Chapter 93: The Prince’s Marriage
Master Lin and Yafu had only been inside for a short while when an eunuch summoned Qingqing. Qingqing entered with her eyes lowered, taking careful, small steps. She immediately knelt before the Emperor’s bed, her voice trembling slightly, “Your servant Lin Qingqing greets the Emperor, may the Emperor live ten thousand years!” The Emperor seemed to lift his hand, his voice weak yet authoritative, “Qingqing, rise.” Qingqing bowed again before standing to the side with her hands hanging down.
The Emperor, supported by a servant to lean against the pillows, spoke slowly, “The physicians say my illness came suddenly, and it might affect my speech and movement in the future. Today, with all of you here, I need to arrange some matters.” Qingqing glanced around covertly, noticing Li Qin, the Empress, several princes and princesses, and even Prime Minister Chen and Yuzhen standing to one side. Next to Li Qin was a handsome young man, presumably the Fourth Prince. Although she didn’t look closely at how he had changed, she heard the crowd let out some meaningless sobs as the Emperor spoke. The Empress, serving by his side, choked up, losing her usual composure, “Your Majesty, please do not speak such nonsense, you must live to a hundred!”
The Emperor managed a weak smile, “Who among us does not die? However, there are still some matters I can’t let go of.” The Empress dared not speak, listening intently to the Emperor’s directives.
“The most important matter is the marriage of the Second Prince.” The Emperor glanced at Li Qin and continued, “I know what’s in your heart, so in front of Master Lin, I ask for your daughter’s hand.” Master Lin immediately knelt down, his voice respectful yet excited, “Your Majesty’s favor is immense, I thank you on behalf of my daughter for your great kindness.” Yafu also knelt down, only knowing to bow without daring to breathe.
The Emperor smiled at Qingqing, “Qingqing, why do you not thank me?” Not daring to think much, Qingqing also knelt down, “Your servant thanks the Emperor on behalf of my sister.” The Emperor’s smile now carried a hint of bitterness, “Why do you not thank me for your own favor?” Everyone was puzzled, waiting for the Emperor’s explanation.
