Chapter 950: The Young Empress (83)

"Prince Yue, what do you think of Western Saint Kingdom?"

Tang Nuoyue didn't understand why the Empress was suddenly asking such a question, so she simply answered, "I think it's very good, Your Majesty."

Wasn't it?

Although the Empress had never carried out any earth-shattering reforms, Western Saint Kingdom had been governed with impeccable order. Whenever problems arose, they would be reported and swiftly resolved.

Tang Nuoyue truly admired her. Even as a modern person, there were many things she couldn't think of, yet the Empress solved them with ease.

As expected of the Empress.

"Mhm." Tang Guo looked at Tang Nuoyue with a smile and asked, "Do you want to become Emperor?"

Clang—

The question startled Tang Nuoyue so badly that she dropped her teacup. Her face immediately turned pale.

Your Majesty, are you joking?

You can't scare people like this!

Tang Nuoyue frantically shook her head. "Your Majesty, I've never thought of becoming Emperor. I only wish to follow Your Majesty and help share the burdens of the country."

"Then think about it," Tang Guo said again.

This time, Tang Nuoyue was so frightened that she nearly lost the ability to speak.

No, this wasn't funny at all.

Had she offended the Empress without realizing it?

Was the Empress trying to trick her into admitting she wanted the throne so she could condemn her afterward?

Tang Nuoyue stared at Tang Guo with pitiful eyes.

She had worked herself to the bone for Western Saint Kingdom for nearly twenty years. Back when she had gone around punishing corrupt officials, the soles of her feet had blistered and split. She had narrowly escaped assassinations time and again.

In some impoverished regions, she had even been kidnapped by mountain bandits.

Those years, she had practically been licking blood off the edge of a knife just to survive.

And now, after finally living long enough to enjoy life as a carefree and wealthy prince, was the Empress planning to slaughter the donkey after it had finished pulling the mill?

Tang Guo nearly laughed at Tang Nuoyue's pitiful expression.

"Even as Emperor, you can still share the country's burdens. There are many things you don't dare or don't want to do now that you'll be able to do then."

Tang Nuoyue continued shaking her head like a rattle drum.

No.

She absolutely refused.

No one was going to trick her into saying she wanted the throne.

Tang Guo instructed the servants to clean up the shattered teacup, then turned to the Chief Eunuch and ordered, "Bring over the dragon robe that was finished."

A chill ran through Tang Nuoyue's entire body, from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. Horror filled her face.

Was the Empress planning to hang a dragon robe on her and then accuse her of treason?

Sure enough, emperors always had countless reasons to kill people.

The Chief Eunuch entered with several attendants.

The dragon robe had been mounted on a display frame and carried into the hall.

Tang Nuoyue stared blankly as the luxurious and noble robe was placed before her, her face filled with utter despair.

She had to admit, though—it was breathtakingly beautiful.

The embroidery was of the highest quality, every pattern exquisite beyond compare.

Just making such a robe must have taken an incredible amount of time.

To kill her, the Empress had really spared no expense.

System: The host is about to scare this poor girl to death.

"Prince Yue, what do you think? If you aren't satisfied, I'll have them make another one."

Tang Nuoyue looked at Tang Guo with a numb expression, as if saying, Do whatever you want with me.

"From today onward, Prince Yue, you'll remain in the palace. I've already had your future palace residence renovated. As for Wangfu and the others, you can bring them into the palace after your ascension."

Tang Nuoyue suddenly felt that something was off.

She carefully studied Tang Guo's expression.

The Empress… didn't seem like she wanted to kill her.

Could it be…

Could it really be that she intended to pass the throne to her?

"Your Majesty… you're… you're not joking?"

"When have I ever joked?"

Gathering her courage, Tang Nuoyue asked, "Your Majesty is still in the prime of life. Why would you pass the throne to your servant?"