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墨書 Inktalez
He worried that he might marry a short-lived man, making life difficult in the future.
"Father, although I don't know much about the Ninth Prince, I believe he is more suitable for me than the Second Prince."
Seeing the Emperor's demeanor today, it was clear he wanted her to choose between the two. In this life, she did not wish to repeat the mistakes of her past. She was willing to dedicate herself to repay Pei Zhiqing for saving her life.
"As long as you are happy, Father will not obstruct you."
The Second Prince, Pei Zhirui, was ambitious and actively sought to win over various families to his side. The army under his command was a coveted prize among the princes vying for power.
On the other hand, the Ninth Prince, Pei Zhiqing, suffered from a chronic illness and had difficulty producing heirs; he had no desire for the throne.
Once Qing'er married, the Ninth Prince could establish his own household and possess his own fief. At that time, they could move their family there and live away from the struggles of royal power; this would not be an undesirable outcome.
In comparison, it mattered little whom she married; what was most important was that she could live well and be happy.
After Gu family left with Pei Zhiqing, the Emperor retained Pei Zhirui for further discussion in the imperial study. The father and son talked for half an hour before Pei Zhirui stormed out in frustration.
The next day, two imperial marriage decrees arrived simultaneously at the Yongyuan Marquis residence.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Gu Qingning, daughter of Marquis Gu Changqing, is virtuous and talented, in her prime and suitable for marriage. I hereby bestow her in marriage to the Ninth Prince as his principal wife, wishing them a lifetime of happiness together."
After reading the first decree, just as everyone began to react, Eunuch Xu signaled them to remain kneeling and started reading the second decree.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Gu Yanran, daughter of Minister Gu Siyuan, is beautiful and wise; I hereby bestow her as a concubine to Second Prince Pei Zhirui, with a chosen auspicious date for their wedding."
Kneeling on the ground, Gu Yanran felt triumphant at first—Gu Qingning would marry the sickly Ninth Prince and live a life of solitude. However, her joy was short-lived; as she listened to Eunuch Xu's loud proclamation while keeping her head down, her face turned pale with shock.
The current Emperor had actually granted her to the Second Prince as a concubine!
Today, the Yongyuan Marquis residence celebrated with everyone; it was a small token of appreciation from Gu Changqing as he slipped a purse of coins into Eunuch Xu's hand. Eunuch Xu smiled as he congratulated them while accepting the purse.
Mother Kui Ruofeng and her daughter watched coldly as others congratulated Gu Qingning; they struggled to suppress their jealousy and wore grim expressions.
"It is said that His Highness the Ninth Prince has suffered from a chronic illness since childhood; physicians have predicted he would not live long. My sister worries that if you marry him, you might end up alone for life."
Gu Yanran stepped forward, disregarding the furious glares from Gu Changqing and the others, and boldly interrupted their congratulations to Gu Qingning.
Gu Changqing's expression immediately darkened as he scolded, "No matter how unworthy the Ninth Prince may be, he is still my son-in-law of the loyal and distant Marquisate. If I hear anyone in this household spreading such idle gossip again, they will be sold off without exception."
Half of Gu Yanran's face flushed with embarrassment, tears welling in her eyes as she stood there, seemingly at a loss, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
"Uncle, Yanran is only worried that my sister will have a hard time after marriage and just wanted to remind her," she said with a pitiful expression, shaking her head.
"The Emperor's marriage decree is a tremendous blessing. Surely, you are not jealous of your sister?" Gu Qingning replied deliberately elongating the words "side consort," which infuriated Gu Yanran to the point where she nearly bit her teeth in frustration.
As Gu Yanran left, her eyes could not hide her anger. She had never imagined there was anything to be proud of in marrying a sickly man. Even if she were the legitimate wife, she would still live her life as a widow; by then, her good days would also come to an end.
Although marrying the Second Prince as a side consort might seem lesser, he still had a legitimate wife. Once she entered the Second Prince's residence, securing the position of the legitimate wife would be within her grasp.
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