Shanguan Zu Jin's POV
I wasn't expecting that. Wu Jinmai's decisions were really unpredictable. Everyone starts to leave, and I notice that her enemies are afraid that she's not acting up like a child.
Father and I leave the hall. "I wasn't expecting that. Everyone was thinking that she was not serious about her so-called reform. What is happening here, son?"
I sighed. "I thought she's not serious as well, father. We've been waiting for her to make mistakes again, but for the past few weeks, she's been working hard. She's in her study reading books and past memorials."
I halt and face my father. I accidentally saw Eunuch Liu talking to Su Ming Xi and Bai Xuan.
"The empress was reviewing the laws and edicts that she made. She's really serious about reforming the court and withdrawing her unnecessary decisions," I added. He sighed.
"If that's the case, I need to work hard with her request. You have to be careful. If she is serious about having your child and making an heir, you will be tied down in the palace forever," Father says.
I simply smiled. "Don't worry about me, Father. For now, let's do as she wants. Her decisions are no longer as bad as they used to be," I replied. He nodded.
"Spring festival will happen tomorrow. Your mother told me that you should come home and celebrate with us. She will make your favorite meal," Father says. I smiled.
"I will speak with the empress, and if she agrees to let the three of us leave then I'll be home tomorrow afternoon," I remarked. He nodded.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Father says.
I smiled and nodded. I bow my head when Father leaves. I rushed my way to the empress's quarters.
I want to know why she suddenly promoted Su Ming Xi and Bai Xuan. The servants saw me. I look at Ren Jia.
"Where are they?" I ask.
"Greeting, Your Highness. They're in her study."
"Don't tell them that I'm here," I remark.
She nodded and watched me as I left. I sneak my way into her study room. I hide in a corner.
"Are you telling us to keep an eye on certain officials, your highness? What makes you think that we can do that?" Bai Xuan asks.
"By your characters. I won't appoint officials out of whim from now on. If I really want to reform the government, I should start by looking at the character and skills of my officials," Wu Jinmai says.
"Also, I know that the two of you won't be easily persuaded by your seniors in court. I need officials that I can trust and who will serve the people, not me, especially fame and money," my wife added.
"If you want me to investigate corruption and other crimes to bring justice to people, I need manpower, your highness. I have to review the officials that are working in the inspectorate office," Su Ming Xi says. She grins.
"No worries. Do as you said, and make sure you will work with allies and great people. As for you, Bai Xuan, work with Pei Xuan, my other father-in-law. The two of you should keep an eye on corrupt officials and do as I said," she explains.
I walked away. I will speak with her regarding these two. I want to make sure if she really needs them as officials or if she's adding those two to her harem. If she does, she'll see how mad I can be!
I waited in her chamber and drank tea near the balcony. The empress was surprised to see me. She looks at Eunuch Liu. "Uncle, leave us for a moment," she says.
She takes her seat. "I know why you are here. I've already made an edict about this matter. Uncle will gather the elders and maidservants. They can have two days off starting tomorrow and celebrate with their family for the spring festival," she says.
I grabbed a cup and poured tea on it. "The three of you can also go home and celebrate with your loved ones," she added.
I scoff and look at her. "It looks like you really knew why I was here. Tell me, what do you really want from Su Ming Xi and Bai Xuan? Do I have to manage another two consorts for you?" I ask coldly.
She stops drinking her tea. My wife smiled. "Are you jealous, my dear?" she asks. I scoff.
"I'm just joking, okay? No. I am not adding anyone in my harem. I already told the three of you that I'll divorce you all as soon as I can. Anyway, you should bring gifts for Zhang Yihua. How about a scented pouch?" she suggests. I stood up.
"Make sure you won't be making bad decisions again, Wu Jinmai," I growled.
I walked away. How can she speak about divorce like our marriage means nothing?! That woman, she's evil!
…
I look back before getting into the carriage. Li Jin and Pei Qin left this morning while I did early in the afternoon.
I was about to get in when I heard someone calling me, "Shanguan Zu Jin! Shanguan Zu Jin! Wait!" she called.
I look back. She's running toward the gate of my quarter. She stops and grabs something inside her sleeve.
"Here. Happy spring festival, A'Zu. Enjoy this moment with your family. This isn't much, but it's my gift for you," she says, smiling sweetly.
I grab the pouch and look at her. "See you in two days. Bye-bye," Li Susu says, waving her hand and sending me with a smile.
I want to bring her with me, but I know my mother and grandmother are still mad at her. I can't ruin this moment because of my willful desire. I get inside the carriage.
"Let's go," I said.
I didn't say anything or even open the curtain to say anything. I place the pouch inside my clothes. She will be fine.
There are servants that will make her warm meal. I arrived in our manor, and our servants welcomed me with a smile. My family was waiting for me in the garden.
"Let's get inside. We prepared snacks. Come on," mother says. I smiled and nodded. It really feels different when you are at home.
Later in the evening, I was surprised when I saw Zhang Yihua outside our house's gate.
I was planning to stroll in the market while my family was busy preparing for the meal we will eat together at midnight. She smiled.
"I'm glad you've come out. I was wondering if you want to accompany me in strolling around the market," she says.
I smiled and started walking. She walks next to me. "I'm glad you're doing fine now," I murmur.
"Can we not talk about her?" she says. I sighed and nodded.
We arrived at the market, and it was bustling. I turn around and bump into a person.
"Oh, sorry. Excuse me," she says. I watch her leaving. That scent... it's familiar!