I wouldn't have accept the empress offer neither. She wasn't offering freedom for free, she wanted some secrets which could have been able to destroy the emperor. She has no guarantee that once the queen obtain what she wants "the throne", she will not be charged for betrayal against the previous emperor and he beheaded.
Same, someone in the right mind wouldn't accept the empress dowager's offer, cause its hella suspicious and the fact betraying the emperor who saved her (y'know cause he bought her as a slave and its much better rather than being bought by some other guy who'll do bad stuff to her) is just not right.
im so sorry but like you're being held captive and i mean you must be scared. then someone tells you to come with them and you're just like: nono i'll just stay here (▰˘◡˘▰).... uhm ms. girl i dont think you have a choice?
im so sorry i just dont get her reactions to things, they dont make sense to me