Wu Jinmai's POV
I tried not to show my true emotions. Shanguan Zu Jin was too cute when he blushed after I told him that I was planning to have his kids.
If I continue that plan, will he be happy to have me as a mother of his children?
"I knew it. You will use us. You know what kind of influence the Shanguan family had. You're still selfish. You made my big brother's life miserable," Shanguan Kai says.
I held my husband's hand and stopped him from scolding his younger brother.
"The favor I am asking isn't easy. Yes, I'm selfish and greedy. I've always been. I am ready to do anything to have all the things I want."
"Father, you are the grand chancellor, but we never had a political relationship. You're supposed to be my adviser, right?" I added.
He looks at me. I simply smile. "I need your wisdom and help me revise the laws before making them official. It will be a lot of work and longer to do it; that's why I need your help," I continued.
My husband looks at me. I know he's checking if I'm serious about it. "Shanguan Kai and Shanguan Xi, you shouldn't avoid taking the imperial exams. The next exam this year will happen in 45 days." I halt and look at their eyes.
"You have to review and make sure to pass the exams. I have important positions to give to the two of you," I added, explaining my point without being demanding.
I continue discussing my concerns and the favor that I want to ask. They listened and didn't disagree in a rude way.
My husband, on the other hand, had kept his silence. The lunch was a bit intense, but I hope I get their trust, even if it's a tiny little bit. That's enough for me.
"We'll take our leave, your highness. May we ask A'Zu to send us to the gate?" her mother asks.
I simply smiled. They leave my quarters. Eunuch Liu and I headed into my study room. I look at the memorials on my table. "Did you do as I said, uncle?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness. May I ask why you suggested the two young masters start reviewing for the imperial exam? What kind of position will you be giving to them?" Eunuch Liu asks.
I take a seat and grab a memorial to read. "I was planning to appoint Shanguan Kai in the inspectorate office. His critical and solving skills will be helpful for investigating complex cases." I halt.
"As for Shanguan Xi, I knew he loved archery and had great skills in martial arts. He can be Li Jin's vice general. I was also planning to have an imperial exam for potential soldiers who were to be part of the imperial army," I added. He was surprised because of what I said.
I simply smiled. I poured tea into my cup and started sipping it while checking these memorials.
I thought it would be hard for me, but my prowess as a lawyer then had Wu Jinmai's memories.
It helps me to understand the situation. At the same time, it helps me not to lose my mind.
"Your Highness, thank you," Uncle Liu mumbles. I raise my head and look at him. He's smiling genuinely.
"For what, uncle?" I ask.
"For fixing everything before Xia falls into an abyss. I'm really glad you are doing your job properly," Eunuch Liu replied.
I smiled and continued what I was doing. This might not be my sin, but I don't want to die without fighting for my right to live.
For the next few days, I prepared myself for the next court meeting that I had to face. Eunuch Liu also gave me the results of the investigation that I asked him.
I made up my mind. I will give them the chance and see if they can help me stop the enemies who want nothing but power and money.
Chen Da Xi started putting on my hair ornaments. I was looking in the mirror. I already put on my makeup.
"It's done, Your Highness," Chen Da Xi says. I stood up. They put on my shoulder drapes.
"You're really beautiful, your highness," Su Gia says. I simply smiled.
"Your Highness, good luck! Show them that you have really changed!" He Ying says. I nod.
"I'll go ahead then. Help Gong Lingling, okay? Don't forget to decoct Concubine Wang's medicine," I stated.
"Understood, Your Highness," they said.
I step out of my chamber. Uncle Liu stood behind me, and we headed into the court hall.
This will be the second time, and I have to show them that I'm consistent with what I demanded from the last meeting that we had. As soon as we arrived, Eunuch Liu stepped forward to announce my arrival.
"The empress has arrived!" he announces.
I walked forward and stood in front of my chair. They all bowed their heads and greeted me.
"Greetings, Your Highness!" they said in chorus.
I take my seat. I feel like my chest will leave my soul, but I know I can do this. "You may rise," I utter.
They look at me, and I know they're waiting for my statement first. "How's the resupply mission in different borders, Minister Wei?" I ask. He moves sideward and bows his head, and he speaks.
"Greetings, Your Highness. As of this moment, the resupply mission was a success. The morale of the soldiers increases, and they promise to guard the borderlands to keep the empire safe," he reported. Eunuch Liu handed me a memorial.
I opened it and started reading it. "Minister Wei, I need you to investigate the current judicial system and prosecution and sentencing system in Ji and Yu provinces. I've received an interesting report here," I remarked.
They look at me and seem to be interested. "I've heard an injustice to the Dongfang household, which was annihilated because of the injustice. It was also stated here that several officials were abusing their powers, forcing women to be their concubines, and threatening their families if they disagreed," I elaborated.
I look at them. They're all males, and I'm the only person here who is a woman. "Tell me, my dear ministers. Is it lovely to have a variety of women catering to your desires in bed?" I inquired.
They look at me. I already expected that. I have a heart myself. I know they will ask the same question.
"I know what you are all thinking. I've shared several meals with men for the past three years. But I never shared my bed with anyone except the emperor consort," I declare. I grab another memorial, another interesting topic to discuss.
"I've received this nonsense for the past fourteen days."
I throw the memorial in front of them. They're a bit startled. "Does it bother everyone if I haven't conceived an heir for the last three years? I need reports about the things that I want to check, not this nonsense! I need results, not a memorial about an imperial baby!" I roared. I even gave them death glares.