the Lin family, lowered her head and picked at her fingers, looking absent-minded. Her long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, looking a little messy. Her eyes were erratic, as if she was thinking about something.

Fu Jiayi, one of the concubines of the Lin family, was standing there with a big belly. A trace of fear appeared on her face, and her hands were tightly grasping the corners of her clothes, as if she was looking for a little comfort. Her eyes were full of helplessness and panic, which made people feel pity.

Lu Xuanxin, Fu Lingzhi and Jin Jiaying were also concubines of the Lin family. They were also pregnant, but at this moment they all showed a fearless look. They had smiles on their faces and a firm light in their eyes, as if they didn't care about Lin Xiaofeng's reprimand.

Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng was even more angry. He stood up, looked around at the women in front of him, and then slammed the table hard. There was a loud "bang" and the whole study seemed to shake. He continued, "As the saying goes, if a son is not well educated, it is the fault of the father! Spoiling a child is like killing him! If I hadn't discovered it earlier, I don't know what evil path Hongli would have taken in the future. So from today on, I decided to take him out to receive education myself, let him understand the principles and hardships of being a human being, and let him learn to be independent and self-reliant!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Han raised his eyebrows and said, "Why do you slam the table? Isn't it you who decides Hongli's education method? Which of us doesn't do what you say? You read your messy books in the study every day, and we have to do housework in front of the children. Sometimes, in order to take care of your emotions, we don't even let you hire servants. Now that Hongli is in trouble, you blame us. Lord Fang is so powerful!"

Li Han's words were like a sharp sword, piercing Lin Xiaofeng's heart. His face darkened, and he was about to explode, but Lin Taohua interrupted him, saying, "That's right! You have a bad education method and you lost face, so you come to us to make up for it. Do you think we don't know you?"

Lin Xiaofeng was so angry that he was shaking. He pointed at Lin Taohua and shouted, "How dare you! My words are useless now, right? Do you still understand the Three Obediences and Four Virtues?"

Fu Lingzhi refuted without hesitation: "Husband, don't you always say that those are feudal superstitions? Women should be independent and self-reliant, and books like the Three Obediences and Four Virtues are not allowed to appear in the house."

Jin Jiaying also said with a fake smile: "Yes! Lord, didn't you open a women's college? Before you got married, you were so nice that you wanted to stay in your room for a month. Now that so many years have passed, you are getting tired of us, and your attitude towards us is getting worse day by day. Do you want us to regain our female virtues? Or are you looking for another woman outside?"

Lu Xuanxin also said, "Maybe she's a gentle woman." There was a hint of sarcasm and ridicule in her words, "Hongli is still so young, can't he just make some mistakes and correct them? Is it necessary to make such a big fuss?"

The night was as dark as ink, and the lights in the study of the Lin Mansion were bright, forming a sharp contrast with the silence outside. Lin Xiaofeng, the head of the family who was usually high-spirited, was sitting at the desk at this moment, his face gloomy as iron. He wanted to go home and enjoy a moment of peace after busy government affairs, but he unexpectedly encountered an unprecedented "siege".

Outside the study, the women's whispers were as dense as drizzle, and from time to time there were a few chuckles, as if deliberately provoking. Lin Xiaofeng widened his eyes, his gaze like a torch, and swept towards the vague figure at the door. He couldn't believe that his usually majestic "fist" was ineffective tonight. These women who were usually as docile as sheep actually united to deal with him. The husband's authority was weak, this was something he had never thought of.

In the study, a depressing atmosphere made Lin Xiaofeng breathless. He rubbed his temples irritably, and his eyes inadvertently fell on Fu Jiayi who was standing beside him. She lowered her head and stared at her toes, looking shy. Her face was blushing, like a ripe apple, making people want to take a bite.

Lin Xiaofeng frowned, with a hint of dissatisfaction and confusion in his tone: "Why don't you go back to your room and sleep?" There was a bit of coldness in his words, and he didn't seem to care about Fu Jiayi's emotions.

Fu Jiayi raised her head, her eyes flashing with anticipation and shyness. She looked at Lin Xiaofeng, her lips moving slightly, as if she wanted to say something. However, Lin Xiaofeng did not give her a chance to speak, as he was only worried and anxious about his son's education. He turned and walked towards the door of the study, ready to leave this place that upset him.

Seeing that Lin Xiaofeng was about to leave, Fu Jiayi's expectations were instantly dashed. She stood there silently, watching Lin Xiaofeng's back disappear in the light at the door. Her heart was filled with loss and anxiety. Her sisters were all pregnant, but her belly was not moving at all, which made her feel extremely anxious.

Lin Xiaofeng walked out of the study and took a deep breath of the cold night air. He looked up at the starry sky, trying to calm himself down. However, the laughter of those women kept echoing in his ears like a spell. He felt an unprecedented sense of frustration, which was an experience he had never had before.

At this time, Li Dexian came out from the side. He saw Lin Xiaofeng still sitting behind the table, so he asked: "Old Lin, have you finished talking? Has Miaohan agreed? This matter cannot be known to the emperor, otherwise it will be troublesome." There was a bit of anxiety and worry in his tone.

Lin Xiaofeng sneered and said disdainfully: "What's wrong with that? I have the final say in this family! So what if your son hits him?" His voice was full of confidence and determination, but there was a hint of imperceptible panic in his eyes.

Li Dexian breathed a sigh of relief, patted Lin Xiaofeng on the shoulder and said, "I feel comfortable." A satisfied smile appeared on his face, and he seemed very pleased with Lin Xiaofeng's decision.

Lin Xiaofeng nodded and continued, "Okay, I'll let the Jinyiwei prepare and select a suitable family in the next few days. We can take action after some arrangements next week. Before that, it's okay to let the emperor's grandson live with me." There was a hint of command and unquestionable majesty in his tone.

Li Dexian nodded in agreement. However, he felt a little uneasy. He knew that this matter was very risky and once discovered, the consequences would be disastrous. However, he also knew that Lin Xiaofeng's decision could not be changed, so he could only do his best to ensure that this matter went smoothly.

At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng spoke again: "Then where should I stay tonight?" There was a bit of fatigue and helplessness in his voice.

Li Dexian thought for a moment and said, "Stay in my room." His tone was a little apologetic and helpless, because he knew that doing so might inconvenience Lin Xiaofeng. However, he also knew that this was the best solution at the moment.

Lin Xiaofeng nodded and said nothing more.

…………

On a winding country road, an old horse-drawn carriage was moving slowly, the wheels creaking on the uneven road, as if it could collapse at any time due to the heavy weight. Dust was flying around the carriage, accompanied by the sound of horse hooves, forming a picture full of hardship and uncertainty.

In the carriage, Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue sat side by side, their heads covered tightly with black cloth, like prisoners swallowed by darkness. The sudden darkness made their originally calm hearts uneasy. They could only rely on touch to feel everything around them. The rough cloth rubbed against their skin, causing bursts of stinging, and also made them more clearly aware of their situation.

Lin Hongwan was a handsome young man, his eyes gleaming with determination and unyieldingness. He clenched his fists, as if he wanted to grab the endless darkness and tear it apart. Li Lingjue was a gentle woman, her eyes were filled with fear and anxiety, but she still tried to stay calm and not let her panic show.

Sitting opposite them were their fathers, Lin Xiaofeng and Li Dexian. The two fathers' eyes were filled with complex emotions, with expectations and reluctance for their children, as well as worries and concerns about the future. Their faces were engraved with traces of time, but their eyes were shining with determination. They knew that this decision might change the fate of their children, but they still chose this path without hesitation.

The atmosphere in the carriage was dull and depressing, with only the squeaking of wheels and the clatter of horses' hooves echoing in my ears. These sounds seemed to be telling of the hardships and difficulties of the journey, and also hinting at the upcoming unknowns and challenges.

The car drove for a long time, and the surrounding buildings gradually became sparse, replaced by farmland and farmers' huts. Most of these huts are built with thatch, with thick thatch on the roof and mottled mud on the walls. Although simple, they are full of the breath of life. If there is a heavy rain, these thatched houses may leak, but they still stand firmly on this land, sheltering farmers from wind and rain.

The fields are vast and the scenery is picturesque. The sun shines through the clouds and the golden light dyes the wheat fields golden. The wheat ears sway in the wind, as if telling the joy of the harvest. However, this beautiful scenery did not ease the tense atmosphere in the carriage. On the contrary, it further highlighted the upcoming unknowns and challenges.

The carriage slowly stopped, and Lin Xiaofeng and Li Dexian got off the carriage one after another. They looked around with puzzled expressions on their faces. This strange land made them feel confused and uneasy, but they still walked forward firmly.

Li Dexian looked around and asked in confusion, "This place has nice scenery, where are they going to live?" There was a hint of worry and uneasiness in his voice. He was worried that the children would not be able to adapt to life here, and even more worried that their future would be affected.

Lin Xiaofeng pointed to a medium-sized thatched house not far away. Although the house was simple, it exuded a simple and peaceful atmosphere. He explained: "We have investigated the family. They are all honest people with a good reputation. There is also a doctor nearby. Everything is ready." His voice was full of firmness and confidence, as if telling Li Dexian and the children that their choice was right.

Li Dexian looked at the thatched house, then looked back at the carriage, with a trace of worry in his eyes. "This house looks a bit shabby," he murmured, "I'm afraid they can't stand this environment." There was a trace of trembling and uneasiness in his voice, but he still tried to stay calm and strong.

However, Lin Xiaofeng seemed very determined. "People with strong wills are not afraid of difficulties, and people with strong bodies are not afraid of suffering." He said in a deep voice, "They both need this kind of training. Children of ordinary people have suffered much more than them, and they should be able to withstand this little setback." His voice was full of determination and confidence, as if telling everyone that their choice was correct, and their children would become stronger and braver because of it.

Li Dexian was silent for a long time after hearing this, and finally nodded. "That's right!" He praised sincerely, "Whether it's the emperor or the common people, we should treat them the same. We have made up our minds!" His voice was full of firmness and determination, as if telling everyone that they would face the challenges and difficulties of the future together with the children.

The two men made up their minds and walked towards the carriage, removing the black cloth from the eyes of Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue. The dazzling sunlight made the two children squint their eyes involuntarily, and they blinked, trying to adapt to the sudden brightness. They looked at the unfamiliar environment around them, and an inexplicable panic and uneasiness surged in their hearts.

The setting sun was like blood, shining on a desolate wilderness, and the distant skyline was swallowed by a hazy twilight. In this empty wilderness, a carriage slowly drove over, and the sound of the wheels rolling over the ground echoed in the emptiness, which seemed particularly harsh. In the carriage, Lin Hongwan trembled in his voice, with a hint of trembling and uneasiness in his voice: "Dad, where are we now?"

He tightly grasped his father Lin Xiaofeng's hands, which were unusually calm at the moment, as if everything was under control. Lin Xiaofeng turned his head slightly and looked at his son's panicked face, with a hint of complex emotions flashing in his eyes. He said calmly: "From today on, you will live here in anonymity. You will experience the life of ordinary people, and you will work the same way as others. When the time comes, we will come to pick you up."

Although his voice was calm, it revealed an unquestionable majesty, like a towering mountain, which was irresistible. Although Lin Hongwan was still uneasy when he heard his father's words, he also understood that this was an inevitable fate.

Outside the carriage, Li Dexian rode a horse and walked side by side with the carriage. He glanced inside the carriage and said in a deep voice, "I warn you, if you dare to be lazy, you will stay here to farm for the rest of your life. We deliberately chose this place where wolves roam, don't even think about running away!"

His tone was stern and firm, making the children feel unprecedented pressure. Lin Hongwan's heart suddenly sank, as if being pressed down by a huge rock. He turned his head to look at Li Lingjue beside him, and saw that although Li Lingjue was also terrified, his eyes were shining with determination.

The carriage finally stopped. Lin Xiaofeng patted Li Lingjue on the shoulder and said earnestly, "You must observe and learn carefully. We are leaving now." He raised his hand and said goodbye, "Your Highness, please get in the carriage and go home!"

The carriage went farther and farther away, raising a cloud of dust. The two children stood there, watching the carriage disappear at the end of their sight. They felt unprecedented loneliness and helplessness, as if they were abandoned in a strange world. Lin Hongwan said helplessly: "Your Highness, what should we do? This place is so desolate!"

There was endless fear and confusion in his voice, like a deer lost in the forest. Li Lingjue seemed relatively calm. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "Don't be afraid!" He comforted, "My father said that if we are lazy, we will have to stay here forever, which means that someone must be watching us. We will do as they say and conceal our identities. Don't call me Your Highness anymore, or we will be discovered."

The two children began to support each other and walked towards the thatched house. They walked slowly, as if they were looking for a sense of security. The surrounding scenery became more desolate and strange in the twilight, and the howling of wild animals could be heard from time to time in the distance, which made people shudder.

When they arrived in front of the thatched house, they found that the door was ajar. Li Lingjue was about to knock on the door when Lin Hongwan pushed it open and walked in. He followed him in reluctantly, feeling anxious and uneasy. The house was simple and tidy. Three people were quietly waiting for their arrival: a little girl of five or six years old was shyly hiding in the corner; a man with a vicissitudes of life was standing aside stiffly; and a frail old man was lying on the bed, smelling of medicine.

They all looked at Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue with curious and vigilant eyes. The atmosphere was a little strange and silent. The two children stood at the door, a little at a loss. Suddenly, Lin Hongwan's body began to tremble uncontrollably, and his face instantly turned as pale as paper. He pointed at the little girl in the corner and cried, "It's over! We have mistakenly entered Rua Po'er's house!"

His voice echoed in the room, making the already tense atmosphere even more solemn. Before Li Lingjue could ask what ruapoer was, the man with a vicissitudes of life had already walked over. He stood in front of them stiffly, clasped his hands together, and asked carefully, "Excuse me, are you Master Lin and Master Li?"

There was a hint of trembling and uneasiness in his voice, as if he was also worried about something. Li Lingjue nodded and replied, "Hello, uncle. It's us. We want to stay here for a while. Sorry to bother you!" He tried to stay calm and polite, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.

The man was obviously relieved after hearing this. "Oh, someone has already told me. Please sit inside." He quickly made a gesture of invitation, with a simple smile on his face. However, Lin Hongwan still couldn't calm down. He tightly grasped Li Lingjue's hand, as if he wanted to find a little comfort from him.

"What is Rua Po'er?" Li Lingjue asked in a low voice. The man was stunned for a moment, then explained: "Oh, it's a legend here. It is said that a long time ago, there was a monster called Rua Po'er here. It specializes in eating those who don't follow the rules and are lazy. So everyone is very afraid of it."

Hearing this, Lin Hongwan's face turned even paler. He thought of what his father and Li Dexian said, and a chill surged in his heart. He knew that he had to abide by the rules here, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

The two children held hands, like two tough vines, leaning against each other and walking into the dim inner room. The sunlight barely squeezed in through the cracks in the shabby window, sprinkled on a corner of the room, but it was difficult to dispel the diffuse shadow. The little girl's face was as red as a ripe apple. Her delicate skin looked more transparent under the sunlight. The blush seemed to penetrate her skin, reflecting her inner shyness and uneasiness. She shrank into the corner in panic like a frightened kitten. Her clear big eyes were full of fear and curiosity. She dared not speak, but only looked at the two uninvited guests with her timid eyes.

In the center of the inner room, an old man was still lying sickly, his face was engraved with traces of time, and wrinkles were crisscrossed like ravines. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep. Only the faint sound of breathing echoed in the empty room. A strong smell of medicine came to his nose, like an invisible shackle, binding every member of this family.

Lin Hongwan stood at the door, his eyes wandering between the old man and the girl, and an inexplicable tension surged in his heart. He swallowed his saliva subconsciously, as if he wanted to swallow the uneasiness and fear. Those deep horrible memories were like awakened beasts, constantly roaring in his mind, gnawing at his sanity.

At this moment, a cracked, dry black hand stretched out from the darkness, holding a worn-out porcelain bowl. The hand seemed to have experienced countless years of vicissitudes, and every inch of the skin revealed traces of time. The edges of the broken bowl were worn out, and the corners were full of gaps, looking very embarrassed. The water in the bowl was rippling slightly, but there were black spots floating on the water surface, which made people wonder whether the water was clean.

Lin Hongwan was shocked when he saw this. He subconsciously took a few steps back and hid behind Li Lingjue. He stared at the black hand with wide eyes, fearing that it would suddenly do something terrible. Li Lingjue seemed relatively calm. He walked forward and took the worn porcelain bowl.

When he looked down at the water in the bowl, he couldn't help but frown. The water didn't look clear, but rather had an indescribable turbidity. He hesitated for a moment, and finally put the bowl on the wooden table beside him. He raised his head and said to the man with wrinkles on his face apologetically, "Thank you, I'm not thirsty." After saying that, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had unloaded a heavy burden.

After hearing this, the man showed deep disappointment on his face. He took two steps back with empty eyes, as if all his strength had been drained away. He slowly walked to his frail father and carefully took care of the dying old man. Although his movements were clumsy, they were full of love and responsibility for his family.

Lin Hongwan gradually recovered from his shock and began to look around the strange house with curiosity. The furnishings in the house were simple and old, but they revealed a simple and real atmosphere of life. He noticed that the little girl had been hiding in the corner and secretly watching them, her bright big eyes full of curiosity and fear. He couldn't help but walk over to her and wanted to talk to her.

Seeing this, the little girl became even more shy. She pressed herself tightly against the wall, as if she wanted to blend into the cold stone wall. Her body was trembling slightly, as if she would fall down at any time. Seeing this, Lin Hongwan couldn't help but feel pity in his heart. He slowed down his pace and tried to speak in a gentle tone: "Little sister, don't be afraid. We are here to help you."

After hearing this, the little girl's fear eased a little. She raised her head and looked at Lin Hongwan with her bright eyes, which were full of doubt and curiosity. She seemed to want to say something, but she didn't dare to speak. Seeing this, Lin Hongwan smiled and stretched out his hand to her: "Come, come to your brother."

The little girl hesitated for a moment, but finally mustered up the courage to walk to Lin Hongwan's side. Her little hand tightly grasped his big hand, as if she had found a safe harbor. Lin Hongwan looked at her innocent eyes, and a warm current surged in his heart. He knew that they would be the new hope of this family.

After seeing this, the man smiled. He walked in front of them and pointed at himself awkwardly: "My name is Zhou Ping'an." His voice was filled with a rustic simplicity and shyness. Then, he gently pointed at the little girl and the old man: "This is my daughter, Xiaocao. This is my father."

After hearing this, Lin Hongwan smiled. He joked, "Xiaocao? What an interesting name." His words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

In the vast countryside, Zhou Ping'an, a simple farmer, was not shaken by Lin Hongwan's arrogance from the city. He gently touched the sparse white hair on his head, and a simple and slightly vicissitudes smile slowly bloomed between the deep wrinkles. In that smile, it seemed to hide his endless helplessness towards life, and also his deep fatherly love for his daughter.

Zhou Pingan stood in front of the slightly worn wooden door, looking at the golden wheat fields in the distance, his eyes flashing with a unique light. He was wearing a whitened coarse cloth and a pair of muddy straw sandals, and he seemed to be integrated with the land. His skin was tanned by the sun, and his rough hands were covered with traces of time.

At this moment, Li Lingjue was standing beside Zhou Ping'an, his eyes revealing a kind of confusion and discomfort. He was wearing an exquisite brocade robe and a pair of brand new satin shoes, which seemed out of place in this rural environment. He looked around, looking at the low houses, simple furniture, and the farmers working in the fields, and an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.

"Then what should we do here?" Li Lingjue finally asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Zhou Pingan turned around and looked at the young man from the city, with a hint of warmth in his eyes. He smiled and replied, "The nobleman who came before has already told us that you can stay here, eat and sleep with us. During the day, you can farm with me and experience the life of our farmers." His voice was full of enthusiasm and sincerity, as if he had already regarded them as his own family.

"If you don't want to, that's fine. Just don't move around and you can do whatever you want." Zhou Ping'an's words were like a spring breeze, making people feel extremely comfortable. His words revealed a kind of tolerance and understanding, which gradually dissipated the confusion and discomfort in Li Lingjue's heart.

Then, Zhou Pingan added: "Oh, the nobles have prepared two sets of clothes and bedding for you. However, you need to deal with these by yourselves, we can't help you." His words were full of apologies, but more of a sense of powerlessness. He knew that this was the current situation of their lives, and it was a fact they could not change.

However, when Lin Hongwan heard this, he showed a hint of displeasure on his face. He came from a wealthy family and was extremely dissatisfied with such a simple living condition. He stared at Zhou Pingan with wide eyes and asked in an arrogant tone: "My father let us live here, how much money will he give you?"

Zhou Pingan was embarrassed when he heard this question. He hesitated for a moment, but finally chose to be honest. He lowered his head and said softly, "After you leave, the nobleman will give you five taels of silver." His voice was full of helplessness and bitterness, as if these five taels of silver were already a considerable sum of money for them.

When Lin Hongwan heard this number, his face was filled with dissatisfaction and contempt. He muttered quietly: "Five taels of silver? Is this the only price for the two of us? This is too stingy!" His voice was full of disdain and anger, as if he was extremely dissatisfied with the poor living conditions.

Then he raised his head and asked in an almost commanding tone: "I want to go to the toilet, where is the toilet?" His voice was full of arrogance and disdain, as if he thought that this simple rural life was completely incomparable to him.

Zhou Pingan was stunned when he heard this question. He obviously did not expect Lin Hongwan to make such a request. He pointed outside the door and said awkwardly, "You can go outside."

After hearing this, Lin Hongwan's face flushed red. He widened his eyes and looked at Zhou Pingan in disbelief: "How can you relieve yourself outside? No! It's too uncivilized. I want to go to the toilet." His voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he could not accept this lifestyle that seemed too primitive to him.

Zhou Pingan felt a little embarrassed when he saw Lin Hongwan's reaction. He understood that this simple lifestyle was indeed difficult for this rich kid from the city to accept. However, he could not change this fact. He could only try to make Lin Hongwan feel more comfortable.

He got up and walked to the outer room, hoping to find a solution. After a while, he came back carrying a mottled and dirty wooden barrel. The edge of the barrel was worn out, and there were some indescribable stains on the barrel. It seemed to emit a strange dark purple smell, which made people shudder.

Zhou Ping'an pointed at the wooden barrel and said helplessly: "Sir, if you want to go to the bathroom, you can use this barrel. However, this is for us to use when we get up at night..." There was a hint of apology and helplessness in his words, as if he had done his best.

As the dusk deepened, the simple house seemed to be shrouded in an invisible oppression. Under the dim light, Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue focused their eyes on the old wooden barrel, which stood quietly in the corner of the house, and its mottled paint surface told of the vicissitudes of time. There was an indescribable fear in their eyes, as if the wooden barrel really hid countless stories about life, poverty and helplessness.

Lin Hongwan, a young master who grew up in a wealthy family, was now as pale as paper, his eyes filled with despair and helplessness. With trembling hands, he tried to grab something that would make him feel at ease, but the air around him seemed to become heavy, leaving him nowhere to escape. He shook his head frantically, his voice filled with tears: "I can't do it anymore... This is not a place for people to live!" His voice echoed in the empty house, sounding particularly desolate.

Li Lingjue, a usually calm and reserved young man, was also panicking at this moment. He looked at Lin Hongwan's painful appearance, and an inexplicable sadness surged in his heart. He tried to comfort Lin Hongwan, but swallowed the words back when they came to his lips. He knew very well that comforting Lin Hongwan at this moment would only make Lin Hongwan more painful. He smiled bitterly and said, "I can't do it anymore..." His voice was low and weak, revealing a deep sense of frustration.

At this moment, Zhou Pingan walked in from the outer room. He was holding the wooden barrel in his hand, with no expression on his face. His movements were light and natural, as if this had become a part of his life. He glanced at Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue and said lightly, "You guys should get used to it first." After that, he turned and left, leaving the two of them staring at each other.

The room fell silent again. Xiaocao was immersed in her own world. She was lying on the wooden table in the corner, carefully gesturing on a tattered notebook with a branch. Her face was filled with an innocent smile, as if she was out of tune with this dull room. Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue glanced out the window from time to time, feeling a little anxious. They were not in a hurry to go home, but because the pocket watch was confiscated. Now they didn't know the time. Usually, they always carried the pocket watch with them and could check the time at any time, but now they could only estimate the time by observing the sky. This feeling of not being able to control time made them feel very awkward.

The sky gradually darkened, and the light in the room became dimmer and dimmer. Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue sat close together, as if looking for a little comfort in each other. Their hearts were filled with fear and anxiety, as if this strange environment would swallow them up at any time.

Lin Hongwan held Li Lingjue's hand tightly, his voice filled with endless bitterness: "Old Li, we won't sleep together with them at night, right? That's not possible, I always sleep alone." His tone revealed an unacceptable resistance.

Li Lingjue sighed and said, "I don't think so... But in this situation, we have no choice." His heart was filled with helplessness and anxiety. He knew their current situation very well, and he also knew that they could not compete with this powerful family.

Lin Hongwan complained, his voice filled with endless bitterness: "If I had known this would happen, I would rather not earn that little money! Now I have to endure this suffering and be tortured by them? When I go back, I must tell grandpa that he abused me!" There was a gleam of anger in his eyes, as if he wanted to swallow up this unfair world.

When Li Lingjue heard this, he immediately stopped Lin Hongwan nervously: "You can't say that! If my father knew, he would really punish us severely." There was a slight tremor in his voice, as if he had foreseen the terrible consequences.

Lin Hongwan stood in the dim room, his eyes looking into the distance through the dilapidated window. Although there were only barren hills and sparse trees outside the window, his heart was full of longing for the outside world. Ever since he was beaten by his uncle, his heart was filled with resentment and helplessness. That kind of pain seemed to be engraved in the depths of his soul, making him unable to forget it.

He was a little thin, but his back was straight, as if he was fighting against the injustice of the world. His young face was full of stubbornness and indomitable spirit. His eyes were deep, as if he could see through people's hearts, but with a hint of confusion that was hard to detect.

"Old Li, I'm so thirsty..." Lin Hongwan licked his cracked lips, his voice hoarse and tired. His lips were already cracked and bleeding, like the land scorched by the scorching sun.

Li Lingjue looked up at him, a trace of sympathy flashing in his eyes. He picked up the bowl of untouched water next to him, but found that the water had become turbid. He frowned, feeling a little reluctant.

"There's water here, do you want to drink it?" he asked softly. However, Lin Hongwan just stared at the bowl of water and shook his head. The bowl of water had lost its appeal to him.

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his thirst. However, the strong desire was like a fire, burning in his heart. In the end, he succumbed to his physical needs, closed his eyes, picked up the bowl and took a big sip. But as soon as the water entered his throat, he suddenly vomited it out as if he was stimulated by something.

"Bah! Why does this water smell fishy?!" Lin Hongwan complained loudly, his face full of dissatisfaction and disappointment. He raised his head and looked at Li Lingjue, his eyes full of pleading.

"I want to drink honey water!" His voice was full of desire and anticipation.

The shout startled Xiaocao and she jumped up. She stood up suddenly like a frightened deer. Her little hands were tightly twisted together, and she leaned against the wall nervously. She stared at Lin Hongwan with a terrified look, as if he was a terrible monster.

Lin Hongwan found Xiaocao's reaction a little funny. He looked at the thin girl, and an inexplicable feeling welled up in his heart. He whispered to Li Lingjue: "This is really a ready-made maid? Look, why are there no female classmates in our school?"

Li Lingjue glared at him and reminded, "We are new here, so let's keep a low profile." There was a sense of caution and carefulness in his voice.

Lin Hongwan smiled disapprovingly and said, "It doesn't matter. If I can't beat the big one, can I handle this small one?" He waved his hand towards the corner and shouted in an imperative tone, "Xiao Cao! Go get me a bowl of honey water. I always drink sweet water at home, and this water has no taste at all!"

Xiao Cao slowly rubbed in front of them, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "What is honey water?" Her eyes were full of confusion and curiosity.

Lin Hongwan looked at her in astonishment, as if he saw a person from another world. He patiently explained: "It's water with honey added! My God, you don't even know this? You must know honey, right?"

A confused look appeared on Xiaocao's little face. She shook her head and said, "I know honey, but I've never drunk honey water..." Her voice revealed a curiosity and yearning for unknown things.

Lin Hongwan felt discouraged. He waved his hand and said, "Forget it! I won't drink anymore! There is nothing in such a shabby place." His words were full of disappointment and helplessness.

When Xiaocao heard his words, she felt an inexplicable sadness in her heart. She lowered her head silently, as if that corner was her true home. Her figure seemed so lonely and helpless in the dim room. At this moment, the man in the outer room came in with a steaming wooden basin. He also had a small bowl of something in his hand, and a simple and warm smile on his face. He moved the table to the center of the room, and then carefully put the things on the table away.

"My two lords, it's getting late, it's time to eat." The man said with a smile. His voice was full of kindness and enthusiasm.

Lin Hongwan and Li Lingjue jumped up from the bed and looked at the table. They saw a dozen steamed potatoes in the wooden basin and some pickled vegetable strips in the small bowl next to it. The pickled vegetable strips were black and of varying thicknesses, and did not look very delicious.

"Where is the food?" Lin Hongwan asked doubtfully, his eyes full of confusion and surprise.

Zhou Ping'an pointed at the wooden basin and said, "Isn't that it? Potatoes are rice." His voice was full of simplicity and sincerity.

Lin Hongwan looked at the potatoes in astonishment, as if he had seen something incredible. He shook his head and said, "Aren't potatoes vegetables? How can you eat them as meals? And there's not even a drop of oil in these potatoes, how can you eat them?" His voice was full of doubt and confusion.

Zhou Pingan and Xiaocao looked at each other, not knowing how to answer his question. They had never thought that anyone would be surprised or dissatisfied with such food. In their world, this was already the most delicious food.

Li Lingjue sighed and said, "Forget it, Hongli, don't ask so many questions. Just follow the host's wishes and eat quickly." His voice was full of helplessness and persuasion.

…………

In the warm room of the palace, sandalwood was curling and light and shadows were mottled. Lin Xiaofeng, dressed in green official uniform, stood upright like a pine tree, holding a thick memorial in his hand, which recorded the details of the Fuhu Mountain bandits in Anyuan Prefecture and Chang Yeyuan's strategy for suppressing the bandits. He closed his eyes slightly and silently recited the contents of the memorial in his mind to ensure that every detail was accurate.

At this time, Emperor Jingjiang was busy reviewing memorials, his brows furrowed, and he seemed to be dissatisfied with the current government. Lin Xiaofeng stood quietly aside, waiting for Emperor Jingjiang to be free before reporting.

Finally, Emperor Jingjiang put down the memorial in his hand, looked up at Lin Xiaofeng, and a hint of inquiry flashed in his eyes. Lin Xiaofeng immediately stepped forward, presented the memorial with both hands, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."

Emperor Jingjiang took the memorial, unfolded it gently, and scanned the text on it. However, his expression gradually became solemn, his brows furrowed, and he seemed to be very shocked by the content of the memorial.

"Three strategies to eliminate the bandits?" There was a hint of contempt in the voice of Emperor Jingjiang. "Wang Damazi's gang of bandits are hiding in the mountains and forests. This information was reported two months ago. At that time, there were only 20 of them. How come there are more now?"

Lin Xiaofeng's heart tightened when he heard this, and he quickly explained: "Your Majesty, although the prefect Chang Yeyuan is new to the military, he has always worked hard to seek the welfare of the people of Anyuan Prefecture. He feels a great responsibility for the bandit problem this time, so he thinks about how to suppress the bandits day and night. However, because Anyuan Prefecture has recently suffered a flood, the people are living in hardship, and the bandits have taken the opportunity to cause chaos, making it much more difficult to suppress the bandits."

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang's eyes flashed with contemplation. He raised his head, looked at Lin Xiaofeng, and said slowly: "Li Qiuyan, Chang Yeyuan is your disciple, right?"

Lin Xiaofeng's heart trembled, knowing that the emperor had seen through his thoughts. He laughed awkwardly twice and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Chang Yeyuan is indeed my disciple."

Emperor Jingjiang nodded and continued, "When I have time, I will take a closer look at his strategy for suppressing bandits. However, I want to remind you that you should not act rashly in suppressing bandits. If it is not handled properly, it will arouse greater public anger."

Lin Xiaofeng's heart trembled, and he quickly replied: "Yes, Your Majesty. I will definitely follow your instructions and handle this matter properly."

At this time, Bai Yongyuan also stepped forward and sighed, "Your Majesty, now there are bandits everywhere, and the bandits in the mountains and forests can never be eliminated. This is indeed a thorny problem."

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang frowned and said after a moment of contemplation: "Everyone praises our Jingjiang Dynasty as a prosperous era, but there are also hidden worries under the prosperity. People's hearts are unpredictable, and problems will inevitably arise."

After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng and Bai Yongyuan both nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Emperor Jingjiang suddenly remembered something and asked, "Didn't thousands of people get cheated in Zhengtongfang a few days ago? How is the situation now?"

Lin Xiaofeng and Bai Yongyuan were stunned when they heard this. They looked at each other with doubts in their eyes. This matter had already spread widely among the people, but they did not expect that the emperor would bring it up at this time.

Bai Yongyuan cautiously probed: "Your Majesty, this matter has spread among the people. But the military department has taken prompt measures to arrest the scammer leader and bring the people's lost money back."

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang showed a hint of surprise on his face. He asked, "You all know about this?"

Bai Yongyuan and other ministers nodded, indicating that they knew about this matter. However, they were all very confused in their hearts - why did the emperor suddenly bring up this matter at this time?
Seeing that all the ministers nodded to show that they knew about this, Emperor Jingjiang was furious and said, "How dare you! Such a horrific thing happened right under the emperor's feet! I didn't even know about it?! Why didn't the military department report it?! Someone, come! Go and ask Versace to come see me!"

Upon hearing this, the eunuch hurried out of the warm room to convey the emperor's order. The ministers in the warm room were frightened by the emperor's sudden anger and lowered their heads in fear of speaking.

Emperor Jingjiang sat down again, still furious. He stared at Lin Xiaofeng, Bai Yongyuan and the others, and said sternly: "You ministers! You only know how to fight for power and attack each other! But you turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people! Now such a big thing has happened! None of you reported it to me?!"

Lin Xiaofeng, Bai Yongyuan and others were so frightened when they heard this that they knelt down and kowtowed to apologize. They knew that the emperor was angry at the moment and any explanation would be futile.

Seeing this, Emperor Jingjiang snorted coldly and said, "Everyone, get up! I know you have difficulties. But as important officials of the court, you must always pay attention to people's livelihood and care about the people! If something like this happens again, I will not let you off easily!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers immediately expressed that they would follow the emperor's teachings, work diligently, and care about the people.

Emperor Jingjiang sat on the dragon throne, his eyes deep, as if he could penetrate the layers of palace walls and look directly at every corner of the imperial city. His face was a little pale, and his eyebrows revealed a trace of fatigue and confusion. He sighed and nodded, but his heart was full of doubts. It was understandable that the military department did not report the chaos in the capital, perhaps to take into account the face of the royal family, or there was another hidden reason. But why did even the Jinyiwei, who were always known for their efficiency and confidentiality, never reveal the slightest movement to him?

At this time, Emperor Jingjiang's eyes swept across the courtiers and fell on a middle-aged civil official. This man was called Bai Yongyuan, a university scholar of the current dynasty, elegant and dignified, with a graceful demeanor. He stood there like a pine tree, standing tall in the cold wind, with tenacity and composure. At this time, Bai Yongyuan bowed slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask of you."

Emperor Jingjiang nodded slightly, signaling him to continue. Bai Yongyuan took a deep breath and said slowly, "Regarding the education of the emperor's grandson, I think he should be educated earlier. The day after tomorrow is the day of the banquet. Although the emperor's grandson is young, his knowledge is not low. If he can participate in the banquet and debate the classics with the officials, it will definitely be of great benefit to his growth."

When Emperor Jingjiang heard this, a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly and said, "My dear Lord Bai, what you said is very true. I haven't seen my grandson for a long time. I can take this opportunity to invite him to the banquet."

As the two talked, the atmosphere in the palace gradually became relaxed. Emperor Jingjiang couldn't help but think of the children's education, so he asked casually: "My dear ministers, how are your children doing in school?"

As soon as these words came out, Bai Yongyuan and Li Qiuyan immediately talked about their children's academic performance with pride. Their faces were filled with proud smiles, as if they had seen a bright future for their children. At this time, Chen Shuguang seemed a little unhappy. He sat aside with a frown on his face, but his heart was surging.

A few days ago, Chen Shuguang sent someone to the school to secretly investigate his grandson's study. The result surprised him - he was ranked last! This news was like a bolt from the blue, hitting his heart hard. He couldn't accept this fact, but he didn't dare to ask his grandson directly. He was afraid of hurting the child's self-esteem, and he was even more afraid that asking the teacher at school would make him lose face. Therefore, he could only bury this doubt and worry deep in his heart and silently endure this torment.

Chen Shuguang felt even worse when he heard his colleagues bragging about their children's academic achievements. He felt as if he was isolated in a corner, with no one paying attention to him. When Emperor Jingjiang asked about his grandson's condition, he almost vomited blood. He stammered, "Not bad... not bad! My grandson studies very hard, but he tends to be careless during exams."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang nodded and did not ask any more questions. He understood Chen Shuguang's difficulties and helplessness, and also understood his expectations and care for his grandson as an elder. But he also knew that as an emperor, he could not interfere too much in the family affairs of his subjects. Therefore, he could only silently wish Chen Shuguang and his grandson to get out of the predicament as soon as possible.

At this moment, a hurried figure broke the silence in the warm room. A middle-aged man in brocade clothes walked into the hall quickly, knelt on the ground, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, your humble servant, Versace, kowtows to you!"

Seeing this, Emperor Jingjiang immediately put away his smile and became serious. He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at the Jinyiwei commander who suddenly broke in. Versace was sweating profusely, with a trace of panic and uneasiness on his face. He knelt there, clenching his hands into fists, as if trying his best to control his emotions.

Emperor Jingjiang asked in a deep voice: "Versace, why are you so panicked? What happened in the capital?"

Versace took a deep breath, calmed himself, and then replied: "Your Majesty, please calm down! A big thing has indeed happened in the capital - a liar has defrauded thousands of people! After learning about this, I wanted to report it to the court immediately, but considering that many people were deceived, I first went to the Jinyiwei to ask them to help deal with this matter."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang frowned. He had never expected such a terrible fraud to happen in the capital! He asked in a deep voice, "Why didn't the Jinyiwei report it to me?"

Versace broke out in a cold sweat when he heard this. He quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I did want to report it to the court at that time, but the Marquis of Jianye thought that this matter should not be publicized in order to avoid causing panic among the people, so he asked the Jinyiwei to handle the matter secretly."

The night was as dark as ink, and the heavy clouds seemed to swallow up all the starlight, leaving only a lonely moon above the imperial city, illuminating this silent and solemn ancient city palely. Inside the palace, the lights were bright, and the golden light and shadows danced on the corridor, reflecting the slightly tired but majestic face of Emperor Jingjiang.

At this time, Emperor Jingjiang was sitting on the dragon throne, holding a jade slip in his hand, on which was engraved a detailed report on the fraud case that had caused a sensation in the court and the public. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were flashing with complex emotions. When he heard that Jianye Hou Lin Xiaofeng had taken over and perfectly solved the case, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and a rare look of relief appeared on his face.

"It turns out that Xiaofeng took over the case. No wonder it was not reported." Emperor Jingjiang murmured softly, as if he was talking to himself. Although his voice was soft, it was loud enough for everyone present to hear it clearly. The old ministers nodded in agreement expressionlessly, but secretly complained in their hearts. They all knew that Emperor Jingjiang's favor for Lin Xiaofeng had reached an unprecedented level. Whenever he mentioned this name, his eyes would always flash with a strange light.

Among the officials, there was an official named Versace, who had mixed feelings at the moment. Hearing that Lin Xiaofeng had solved the case, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. He knew that if the case was not properly handled, then he, an official of the Military Affairs Department, would probably also be to blame. The corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible smile, as if he was celebrating his escape.

However, just when Versace thought he could breathe a sigh of relief, Emperor Jingjiang suddenly asked, "We haven't heard of such a bad thing in several years! I think the scam leader should be beheaded in public as a warning to others! Let me ask you, how many criminals are there in this fraud case? Who is the scam leader?" Emperor Jingjiang's voice suddenly became stern, making everyone present feel a chill.

Versace was caught off guard by this sudden question. He did not expect that Emperor Jingjiang would suddenly ask this question, and this question also involved specific criminals and the leader of the scammers. He secretly complained in his heart because he did not pay attention to these details at all, he just knew that the case had been solved. His face turned pale in an instant, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Seeing Versace's embarrassed expression, Emperor Jingjiang frowned, and a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes. He said coldly: "What? Don't you know? As an official of the Military Affairs Department, you should know all these details!" Emperor Jingjiang's voice was cold and stern, as if to freeze Versace's heart.

Versace felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet and going straight to his heart. He knew that he had really angered the emperor this time. If he couldn't answer this question, then his future would be in jeopardy. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He knew that he couldn't give up so easily, he had to find a way to save the situation.

He quickly recalled all the information about the case in his mind, but he could not find any specific information about the criminal and the scammer leader. He was very anxious, and more and more beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Just when he was about to collapse, he suddenly thought of a person - Jianye Hou Lin Xiaofeng. He knew that Lin Xiaofeng must know all the details of the case, and he had to find Lin Xiaofeng to ask clearly.

So, he answered with a stiff upper lip: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I did not pay attention to these details. But please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will find out the situation as soon as possible and report to Your Majesty." Although his voice was a little trembling, it was full of firmness and determination.

Emperor Jingjiang snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He looked at Versace deeply, as if he wanted to see through him. Finally, he nodded slowly and said, "Okay, since you have said so, I will give you a chance. But you must remember that as an official appointed by the court, you can't just focus on superficial achievements and ignore the details. This matter is fine, but if a similar situation happens again, I will not let you go so easily!"

After hearing this, Versace's heart tightened and he quickly bowed and apologized, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy! I will definitely keep your Majesty's teachings in mind and will not dare to be negligent again." He secretly felt lucky that he had escaped this time, and made up his mind to be more cautious in the future.

Emperor Jingjiang sat on the dragon throne, his eyes were like thousand-year-old ice, sharp and cold. His brows were furrowed, like a towering mountain, oppressing everyone present. When he glared at Versace, it seemed as if there was a flame jumping in his deep eyes, hot and angry.

Versace stood in the center of the hall, his whole body trembling, like a leaf falling in the autumn wind, ready to fall. His eyes flickered with grievance and helplessness, like the faint starlight in the night sky, faint but still flickering tenaciously. His face was as pale as paper, his lips trembling slightly, as if he would collapse at any time.

The voice of Emperor Jingjiang echoed in the empty hall, as deafening as thunder: "Versace, are you crazy? What I'm asking you is who the bandit leader is!" His voice was full of majesty and anger, as if he wanted to devour Versace.

Versace's lips trembled, and his voice was a little hoarse: "It's... Lin Hongwan, the son of Marquis Jianye." His words were full of helplessness and bitterness, as if he was telling a fate that could not be changed.

Everyone in the audience was stunned, their eyes widened, as if they wanted to see some secret from Versace. The hall was dead silent, with only the voice of Emperor Jingjiang echoing.

Versace showed a bitter smile on his face, and he continued: "I dare not hide anything... In fact, I also find it very strange, but the mastermind behind this matter is indeed Lin Hongwan." There was a slight tremor in his voice, as if he was trying to suppress the fear in his heart.

He hesitated for a moment, but he didn't dare to say anything. The emperor's grandson might also be involved. Should he say this or not? He was uneasy, as if his heart was hanging in his throat. Fine beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, and his hands clenched into fists, as if he was looking for a trace of strength.

Emperor Jingjiang’s eyes were like torches, and he stared at Versace as if to see through his heart. His voice became even more severe: “And what?” His words were full of majesty and unquestionable power.

Versace instantly collapsed to the ground as if his bones had been pulled out. He said in a trembling voice: "Yes... This matter was caused by football gambling..." He stammered as he recounted what had happened, his voice full of helplessness and bitterness.

He recounted the origin of football betting, how it turned into a huge storm, and how Lin Hongwan got involved. His voice was full of fatigue and weakness, as if he was telling an irreversible tragedy.

Finally, he said helplessly: "Later, Lord Lin went to Aijing Primary School, and I did not follow him. As for whether the emperor's grandson was involved, I really can't be sure." There was a hint of panic and uneasiness in his words, as if he was waiting for the judgment of Emperor Jingjiang.

After the story was told, the room fell into silence. Emperor Jingjiang's expression changed constantly, and his eyes swept across everyone's faces, finally landing on Versace. He was silent for a long time without moving, as if he was thinking about something.

At this moment, the scenery outside the hall seemed to reflect the mood of Emperor Jingjiang. The sky was covered with dark clouds, as if a rainstorm would fall at any time. The wind whistled and blew up fallen leaves, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

Everyone in the hall was talking about this, their voices echoing in the empty hall. Someone said, "The emperor's grandson is involved, is this kid playing too much?" There was a hint of surprise and confusion in their voices.

Some people disagreed: "How is it possible? How could such a young child do such a thing?" There was a hint of doubt and dissatisfaction in their voices.

Some people even sighed, "He is Lin Xiaofeng's son...it's no wonder he is in such a state!" There was a hint of helplessness and regret in their voices.

Hearing the discussion around him, Emperor Jingjiang angrily slammed the table and stood up. His face turned red, like a volcano about to erupt. He gritted his teeth and said, "The Crown Prince and Lin Xiaofeng, these two evil beasts, deserve to die!" His voice was full of anger and majesty, as if it was going to shake the entire hall down.

His eyes revealed endless majesty and anger. He glanced at everyone, as if he wanted to devour them all. Finally, his eyes fell on Wang Jingwen, and he shouted, "Eunuch Wang!"

Wang Jingwen immediately responded and bowed, saying, "I'm here." He looked at Emperor Jingjiang as if he was accustomed to it, waiting for the next order.

Emperor Jingjiang took a deep breath and calmed down his anger. He said in a deep voice: "Take my handwritten order and go to Aijing Primary School to investigate the performance of these two children." His voice was full of majesty and unquestionable power.

Wang Jingwen immediately responded, "Yes!" He took the handwritten letter from Emperor Jingjiang and turned to leave.

Emperor Jingjiang added: "If you bring them back again, I will question them face to face!" His voice was full of anger and majesty, as if he wanted to tear the two children apart completely.

In the study of Emperor Jingjiang, the dim candlelight flickered, stretching his shadow long and projecting it on the wall, like a lonely mountain. Wang Jingwen nodded in response, took the imperial edict with the royal totem printed on the cover with both hands, carefully put it in his arms, then turned around and walked out of the room quickly.

Emperor Jingjiang sat at his desk, tapping his fingers gently on the tabletop, making a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep worry and anxiety. The wind outside the window blew gently, bringing the scent of the river in the distance, but it could not blow away the irritability in his heart.

Time in the study seemed to have frozen. Emperor Jingjiang paced back and forth anxiously. His footsteps echoed in the empty room, and each time he did so, he felt uneasy. Finally, after waiting for about half an hour, the door of the study was knocked hastily, and Wang Jingwen rushed in breathlessly.

His face was covered in sweat, and his clothes were also wet and stuck to his body. He didn't have time to wipe the sweat off his forehead, and said anxiously: "Your Majesty, I have investigated it clearly..." His voice was full of fatigue, but more of an urgency for the news.

When Emperor Jingjiang heard his voice, he immediately stopped, fixed his eyes, and asked hurriedly: "What's the situation?" His voice was full of anticipation and nervousness.

Wang Jingwen paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and then said slowly: "The emperor's grandson has performed very well in Aijing Primary School. He is very popular both in study and in interpersonal relationships. He is smart and clever, and his teachers and classmates like him very much." Hearing this, a relieved smile appeared on Emperor Jingjiang's face.

However, Wang Jingwen changed the subject and continued, "But that kid Lin Hongwan..." He glanced at Chen Shuguang who was standing next to him and continued, "Although he has a good reputation in school, I heard that he played a marble game to cheat his classmates out of their pocket money. Someone was cheated out of their red flowers, and he used them to exchange for tricycles to rent to his classmates..." Hearing this, Jingjiang Di and Chen Shuguang both showed surprised expressions.

Chen Shuguang was filled with ecstasy. His grandson was finally no longer the last in the class. This was great news for him. However, anger and worry followed. He couldn't imagine that his grandson would be bullied in school by such a child. He clenched his fists tightly, and a ruthless light flashed in his eyes.

Emperor Jingjiang's face also became solemn. He couldn't believe his ears. Hongli was a well-behaved child when he was young. Why did his character become so bad now? He sighed deeply, as if he had aged a lot in an instant.

Wang Jingwen continued, "Also, Lin Hongwan's regular exams and homework were written by Mr. Hong's grandson..." This news stunned everyone present. They couldn't imagine that Lin Xiaofeng's son was so bad at studying, but he could still be the principal?

After hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang pressed his temples and his body shook. He couldn't believe his ears, nor could he accept this fact. He was filled with anger and disappointment, and he felt a deep disgust for both Lin Xiaofeng and Lin Hongwan.

Wang Jingwen continued, "The emperor's grandson and the son of Marquis Jianye have been expelled from Aijing Primary School, and they are not in school now. According to my investigation, they have all been taken to the princess's mansion." Hearing this, an ominous premonition surged in Emperor Jingjiang's heart.

"I went to the princess's mansion to ask, but the emperor's grandson and his family were not there. Her Royal Highness the Princess also refused to talk about it..." Wang Jingwen's voice was full of helplessness and confusion, "But I still found some clues." He glanced at Emperor Jingjiang, "The informant from the Western Factory reported that they saw Lord Lin and the Crown Prince with two children sitting in a carriage outside the princess's mansion, and they left the city... I'm still investigating where they went..."

When Emperor Jingjiang heard this, his anxiety and anger reached a peak. He couldn't believe that his son and grandson would do such a thing. Fired at the same time? That means Li Lingjue was also involved in the fraud! Emperor Jingjiang felt very uncomfortable and urged, "Just get to the point. Where are they now?"

Wang Jingwen comforted him, "Your Majesty, please be patient. I have sent people to follow them, and there should be news soon." Although his words made Emperor Jingjiang feel a little more at ease, the doubts and worries in his heart still existed.

At this moment, Bai Yongyuan stood up and said in a firm voice: "Your Majesty, why not summon the Crown Prince and Marquis Jianye and ask them directly. How can the whereabouts of the emperor's grandson be unclear?" As soon as he finished speaking, he was echoed by others.

Emperor Jingjiang was silent for a while, then nodded. He knew that it was time to face this problem. He couldn't let his grandson disappear in such an unclear way, nor could he let his son and grandson continue like this.

The atmosphere in the study room suddenly became tense, with Emperor Jingjiang, Bai Yongyuan and others waiting for the arrival of the Crown Prince and Marquis Jianye. Wang Jingwen continued his investigation, hoping to find the whereabouts of the emperor's grandson as soon as possible.

The night was as dark as ink, shrouding the Jingjiang Palace, deep and silent. The lights in the palace flickered, reflecting the resolute and slightly tired face of the Jingjiang Emperor. He sat quietly in the warm room, his eyes deep, as if he could see through everything in the world.

At this moment, Emperor Jingjiang was no longer the emperor who shook the world, but more like a worried father. His brows were furrowed, as if he was thinking about something important. With a wave of his hand, he said in a deep voice: "No." Every word seemed to hit the hearts of everyone present with a heavy hammer, making the already tense atmosphere even more solemn.

Emperor Jingjiang took a deep breath, as if calming himself down. His eyes swept across everyone's faces, and finally fixed on Wang Jingwen. He spoke slowly, his voice revealing endless majesty and anger: "After all, this is Lin Xiaofeng and the prince's biological child. They can't just throw the child into a deserted place, right? Even if those two bastards are unreliable, they wouldn't do such a thing. The child's safety should still be guaranteed."

A hint of determination flashed in his eyes, as if he was making a promise to himself and everyone present. However, his heart was far from as calm as it seemed. He knew that the royal children were destined to bear more pressure and danger than others from the moment they were born. He had to protect not only the safety of the children, but also the children's hearts and let them grow up in a healthy environment.

At this moment, Emperor Jingjiang suddenly frowned, as if he had noticed something was wrong. He said in a deep voice, "This matter is a little strange." There was a hint of doubt and alertness in his voice, which made everyone present feel a little uneasy.

Emperor Jingjiang took a deep breath and continued, "Let the Western Factory investigate as soon as possible. I'll wait here! After I find out the truth, I will personally break the legs of those two evil beasts!" His voice revealed endless majesty and anger, as if it wanted to devour everything.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this, not daring to say anything more. Wang Jingwen nodded, turned around and left again. His face was serious and nervous, and he knew that the burden on his shoulders was not light.

Emperor Jingjiang glanced at Versace who was still kneeling on the ground, frowned and said: "Go out and receive the punishment of ten military sticks! Don't hang around in front of me. If this kind of thing happens again and you don't report it, I will chop off your head!" His voice was cold and majestic, making Versace shiver involuntarily.

Versace kowtowed repeatedly to thank the emperor for not killing him, and then fled as if he had been pardoned. He was secretly glad that he had been beaten, and that he had finally gotten away with it. However, he did not notice that a complex emotion flashed across Emperor Jingjiang's eyes, as if something was about to happen.

As time went by, the sky gradually darkened. However, no one in the warm room showed any intention of leaving. Emperor Jingjiang also had people prepare food, but no one started eating. The entire palace was shrouded in a depressing and tense atmosphere, waiting for the news to arrive.

Just when everyone was still immersed in silence and anxiety, the long-awaited figure finally appeared in the warm room. Wang Jingwen came back with a happy face and said: "Your Majesty! I finally found it after all the hardships!" His voice revealed endless joy and pride, as if he had accomplished a great feat.

Emperor Jingjiang raised his head, a hint of expectation flashed in his eyes. He stared at Wang Jingwen closely, as if he wanted to hear some important news from him. Wang Jingwen looked at Emperor Jingjiang's expectant eyes, and a sense of respect rose in his heart. He calmed down and said slowly: "Marquis Jianye has placed the emperor's grandson and his family in a farmer's home outside the city."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingjiang frowned, as if he was a little puzzled. He asked in a deep voice: "Farmer's house? Why would they go to a farmer's house?"

Wang Jingwen nodded and continued, "Yes, Your Majesty. The emperor's grandson is busy working on the land. But according to our observation, there are many people around to protect them." (End of this chapter)