I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

On New Year's Eve, the Duke's Mansion was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. The red plum blossoms in the courtyard were in full bloom against the backdrop of white snow, like dots of cinnabar falling on the branches, emitting bursts of delicate fragrance. Inside the house, the charcoal fire in the warm charcoal brazier was burning brightly, crackling and warming the whole house.

Chen Jia and Chen Jue, dressed in gorgeous new clothes, sat side by side in front of a table filled with delicious food. The table was filled with steaming dumplings, exquisite cakes, sweet fruits, and various dishes with auspicious meanings. Red characters for "Fu" and colorful ribbons were hung on the surrounding walls, and exquisite window grilles were pasted on the windows, reflecting colorful light under the candlelight.

Chen Jue's eyes stayed on Chen Jia, full of affection. He looked at his sister's face illuminated by the candlelight, and an irrepressible emotion surged in his heart. Over the years, they have experienced countless ups and downs together, and at this special moment, he wanted to make a promise to Chen Jia, a promise for a lifetime. His palms were slightly sweaty, and his heartbeat was much faster than usual. It seemed that there was a fire burning in his heart, and this fire drove him to muster up courage.

"Sister, do you know? I feel especially warm at this time of year." Chen Jue said softly, his voice a little low, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness, like a child holding a treasure carefully, afraid that the slightest carelessness would break this beautiful atmosphere.

Chen Jia turned to look at Chen Jue and said with a smile, "Yes, Xiaojue. When we stay up all night, the whole family is together. This feeling is really happy." Her eyes were shining with tenderness, which was a deep attachment to her family and relatives. At this time, she had not noticed Chen Jue's strange emotions, but simply enjoyed this warm moment, her thoughts immersed in the memories of the past reunions and stay-up all night.

Chen Jue took a deep breath, and he felt his heartbeat speeding up, as if it was about to jump out of his chest. He held Chen Jia's hands, which were soft and warm, making him more determined, but also more nervous. "Sister, actually... I have something to say to you." His eyes became more fiery, as if he wanted to melt Chen Jia into them. His eyes hid the emotions he had suppressed for many years, like surging waves about to break through the dam.

Chen Jia looked at Chen Jue with some doubts, "Xiao Jue, what's wrong with you? What's so serious?" She could feel Chen Jue's hands trembling slightly, and an inexplicable premonition surged in her heart. This premonition made her heart beat faster involuntarily. She looked at Chen Jue's deep and fiery eyes, and suddenly felt a little shy, her cheeks flushed slightly, with a hint of inquiry and expectation in her eyes.

"Sister, we have walked together for these years, and every moment is engraved in my heart. From the time we fought against the King of Jin together, we shared life and death, and every crisis made me cherish the time you spent with me even more. Later, when the court was reformed, we worked together for the future of the country, and you accompanied me every step of the way. Your wisdom and kindness illuminated my way forward like a beacon. I found that I couldn't live without you." Chen Jue looked into Chen Jia's eyes and said word by word, each word full of his sincere emotions. The scenes he had experienced with Chen Jia kept emerging in his mind. Those scenes were like bright stars, constituting the most precious memories in his life.

Chen Jia's face instantly turned red, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, followed by full of emotion. "Xiao Jue, you...what are you talking about? We are relatives, so of course we should accompany each other." She was a little overwhelmed, and this sudden confession made her mind confused. Her heart seemed to be gently moved by an invisible hand, and emotions such as sweetness, shyness, and surprise were intertwined. She didn't dare to look directly at Chen Jue's fiery gaze, and lowered her head slightly, looking at the ground with a panicked look, and her fingers twisted the corners of her clothes unconsciously.

"Sister, you know what I mean. My feelings for you have long surpassed family affection. I want to spend my life with you, not as a brother, but as your husband." Chen Jue held Chen Jia's hand tightly, as if he was afraid that she would suddenly disappear. His eyes were full of expectation and love, a kind of desperate courage. He showed his heart to Chen Jia without reservation, waiting for her response. His heart was nervous and full of hope, like a traveler waiting for dawn in the dark, not knowing whether he would be greeted by light or continued darkness.

Tears welled up in Chen Jia's eyes. She looked at Chen Jue, the boy who had accompanied her for many years and grew up together. Now he has grown into a handsome and affectionate man. "Xiao Jue, I... I actually like you too. But, will we..." She hesitated a little. After all, they are siblings, and such feelings are unacceptable in the eyes of the world. She was in a struggle. On the one hand, she had a deep love for Chen Jue, and on the other hand, she was under pressure from secular ethics. She was afraid that this relationship would hurt them and make them despised by the world.

Chen Jue saw Chen Jia's worry, and he gently wiped away the tears on Chen Jia's face, "Sister, I know what you are worried about. Although we are siblings, we are not blood-related. Our feelings are real, and I will not let anyone destroy it. I have thought about it, and I will ask the emperor to grant us a marriage, so that our marriage will be legitimate. Moreover, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has always been very good to us, and I think he will be willing to officiate our wedding." His eyes were firm and confident, and he wanted to use his own strength to fight for a bright future for their love. His tone was full of determination, like a soldier about to go to war, ready to fight to protect his most precious thing.

Chen Jia nodded slightly, her heart filled with emotion and trust. "Xiao Jue, as long as you have confidence, I am willing to face it with you. I believe we can do it." Her smile was like a blooming flower, beautiful and moving. At this moment, the worries in her heart were dispelled by Chen Jue's determination. She was willing to believe that their love could overcome all difficulties, just like the enemies and difficulties they had overcome together.

Chen Jue hugged Chen Jia excitedly, "Sister, don't worry, I will definitely make you happy." His heart was filled with joy, as if he owned the whole world. He hugged Chen Jia tightly, feeling her warmth, as if he was hugging the happiness of his life. He secretly swore in his heart that no matter what difficulties he encountered in the future, he would not let go of Chen Jia's hand.

At this moment, bursts of firecrackers were heard outside the house, and colorful fireworks bloomed in the night sky, lighting up the entire capital. The brilliant colors were reflected on the faces of Chen Jue and Chen Jia, adding a touch of romance to their happy moment.

"Xiao Jue, look, the fireworks are so beautiful!" Chen Jia leaned in Chen Jue's arms and said as she looked at the fireworks outside the window. Her eyes were shining with happiness, and the beauty of the fireworks seemed to symbolize the splendor of their love.

"Sister, no fireworks are more beautiful than you. You are the brightest light in my life." Chen Jue whispered in Chen Jia's ear. His voice was gentle and affectionate, carrying endless love for Chen Jia.

The two of them hugged each other and enjoyed this warm and sweet moment. They knew that there might be difficulties in the future, but they loved each other and had the courage to face everything.

After staying up all night, the new year arrived. Chen Jue went to the palace to meet the emperor early in the morning. The palace was decorated with lights and colors, and there was a festive and peaceful scene. The eunuchs and palace maids were busy shuttling around, making the final preparations for the New Year's celebration.

Chen Jue came to the outside of the emperor's palace, feeling a little nervous. He knew that his request was a little special, and he didn't know how the emperor would react. He wandered outside the palace for a few steps, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down.

"Your Majesty, I am Chen Jue, requesting to see you." Chen Jue said to the eunuch guarding the gate. His voice trembled slightly, revealing his inner nervousness.

The eunuch went in to report, and then came out quickly and said, "His Majesty summons you."

Chen Jue straightened his clothes and walked into the palace. The emperor was sitting on the dragon throne, looking very happy.

"Chen Jue, why do you come to see me at the beginning of the new year?" the emperor asked with a smile.

Chen Jue knelt down and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have an unreasonable request, and I hope Your Majesty can fulfill it." He lowered his head, not daring to look directly into the emperor's eyes, and felt uneasy in his heart.

The emperor frowned slightly, "Oh? What's your matter? Tell me."

"Your Majesty, my sister Chen Jia and I are in love with each other. Although we are not related by blood, the secular world may misunderstand us. I beg Your Majesty to grant us a marriage so that we can be together legitimately." Chen Jue finished speaking, lowered his head, and waited for the emperor's decision. His heartbeat accelerated sharply, and his palms were full of sweat. He knew that this was a key step in their love, and success or failure depended on this move.

The emperor was silent for a moment, and he looked at Chen Jue with some surprise in his heart. He did not expect Chen Jue to make such a request, but he also knew the contributions that Chen Jue and Chen Jia had made to the court over the years, and since they were not blood relatives, it was not unethical.

"Chen Jue, do you know that your request is of great importance?" the emperor said seriously.

"Your Majesty, I know. But my sister and I have a sincere relationship, and we are willing to face all difficulties. Moreover, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has always been very caring towards us, and I think His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will also support us." Chen Jue answered firmly. He raised his head, his eyes full of determination. He wanted to let the emperor see his determination.

The emperor pondered for a while and said, "Okay, I will grant your wish. I will issue an edict to grant you marriage, and I hope you will be happy."

Chen Jue was overjoyed, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty is wise!" His voice was a little choked with excitement. He knew that their love was recognized, which was the result he most wanted to see.

After leaving the palace, Chen Jue immediately went to find the prince. The prince was receiving officials who came to pay New Year's greetings in the East Palace. When he saw Chen Jue coming, he asked the officials to leave first.

"Chen Jue, is there something important that brings you to see me today?" asked the prince.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has agreed to grant us the marriage. My sister and I hope Your Highness can preside over our wedding." Chen Jue said excitedly, his face filled with a happy smile and his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

The prince was stunned at first, then smiled and said, "So that's what happened. I've noticed your feelings for each other, and since His Majesty has granted you the marriage, I'm naturally willing to officiate at your wedding. I hope you can grow old together and stay together forever."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Chen Jue said gratefully.

In the following days, the news of the emperor's marriage spread throughout the capital. People talked about it, some blessed it, and some questioned it, but Chen Jue and Chen Jia didn't care. They began to prepare for the wedding, choose an auspicious day, and decorate the new house.

The Duke's Mansion was busy with servants coming and going, preparing for the wedding. Chen Jia looked at the lively scene, her heart filled with happiness. She knew that she was about to usher in the most important moment of her life, entering the palace of marriage with her beloved. Her heart was full of anticipation for the wedding, imagining the moment when she would walk towards Chen Jue in her beautiful wedding dress.

Chen Jue was even busier. He had to arrange every detail of the wedding to ensure that everything went well. He hoped to give Chen Jia a perfect wedding, a wedding she would never forget. While directing the servants to arrange the wedding, he was thinking about what else needed to be improved. Every detail carried his deep love for Chen Jia.