Li Qingmu has been living in the Imperial Palace for more than a month, in the Emperor’s side hall no less. At first, people didn’t think much of it, but as ti went on, many beca envious.
Isn’t that the Emperor’s sleeping quarters? Spending all day with the Emperor?
Though it’s said that serving the Emperor is like serving a tiger, who wouldn’t want to take such a risk to be the Emperor’s trusted companion?
"That lad is surely bound to rise high in rank!"
As the morning court session dispersed, several officials who didn’t get along with Li Qingmu gathered to whisper amongst themselves, their eyes green with jealousy and their necks stiff with envy.
But the favor he earned was exchanged by risking his life, which as ministers, they couldn’t argue against, nor dare to impeach the Minister for residing in the Emperor’s quarters, an act against regulations?
If the Emperor doesn’t mind, what use is there in their rebukes? Isn’t it asking for a reprimand?
Speaking of Long Yue, during the ti caring for Li Qingmu, she’s beco well-acquainted with the entire Imperial Palace, even visiting Feixue Palace as a guest.
Consort Xue treated her with great courtesy this ti, even sending over a multitude of tonics.
Long Yue understood that they saw potential in her and her husband; surviving a great disaster surely promised future rewards. This ti, Li Qingmu sacrificed himself to save the Emperor, and he would definitely receive appointnts and titles soon.
Coupled with Cao Yin and Cao Family Army, that’s what Consort Xue truly values.
"Lady Jiao, here is the dicine concoction for Imperial Censor Li."
A palace maid brought a bowl of dicine, respectfully handing it over.
Long Yue received it, inspected it, and slled it to make sure there was no issue before letting Li Qingmu consu it.
Li Qingmu, seeing his wife’s cautious deanor, chuckled softly, "Who would dare tamper with it at this ti?"
"Better to be cautious!"
Almost losing him made Long Yue treasure this man even more, unwilling to have any shortcomings for him.
Her tender care made Li Qingmu feel exceptionally pleased.
He leaned slowly against the soft bed behind him, closing his eyes for a bit of rest.
The wound still ached, but it was within tolerable range.
"Yue’er, I think it’s ti to go back."
Li Qingmu obediently drank the dicine Long Yue fed him and spoke of returning.
Long Yue: "Is your injury truly alright? That wound was so deep..."
Long Yue had seen his wound while changing the dressing; it pierced deeply, had it been half an inch closer to his heart, he wouldn’t have made it.
Shouldn’t such a serious injury require more days of recuperation?
Long Yue’s expression was filled with grievance.
Li Qingmu shook his head, "Enough is enough. I’ve stayed here for quite so ti, outside... envy is likely fuming."
"So what? Why care what they say? Moreover, the Emperor..."
Long Yue said as she saw Li Qingmu’s despondency.
This man really is...
"Alright, I’ll ntion it to the Emperor later."
Long Yue loved him dearly and couldn’t bear him being troubled, thus she had to take him ho.
"Uncle Mu, I’ve brought you lots of food! How is your health?"
A shadow rushed in—it was Qi Jingyu. This lad had been visiting the Imperial Palace daily recently to see Li Qingmu, taking the opportunity to get closer to the Emperor, killing two birds with one stone.
The young lad held an abundance of food, along with several decorative boxes, reportedly filled with aged ginseng and deer antlers ant to replenish Li Qingmu’s vitality.
"Much better now, thank you for your care, Your Highness."
Li Qingmu nodded with a smile.
Long Yue looked at the bouncing youth and then at her husband, knowing Li Qingmu seed indifferent, but indeed was a person of deep feelings. For Qi Jingyu, he truly cared, hence concealed his identity all along to avoid disappointnt.
She sighed gently, taking the items, "Young Prince, you’ve already brought plenty of things before; you really don’t have to bring more."
"How could that be? Uncle Mu saved my Grandpa, how could re tonics suffice in thanking him? Long Yue, don’t be modest with ; what relationship do we have?"
"Cough!"
Li Qingmu instinctively coughed, such words were rather ambiguous, making it uncomfortable to hear.
But the lad was oblivious, still going on by himself, "Take them, Long Yue. We have plenty of good things at ho, I’ll have them sent over swiftly."
"Really, there’s no need..."
"Must have them!"
The lad insisted firmly, leaving Long Yue speechless.
"Must for what?"
Qi Yun’s voice suddenly ca from behind, shocking Qi Jingyu into turning around, woefully saying, "Grandpa..."
"Hmm." Qi Yun nodded slightly. He had a deep impression of this grandson, inevitably reminded of his father, "How is your father these days?"
"Father has been at the mansion all along."
The youth spoke with slight distress.
Qi Yun frowned, "I rember the child’s health was frailer than others his age, is he better now?"
"With years of rest at the mansion, he’s much better."
"So many years..." Qi Yun stood with hands behind his back, sighing slightly, "Back then, Zhirou left with him never to return; I’ve summoned them several tis, but had no response, she still holds resentnt against ."
Qi Jingyu’s eyes widened slightly, in disbelief.
Grandpa actually summoned father and grandmother back before? Why didn’t he know? Father never ntioned it either...
"Hmm, young lad, what’s with that shocked look?"
"Grandpa, grandmother doesn’t hold resentnt, she’s just embarrassed to face others. Please forgive her."
The young lad was quick-witted, swiftly suppressing the shock in his heart, feigning guilt instead.
Qi Yun was silent for a mont, then said, "Actually, she doesn’t need to be like this. Well then, for this year’s New Year, have them co to the capital once. Tell her what I’ve said; mainly, I wish to see Jun Lian after all these years..."
Beside him, Li Qingmu watched silently. Although people say the Emperor is unfeeling, it’s not truly emotionless, but forced to be. If the Emperor is too sentintal, he might easily be swayed by others, losing the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
He might even be exploited, causing imasurable consequences.
People said Qi Yun was a cruel and heartless Emperor, harsh and unkind, but is this really the case? His reputed harshness only depends on whether he cares.
Why grant favor to those undeserving of concern?
Li Qingmu’s character demonstrates this very point, much like Qi Yun.
For those he cares for, he’s thoughtful in his actions; for those he doesn’t, what does their life or death matter, heavens flood?
Thus, what appears to be deep emotion is just a matter of care and indifference.
"Alright, Grandpa, I will have father and grandmother co."
Qi Jingyu nodded his small head in agreent, Li Qingmu observed from the side wishing to laugh—this little thing seed troubled, yet secretly would be joyous, no doubt?
Cunning little rascal!
"Emperor, Princess Nianxi of Liang Country requests an audience."
Amidst this familial bliss, Chief Eunuch Chen Zhong’s voice ca from outside.
Qi Yun didn’t respond, only looked to Li Qingmu, "That Princess Nianxi has been requesting to et you and your wife, several tis before I’ve turned her down citing your severe injury and illness. Now that you’re well, do you wish to receive her?"
Uncharacteristically, Qi Yun actually asked Li Qingmu’s opinion?
Qi Jingyu expressed surprise.
Li Qingmu decisively said, "Let’s continue to refuse citing illness!"
Qi Yun: "..."
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