Wu Jinmai's POV
I want to tame Shanguan Zu Jin because he's the candidate to be the next leader of the Xia dynasty. I'm not invincible.
One of these days, these people who want to assassinate me will succeed. I knew I'd be living a short life, and I had to fight for it or make the most of it.
"It's none of her business. I have no obligation to explain things to her," A'Zu says, standing up.
He bows his head and leaves. Li Jin and Pei Qin blink because of his rudeness.
"Your Highness, please forgive him for his rudeness!" A'Jin stated. I raise my hand and simply grin.
"It's okay. I know that the three of you loathe me. I understand why A'Zu was acting like that. Anyway, did you know why he didn't want to talk about her?" I ask.
They look at each other and seem to be confused. They faced me after.
"Don't tell me you forgot about it, Your Highness?" A'Qin stated.
This time, I gave them that puzzled reaction. I lightly shake my head. A'Jin speaks.
"Your Highness, you're the reason why their wedding ceremony didn't happen. Two days before the ceremony, the Shanguan household receives an imperial verdict. You ask Shanguan Zu Jin's hand to be your first husband and prince consort," A'Jin halts. He looks at Pei Qin.
"The late emperor, empress, and crown prince were still alive at that time. Your mother either. You married Shanguan Zu Jin at the age of 15. You've been married to him for five years," Pei Qin continues.
I blink. Wu Jinmai's memories didn't give me such an event. It only means that she's unaware that the man she chooses to be prince consort was supposed to marry his betrothed woman.
I gulp. What a messed-up story Wu Jinmai and Shanguan Zu Jin had! I look at them.
"Thank you for telling me. The two of you can leave now. I'll summon you again when I have things to discuss," I remarked.
They stood up and bowed their heads while their fingertips were leaning against each other.
"We'll take our leave, Your Highness!" they both say.
I continued drinking my tea while thinking of how Jinmai ruined Zu Jin's marriage. I take a deep breath.
"Eunuch Liu!" I called.
The door opens, and he enters right away. "Greeting, Your Highness," he greeted.
I raise my hand. "Do you need my help, your highness?"
I look at him. "Did you know what Wu Jinmai did to Shanguan Zu Jin and noble lady Zhang Yihua?" I ask.
He moves closer. "Are you referring to the day that you asked the late emperor to marry him and give him the title of prince consort?" he asks.
I nodded. He lowers his face and leans forward. "I still remember it, your highness. I also heard several rumors about your decision," he halts.
He noticed that my reaction was different. "I mean her highness. Her Highness takes an interest in Shanguan Zu Jin after she accidentally bumps him on her way to Hanqui Palace," he paused a little bit.
"The emperor calls you because he's thinking of marrying you off to any noble men that you wish to marry," he added.
I remember that time. Based on Wu Jinmai's memories, what caught her attention was his beautiful face, especially his lips, and his sweet-smelling fragrance.
"I see. Wu Jinmai based her liking for men on their scent and beauty. It does make sense. Pei Qin and Li Jin had a unique fragrance. They're beautiful men as well," I stated.
Eunuch Liu was still staring at me. I think he wants to add something. "You may speak, Uncle Liu."
I told him that he reminded me of my maternal uncle, who took care of me and helped me with my studies.
After my parents died in an accident, he became my guardian and didn't marry any woman who might bully me. Like Eunuch Liu, he's gentle and caring.
"Your Highness, I think you need to pick which of the three men will stay by your side and rule this empire completely," he says.
I look at him. I didn't expect that suggestion from him. I was expecting the other way, actually.
"Divorcing them all at once will bring chaos, your highness. The noble family will be more eager to dethrone you and kill you along the way. The real Wu Jinmai's sin will be pinned on you. You'll suffer for the crimes that you never commit."
He suddenly kneels and levels his height on my face. Uncle Liu was serious about his suggestion.
"You need a brain, a shield, and a sword, your highness. Two of them will be your allies, and one of them will be your home. A home can do anything to protect its people, and allies can kill your enemies," Uncle Liu suggests.
I held my chin and thought of what he said. He stood up and took five paces backward. I looked at him and sighed deeply.
"I will consider your suggestion, Uncle Liu. You may leave; I have so many memorials to read for today."
He smiled and bowed his head. "I'll take my leave, Your Highness," he says.
He withdraws and leaves me. I grab one of the memorial and read what is written there. I sighed. They're all just requests.
They want me to reconsider my plans and just focus on conceiving a baby and becoming a filial mother and wife. I poured tea into my cup and took a sip.
"What can I do? I'm determined to live my life from now on. It's no longer my fault if these shits can't follow my own principles."
'I think Eunuch Liu was right. It would make me crazier if I just spoke all by myself. But who will I be choosing as my brain, sword, and shield? Who are my home and allies?'
I continue reading their memorials, even if it irritates me. After hours of reading, a certain memorial caught my attention.
This man has caught my interest. Gong Hou Ming is requesting a review of the performance evaluation of the whole department of the Ministry of Personnel.
He wouldn't appeal like this if he didn't notice certain anomalies. I will look over this. "Eunuch Liu!"
The door opens, and he enters. I look at him. "Send reliable people who will investigate this matter. Uncle Liu, make sure they're loyal to us. I need loyal men who will help me in this predicament," I mutter.
"Your Highness, don't worry. I know people who will never betray you," he whispers. I smiled and nodded.
"I'll leave this one to you then," I stated. He bows his head.
"Understood, Your Highness. Eunuch Liu will take his leave," he stated.
I raise my hand and watch him as he walks away. I cleaned my table and stood up. "I better walk around. I feel like my lower half has gone numb."