“Then what do you mean?” Feng Jin continued to ask.
“Naturally… I am willing.” Murong Jinyun’s tone held a trace of shyness.
This affection had lasted for three years. Although she had mistaken the person midway and caused quite a few embarrassing incidents, when she met Gu Beichen again, her long-dormant heart had throbbed fiercely, just as it had at their first meeting.
These past few days of interaction seemed to have made her even more infatuated with Gu Beichen, her heart unable to let go. She wondered if His Majesty the Emperor would agree.
“The Prince of Zhennan’s estate has generations of outstanding merit, and Crown Prince Gu is also a man of exceptional talent and distinguished bearing. He is indeed a very suitable match for you.”
Lin Yuwei thought of the image of the two standing together and felt they were very well-matched. For them to become a perfect couple, predestined by heaven, would be a beautiful thing.
Feng Jin tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. They were indeed well-matched. They had searched for each other for three years and had not given up on their feelings, which was commendable.
However, the Prince of Zhennan’s estate had generations guarding the border between Dong Chu and Xi Liang. While they were loyal to the nation, they also had conflicts with Xi Liang. Could the Prince of Zhennan and the Emperor of Xi Liang truly put aside their differences and consent to this marriage?
Murong Jinyu fiddled with her handkerchief, her childish nature clearly evident. Gu Beichen had already gone to declare his intentions to the Prince of Zhennan today, and she didn’t know what the outcome would be.
…
“You scoundrel, I’d rather not have given birth to you!”
A voice of supreme authority, filled with immense anger, permeated the entire room, clearly indicating the magnitude of its owner’s fury.
Gu Beichen knelt on the ground in a slightly disheveled state, a few strands of hair hanging down over his forehead. His fair forehead bore a bruised patch, and the imprint of a shoe sole was conspicuously visible on his back.
“Father, my mind is made up. I beg for your approval, Father!” Gu Beichen, abandoning his usual flippant demeanor, wore a resolute expression on his face.
“You… you unfilial son!” The Prince of Zhennan roared, raising his staff high. It froze in mid-air, three centimeters away from landing on Gu Beichen’s back.
This was the first time he had ever seen Gu Beichen so determined about something, causing a slight tremor in his heart.
“I implore Father for his approval.”
Father and son’s gazes met, neither willing to yield. After a long stalemate, the Prince of Zhennan spoke first, “Our Gu family has guarded the frontier for generations. We subsist on the stipends of Dong Chu and owe our gratitude to the people of Dong Chu. If you were to marry a princess of Xi Liang, how would you face your elder brother and the ancestors of the Gu family!”
Gu Beichen’s tall back trembled slightly. His elder brother had died in battle against Xi Liang three years ago. Gu Beichen closed his eyes in pain.
“Father, during war, both sides are inherently adversaries. Furthermore, my elder brother’s death has nothing to do with Jinyun. Father, you can allow refugees from Xi Liang into Dong Chu, so why can’t you tolerate the person my heart loves!”
This was the first time he had argued so vehemently with his father. All he wanted was to protect their feelings.
“No member of the Gu family will ever marry a princess of an enemy nation.”
“In this life, I will not marry anyone but Murong Jinyun. I implore Father for his approval!”
Father and son, alike in their stubbornness, refused to back down.
“My Lord… Chen’er…”
A gentle voice interrupted the father and son’s confrontation. Madam Cao, upon learning of the matter, had rushed over. She stepped forward to shield Gu Beichen, her gaze filled with affection as she examined him. Seeing the injury on Gu Beichen’s forehead, her heart ached even more.
“My Lord, I have been married to you for thirty years, bearing you children. My eldest son perished three years ago. Only Chen’er remains. If you intend to force him to his death, then you must kill me first.”
Madam Cao’s eyes caught the sword hanging on the wall. She swiftly drew it and pressed it against her throat.
“Mother Consort!”
“Madam!”
Father and son cried out in alarm, their eyes fixed on the sharp sword at Madam Cao’s throat.
“Madam, put down the sword!”
“Mother Consort, I beg you, put down the sword!” Gu Beichen pleaded repeatedly, his eyes filled with worry.
“My Lord, I am but a simple woman. My lifelong wish is for you and our children to be safe and healthy. I cannot bear to see Chen’er suffer, nor can I bear to see you distressed. I will only take the first step and reunite with Kang’er.”
“Madam!” The Prince of Zhennan’s heart leaped into his throat. He quickly grabbed a teacup from the table and threw it, striking Madam Cao’s sword-wielding hand directly.
Madam Cao felt a sharp pain in her hand. Instinctively, she loosened her grip, and the sword clattered to the floor. Gu Beichen stepped forward and kicked the sword away, then embraced Madam Cao.
“Mother Consort, how could you do something so foolish? Elder brother is already gone, you cannot leave me too.”
“Chen’er, my child.” Madam Cao’s tears began to fall uncontrollably.
Seeing that Madam Cao was unharmed, the Prince of Zhennan breathed a sigh of relief. “Madam, why must you do this!”
“My Lord, I have only Chen’er left. I do not understand matters of state. I only wish for my child to live his life without worry. My Lord, please agree.”
Madam Cao clutched the hem of the Prince of Zhennan’s robe, her plea bordering on desperation. She had only this one son left, and she would risk her life to ensure his lifelong peace and happiness.
The Prince of Zhennan looked at his wife and son, his resolve wavering slightly. After a moment’s pause, he said, “Let us not discuss this matter for now. We shall see how His Majesty decides.”
“My son thanks Father King.” Gu Beichen quickly agreed, taking this as a tacit approval.
“Chen’er, your father has agreed. When the time comes, bring that young lady back, and Mother Consort will get a good look at her.”
“Mother Consort, nothing has been finalized yet. Once we are truly betrothed, will there be a lack of opportunities to meet?”
Gu Beichen intended to bring Murong Jinyun back after their engagement was formalized.
He had managed to sort things out on his end, but he wondered how Murong Jinyun’s situation was. If the Emperor of Xi Liang did not agree, it would still be a troublesome matter.
“Father King, Mother Consort, your son has other matters to attend to. I shall take my leave.”
Gu Beichen’s heart was filled with worry. After bidding them farewell, he rushed to the post station without delay. He wanted to inform Murong Jinyun of this news as soon as possible, for his own peace of mind.
…
“Princess, a letter from His Majesty.”
Baili Xi entered with a letter in hand. Upon seeing it, Murong Jinyun eagerly reached out to snatch it and tore it open to read.
As she read halfway through, her expression grew increasingly grim. Murong Jinyun slumped onto the chair, her spirit crushed.
Baili Xi instantly sensed something was amiss. He took the letter and read it, his face also becoming solemn. After a long pause, he asked, “Princess, what will you do?”
“I… I will not do this. I will write to inform Father.”
Murong Jinyun stood up and reached for a brush to write on the paper, but Baili Xi suddenly snatched the brush from her hand.