Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife

Chapter 819: Qi Junlian’s Wish

The Empress Dowager Li was so agitated that her voice became loud, her eyes bulging and bloodshot, making her appear quite frightening.

It was the first time Qi Junlian had seen his mother concubine like this, and after the initial shock, he felt incredibly distressed.

He really never expected his mother concubine would become like this?

He remembered when they first went to Ling’an City, she wasn’t like this, but gradually, as time passed, she became increasingly unreasonable, even doing many things that incurred criticism.

However, she was still his mother after all. A son does not speak of his mother’s flaws, and aside from comforting her, he had no other choice.

"Mother concubine, you... must be tired, why not go back and rest for a while?"

Qi Junlian looked earnestly at the Empress Dowager Li, hoping that his sincerity could change her, making her less painful, less resentful, and less hostile.

But to no avail, the Empress Dowager Li still grabbed the porcelain basin next to her and slammed it fiercely onto the ground.

"Get out, get out, get out! Weak, cowardly, how could I give birth to such a weak son, get out!"

Qi Junlian was silent for a moment, then bowed and excused himself.

As he exited the Empress Dowager Li’s palace, his gaze, initially gentle, became sharper.

Weak?

Perhaps there’s a bit of truth to that, but he firmly believed it wasn’t weakness, merely a form of wisdom!

Li Qingmu, no, Qi Junmu, as long as he didn’t provoke him, they could coexist peacefully. He understood the purpose behind Emperor Qi Yun’s actions, it was a precaution against his mother, the Empress Dowager Li.

It’s said that no one knows a child better than their mother, but when has a son not understood his own mother? The Empress Dowager Li’s thirst for power is no less than Rong Si’s; though not as fanatical, she loved to manipulate power.

Logically speaking, with Qi Yun gone, she’d be the most powerful in the Imperial Palace, and perhaps, in a few more years when he became increasingly unwell, she’d be able to govern from behind the curtain, assisting him and Qi Jingyu.

In doing so, her authority would reach an unprecedented peak.

But now, it was all gone, undone by a decree from Qi Yun. Although he left, Qi Junmu as the Regent King not only supervises but has the power to act and report afterward; he holds control over the Yulong Pavilion, essentially grasping their lifelines.

Originally capable of becoming a truly exalted Empress Dowager, she suddenly had to act with consideration for others’ opinions. Such an enormous discrepancy was naturally unbearable for her.

Hence, she unleashed her emotions, furiously smashing items and punishing the palace attendants.

For some reason, Qi Junlian felt a chill run through him, could it be as his mother concubine said, that power can change people? Make them crazy and frightening?

Reflecting on his past two years as Emperor, it seemed merely so. Or perhaps it was because he essentially had little power, thus feeling less of an impact?

"Your Majesty, this is the path towards the Empress’s quarters, do you intend to..."

The eunuch following behind suddenly reminded him.

Qi Junlian was astonished, realizing he had inadvertently wandered off the path, intending to go to the study.

"Let’s take a look then!"

Since he was already here, he decided to take a look.

Compared to the Empress Dowager Li, the Empress was much more gentle. Though it’s said the harem doesn’t interfere with politics, she consistently adhered to this instruction, never participating in court affairs.

Even when Qi Junlian occasionally inquired, she dared not easily express opinions, fulfilling the role of a qualified Imperial wife.

"Seventeenth brother... Father appointed him as Regent King and placed him in charge of the Yulong Pavilion."

Empress Zitong served a cup of fragrant tea, Qi Junlian took a sip, calmed himself, and recounted today’s occurrences in the Golden Hall to her in detail.

As lifelong companions, they should share both joys and sorrows; there was nothing that couldn’t be said.

Zitong was silent for a moment before speaking, "Your Majesty, I am merely a woman and should not discuss matters of the court."

"I want you to speak, let’s hear what you have to say!"

After a moment’s hesitation, Zitong replied, "I think Your Majesty is right. Prince Mu and we... are associated. If we don’t provoke him, how could he possibly trouble us? As for power, he doesn’t lack it in Daliang compared to here."

Qi Junlian gazed at her, "You do know a bit."

Quickly, Zitong added, "The harem is full of gossip, and over time, I’ve heard things; besides, I’m quite curious, so I’d have the servants talk about some new events every now and then..."

Qi Junlian waved his hand, "I understand, there’s no need to explain. Your thoughts align with mine, so I’m reassured."

"Of course, I support Your Majesty."

Qi Junlian nodded gently, and as he prepared to discuss other matters, suddenly he experienced a sharp pain in his chest, followed by intense coughing.

"Cough... cough, cough, cough..."

The coughing sounded as though his lungs would be expelled, frightening Zitong into immediately sending for the Imperial Physician.

"Your Majesty, you’ve exhausted yourself, you must take care of your health!"

Qi Junlian waved his hand, his gaze becoming much deeper: "Take care... I’ve always wanted to take care, but... my health..."

"Your Majesty, please don’t speak of such things! You are heaven’s chosen, destined for a long and prosperous life..."

Every emperor under the sky hoped to live forever, yet Qi Junlian spoke of his health declining day by day, nearly reaching its end, how could the Empress not worry?

She hurried to speak, but Qi Junlian merely waved, "Long and prosperous life? Forever? Ha, these... others may believe, but I can’t anymore. Zitong, take good care of Yu’er, that child is so clever, surely he can govern this land well."

"Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing these words, Empress Zitong’s heart broke, she quickly called out to him, but Qi Junlian merely smiled, "I’m a bit tired, I’d like to drink the porridge made by the Empress. Would the Empress be willing to make porridge for me?

Zitong was taken aback but quickly replied, "Willing, of course, I’m willing, I’ll do it right away."

Watching the Empress hurriedly leave, Qi Junlian thought, enjoying this peaceful life is also a kind of happiness.

He wanted to enjoy these beautiful days while he still had breath left.

...

The Regent Prince Mansion has been refurbished.

It was originally the Mu Prince Mansion, but Long Yue and Li Qingmu hadn’t been here for two years, causing many places to become worn out and dilapidated, necessitating repairs and expansions.

Within a month, the Regent Prince Mansion was completely completed.

Long Yue and Li Qingmu moved into this Regent Prince Mansion, and on the same day, countless people came to congratulate them on their housewarming.

Su Shi and his wife, Chai Tieniu, Chai Qiao’er and his wife, Yun Niang, and anyone familiar came.

Yun Niang even brought a man, her current beloved, who was reportedly busy with wedding preparations.

"In two years, the changes have been so drastic!"

Long Yue looked at Yun Niang, sitting across from her, and teased with a remark.

"It’s thanks to the Princess Consort’s blessing that this young woman has had good days, and has thought of living a normal woman’s life."

Yun Niang replied with a gentle smile.

Long Yue took a sip of tea, "Has there been any trouble at the shops lately?"

"No, how could there be? If not for the monk’s face, one still respects the Buddha’s face!"

Long Yue understood the underlying meaning of her words, so she didn’t ask further.

"Master, someone outside has delivered something."

Suddenly, Ning Xiang entered with a box to report.