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In the Long'an Hall of the palace, Pei Zhiqing returned from the Foguang Temple, his frail body weakened, each cough more forceful than the last, as if he might cough out his very organs.
His pale complexion, stark against the bloodstains by the bedside, was particularly alarming.
With a demeanor as dignified as a cloud in the sky, he reached out to accept the medicinal concoction from the imperial physician, draining it in one go.
Standing nearby, Physician Du's eyes were filled with worry and helplessness. He gently reproached him with a hint of concern: "Your Highness, you mustn't be so stubborn in the future. A cold may seem trivial to others, but for you, it is a matter of great importance and should not be taken lightly."
Feng Ren, who stood by, heard the physician's words and felt an urge to voice his thoughts that had been swirling in his mind.
Lying on the bed, Pei Zhiqing glanced at him, causing Feng Ren to swallow his words again.
His master had never shown interest in women and rarely meddled in others' affairs; why was he acting so unusually today? Not only had he saved two young ladies, but he had even draped his cloak over Miss Gu without regard for his own health. If others saw this, they might think his master had feelings for her.
With wide eyes, Feng Ren suddenly had a thought: Could it be that his master truly liked that girl?
Just as Feng Ren was lost in these thoughts, Emperor Jing hurried into the inner chamber of Long'an Hall. Before he even entered, his concerned voice could be heard.
"Zhiqing, how are you?"
The physicians quickly knelt down in respect. Physician Du replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince's condition has stabilized for now."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing felt a slight relief from his overwhelming worry for his son; however, when his gaze fell upon Pei Zhiqing lying on the bed looking utterly lifeless, concern surged back into his heart.
He stepped closer to the bedside and sat down, gazing at his beloved son with eyes full of affection and tenderness.
"Zhiqing, if you feel any discomfort, you must tell your father."
Having just taken the medicine that temporarily eased his cough, Pei Zhiqing forced a faint smile to reassure his father: "Father, I am no longer in serious trouble."
Then he shifted the conversation to today's events.
"Father, I have a request."
Emperor Jing's expression turned serious as he asked, "Oh? What is it?"
Pei Zhiqing propped himself up and took a deep breath before stating firmly: "I wish to marry Miss Gu Qingning, daughter of Duke Zhongyuan Gu Changqing. I ask for your blessing."
A flicker of surprise crossed Emperor Jing's eyes before he fell into deep thought.
Silence enveloped the inner chamber.
Today marks the memorial birthday of Consort Yi, and I did not wish to bring this matter up with Father Emperor.
Gazing at the troubled Emperor Jing beside him, Pei Zhiqing pondered for a moment, hesitating to speak.
Once he finished speaking, a wave of nausea surged in his chest, and Pei Zhiqing could not help but cough again, sharp pains shooting from his chest to his mind.
The Emperor Jing paused for a moment, his brow furrowed tightly, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
Not long ago, Noble Consort An had mentioned this to him as well; Zhirui had taken a liking to the eldest daughter of the Zhongyuan Marquis House, Gu Qingning, and requested him to issue a marriage decree.
Zhirui had even made the request in front of Gu Changqing, only to be rejected by him.
Today, Zhi'er also approached him with the intention of arranging a marriage between himself and Gu Qingning.
This inevitably piqued his curiosity.
Gu Changqing held command over the Wan Gu army and had contributed significantly during the grand banquet. Not to mention his son, Gu Haotian, who was young and accomplished, stationed at the border for years without returning to the capital, also making considerable sacrifices for the grand banquet.
Recently, Noble Consort An had also brought up selecting a consort for Zhirui and had her eyes set on Gu Qingning. Today is Consort Yi's memorial birthday; tell me, do you truly have feelings for Gu Qingning?
Emperor Jing sighed softly and spoke lightly.
My heart has long belonged to Gu Qingning; I just know that I won't live much longer and do not wish to delay another family's daughter, which is why I have been hesitant to express my feelings. Perhaps it is fate that I encountered her on this day of Consort Yi's memorial birthday when she almost fell off a cliff.
As soon as Pei Zhiqing finished speaking, he began coughing uncontrollably again.
So that’s how it is.
Emperor Jing seemed to understand suddenly.
Gu Changqing loves his daughter dearly and may not agree.
Recalling Gu Changqing's reasons for rejecting Zhirui, Emperor Jing worried that he would not consent to marry his beloved daughter to his frail son.
As long as Father Emperor agrees to the marriage decree, I will handle everything else myself.
The fact that I met her on Consort Yi's memorial birthday and saved her might also be a form of destiny.
Pei Zhiqing suppressed the urge to cough that rose in his throat and continued speaking.
The hesitation on Emperor Jing's face resembled dark clouds, heavy as they settled into Pei Zhiqing's deep-set eyes. Whenever Consort Yi was mentioned, she always managed to soften Father Emperor's expression.
After a while, weighing everything carefully, Emperor Jing relaxed his brow; a look of relief washed over him as he sighed softly and said: If my son truly likes her, then Father Emperor will fulfill your wish.
It was a well-known fact that Jing'er would not survive. As his father, the Emperor had neither the ability nor the reason to oppose Jing'er’s only request: to give Gu Qingning to Rui'er.
Pei Zhiqing's face flashed with a hint of joy as he thanked his father. The Emperor immediately began drafting an edict, instructing the Astronomical Bureau to find an auspicious date for their wedding. If all went well, perhaps the Emperor could even hold a grandchild in his arms soon.
It was a great honor for the Gu family’s daughter to marry Jing'er. It would serve as a good omen for his son! At that time, he would not only have a suitable excuse to refuse the Consort's proposal but also ensure that Rui'er had the support of the Consort behind him. Meanwhile, Jing'er had nothing but his ailments; even Jiao Jiao had distanced herself from him.
Even if he commanded tens of thousands of imperial guards in the capital, everything seemed predestined.
Standing outside the hall, Feng Ren listened to the conversation and watched as Emperor Jing walked away, astonished and nearly unable to close his mouth. His master had truly come through! He had thought his master was joking with Miss Gu, but unexpectedly, after saving her once, he personally asked for her hand in marriage right in front of her.
Having just returned from the brink of death, within less than an hour, he had boldly approached His Majesty to seek the grace of marriage. If there was anyone in this world whom Feng Ren admired from the bottom of his heart, it was none other than his master. No one else could handle finding a royal consort with such decisiveness and ease; he was truly unmatched.
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