Mu Wanqing had originally assumed the Imperial Edict was meant for her mother, Qin Hongmian. Unprepared, she had followed beside her to receive it, even wondering whether the new emperor intended to grant a general amnesty after ascending the throne, allowing the Mu Family's dependents to see the light of day again. Who would have expected such earth-shattering news?
Song Qingshu, in the inner room, was equally dumbfounded. What the hell is this? I still haven't sorted out Yelü Nanxian's situation, and now Mu Wanqing has run into trouble too? First a princess consort, then a crown princess, and now an empress. I really do seem destined to be tangled up with these titles.
Seeing Mu Wanqing standing there with her little mouth agape, the eunuch could not help sighing inwardly. She truly is as beautiful as a celestial maiden. In all my years in the imperial palace, I've never seen a woman with such looks. No wonder the new emperor's first act was to make her empress.
"Your Majesty, why haven't you accepted the edict?" the eunuch said with a broad smile.
Mu Wanqing's delicate brows rose, and she snorted. "I don't want to be this empress. Whoever wants the position can have it."
The eunuch's smile instantly froze. Women throughout the realm would have their entire families celebrating if they could enter the palace as even a concubine, let alone become empress. Her reaction was utterly beyond anything he had imagined, leaving him at a loss for a moment.
Qin Hongmian was the first to recover. She tugged at Mu Wanqing's sleeve. "Wan'er, don't be ridiculous~"
Mu Wanqing immediately protested, "Mother~"
Qin Hongmian pulled her aside and whispered, "Li Liangzuo is at the height of his power. Do you know what the consequences will be if you refuse?