Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 568: Li Qingmu Is Under House Arrest!
"Your Majesty, after this rebellion, our dynasty has suffered heavy losses. We need to recuperate, but the disaster in Kaiyang County cannot be delayed. We must quickly allocate relief funds and grains to help the people there overcome the crisis!"
"Mr. Wang, I’m afraid this matter isn’t as simple as just reallocating grains and funds, is it?"
"Oh? What does Mr. Liu mean by that?"
"Over there, it’s not just drought and fire; there’s also...an epidemic!"
The middle-aged official referred to as Mr. Liu stated solemnly, "It’s heard that the people over there have contracted a strange illness. Some tremble all over, foaming at the mouth; some are mentally confused, acting insane; some experience hallucinations; some..."
Mr. Liu was previously a minor official who normally wouldn’t rise to this level, let alone express his views in the court. However, due to Pang Wenzheng’s treason, many officials were ousted, leaving numerous vacancies.
Thus, Mr. Liu was promoted as a replacement.
At that time, he wasn’t qualified to go to the Nanyuan Palace, so he’s unaware of similar events that occurred there, which makes him feel quite anxious mentioning this now.
"Mr. Liu’s words are very true, but there’s no need to worry. We’ve seen this illness before; there’s a way to treat it. It only requires Your Majesty’s decisive intervention!"
Qi Yun rubbed his brow, watching his ministers discuss the matter. Once they seemed to have finished, he said, "Alright, let’s proceed according to your words. Allocate funds for relief, and additionally, gather all the available medicinal materials and transport them to the counties near Kaiyang!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"That’s it for now, disperse!"
The ministers filed out, and Qi Yun leaned slowly against his Dragon Throne.
"Your Majesty, would you like me, your servant, to massage your temples?"
Chen Zhong stepped forward, respectfully.
"Alright, alright, I’ve felt a headache coming on again lately."
"Your Majesty, you’re overworked with state affairs, you should take more rest!"
The affairs mentioned here naturally include not just simple national duties but also the draining intrigue with people like Pang Wenzheng.
Chen Zhong had learned some skills, and after his massage, Qi Yun felt much better.
He slowly opened his eyes and asked, "How’s Lady Jiao’s condition?"
"Your Majesty, she’s already fine, but Mr. Li..."
He paused hesitantly.
Qi Yun’s expression changed, and he quickly said, "Speak!"
"Previously, Mr. Li accompanied Lady Jiao to Lixiu Palace to bandage wounds, and everything was fine. But midway, Mr. Li coughed heavily, even with some blood, so Mr. Shen examined him and said his illness was exacerbated by travel fatigue, which left a lingering ailment..."
Qi Yun furrowed his brows, worried, "Is there a cure?"
"Mr. Shen said it’s difficult! After all, Mr. Duanmu is skilled, yet he seems to suggest that Mr. Li should recuperate more and avoid further exertion."
"Someone, issue a decree: Li Qingmu stayed overnight in Lixiu Palace, which is considered inappropriate. From today, he is to be softly imprisoned in his residence for three months to reflect on his actions, and during this time, he must not step outside his gate! If he resists, he will be imprisoned for life!" 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
This...
Chen Zhong’s face twitched slightly. Your Majesty, granting him permission to accompany his wife to Lixiu Palace, then turning around to censure him, is truly unprecedented.
Such protective urges!
"I shall go to announce the decree!"
In Lixiu Palace, Li Qingmu, seeing Long Yue was safe, prepared to take his leave.
"Why not stay a while longer? At least let Yue’er sleep a night before leaving?"
Consort Li wished to retain them to foster relations further, especially since this was Emperor-approved, she had no need to avoid suspicion.
Moreover, after the Pang Wenzheng affair, with the Crown Prince ousted, her son might become the next Crown Prince, and she was about to contend with the Empress for the position of chief in the harem.
At this time, it’s essential to win hearts.
Li Qingmu shook his head, "No, Your Highness, this is the harem after all; it’s not quite appropriate for an outsider to stay overnight here. I ask Your Highness for understanding!"
Consort Li hesitated for a moment, while Nanny Li quickly whispered, "Your Highness, now is the time to be extra cautious, given there are countless eyes watching you!"
Consort Li sneered, "Is it? Yet I quite fear not these things! But since Mr. Li insists on leaving, it’s not right for me to detain him, Nanny Li, you go see them off!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Nanny Li, please stop!"
Li Qingmu and Long Yue were leaving when suddenly a group of people appeared ahead, led by Eunuch Xiao Chen.
Eunuch Xiao Chen felt quite frustrated. Every time there’s a displeasing imperial decree, one that offends others, it’s him who has to deliver it. Your Majesty, why are you so merciless? Never giving me a chance to shine.
Despite his frustration, Eunuch Xiao Chen resigned himself. He presented the decree, announcing loudly, "Imperial Censor Li Qingmu, receive the decree!"
"Mr. Li’s efforts this time have been significant, so surely he’s being rewarded!"
Consort Li came out, bowed, and whispered to Long Yue.
Long Yue smiled.
"By the will of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Imperial Censor Li Qingmu, having stayed overnight in Lixiu Palace, is considered to have acted inappropriately, should be severely punished, but due to his youthful achievements, receives a lenient sentence! From today, he is to be softly imprisoned in his residence for three months to reflect on his actions, and during this period, he must not step outside his gate! Resistance will result in lifelong imprisonment!"
"Uh..."
Consort Li was taken aback, astonished, looking at Chen Yan for the Emperor’s intention behind this decree.
When she previously allowed Long Yue to Lixiu Palace, with Li Qingmu accompanying, it was under the Emperor’s consent, and people even came from there saying not to worry about etiquette, they could leave once recovered.
That meant they could stay the night!
Yet now, before twilight, this decision is made?
How quick the Emperor changes his face!
"Your Highness, you..."
Nanny Li was Consort Li’s trusted aide, worried about implicating Consort Li, she quickly exchanged glances with her.
Consort Li shook her head, the Emperor wouldn’t be so merciless, must have ulterior motives.
Yes, she recalled the matters in Kaiyang County; this soft imprisonment might be intended for protection, preventing Li Qingmu from further strain, harming his health!
Nonetheless, isn’t it expected for ministers to serve the Emperor? Li Qingmu is unwell, let him recover at home, why issue a decree?
Isn’t this redundant?
Consort Li, a woman, possessed a more intricate and sensitive heart than men, and a distinct unease welled up.
The Emperor’s attitude towards Li Qingmu and his wife was always so exceptional, exceptionally bewildering.
It seems concerning this matter, investigations will be necessary.
Receiving the decree, Li Qingmu was momentarily puzzled. Previously, the Emperor rejected his request to inspect Kaiyang County, now suddenly issuing such a decree.
He’s completely under soft imprisonment!
Afraid he’ll wander about?
Then further succumb to illness?
Li Qingmu was both amused and frustrated, he could still take care of his own health.
