```
"Indeed, many came to propose to the ninth, but Father rejected them all."
Li Xingbei laughed and said, "Now with the talents of the tenth surpassing even more, even if the imperial family comes to propose, Father would have to weigh his options."
As they gathered around Li Hao and conversed, Li Hao sat amidst the gathering, quietly listening, until he noticed several figures approaching from a distance. Among them was one that particularly irritated him, prompting him to avert his gaze and soon close his eyes, accelerating past the moment.
The sounds of laughter and clinking cups by his ears quickly vanished, and the scene changed, washing over him in waves of weakness.
Perplexed, Li Hao found himself lying on a bed.
He reached out to feel his surroundings but found his arm weak and powerless.
Sensing his awakening, a dozing figure beside him startled awake and leapt up, rushing to the bedside:
"Tenth brother, how do you feel? Any better?"
