"Your highness, his Majesty request your presence in the Plum Garden"

Wu Jian was on his way out after the court meeting when the Emperor's eunuch came to stop him. The Plum Garden had been one of the main gardens within the Empress' inner palace, so to meet there let Wu Jian understand the Emperor's intentions.

"Let his Majesty know Wu Jian will come another day"

But before Wu Jian took another step, his uncle – the Crown Prince blocked his path.

"Jian, don't make things difficult and come see your royal grandparents"

Wu Jian scowled.

"Would you rather they come to your estate?"

No. Wu Jian did not want anyone to disturb his Ruyi. Considering the situation, Wu Jian followed beside the Crown Prince while they head toward the Empress' palace quarters.

In the middle of the garden was a beautiful pavilion painted in royal purple with intricate carving of plum blossom. A large bridge connects the pavilion to a large koi pond. All around the garden were plum trees. The Emperor and Empress both sat under the pavilion waiting for Wu Jian's arrival.

"Wu Jian greets the Emperor and Empress"

"No need for formality" The Emperor smiled. "Sit"

Once the Crown Prince and Wu Jian sat at the stone table with the Emperor and Empress, the palace maids served tea.

"How far along is your Wang Fei?"

Unable to contain her curiosity, the Empress was the first to break the silence.

"Six months" Wu Jian answered giving no additional information.

Silence stretched until the Empress, again, continued to ask her questions.

"Is the mother and child well? Have you ensure your Wang Fei receive proper tonic each day?"

"Ruyi and the child are well" Again, Wu Jian kept his answer short and to the point.

Facing Wu Jian's detached answers, the Empress frowned. Her heart was unhappy. With Wu Jian's cold attitude, she responded in kind – no longer asking questions.

"If that is all, Wu Jian will take his leave"

Before he stood, the Emperor took hold of his arm, keeping him firmly in his seat.

"Do not forget who is the Emperor, and who is the Prince"

Wu Jian did not respond. Instead, he casually shrugged off the Emperor's hold on his arm.

"Jian, do you know why the Empress is dissatisfied with your Wang Fei?" The Emperor scolded. "The Empress is your grandmother, the woman who raised you. For you to behave this coldly to her, is it not biting the hand that fed you?"

There was no reaction on Wu Jian's stoic face.

"Li Ruyi, unfortunately, became the scapegoat to your insensitivity toward the Empress"

No one spoke since the Emperor's word held truth. The Empress would not admit her dislike toward Li Ruyi is because of how Wu Jian had behaved toward her. On the other hand, Wu Jian would not hold back to anyone threatening Ruyi – even if that person is his grandmother.

"Your child – the child your Wang Fei carries, is precious to your grandmother. Can you not take one step back?"

"I will not allow Ruyi to stay in the Palace"

"Then let her come visit" The Emperor negotiated when he never had to for anyone else. "Confining her forever will result in more resentment"

Wu Jian did not respond.

"Jian" The Crown Prince reasoned. "Royal Father and Mother have done everything to appease you. Wu Ting will be wedded soon. Your Wang Fei is with status and title. Now, the Empress allowed your child to be raised outside the palace despite the inner palace laws. Is it difficult to do this one thing asked of you?"

Wu Jian stood and turned to hide the bitter expression.

"Jian_"

"Wu Jian understands. Wu Jian will bring Ruyi to the Palace when requested"

Both the Emperor and Empress smile with relief knowing that the stubborn prince finally took a step back.

"Then you will bring her tomorrow"

"As you wish"

When Wu Jian walked away, no one could see the irritation in his eyes.