Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Preparation for the banquet
Wu Jinmai's POV
That same sensation again! He let go of my wrist and wrapped my arms around me. He pinned me back in bed and nestled his body on me.
"It's either I sleep like this or you'll sleep beside me and get used to this. It's your choice. Don't worry. I'm not crossing the line, Your Highness. NOT YET," he emphasizes.
I gulp. I tap his shoulder. "Okay. I heard you. Get off me then."
He did, but he still held my hand as if he wanted to make sure that I wouldn't run away. I close my eyes.
I have to get used to being called 'Your Highness' or 'Wu Jinmai'. I'm no longer Li Susu, and I have to bear that in mind.
As soon as dawn broke, my manor became busy preparing for tonight's important banquet. My three husbands arrived and paid their respects. I raise my palm.
"The three of you were aware of which family you would be sending these verdicts, right?" I stated. They held their hands and bowed their heads.
"Yes, Your Highness!" the three of them speak in chorus. I look at Eunuch Liu.
He moved forward and gave the verdicts to each of them. I stand up and approach them.
"Make sure that they will come as a whole family, from the principal wives and children, with their concubines and their children with them," I elaborated.
"Understood, Your Highness!"
They looked at me, and I saw how puzzled Li Jin and Pei Qin were. As for Shanguan Zu Jin… he went back to his usual scary face.
"You only have a half a day. All of you must arrive before dusk. You may go," I added.
"We'll take our leave, Your Highness!" they all said.
I moved my hand, sending them away. They walked away and left. Eunuch Liu spoke after.
"Are you sure you want an exclusive banquet for them, Your Highness?" he asks.
I nodded and took my seat. "I need to know how deep their resentment and detest towards Wu Jinmai are. That will help me know if I should be alarmed by their possible revenge plans against me," I replied.
He sighed and nodded. I know Uncle Liu was worried about me. I cough. He looks at me. I smiled.
"Don't worry. I will be fine, Uncle Liu."
He had no choice but to sigh and listen to me. "Please check the maidservants who are preparing the banquet. Make sure no one will use poison or any drugs to sabotage this event. I need this one to be successful."
He bowed his head and held his hands. "I will make sure of that, your highness. I'll take my leave then," he says.
I nod and watch him as he closes the door. I take a deep breath and look out the window. I sipped my tea and sighed.
"I wonder what kind of ladies those families have. I want to know if I can trust these families and if they're willing to help me and accept my genuine apology," I mumbled.
I already picked the right clothes for this banquet, and it will be held in Wu Jinmai's favorite pavilion. I take a deep breath.
"Let's see what kind of cats they are. If they're capable of turning into a tiger while walking in a righteous path or…" I halt. I shake my head and drop that thought.
"Let heaven and earth guide me on this tricky and rocky path of redemption. A dragon holding the most venomous flowed stained with blood, Wu Jinmai...''
Eunuch Liu came to me when the sun would soon kiss the mountains in the west.
"Everything was already prepared, your highness. You must wear your clothes now," he advised.
I have already finished taking a bath. I've been combing and drying my hair for almost an hour.
I stood up. The mirror they're using is blurry, but you can still see your reflection. It's yellowish. That's why you can't fully enjoy your appearance.
"I will. You may all wait outside," I remarked. They bow their heads.
"Understood, Your Highness," they all said and left.
The maidservants were all changed by me. It must have been twenty days ago. I cleaned up my own quarters and made sure that
I wouldn't die from being poisoned or assassinated because one of the servants was a spy. I put on my hanfu.
This layer of clothes is the reason why it's heavy and a hassle for me. For special events, it's cute and stylish.
For everyday use… I still miss my jeans and shirt. Good thing the weather these days is cold and breezy. Wearing this type of clothing is actually better.
I look at its design. It really fits an empress. It's a combination of red, blue, and gold colors. I look at the hair pieces and the crown of the empress.
"I forgot, I have to wear that heavy crown! Oh my gosh!" I stated.
I take a seat in front of the dresser and look at the lipstick and charcoal. They use this as an ancient brow pencil. I will just use this lipstick.
I knew that ancient powders were basically made from chemicals. I have to make a face powder based on less toxic ingredients.
I went out as soon as I fixed my look. They bow at me. "I want to check the pavilion and make sure that everything is ready. Let's go."
They followed me right away. As soon as we arrived, the tables for each family were prepared as per my instructions.
I smiled and was satisfied with it. We headed into the kitchen to check on the food that would be served.
"Greetings to her Highness."
I saw the food on the tables. I look at them. "Good job, everyone. Have you all eaten?" I ask. They bow their heads.
"Yes, Your Highness. Eunuch Liu told us that you want us, the servants, to eat first before the banquet starts. Thank you, your highness," the chef says.
I smiled and nodded. "I know all of you have been working since morning. It's better that all of you eat first so that you have the energy to serve us. Thank you, everyone."
They look at each other and bow their heads. I make sure that everyone eats first. Eunuch Liu and my servants, who are with me, had their dinner first as well.
I grab a small bowl and chopsticks. I decided to taste the dishes they had prepared. They look at me and wait for my reaction.
I continue to taste every single meal they cook. I smiled and looked at them. I give them two thumbs up.
"It's delicious! I really love it!" I stated.
They all smiled. I ask my three husbands if these people have food allergies. I still remember how I explained what allergy means.
I forgot that people usually call it rashes from specific foods or animals. "Your Highness!" He bows his head.
"They arrived at the palace's entrance," he says. I nod. I look at every one.
"Bear with us until the banquet is finished, okay?" I remarked. It's time to meet them.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone