Suo Lun’s gaze grew warm as he grasped the king’s hand, "Your Majesty, please rest and recuperate. Only speak after you have regained your strength."
The King said, "Child, rest assured, from now on, I will respect my life, fear my illness, I...I must try to live longer. Until you defeat Zhi Li, I...I cannot die. If I die, none of you will be safe... For the sake of you two children, I will fight to stay alive."
Suo Lun couldn’t hold back any longer, tears sliding down.
"From today onwards, don’t tell me about your victories or defeats, don’t let me know anything, don’t let my emotions fluctuate. I must use all my strength to stay alive."
"Even if I die, I...I will still strike a fatal blow for you. Even if I can’t kill Zhi Li, I will...I will give you enough time to escape overseas..."
Suo Lun nodded desperately, "You, please don’t speak anymore."
King Quo Bian weakly used lip reading and said, "I will say everything at once, then say no more. Child, did you receive my decree?"
Suo Lun nodded, "Yes, I received it."
The King said, "Decrees are too cold-hearted, issued by the king, while I now... want to speak to you as a father."
"Yes!" Suo Lun knelt on both knees.
"Actually, I had spoken to your father earlier, intending to betroth Zhi Yan to you. Your father is stubborn, since you were already betrothed, he did not agree... Now, I officially betroth Zhi Yan to you. Suo Lun, good child... can you promise to take care of Zhi Yan for the rest of your life?" The King trembled silently, using all his strength to infuse his plea and emotion into his gaze as he looked at Suo Lun.
Suo Lun’s face quivered, speechless. He knew well that his forbidden love affair with his older sister Suo Ningbing had been discovered by Princess Zhen Yan; in her eyes, he must resemble a beast.
"I know, you can’t bear to let down another good girl, so...just marry both. What’s wrong with a man having two wives..." the King trembled as he spoke.
Suo Lun said, "I, I am unworthy. I do not know if the Princess is willing."
"I am willing..." Princess Zhuyan stated outright.
"And you, child Suo Lun... Are you willing to marry my Zhi Yan, to care for her all your life?" the King asked, his gaze still filled with entreaty.
"I am willing," Suo Lun clasped the King’s hand tightly, "I am willing to marry Princess Zhuyan and take care of her for a lifetime."
King Quo Bian’s gaze relaxed, revealing relief and joy, and he turned to Zhi Yan, "My child, if you lose the struggle against Zhi Li, then flee far overseas. Just be a good wife to Suo Lun, bear him children, and expand the family. If by chance you win, even though you will be queen, still regard Suo Lun as the head. You...you must heed his words, not only in matters of state but in household affairs too, taking your husband as your heaven, understand?"
"Yes, daughter understands," Princess Zhen Yan tearfully replied.
"Good, good, then you may go. From now on, I shall remain without joy or sorrow; I will strive to live for you, enduring each day as it comes, go, go..." King Quo Bian said, and then slowly closed his eyes.
He would not waste a single ounce of energy; his mission was singular, to stay alive!
Living like a walking corpse, devoid of all emotion, only clinging to breath.
In his life, he had defeated anyone, a true hegemon.
According to his own will, rather than living such an insipid life, he would prefer to die.
But he was not living for himself; he was living for Suo Lun and Zhi Yan.
To buy them more time, he would use all his willpower to hold out until the last moment.
Despite the profound reluctance, Suo Lun and Princess Zhuyan still left the room.
Outside Ziyu Palace, Princess Zhuyan gazed down upon the entire royal palace.
From last night until now, there had been no communication between her and Suo Lun. Silence still prevailed, leaving only a lovely and moving silhouette for Suo Lun.
Suo Lun stepped forward, "I’m sorry for forcing you to submit against your will to such a wretch as myself."
Princess Zhuyan remained silent.
Suo Lun continued, "But rest assured, I will fight Zhi Li with all my might. If we are fortunate enough to succeed, I will grant you freedom and will not force you to marry me, a brute in gentleman’s clothing."
Princess Zhuyan suddenly turned around, looking at Suo Lun, "I want to marry you. Not only do I want to marry you, but I also want to bear you a dozen children. I want to prove to you that I, Zhi Yan, am just an ordinary woman."
Note: Here’s the second update, begging for support, please subscribe automatically!