The Empress Neglects Her Duties

The only difference between a Maoshan Daoist and a Mao family Daoist is a single character. The former is a respected, inscrutable priest; the latter is a charlatan and con artist known throughout the capital.

But in the previous generation, the Mao family produced a scholar who rose to the highest rank in government and gave the family a complete makeover.

Just as everyone in the capital thought the Mao family Daoists would fade into obscurity, Mao Shiling was born.

Scene 1:

Mao Shiling, age three, sobs: Mother, there's a big brother crying in the corner! It's so scary, boo-hoo~

The onlookers, who had been enjoying the show, turn pale with terror and drop their snacks.

Scene 2:

Mao Shiling, age ten, trembles: I'm really scared of you, but you can't come within ten meters of me.

The ghosts bare their fangs and claws: We won't come near you. We'll just scare you.

Mao Shiling: Boo~

Scene 3:

Mao Shiling, age eighteen, after being left without any marriage proposals because she can see ghosts: Even if no one marries me, I won't go into the palace to compete for the emperor's favor with his three thousand beauties.

The matchmaker: The emperor says he'll marry only you.

Mao Shiling: ...Then I'll think about it.

Scene 4:

Mao Shiling, age eighteen, pressed against the emperor with a lovestruck expression: Ah, this is wonderful. So those strange things can't appear within a hundred meters of the emperor.

Rong Yun: ...Empress, please show some restraint.

The emperor's inner thoughts: You think I'd have married you if you hadn't seen me bawling my eyes out when we were kids?

Later, the emperor holds his beloved close, speaking gently with a tender smile: Don't be afraid. I'm here.

Reader's guide:

1. A fangirl empress who grew up on cuteness

vs.

An emperor who looks calm but is actually freaking out

2. It really is unsettling when the empress can see so many of your ancestors.

3. A sweet story with a touch of the supernatural. One-on-one romance, happy ending. The characters in the blurb are for reference only.

4. Updated daily at 6 p.m.

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