The Second Prince had never imagined he would one day become crippled. He was destined for the throne, and though he wasn't overly ambitious for the imperial seat, he still felt a flicker of pride in being designated the heir apparent by the Emperor.
He had envisioned himself, like his father, finding someone he truly loved, bestowing upon her boundless honor, and growing old together.
But now, that dream was shattered.
What right did a cripple have to offer happiness to the one he loved?
The Second Prince’s gaze was filled with sorrow, yet he didn't need to speak. Wang Qingyao knew what he was thinking.
"You're thinking that because you're lame now, you can't give Wei Qing happiness? That you don't want to hold her back, that she deserves a better man?"
The Second Prince stared at Wang Qingyao, dumbfounded. That was precisely what he had intended to say. Why did she know so clearly?
Wang Qingyao scoffed, "I've seen plenty like you. I just don't understand, you're lame, so what? You're not paralyzed, not amputated, not suffering a stroke. How can you not give Wei Qing happiness? Is your ability to make someone happy dependent on your right leg? Did you hit your head, or did you injure yourself so badly you can't perform as a man?"
Xiao Yun: "Cough, cough, cough..."
Wei Qing's face turned bright red, and the Second Prince's face flushed as well.
Consort Wei’s mouth gaped in astonishment. She knew Wang Qingyao spoke bluntly, but she hadn't expected her to be this blunt.
Only the speaker, Wang Qingyao, continued with a perfectly straight face, "Calm down. I'm analyzing this from a medical perspective, it has nothing to do with my personal conduct. I'm actually quite pure."
Everyone else: "..."
"Your Highness the Second Prince may not be able to become Emperor now, but at the very least, he is a Prince. Miss Wei marrying you would make her a proper Princess, with wealth, power, and affection. As long as you don't take any messy secondary consorts or concubines in the future, how can you say you can't give her happiness?"
Wang Qingyao's words were as direct as ever. She dissected and explained the Second Prince's lameness with such detail that he, who had felt utterly despondent moments before, actually found some logic in her rambling.
Wang Qingyao continued, "Of course, if you continue to lie in bed listlessly without any will to fight, then you truly won't be able to give Miss Wei happiness. Do you know that if you lie down for too long, the muscles in your body will become weak and flaccid? You can still walk now, but if this continues, not only your right leg, but perhaps even your left leg will become unusable. Your body will also develop an unpleasant decaying odor. And if you don't talk to people, keeping your mouth shut for extended periods can lead to bad breath!"
This barrage of threats sent a cold sweat breaking out on the Second Prince.
The others: "..."
Xiao Yun coughed lightly again, signaling that she had said enough and should stop while she was ahead. Seeing the Second Prince's expression, Wang Qingyao felt he had taken her words to heart. She then turned to Consort Wei and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you ask the Emperor to bestow a marriage decree now? The sooner, the better. Cut the Gordian knot!"
Although Wei Qing's face was flushed, her eyes sparkled.
Consort Wei nodded, about to follow Wang Qingyao's suggestion, when the Second Prince quickly said, "Mother Consort, wait..."
Wei Qing's expression changed, and she looked at him in disbelief, on the verge of tears.
Wang Qingyao felt a surge of annoyance. After all her efforts, why was the Second Prince still so stubborn?
The Second Prince said, "Mother Consort, I'd like to speak with Cousin Qing alone."
This indicated a possibility of reconciliation. Consort Wei glanced at Wang Qingyao, who gave her a subtle nod. Consort Wei then agreed, and the unrelated individuals withdrew, leaving the Second Prince and Wei Qing alone in the room.
Wei Qing looked at the Second Prince, who patted the edge of the bed and said, "Come sit closer."
Wei Qing blinked her teary eyes and obediently sat down.
The Second Prince then said, "Qing'er, we grew up together. We can be considered childhood sweethearts, innocent and pure. I know you've always wanted to marry me, to become Crown Princess, to become Empress. But now I have no chance of ascending the throne, and I've even injured my leg. Do you still truly wish to marry me?"
During his days in bed, the Second Prince had come to understand. He didn't actually dislike Wei Qing; he disliked the fact that even his marriage was predetermined. Everyone assumed he would marry Wei Qing, and he, in defiance, refused.
He had resisted for so long, and his resistance was merely against his own unwillingness to accept.
Wei Qing, her eyes red, nodded. "I did want to be Crown Princess, and Empress. But if the Crown Prince, the Emperor, isn't you, what's the point of me being Crown Princess or Empress? Don't talk about a lame leg, even if I couldn't move my lower body, I would still be willing to marry you and take care of you for the rest of my life!"
The Second Prince reached out to caress her gaunt face. "Don't say such inauspicious things."
Wei Qing let out a soft laugh and nodded.
The Second Prince drew her into his embrace. He had searched for years, and the truth was, the one he truly loved had been by his side all along. Fortunately, he had been awakened, and it wasn't too late.
Those outside didn't know what was being said inside. Consort Wei, anxious, secretly tried to press her ear against the door to eavesdrop. However, the room was well-insulated, and the voices of the Second Prince and Wei Qing were low. She stretched her ear as far as it would go, but still heard nothing.
Wang Qingyao, on the other hand, with the aid of her clairvoyant eyes, could see every action of the two inside with perfect clarity.
They were embracing; this was practically a done deal.
She let out a knowing smile.