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墨書 Inktalez
In the carriage, Gu Changqing wore a troubled expression as he spoke to Gu Qingning. "A few days ago, the Second Prince requested your hand in marriage before your father and the Emperor. Your father refused, saying you are still too young and that he wishes to keep you with him for a few more years."
Gu Qingning had just been speculating that the imperial edict for marriage had not arrived due to her own circumstances. Now it seemed clear that her father disapproved of Pei Zhirui, which was why he had outright rejected the proposal. However, it appeared that no one had sought her consent yet, which explained the delay in the marriage decree.
After a brief pause, he continued, "Just now, Xiao Fuzai came by. Your father privately asked him about it, and he said that the Second Prince has once again requested the Emperor for your hand in marriage. The Emperor refused, which is why we have come to the palace."
"Father, it's alright. As long as I am unwilling, even if they issue a marriage decree, I will find a way to make him willingly withdraw from the engagement," Gu Qingning reassured her father with a smile, urging him not to worry.
For some reason, she couldn't shake off the memory of the frail Ninth Prince who had once said he would repay her life-saving grace by offering himself in return.
Upon entering the palace, the Gu family daughter made her way to the study.
At this moment, Pei Zhiqing and his brother were already waiting inside. When they saw Gu Qingning enter, Pei Zhirui quickly stood up to glance at her before sitting back down.
Pei Zhiqing couldn't help but cough again, breaking the silence in the study.
Hearing the persistent coughing nearby, Emperor Jing waved his hand at the Gu family daughter, signaling them to wait aside.
Gu Qingning stood beside Gu Changqing and watched Pei Zhirui across from them, who seemed to be secretly rejoicing. She could roughly guess what he was thinking.
"Quickly bring some soothing tangerine peel tea for Qing'er," Emperor Jing urged anxiously as he looked at his son, whose face was pale and weak from coughing.
The more Pei Zhiqing coughed, the happier Pei Zhirui became. The Duke of Zhongyuan would definitely not allow his daughter to marry such a frail man!
"Your Majesty, I am feeling much better." After drinking several cups of tea, Pei Zhiqing glanced at Gu Qingning standing across from him but spoke to Emperor Jing instead.
The look in his son's eyes did not escape Emperor Jing's notice. To allow him to return home and recuperate sooner, it would be best to resolve this matter quickly.
"Gu Aiqing, you have raised a wonderful daughter." Emperor Jing began by praising Gu Changqing for having such an excellent daughter.
As expected by Gu Changqing, Emperor Jing was about to propose a marriage for his daughter; he just didn't know which of the two princes was meant for her.
"Gu Qingning, both of my sons are fond of you and have requested me to arrange a marriage for them. I truly do not know how to proceed and have no choice but to ask you to come to the palace."
"Your Majesty, I wish to stay by my father's side and spend more time with my younger sister; I do not wish to marry just yet," Gu Qingning explained as she stepped forward and knelt down.
"But both of my sons are asking me for your hand in marriage. What do you suggest we do?"
"Please forgive me for speaking frankly, Your Majesty; I do not wish to marry into royalty." Gu Qingning bit her lip defiantly, showing no fear on her face.
Pei Zhirui was once again taken aback. Noble ladies from prominent families typically aspired to marry into royalty and become part of the imperial family—how could there be someone who did not want that?
A hint of confusion and curiosity flashed across Emperor Jing's face. No one had ever expressed reluctance to marry into the royal family in his presence before.
Pei Zhiqing's lips curled into a faint smile; this little girl, though seemingly delicate and frail, had quite the bold spirit! Ever since she had declared her intention to climb the mountain last time, and now publicly stated her unwillingness to marry into the royal family, Gu Changqing felt a slight surprise in his heart.
"Do you have someone you like? Do tell!" Emperor Jing chuckled.
Pei Zhiqing cast a glance at Gu Qingning. The depth of his gaze struck Gu Qingning's heart, making her feel uneasy and uncomfortable all over.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Qingning truly did not want to speak; it was the intensity of that person's gaze that was too terrifying.
"I owe a life debt to someone and wish to repay it," she finally admitted.
"Let it be! I won’t marry Pei Zhirui; marrying his brother with the same surname is also a good thing!"
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