mtl008 Chapter 319 Fighting for Love
Chapter 319 Fighting for Love
Chapter 319 Fighting for Love
But he quickly regained his seriousness: "Times have changed. It's not easy for our Cui family to establish itself in the capital now. Your marriage is related to the rise and fall of the family."
Cui Zhihao remained silent for a moment, then kowtowed again: "Father, I know that marriage is a great responsibility, but I believe that Miss Shi will be able to join hands with me and share the burden."
"If I marry someone I don't love, my child will suffer for the rest of his life. How can he then properly fulfill his responsibilities to the family?"
Cui Yi stood up, paced back and forth in the courtyard, his heart filled with conflict.
He was torn between family considerations and his son's plea.
Looking at her son, Wang's eyes welled up with tears, her heart aching.
However, the atmosphere in the study was unusually heavy.
Cui Yi sat on a carved mahogany chair, his expression serious, with his son Cui Zhihao standing in front of him.
Choi Ji-ho frowned, his eyes filled with anxiety and resentment.
"Father, I have never met Miss Lu before, why do you insist that I marry her?"
Choi Ji-ho spoke urgently, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists.
Cui Yi looked at his son, feeling a pang of reluctance, but the orders of the family head and the interests of the family did not allow him to waver in the slightest.
"Huai'an! Your mother and I have already made a decision on this matter. Whether you like it or not, you will come with us to the Lu residence in a few days to discuss your marriage."
His voice was deep and firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Choi Ji-ho was struck dumb, his face turning deathly pale instantly, and his body trembling slightly.
He never expected that his parents would be so determined to arrange his marriage with the Lu family.
After he came to his senses, he subconsciously straightened up and bowed, but he could no longer suppress the pain and struggle in his heart.
"Father, I don't want to go against my heart; I only want to be with Miss Shi!"
He almost cried out those words, his voice echoing in the study, filled with despair.
Upon hearing this, Cui Yi was instantly enraged. With a loud "smack," he slammed his hand heavily on the desk, causing the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the desk to vibrate.
"Miss Shi? She's just an ordinary girl. How can she compare to the Lu family of Fanyang! Our Cui family of Qinghe has enjoyed generations of glory. This marriage is related to the rise and fall of our family. You can't just do whatever you want!"
He stood up, his eyes wide with anger, pointing at Cui Zhihao with a look of utter disappointment.
Choi Ji-ho knelt down with a thud, his eyes reddening and tears welling up.
“Father, I have known Miss Shi for a long time. She is gentle, kind, well-educated, and we are very compatible.”
"Do you really value the family's honor more than your child's happiness?"
His voice was choked with emotion, each word dripping with tears.
Cui Yi looked at his son kneeling on the ground, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He certainly wanted his son to be happy, but as a member of the Cui family, there were some responsibilities he couldn't shirk.
"Huai'an, you are still young and don't understand the complexities of this world. How can you so easily ignore the honor of your family?"
"This marriage will not only solidify the Cui family's position among prominent clans, but also pave a bright path for your official career."
"When you get married and start your own family, you will naturally understand your father's good intentions."
His tone softened slightly, but his attitude remained firm.
Cui Zhihao remained unmoved. He raised his head, looked directly into his father's eyes, and his gaze was full of stubbornness.
"Father, I do not seek any official career or glory, I only wish to stay with Miss Shi forever."
"I cannot sacrifice my happiness for the sake of the family's interests!"
His voice was firm and powerful, showing no sign of backing down.
The father and son were locked in a stalemate, and the atmosphere in the study grew increasingly oppressive.
After a long while, Cui Yi sighed and slowly sat back down in his chair.
"I have made my decision, and you don't need to persuade me anymore. In a few days, come with me to the Lu residence, and let's not cause any more trouble."
He closed his eyes, wearily rubbed his temples, and couldn't bear to look at his son's pained expression any longer.
Seeing that his father had made up his mind, Cui Zhihao knew that no amount of arguing would change anything.
He slowly stood up, the light in his eyes gradually dimming.
"Since Father insists on this, I have nothing to say. It's just that I can't let go of Miss Shi in my heart."
After saying that, he turned around and walked heavily out of the study.
Cui Zhihao returned to his room in a daze, collapsed onto the bed, stared at the ceiling, and his mind was filled with the image of Shi Qingwan.
Now, this sudden marriage is like a sharp sword, severing their beautiful dreams together.
Choi Ji-ho became increasingly upset as he thought about it, and tears welled up in his eyes.
He knew he was powerless to defy his family's decision, but how could he bear to let Miss Shi down?
Meanwhile, Shi Wanxia also heard from elsewhere that Cui Zhihao was about to marry into the Lu family.
She felt as if she had been struck by lightning, and the book slipped silently from her hands.
She couldn't believe that her relationship with Brother Cui was so fragile.
As dawn broke, the faint morning light, like threads, filtered through the carved window lattices and spilled into the elegant courtyard of the Cui residence.
Cui Jiu hurried through the winding corridors, heading straight for the residence of young master Cui Zhihao.
Today is the first day that Choi Ji-ho has attended court, thanks to the Emperor's favor. Choi Ji-ho is filled with nervousness and anticipation.
But as soon as he stepped inside and saw the young master's expression, his excitement instantly dissipated.
"Young master, it's time to get up."
Cui Jiu said softly, while deftly unfolding the official robes carefully prepared by the Imperial Household Department and shaking off non-existent wrinkles.
The official robe was a deep color, embroidered with delicate cloud patterns, and gleamed with a solemn luster in the dim light, but Cui Zhihao looked at it without feeling the slightest bit of joy.
Cui Zhihao looked displeased. He sat up from under the brocade quilt and let Cui Jiu serve him as he washed up, but his eyes were somewhat unfocused.
In the past, when he received the imperial edict, he was filled with lofty ambitions and longing for his path in the imperial court. But now, that expectation has been completely replaced by another emotion.
The thought of possibly encountering Miss Shi during his court session today made him feel extremely uneasy, his heart filled with turmoil and distress.
Cui Jiu knew perfectly well what the young master was thinking. Ever since the young master had developed feelings for Shi Wanxia, a girl from a commoner background, and was forced to get engaged to the Lu family of Fanyang, he had been like a wilted eggplant, completely listless.
"Young master, the carriage is ready, and it's almost time."
Cui Jiu cautiously offered a reminder, afraid of touching upon the young master's sensitive emotions.
Cui Zhihao sighed, stood up, and let Cui Jiu help him put on his official robes.
After dressing properly, he looked at himself in the bronze mirror, seeing a refreshed yet troubled reflection, and felt a mix of emotions.
"Let's go," he said softly, his voice tinged with weariness.
After leaving the Cui residence, Cui Zhihao boarded a carriage and drove leisurely towards the palace.
Outside the car window, the streets of the capital gradually became lively, and the people began their busy new day, but Cui Zhihao had no heart to appreciate the bustling city life.
His mind was filled with the image of Shi Wanxia, and the tearful look on her face when she heard the news of the marriage.
Before long, the carriage stopped outside the palace. Cui Zhihao took a deep breath, straightened his official robes, and walked steadily toward the court.
Along the way, he encountered many officials who bowed and congratulated him, to which he could only force a smile and respond.
Stepping into the court, Cui Zhihao stood in his place, his gaze unconsciously sweeping towards where Shi Wanxia was.
Thankfully, late summer hadn't arrived yet. He breathed a slight sigh of relief, but the weight in his heart remained heavy.