Chapter 30: Her simple promise

Shanguan Zu Jin's POV

I heard everything that Li Susu said. I also watch how she makes gestures and talks to herself.

I blink, and she's really serious while asking those questions. I wonder if things would change if I did as she asked.

"A part of me was scared that I had no place in her heart. I think I'm just a selfish man. I never want to share or see her with other men. I want to keep her away from every man's eyes, but..." I halt.

I take a deep breath and crack a bitter smile. "But she always runs away from me. She never smiled at me like she enticed other men. She's looking at me with such lifeless and cold eyes," I added.

I was too devastated at that time. She always hires men from music houses and hangs out with them.

She always summons Pei Qin and Li Jin. I was left all alone, doing all her work. She only needs me to stabilize her empire.

Wu Jinmai, or Li Susu, moved her body closer and embraced me. She nestled her face on my neck.

"I am not her. I really meant it when I told you that I needed you and that I wanted you. You will no longer be alone. I'll be here," she whispers.

I look at her. Her eyes were closed. I think she didn't mean what she said. It's a word from a sleepy woman.

"Shanguan Zu Jin, don't betray me," she added.

I scoff. I think she's not just sleeping but dreaming as well. What a cunning woman! I caress her cheeks.

She held the back of my palm, turned her face, and kissed it. I was taken aback, and it feels like my heart stops beating. My ears feel hot, and my cheeks too!

"I'm serious. I promise I will remember everything that I said. I can even say them again tomorrow. Good night…" she whispers softly, wearing that sweet smile.

The next morning, I woke up, and she wasn't in our bed again. I wonder if she visits her garden. I get off the bed and call my servant.

"Xu Jiaxu!" I called. The door opens, and my wife, holding a tray, enters the room.

"Good morning. I told Xu Jiaxu to stay outside. I've cooked this meal. Let's have breakfast, A'Zu," she says.

I fixed my hair and tied it up. She's already sitting near the window and was looking at the flower in my quarter's garden. I take my seat and look at the food she cooks.

"You don't have to cook anything. We have servants that will do this," I whispered. She simply grins.

"I know. But I want to cook something for you. Don't worry. I know how to cook these meals. No matter how many centuries have passed, our food stays the same, which is our pride and joy," Wu Jinmai says.

I have to keep in mind that she's Wu Jinmai, but never forget that she's Li Susu. "I see," I simply murmur.

I grab the bowl and spoon. I chose to taste it first. I smiled and chewed the vegetables. "It's delicious," I complimented. She looks at me gently and smiles after. She starts eating as well.

'I wonder if she remembers everything that she said last night. Should I remind her about our conversation or...'

"I am not her. I really meant it when I told you that I needed you and that I wanted you. You will no longer be alone. I'll be here. Shanguan Zu Jin, don't betray me," she utters. She put down her bowl and looked at me. I was stunned.

"What are you…?" I mumbled. She giggled.

"A'Zu, didn't I promise you that I would say it again today? I am keeping my promise," Wu Jinmai says. I simply smile.

"I thought you forgot," I remarked. We continue eating our meals, and she says that she'll check her quarters.

I let her be. I have an important matter to do, and she can take care of herself. She knows martial arts.

I know no one will try to attack again because of what happened last night. I went to my study room and started checking the memorials that Wu Jinmai sent to my quarters yesterday.

She was serious when she told me that I'd work like a true emperor. "Xu Jiaxu, grind and ink for me."

"Okay, young master," he says.

I started making a summary of these memorials. She really wants to push for reform. I have to classify which of the laws she creates should stay and which should be nullified.

I wonder if she will agree to my suggestion. One of the maids enters the room. She bows her head.

"Your majesty, royal consorts Pei and Li, want to ask for an audience," she reported. I look at her.

"Let them in," I remarked.

"Understood," she says, withdrawing herself.

I look at Xu Jiaxu. He stops grinding the ink. "I will prepare some tea, young master," he says.

I simply nod. He left, and those two entered. They bowed their heads and faced me after. "Let's have a seat," I remarked.

We headed to the receiving area near the window. We take our seats. Li Jin speaks right away.

"Shanguan Zu Jin, I learned what happened last night. My soldiers told me that the assassins were kept in the dungeon underneath the emperor's quarter," he says.

"Why did you save her?" Pei Qin asks. Li Jin told him to be careful with his words.

"She can save herself. Last night, I saw how advanced and lethal her martial arts skills were. I never expected that. Also, I really want to know if she can keep every promise that she makes to all of us. I got curious."

Xu Jiaxu arrives. He placed the tea on the table, as well as the pastries he got. He bows his head and leaves. I grab the kettle and start pouring tea into our cup. I sip my tea.

The two of them look at me. They never expect me to get serious about watching her so-called atonement.

"I'm still doubtful, no matter how I saw her sincerity last night. I'm afraid she's planning something," Pei Qin explains.

I know they're still doubtful. I have the same feeling, but I am gambling my cards with Li Susu. Li Jin sighed.

"Wei Pei Rou was doubtful and still mad at her. They suffered a lot when the empress asked the imperial guards to arrest them," Li Jin shares.

I know that. Zhang Yihua bluntly said the same words about her. She also added that the empress is nothing but a ruthless and cunning tyrant.

"She is. She's still the same, but not either. Anyway, she told me that she's planning to send a verdict to the Wei and Yang families. She's serious when she says that the ladies that you love will be your wives," I explained.

I grab a pastry and take a bite. I watch how their reaction changes. "You are kidding, right?" Pei Qin asks firmly.

I shake my head. "Do I look like someone who will make such a joke? The two of you should be happy. You did your best to protect these families, right?" I added.

"How about you? How about Zhang Yihua?" A'Jin asks.