"Then what do you mean?" Feng Jin continued to ask.
"I naturally… I am willing," Murong Jinyun replied with a hint of shyness in her voice.
This affection had lasted for three years. Although she had mistaken someone else in the past, leading to quite a few embarrassing moments, when she met Gu Beichen, her long-dormant heart had begun to beat as fiercely as it did at first sight.
After spending these past few days together, she seemed to be even more smitten with Gu Beichen, finding it harder and harder to let go. She wondered if His Majesty the Emperor would consent.
"The Zhennan Prince's Estate has generations of distinguished service, and Young Master Gu is also handsome and refined. You are indeed a very well-matched pair."
Lin Yuwei thought of the two of them standing together and felt they were incredibly compatible. It would be a beautiful union, a match made in heaven.
Feng Jin tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. They were indeed a good match. It was commendable that they had searched for each other for three years and still had not given up on their feelings.
However, the Zhennan Prince's Estate had been guarding the border between Dongchu and Xiliang for generations. While they served the country faithfully, there were also conflicts with Xiliang. Could the Zhennan Prince and the Emperor of Xiliang truly set aside their animosity and agree to this marriage?
Murong Jinyu stirred her handkerchief, her girlish nature evident. Gu Beichen had already declared his intentions to the Zhennan Prince today. She didn't know what the outcome would be.
...
"You wretched creature, I'd have been better off not having you as a son!"
A powerful and furious voice filled the entire room, indicating the immense anger of its owner.
Gu Beichen knelt on the ground, looking somewhat disheveled. A few strands of hair fell over his forehead, and his fair forehead bore a purplish bruise. The imprint of a shoe sole was clearly visible on his back.
"Father, my mind is made up. I beg you to grant my wish!" Gu Beichen, abandoning his usual carefree demeanor, spoke with a resolute expression.
"You… you unfilial son!" The Zhennan Prince roared, raising his heavy stick. It froze in mid-air, just three centimeters from Gu Beichen's back.
This was the first time he had seen Gu Beichen so stubbornly determined about something, which made his heart tremble slightly.
"I still beg Father to grant my wish."
The father and son locked eyes, neither willing to yield. After a long stalemate, the Zhennan Prince finally spoke, "Our Gu family has guarded the border for generations, living off Dongchu's stipends and owing gratitude to the people of Dongchu. If you were to marry a princess of Xiliang, how would you face our Gu family and your ancestors!"
Gu Beichen's straight back trembled slightly. His elder brother had died in battle against Xiliang three years ago. Gu Beichen closed his eyes in pain.
"Father, the two countries are at war and are naturally enemies. Furthermore, my brother's death has nothing to do with Jinyun. Father, you can allow refugees from Xiliang to enter Dongchu, so why can't you tolerate the person my heart loves!"
This was the first time he had argued so logically with his father. All he wanted was to protect their feelings.
"No one from our Gu family will ever marry a princess of an enemy state."
"In this life, I will marry only Murong Jinyun. I beg Father to grant my wish!"
Father and son, both stubborn to the core, refused to back down.
"My Lord… Chen'er…"
A gentle voice interrupted the father and son's stalemate. Madam Cao, having learned of the matter, had rushed over. She stepped forward and shielded Gu Beichen, her gaze full of affection as she looked at him. Upon seeing the wound on his forehead, she felt even more heartache.
"My Lord, I have been married to you for thirty years and borne you children. My eldest son passed away three years ago. I have only Chen'er left. If you intend to force him to his death, then kill me first."
Madam Cao's eyes caught the long sword hanging on the wall. She abruptly pulled it out and pressed it to her own neck.
"Mother!"
"Wife!"
The father and son cried out in alarm, their eyes fixed on the sword at Madam Cao's throat.
"Wife, put down the sword!"
"Mother, I beg you, please put down the sword!" Gu Beichen pleaded repeatedly, his eyes filled with worry.
"My Lord, I am merely a humble 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 troubled. I can only take my leave first and reunite with Kang'er."
"Wife!" The Zhennan Prince's heart leaped into his throat. He quickly grabbed a teacup from the table and threw it, hitting Madam Cao's hand that held the sword hilt.
Madam Cao cried out in pain. Instinctively, her hand loosened its grip, and the long sword clattered to the floor. Gu Beichen stepped forward, kicked the sword away, and embraced Madam Cao.
"Mother, why would you do something so foolish? Brother is already gone. You cannot leave me too."
"Chen'er, my child." Madam Cao's tears finally streamed down her face.
Seeing that Madam Cao was unharmed, the Zhennan Prince breathed a sigh of relief. "Wife, why must you do this!"
"My Lord, I only have Chen'er left. I do not understand matters of state. I only wish for my son to live a carefree life. My Lord, please agree."
Madam Cao tugged at the Zhennan Prince's robe, her plea almost desperate. She had only this one son left. Even if it meant sacrificing her own life, she had to ensure his lifelong happiness and peace.
The Zhennan Prince looked at his wife and son. His resolve wavered slightly. After a moment's pause, he said, "We shall not discuss this matter for now. Let's see what His Majesty decides."
"My child thanks my father." Gu Beichen quickly agreed. This was as good as a consent.
"Chen'er, your father has agreed. When the day comes, bring that girl back, and let your mother have a good look at her."
"Mother, it's not a sure thing yet. Once we are truly engaged, won't there be opportunities to meet?"
Gu Beichen wanted to wait until after the engagement to bring Murong Jinyun back.
He had sorted things out on his end. Now, he wondered how things were on Murong Jinyun's side. If the Emperor of Xiliang refused, it would be a troublesome affair.
"Father, Mother, I have other matters to attend to. I shall take my leave."
Gu Beichen, filled with worry, departed immediately and rushed to the post station. He needed to deliver this news to Murong Jinyun as soon as possible to ease his mind.
...
"Princess, a letter from His Majesty."
Baili Xi entered with a sealed letter. Upon seeing it, Murong Jinyun eagerly reached out and snatched it, tearing it open impatiently to read.
Halfway through, her face grew increasingly solemn. Murong Jinyun slumped onto the chair, lost in thought.
Baili Xi immediately sensed something was amiss. He took the letter and read it, his expression also turning grave. After a long pause, he asked, "Princess, what will you do?"
"I… I will not do this. I will write a letter to inform Father."
Murong Jinyun stood up and reached for a brush, intending to write, but Baili Xi abruptly snatched the brush from her hand.