Wu Jinmai's POV
Thanks to the advancement of technology, television was invented. CGI was invented, and so on and so forth.
That's why Chinese drama, especially historical ones, contributes to the economy and keeps people entertained.
I guess being addicted to such dramas helps me to think of possible events in this era. It's a bit odd that I'm pushing myself to fix everything.
I guess I've accepted the fact that I'm stuck here. "Li Jin, I know who I am. I know I killed people based on my mood. But this time, I can proudly tell you that Song Yue is not one of my victims."
I halt and face the emperor consort. "A'Zu, persuade your woman's father to do as I said. Song Qing and Song Jialun need to come back here to the capital."
I look at Eunuch Liu. "We need a sedan for Consort Wang. I need her to be transferred to the vacant room in my chamber. I have a bad feeling about this," I murmur.
I trampled on the medicine in my hand. The two ingredients in these herbs are both poisonous when mixed with each other.
They want to silence her for good! "I will get one myself, Your Highness. I'll take my leave," Eunuch Liu says.
I watch him as he leaves. I look at Li Jin. "Can you go with him? I don't want to lose my uncle," I whispered. He leaves right away and chases him. Shanguan Zu Jin grabs my wrist.
"You're poking your nose everywhere, your highness. You must listen to what your three husbands say. You already knew that we could kill you," Shanguan Zu Jin says. I know that he wants to remind me how they killed the real Wu Jinmai.
I take a step closer and look him in the eyes. "Emperor consort. I won't stand down again. I will make decisions on my own. I'll prove to everyone what I'm capable of. I won't be their puppet anymore," I whispered.
I brush his shoulder and look into his eyes again. "No need to remind me. That night will always linger in every corner of my mind. I will never forget that," I added.
I step back and get inside the chamber. They finished cleaning her body and changed her clothes.
I wonder what kind of household she had. Why did they let her marry my father? Is it because of power or a possible political connection?
I wonder if she was also my mother's victim. It's saddening that she suffers at such a young age.
She should enjoy the greatness of life. Not like this. I raised my hand and caressed her face.
"I wonder how much you hate the royal family…" I mumbled softly.
Gong Lingling bowed her head and suddenly kneeled in front of me. "Your Highness, please don't hurt my young lady. She didn't do anything. She will never hurt people."
I look at her. "If you will be honest with me and tell me everything that happens, I am ready to spare your life as well as that of your young lady. I don't need a false statement, my dear. You have to be honest," I remarked.
She raises her head and looks at me. I met her gaze and showed her how serious I was. I stood up and crouched down to level my face on her.
"Tell me... What is happening in my father's harem? What happened to your master?" I ask. She looks down and grasps her clothes while trembling.
"Your Highness, you should be careful. You have to be careful. The inner court was the most dangerous place in the whole palace. You will experience what your mother did to them. You will never be happy," she whispers.
She stood up and left. I sighed and stood up. I know what she's trying to say. Wu Jinmai's mother was selfish and ruthless herself. My father, the emperor, favored my younger brother and tolerated my mother's wrongdoing.
Eunuch Liu and Li Jin arrive, and we transfer consort Wang onto the carriage. Gong Lingling and I were inside the carriage.
After a few moments, we arrived at my quarters. I get out of the carriage. "Eunuch Liu, take care of their needs. I will drop by later for her medicine," I said.
He bows his head. He looks at the other eunuchs he brings with him. I watch them as they carry her to the vacant chamber.
I already checked her pulse and diagnosed her situation. I know what kind of medicine she needs to take. I look back and notice that my husband is not around.
I shrug my shoulders. "I guess they're having an emergency meeting. They're allies after all," I mumbled.
I changed my clothes and hairstyle. I look in the mirror and scoff. "If only my father was like Emperor Hongzhi, then I don't have to manage this shit. Harem was really the worst and sometimes the reason for a man's downfall, but in my case…"
I stopped talking to myself and rolled my eyes. I grabbed my coat and tied it around me. Sulking and blaming a dead person is nothing but a petty decision.
I sneak out and take a horse to the stable. When I reached the gate, I showed my pass to the guards.
They let me out without questioning the purpose. They thought I was part of the imperial guards.
I went to the market and bought the medicines that I needed for Consort Wang. She needs to drink it before her servants feed her.
I left my horse on a tree and entered the market. I smiled when I saw how classic and unique our ancient markets were.
I'm still surprised and amazed whenever I look around and see buildings that are far different from what I usually see in Shanghai and other parts of China.
"Hi, can I ask where's the apothecary store in this market?" I ask.
The woman smiled and blinked her eyes. I smiled and tried not to make it awkward. "I can bring you there," she sexily says. I laugh awkwardly.
"Uhm… it's okay. I can manage. I just need the direction," I replied.
She grabs my arms and wraps hers like a snake. She even runs her fingers on my shoulder. I get a shiver.
I can't believe that even in this era, flirting skills were still everywhere. She drags me, and I have no choice but to follow.
My jaw drops when we're standing in front of a brothel. Is she serious?! "But first… let's go inside and have a drink."
I grab her hand and take it off me. "I don't think so. I am looking for that place because my wife is waiting for me. She gave birth, and I need some medicine for her recuperation. I apologize, but you've dragged the wrong guy."
I step back and leave right away. I look around and find that freaking apothecary store myself.
"Meat buns! Meat bun!" a kid yells. I went to their stall. I grab my pouch.
"Five meat buns, please. By the way, can you tell me where's the nearest apothecary store?" I questioned.