Zheng Huang could see his son's complicated expressions and turned to his daughter-in-law. "Yang Ning, as the eldest daughter-in-law of our family and the Crown Princess of the Zheng Empire, I want you to take this responsibility and find a suitable bride for Zheng Xiang. He is your brother-in-law after all. Will you take this responsibility?" The old man asked earnestly.
At this moment, his gaze was gentle, carrying a sense of guilt towards both of his sons, and his aged, weary body added a layer of helplessness to his request.
Yang Ning pursed her lips and was silent for a few minutes upon hearing this sudden request from His Majesty. As someone who has read the novel, Fang Li was aware of the crucial role in the plot development of the novel. Although things aren't unfolding exactly according to the storyline, the main events are indeed happening as per the narrative.
In the novel, Prince Zheng Xiang, who initially had a bright and friendly personality as a young child, underwent a huge transformation over the years, becoming cold and developing a hostile relationship with Zheng Liang. With only a one-year age difference between the two brothers, after the demise of the Empress, there was widespread support for Prince Zheng Xiang to become the Crown Prince.
This was because his mother was the current Empress, making it seem more suitable for him to take charge of the Empire.
Even though Zheng Xiang had no desire to become the next successor of the Empire, his mother, and others kept feeding him ideas of becoming the Crown Prince and ruling the Empire, convincing him that only then would he be able to gain love and favor from his father.
Initially, the little boy loved his elder brother and aspired to become like him. However, Zheng Liang, already dealing with his hardships and pain after losing his mother, pushed him away.
Before the young prince Zheng Xiang could comprehend the reason behind his brother's cold and hostile attitude towards him, he too was sent away from the palace, separated from his family, and forced to live alone with the servants and caretakers outside the palace.
The circumstances caused him to develop an indifferent and cold attitude towards Zheng Liang. In the novel, he enters the storyline when the Emperor passes away, and there is a struggle to determine the next successor.
The Empress and her supporters wanted to make Zheng Xiang the next emperor, and Zheng Liang had to struggle against them a lot in this difficult moment to rightfully claim his place in the royal court.
Since Zheng Xiang had no desire to take over the throne, amid the chaotic political struggle, he went against his mother's wishes and didn't support the plans she had for him. In the end, he didn't agree to fight against Zheng Liang. However, during all these struggles, the relationship between the brothers was far from harmonious.
Remembering how Yang Lingxin poisoned the Emperor for a long time, he couldn't help but worry upon seeing Yang Ning reaching out to hold her neck and her pale complexion.
Upon hearing Zheng Liang's panicked voice, the old man also grew worried. He looked at the maids coldly and ordered, "What are you doing standing there? Call the royal physician right away and remove these dishes from here. Take them away."
Yang Ning, still in a daze, was shocked to see the change in the atmosphere. She shook her head and said to the maids, "There is no need to call the royal physician. I am alright." She then turned to His Majesty and Zheng Liang, assuring them, "I am alright. I... I just got choked on my saliva and nothing else. I am fine, perfectly fine." She repeatedly assured them.
Chapter Stay:
Upon seeing her fine, Zheng Liang relaxed and took a sigh of relief. He handed her a glass of water, and after making sure that she was alright, he sat on his seat comfortably. His breath was stuck in his throat for a moment, seeing Yang Ning holding onto her neck and looking uncomfortable. In this life, there is nothing more precious to him than Yang Ning.
Seeing everyone panicking for no reason, Yang Ning felt bad for making them worried. She was simply deep in thought and didn't realize that her reaction could be misinterpreted.
After gathering her thoughts, Yang Ning took a deep breath and faced the old Emperor, saying, "Father, if this is your wish, I will take this responsibility and choose a suitable bride for Prince Zheng Xiang. You do not need to worry about anything; just leave this worry to me and focus on recuperating your health."
Since she cannot stop Prince Zheng Xiang from entering the palace, she will use her energy to change the flow of the story once again. In the novel, Zheng Xiang was the second male lead and didn't get Hou Wei, but what if she makes his wishes come true this time?
Rather than becoming the villainess of the novel, she can become the cupid between the female lead and the second male lead. That way, everyone will be happy!
Seeing Yang Ning agreeing to his request, the old man had a smile on his face as he thanked Yang Ning, "Yang Ning, thank you for understanding me and my worries. I know that you're a responsible girl and would find the best princess for him. I know I can trust you. Thank you for accepting my request."
Yang Ning smiled and shook her head, "Father, you don't need to thank me for it. It's my responsibility."
Zheng Liang was silent during this conversation, but he couldn't help but wonder about the consequences of Yang Ning taking over this responsibility. It wasn't particularly a good feeling, but seeing how worried his father looked about Zheng Xiang, he had no option but to agree to his choices for the sake of his wellness and health.