Shanguan Zu Jin's POV
I scolded my servant while I'm having my meal. I told him to know when to interrupt. He's been ruining the mood!
Li Susu was also taking that chance to escape from me. If this stupid servant of mine knew how much I suffer when I lose my chances.
Now that Wu Jinmai had died, someone was using her body. I can finally get the chance that I wanted.
"Young master, I forgot to tell you something," he whispered.
I raised my head and glared at him. He stood straight and coughed. "What is it, huh?" I growled. Xu Jiaxu starts laughing weirdly.
"What is it?" I repeated.
"Your family is visiting the empress today," he says.
My eyes dilated. I stood up and looked at him. "What did you just say? Is it grandfather and father only or the whole family?" I ask. He looks down.
"The whole family, young master. I think they are planning to request the empress to divorce you," he explains.
My jaw clenched. I have to speak with the empress and tell her their arrival. I walked away and rushed to her chamber.
Xu Jiaxu followed me as we headed into the empress's quarter. The servants bowed their heads when they saw me.
"Where's the empress?" I asked. She looks at me.
"She's checking concubine Wang's condition, your highness," Chen Da Xi replied.
I headed to that chamber and saw her leaving the place. My wife was surprised to see me. I bow my head and grab her hand right away. I look at Wu Jinmai's face and breathe deeply.
"We have a problem. My family was visiting us today. I think they're here for a certain reason," I remarked. She looked at me and giggled. I frowned and glared at her.
"This is not something that you should laugh about, your highness," I growled.
She nodded, but I could tell she was taking it lightly. "Relax, A'Zu. We'll be fine. Eunuch Liu, prepare the garden. Also, prepare something for our guests," she commands.
"Understood, Your Highness," he says. After bowing, he drags Xu Jiaxu and leaves us.
Wu Jinmai held my hand, and we left the chamber. "How's her condition? Is she doing great?" I inquire. She nodded.
"Yes. The medicines I decoct for her are making her better. She's no longer dehydrated. Maybe she will wake up today or tomorrow," she replied.
We are heading towards the backyard of her quarters. "What is the problem, A'Zu? You look nervous when you tell me that they're visiting," she asks. I sighed.
"You will know. You have to be ready," I replied. My eyes dilated when I saw the garden. The vegetables and herbs had sprouted.
"We will save up for ingredients as soon as they're ready to be harvested. The best part is, it's organic," she says.
I turned around and saw that smile on her lips. Li Susu's personality fits Wu Jinmai's body. I smiled also.
My family arrives before lunch. My wife and I wait for them in the garden. She prepared simple meals for all of us. They bow their heads to pay their respects to the empress of this empire.
"Greetings, Your Highness, Great Empress Wu—"
My wife cut their formalities. "Raise your heads. Greetings, your highness was enough. Let's take our seats and eat these meals. My servants work hard to prepare them. Let's eat," she says. They look at her.
I look at my mother and father. I signaled them to do as the empress says. Wu Jinmai sits first. I noticed that we were missing a single table. I have no table!
"My dear, take your seat as well," Wu Jinmai says.
She taps the pillow next to her. I look at her. My wife tapped the pillow and signaled for me to sit there. I have no choice but to sit next to her.
"Let's eat," she repeated.
My family was surprised because of her actions. She starts putting food in my empty bowl.
"Your Highness, we are here to propose something. We are not here to have a meal with you," my father says.
Shanguan Wei, he's the grand chancellor. After Li Jin's grandfather resigned, he recommended my dad to be the next grand chancellor.
"It's rare for the Shanguans to visit me. If I remember it right, this would be the fifth time that we all meet together," Wu Jinmai says.
She sips the soup and puts down the bowl. She looks at my father. I notice how nervous they are.
"We are proposing that our son shouldn't be your puppet anymore. We are ready to be exiled in the capital," the father added. My grandfather speaks.
"The people had suffered because of you. Your declaration of court reform at the last court meeting won't change the fact that you abused your power as the ruler of Xia," he commented.
"We want my child back. You can have our properties and money. We will live as far as we can, Your Highness. We had enough," Mother added.
I was ready to explain myself when my wife stopped me by raising her hand. I look at Wu Jinmai. She was calm and didn't show any rude reaction. My wife bows her head.
My family was surprised because of what she did. "Your Highness, raise your head!" Father exclaimed. She didn't do it.
"I apologize, father and mother. I can't give up on him, no matter how you request it. I understand if you'll see me as a selfish and ruthless daughter-in-law, but..." she stops, raising her head.
"I need Shanguan Zu Jin by my side. Not as a puppet or my sword. He is my husband, and as a wife, I'll selfishly keep him by my side. The bed is cold if you don't share it with your partner."
I was stunned and flustered at the same time. Wu Jinmai had declared that she owned me as her husband, not a pawn she could use for her game.
"It will be unbelievable for me to say it, but it's true. He's an intelligent, virtuous, and morally dignified man. After fixing all the mess that I did," she continued.
"My emperor consort will be the main ruler of the empire. I'll manage the inner court and take care of our children by then. I'll stay away from court matters as much as possible," she added.
I was stunned because of what she said. She looks serious, though. "Children?" I utter. She looks at me and nods.
"I want at least five or six, two boys and three girls. It will be fun," she says.
I was stunned, and yet my heart was jumping because of happiness. "Is this some kind of a joke?" Shanguan Xi asks. He's my youngest brother.
My wife shakes her head. "I am not, A'Xi. Now that the family is here, I will discuss something. If you really care for my husband's welfare, you must listen to what I'm going to say," she asserted.
I look at her. I have a hunch about what kind of discussion she wants from us.