Shanguan Zu Jin's POV
As always, the empress is not present for today's court meeting. Good thing that her enemies from the noble faction stop creating problems from the reports of other officers.
She even forgot my birthday today. I shouldn't expect anything, but deep inside, I was hurt.
I should've gotten used to this setup that we have, but as time goes by, I really regret it.
"You're Highness, I have to go first. The empress gives me a task that I need to do," Eunuch Liu says.
I simply nod and watch him as he leaves the Taiji hall first. My father and siblings look at me. We're already on the stairs in front of the Taiji Hall. I notice their worried glances.
"Your mother was wondering if you want to spend the night in our residence to celebrate your birthday, son," he asks.
