Message To The Emperor

"I respectfully decline." She uttered.

Song Xia and Song Huo sucked in their breaths. They glanced at Song Jia with worry.

Song Qing sighed heavily. He knew this was going to be her answer. He just didn't know how she would actually respond.

"Pardon? I think I misheard you." Eunuch Hu feigned ignorance. 'This girl–if she knows what is good for her, she should hurry and accept this.'

"I decline." She said.

Eunuch Hu's eyes focused on Song Jia. Her face was calm and yet there was a storm inside her eyes. Eunuch Hu's heart became unsettled. "Look, girl–you know the punishment of disobeying the Emperor, right?"

Song Qing cleared his throat. "Eunuch Hu. My granddaughter had just returned. Also–isn't it just only months ago when her betrothal had been dissolved?"

Eunuch Hu knew this as well.

He looked at Song Jia once more.

"However–the Emperor's order.."