Li Ji said with a feigned smile,
"My, what a dutiful son the Fourth Prince is. Your Majesty is truly blessed to have a son as devoted as him."
He spoke in a cryptic, mocking tone. Not only did the Fourth Prince, Li Ying, find his words grating, but even the Emperor felt uncomfortable.
The Emperor cleared his throat. "I have already sent men to hunt down Prince Dongyang and his conspirators. As for my health, the Imperial Physicians will tend to it. You need not concern yourselves with these matters."
He looked at Li Ying and said,
"I'm not insisting you marry right this instant. Go back and think it over. In the meantime, I will have people search for a suitable match. I am certain we can find one."
After the Emperor had put it that way, any further refusal from Li Ying would have made him seem utterly ungrateful.
He could only swallow his resentment and indignation, lowering his head.
"I will obey Father's wishes."
