It was the first time that the eunuch who came to announce the decree had encountered such a situation. He had reminded the prince, but the Third Prince still sat in the wheelchair with his head bowed, showing no intention of accepting the decree.
Because the person in front of him was the Third Prince, he did not dare to speak loudly. Everyone knew that his mother was the Emperor's most beloved woman, and a ceremony to promote her to Imperial Noble Consort had just been held today.
However, if we just remain in this stalemate and refuse to accept the order, it would be a disrespect to the emperor's will. If it is really investigated, it would be a fatal crime.
"Third Prince, please accept the order as soon as possible." The young eunuch spoke again, his words full of anxiety.
"Akai, accept the order first, and then we'll think of a solution." The queen did not expect that Murong Kai would not accept the order.
Murong Kai then raised his head, looked at the queen, and said, "Mother, I cannot accept this decree."
The tone was firm and resolute.
"Silly child, this is an imperial edict. You should accept it first. Your mother will find a way for you with the rest." The queen advised softly, and she was very anxious in her heart. Although she advised Murong Kai like this, she did not have any hope of winning in her heart.
The imperial edict is something that cannot be disobeyed.
"Mother, she is the princess of Bei'an Country, without this imperial decree, the Emperor of Bei'an and she might not look down on me. If I accept this imperial decree, then there is no possibility for us."
Murong Kai's words were very firm. The person he liked could not tolerate any grain of sand in his eyes.
He knew Ah Man's character too well, so he did not dare to accept the order.
The queen looked at Murong Kai and couldn't help but sigh. She turned to the eunuch who was announcing the imperial edict and said, "Put down the imperial edict and go back first."
Upon hearing this, Murong Kai immediately looked up at the Queen and said, "Take the imperial edict away. I will not accept it. If father asks, just say that I would rather die than accept it."
"You bastard." The queen did not expect Murong Kai to say such decisive words. Even though they all knew that Murong Zheng would not take his life for this, the punishment would definitely not be light.
If one were in good health, it would be fine to go to a place like the Ministry of Punishment, but now Murong Kai is in a wheelchair and he would be crippled if he goes there.
The imperial physician said last time that if his legs moved during the day, he would be disabled.
"Mother, I have made up my mind." Murong Kai turned to look at the queen, his eyes full of sorrow. He had blamed everyone before, blaming his parents for not showing him any warmth and love. Now they have made up for it, but what they have made up for is not what he wanted.
"If your mother feels sorry for you, don't go to your father and mother to plead for mercy. Go tell Ah Man."
After Murong Kai finished speaking, he turned his wheelchair and walked towards his dormitory little by little.
The queen looked at his back, which looked even more desolate than before, and she couldn't help but shed tears.
Before, she felt sorry for Murong Kai because he didn't have the love of his mother and father. Now it seems that this so-called love has really become a burden to him and it would be better to have it without it.
According to ancestral rules, the prince must be sent to the Ministry of Punishment for disobeying the order. It is impossible for the queen to really do as Murong Kai requested and not go to the emperor to plead for mercy.
But the Queen's clothes were in disarray. She went back to the palace to pack them up before rushing to the Emperor's study. Imperial Noble Concubine Jin was already there talking to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I am here for Akai's matter. He is still a child. He cannot accept this sudden marriage, so... His leg is still injured. Please give him some leniency this time."
The Queen's words were sincere and earnest, but in the eyes of Imperial Noble Consort Jin, this scene seemed to have ulterior motives.
"Your Majesty, we neglected to teach this child, so he became so stubborn. This time, we must not let him get what he wants, otherwise, there will be trouble in the future. Besides, my daughter Xie is dignified and elegant. She is the perfect match for him as his princess. What else does he want?"
Before the Queen came in, Murong Zheng was still trying to persuade Imperial Noble Concubine Jin that they should take it slowly. It was understandable that the child could not accept the sudden marriage. However, before he could convince her, the Queen came to plead for her.
But these words of defence seemed to add fuel to the fire, and Imperial Noble Concubine Jin could no longer suppress her annoyance.
(End of this chapter)