Jiang Yunqiao’s story made me miss An Jin even more. My cold symptoms were worsening, showing no signs of improvement. Hongdi was worried and invited many imperial physicians, but to no avail. Rumors began to spread in Fengzhu City, saying that the Yu King’s illness was caused by lovesickness. The most absurd version claimed that I was secretly in love with General Shen, who loved someone else, and that I had begged His Majesty for marriage but failed.
I wanted to cry but had no tears. Although the imperial physicians were helpless, they ominously said that a minor cold could develop into a serious illness if prolonged. Hongdi was extremely worried and issued an imperial edict, seeking folk doctors.
Whoever could cure the Yu King’s illness would be handsomely rewarded. I thought this was somewhat exaggerated. I rarely fell ill, and it was hardly significant, but with such a reward, I seemed like a frail princess from a play. As it turned out, someone did exactly that, not only claiming the imperial edict but also requesting to marry the princess as a reward, which Hongdi actually agreed to.
Chapter Sixty-Six: Another Wave
When I heard this news, I almost jumped up from my sickbed. My younger sister inquired about the doctor who claimed the edict; he was quite handsome, though his left hand was somewhat inconvenient. After a private conversation with Emperor Hongdi, he agreed to the conditions of his request. My imperial uncle was good in every way, except for his love of matchmaking. After previously trying to match me with General Shen, he now inexplicably agreed to a doctor wanting to marry me.
Breaking into a cold sweat actually slightly improved my cold symptoms.
I asked Jiang Yunqiao to come and try to persuade Hongdi to change his mind, but she looked gleeful, saying that the emperor’s words could not be retracted. This is the consequence of making the wrong friend, who not only doesn’t help at a critical moment but also takes pleasure in my predicament.
I could only drag my sickly body to meet Hongdi, trying to move him emotionally and reason with him to reject this condition. He smiled meaningfully and asked, “Are you sure you want to refuse?”
