Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 523: Did She Do It on Purpose?

Long Yue hurried forward to bow.

Qi Yun gestured for her to rise, but his gaze fell on the Rui’er in her arms, and he smiled, "Long Yue, your son is really lively. Look at those little arms and legs, kicking and jumping about, quite like..."

Qi Yun wanted to say "quite like me in my youth," but upon seeing Consort Li beside him, he swallowed back the words.

It truly was difficult for this Emperor, having to seek out opportunities through twists and turns just to see his grandson. Even when he found such a chance, he couldn’t speak freely.

Frustrating!

Long Yue smiled faintly, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise, but this child is quite mischievous, causing my husband and me quite a struggle."

"Oh? Really? Come, let me play with him and see how mischievous this little one really is!"

Qi Yun said as he fixed his attention on Xiao Rui’er.

As an Emperor, he rarely held children, even the Crown Prince and Third Prince were held only right after they were born. Most of the time, they were with their mother or nursemaids.

Therefore, Qi Yun wanting to hold Rui’er was definitely a great favor.

Long Yue understood the significance and hurried to bow, "I’m afraid!"

Qi Yun put on a stern face, "What? Do you fear that I might harm him?"

Though he said this, his face showed less displeasure than his words suggested.

Chen Zhong served beside him, bringing tea over, "Mrs. Li, His Majesty is the Emperor, if the little boy can be held by him, he is destined for great fortune!"

The implication was for Long Yue to quickly pass the child over—couldn’t she see the Emperor was eager?

Of course, Long Yue knew, but she didn’t want Consort Li beside her to become suspicious, so she made a show of reluctance.

She responded, handing the child to Qi Yun.

"Yah—"

The little one broke free from Long Yue’s embrace, lunging straight at Qi Yun.

Then, gripping Qi Yun’s dragon robe with one hand, he chirped on and on, looking all cozy and intimate.

Seeing this, Long Yue couldn’t help but widen her eyes, astonished.

Every time Xiao Rui’er was in her or A Mu’s arms, he was restless and always trying to escape. But now, looking at him in Qi Yun’s arms?

Cozy and content, nearly climbing up his dragon robe!

Long Yue couldn’t help but tease, "Your Majesty, this child has never been so settled in my and A Mu’s arms, yet with you, he’s so affectionate? I am his mother!"

Chen Zhong chuckled, "Your Majesty is the revered son of heaven, who wouldn’t be close to such honor?!"

Alright, your face should want someday back! Aren’t people afraid when they see the Emperor? Where does closeness come from?

But despite the teasing, it was always necessary to flatter. The notion of a closer bond between generations was no myth.

Even Qi Yun himself felt like it was a dream; his grandson truly was of his lineage. Who could explain how the child was so affectionate toward him?

Squeezing the chubby little body, Qi Yun’s heart melted as he played with the boy on his lap, unwilling to part.

This was the real enjoyment of the twilight years.

Consort Li watched this harmonious scene, eyes twinkling slightly.

But these were merely suspicions.

After all, meeting and liking someone isn’t necessarily impossible—perhaps Qi Yun and the child shared a destined connection.

Besides, Li Qingmu and his wife were their people, gaining the Emperor’s favor would only benefit Jun Lian without any drawbacks.

Yet Consort Li still felt uneasy, women are prone to sensitivity and doubt.

Seizing the chance while Qi Yun played with Xiao Rui’er, she took Long Yue to a side hall for a chat.

"Your Majesty is exceptionally fond of your Rui’er."

She remembered when Jun Lian was born, due to weak health, Qi Yun cared for him profoundly, to the envy of many, especially the childless Empress Qiao.

Back then, she was proud and said to those taunting her, that "my prince being loved by the Emperor will definitely hold great power in the future," which angered Queen Qiao.

This led to the disfigurement incident later on.

At that time, Qi Yun only spent a month with Yunlian, and was envied to madness. Rui’er wasn’t even his heir, yet loved like this—if word got out, the concubines could devour him.

Long Yue was aware, too much imperial favor was taboo, lowering her head bashfully, "Perhaps the name was chosen by His Majesty himself, and because of A Mu, hence the extra care."

Consort Li thought back to when Li Qingmu nearly died saving Qi Yun, now pondering, Qi Yun showing concern for his son seemed reasonable.

Looks like she was overly cautious.

Consort Li’s face warmed into a smile again, grasping Long Yue’s hand, "Yue’er, your loyalty is apparent to all, A Mu saved His Majesty’s life, his merit is significant. In the future, if you face difficulties, don’t hesitate to tell me, I shall help with all my power!"

Consider this a full stop to her previous suspicions.

Long Yue promptly thanked her.

"Yue’er, now Empress Qiao’s allies are gone, neglected as they are. Recently, due to Zhen Pin’s letter, she’s even torn with His Majesty!"

Talking about this, light flickered in Consort Li’s eyes, Empress Qiao was digging her own grave. She used to be so astute—a pressing force by Long Yue and husband forced her into such foolishness.

Do you think eradicating evidence let you escape unharmed?

In reality, the Emperor is crystal clear.

"It’s just..." she sighed, "Without evidence, it’s tough to deal with her. What do you think she will do next? How should we respond?"

"Queen Qiao is surely not one to surrender, daring to tear up evidence and confront the Emperor only means she might have found another backer."

Long Yue pondered for a moment, probably the backer was her cheap father, Pang Wenzheng.

Were they plotting something together?

"Lady Li Fei, I have a feeling something isn’t quite right here!"

"Oh? How so?"

"What kind of person is Empress Qiao, surely you’re aware. Her actions have always been meticulous, even impeccable. This time, how could she leave such a significant flaw for us?"

Consort Li’s gaze slightly narrowed, slightly surprised, "Do you mean she did it intentionally?"

"Lady, it’s only my speculation, hard to confirm."

Consort Li’s brows furrowed gently, "In that case, what is she actually intending?"

Long Yue lowered her eyes, nervously clenching the embroidery in her hands, "Lady Li Fei, candidly, I’m a little worried for A Mu. This time he went out alone, could he face danger?"

Consort Li was slightly taken aback but immediately laughed, "What are you thinking? A Mu is such a smart child; even if there’s trouble, he’ll surely escape unscathed. Besides, isn’t Mr. Cui and others with him? Who dares to harm a court official?"