Ge Long'an's question left Wei Shuxuan and Ge Zian momentarily stunned. They exchanged a glance, and it was Wei Shuxuan who spoke first. "Of course there's no problem. Right, Zian?"
Ge Zian never had romantic feelings for Wei Shuxuan. He had been kind to her simply because he regarded her as an important family member. "Yes, Father. I have no problem either."
However, Ge Long'an still seemed worried. He asked Ge Zian another question. "Do you really, truly want Xuan'er to be your younger sister? Do you have no romantic feelings for Xuan'er at all?"
Even Emperor Jin Zheng, who was standing nearby, found this question rather absurd. Ge Zian glanced at Wei Shuxuan again. He was quite certain about his feelings. "Father, I'm really sure. I can accept Xuan'er as my younger sister. I truly have no romantic feelings for her at all. Father, stop dwelling on this."
"Got it, you rascal! How dare you talk to your father like that! Fine, fine. If the engagement is off, then so be it. Do whatever you like. I won't interfere anymore!" Ge Long'an was being a bit of a brat.
"Humph. You two don't mind him. He's just sulking. Once he vents his anger, he'll be fine. Since that's the case, let me be the witness to this moment. And to prevent Long'an from changing his mind later."
"Humph! Don't talk nonsense. I'm not that kind of person!" Ge Long'an glared at Emperor Jin Zheng angrily.
"Alright, alright, Long'an. Stop blabbering," Emperor Jin Zheng interrupted Ge Long'an. "Shuxuan, Zian, I'm your notary now. Shuxuan, pour a cup of tea for your godfather."
Not to mention just one cup of tea. As long as the engagement could be annulled, she'd be willing to pour hundreds of cups.
Wei Shuxuan obediently followed Emperor Jin Zheng's instructions. She poured a cup of tea for Ge Long'an, knelt on the ground on both knees, and said with a big smile, "Godfather, please have some tea!"
Actually, Ge Long'an would have preferred to hear Wei Shuxuan call him "Father". But how could he decide his children's happiness? He had to drink this cup of tea even if he didn't want to.
"Good girl. From now on, you're your godfather's daughter. Your godfather will treat you like his own daughter," Ge Long'an then turned to Ge Zian. "Zian, you have to take good care of Xuan'er from now on, understand? Don't bully Xuan'er. If your father finds out you've bullied her, you'll surely be punished."
"I understand, Father."
Hearing Ge Long'an's words, Ge Zian was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Who was the real son here, him or Xuan'er? But he didn't really care about this issue. Whether his father said those words or not, he would surely fulfill his duty as an elder brother towards Xuan'er.
After seeing Ge Long'an drink the tea Wei Shuxuan had offered, Emperor Jin Zheng continued, "Shuxuan, now it's Zian's turn. Pour a cup of tea for your elder brother too."
"Of course there's no problem."
Wei Shuxuan also poured a cup of tea for Ge Zian. She walked up to him, bowed respectfully, and said, "Brother An, your little sister is offering you this cup of tea."
"Thank you, Xuan'er."
Ge Zian took the teacup from Wei Shuxuan without hesitation. He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. "Little sister Xuan'er, from now on, I'll be counting on you."
After saying that, he gave Wei Shuxuan a look. Wei Shuxuan naturally understood what Ge Zian meant. She smiled and said, "Of course. Your little sister will surely take good care of Brother An."
Seeing both Ge Long'an and Ge Zian drink the tea Wei Shuxuan had offered, Emperor Jin Zheng was very satisfied. "Very good, very good. Now you're all family. You should get along well from now on. Also, Shuxuan, regarding the matter of the Wei family's house, I'll send someone to repair it for you. You can rest assured on this matter."
"Okay, thank you, Your Majesty."
"It's getting late. I should go back early. Shuxuan, is it okay for you to ride in the same carriage with me?" Emperor Jin Zheng looked at Wei Shuxuan with a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
Although Wei Shuxuan didn't have a very high opinion of Emperor Jin Zheng, he was still the ruler of the country. She still had to show the minimum respect. "It's okay."
Ge Long'an watched the imperial carriage drive away. Then he turned to his son, Ge Zian. "Zian, why don't you like Xuan'er?"
"Father, if I don't like her, I just don't. It's not like I can force myself to like someone just because you tell me to," Ge Zian said to his father with a bit of helplessness.
"Humph. You're so useless. I don't know what kind of woman you like. It's time for you to get married and start a family. Do you understand?" Ge Long'an started his nagging mode again.
"Alright, alright, Father. I understand. Stop talking..." Ge Zian pushed Ge Long'an into General Long'an's Mansion.
Wei Shuxuan and Emperor Jin Zheng were in the same carriage. She felt that the atmosphere inside the carriage was a bit strange. But she didn't know what to say.
"Shuxuan, why don't you ask me what kind of compensation I'll give you?" Emperor Jin Zheng could tell that Wei Shuxuan was feeling awkward. He spoke first to break the silence between them.
"If I ask Your Majesty, will Your Majesty tell me?" Wei Shuxuan held the teacup and looked at Emperor Jin Zheng.
"Of course not."
Emperor Jin Zheng laughed after saying that. Wei Shuxuan really wanted to roll her eyes at him. But because of his power, she could only roll her eyes at him in her mind.
"By the way, you should also attend court tomorrow."
"Attend court? Why do I have to attend court too?" Wei Shuxuan was very confused.
"I have my own plans. You don't need to know. You'll find out tomorrow when you attend court."
Emperor Jin Zheng was being so mysterious that Wei Shuxuan could hardly contain her curiosity. And why did this emperor switch back to the formal way of addressing so quickly?
When they returned to Fenghe Hall, Wei Shuxuan saw Xin Zizhao sitting at the table. "Are you done with your work?"
"Where did you go?"
"Nothing. I just felt bored and went out for a walk."
"Are you still lying to me? Did you go out with Father?"
"How did you know?" Wei Shuxuan looked at Xin Zizhao in surprise.
"Someone saw you go to the eunuch's room and steal a set of eunuch clothes."
Just as Xin Zizhao was about to question Wei Shuxuan further, someone came to announce that Xin Zizhao was also required to attend court tomorrow. Wei Shuxuan didn't expect Emperor Jin Zheng to ask Xin Zizhao to attend court too. What on earth did Emperor Jin Zheng want them to do by asking them to attend court?
Before Xin Zizhao could say anything, Wei Shuxuan spoke first. "I'm telling you, Zian and I have finally annulled our engagement."