CHAPTER 229: CHAPTER 229: A BIT OF HEARTACHE

Qi Junchen took the risk of being discovered and suddenly came to find me, and mentioned the spring hunt, obviously wanting me to help him win.

But why is he so sure I can win?

"Hahaha..." Qi Junchen laughed heartily, downing the warm tea on the table, "Imperial Censor Li is smart! Talking to a smart person is truly a pleasure! Indeed, Imperial Censor Li’s archery skills are unparalleled; if you participate, you have a great chance of victory!"

Li Qingmu’s pupils slightly shrank as he lowered his gaze to the teacup on the table: "Your Highness jests, my lady’s archery is good, but mine is just average."

"Imperial Censor Li, those three rapid arrows at the Xinan Battlefield were astonishing to all present!"

Li Qingmu had just reached for the cup when he heard this, and his hand paused slightly.

He raised his eyes and met Qi Junchen’s mischievous gaze.

"Though the Xinan battle has passed for several months, Father is aware of General Chang’s defeat, but since it was ultimately a great victory, he doesn’t want to damage morale and spirit, that’s why he hasn’t acted. Yet, General Chang has been inquiring about the archer from that day..."

Qi Junchen leaned forward, getting close to Li Qingmu, whispering lightly in his ear, with a hint of frivolity in his tone.

Li Qingmu’s other hand tightened slightly under the table.

Chang E made a misjudgment due to that arrow, leading to a loss of over twenty thousand troops; it was a tragedy. Regardless of whether Li Qingmu was intentional or not, he would be criticized.

Those opponents could seize the chance to impeach me, making things very tricky.

Li Qingmu looked at Qi Junchen.

The Crown Prince is calculating and acts steadily, but is very narrow-minded. The Third Prince is arrogant and disdainful, but protective of his own, treating them well. The Seventh Prince is cunning, loves to employ tricks, combining grace and power, yet conducts himself boldly and grandly.

The dragon gives birth to nine sons, each different.

None of these three are easy to deal with, forming an alliance with them is akin to negotiating with a tiger.

Li Qingmu chuckled softly, "Your Highness really likes to joke; at the time, I just randomly shot an arrow, who would have thought it would amuse you unexpectedly. However, since Your Highness values me, I will certainly do my utmost!"

"Haha, good, good!" Qi Junchen was very pleased with Li Qingmu’s response and proceeded to pat his shoulder, "But Imperial Censor Li, you don’t need to be too anxious, this time we have many good archers competing on our side as well, mentioning this to you is just to make acquaintance, so both sides can assist each other."

This is the combination of grace and power.

Previously, they first used the threat of that single arrow at the Xinan battle, followed by reassurance.

This method was too familiar for Li Qingmu, hence he only smiled slightly, "Your Highness Kindness, I will definitely strive!"

"In that case, I will take leave now!"

Qi Junchen rose, and Li Qingmu escorted him to the door. Qi Junchen suddenly turned and said, "Li Qingmu, if you can win first place, there will surely be benefits for you afterward!"

After saying this, he waved his sleeve and left elegantly.

Once Qi Junchen left, Long Yue emerged from behind, pouting, "My husband, are you sure pretending to cooperate with him is really a good idea? This Seventh Prince’s way of dealing with people is too uncomfortable."

First hit you with a stick, then offer a sweet jujube afterward, do they really think others are fools?

Li Qingmu approached and pinched his little wife’s chubby cheeks, smiling, "Isn’t this how Emperor’s Heart Skill usually is?"

"Hmph!" Long Yue snorted, unwilling to pay him any heed, "I’m going to see my master!"

"Why are you looking for your master?"

Li Qingmu’s voice cooled slightly, carrying a trace of murderous intent.

Long Yue’s back chilled; this man got jealous again inexplicably. When this man gets angry, she feels somewhat panicked, quickly saying, "I’m going to see the doctor, since... it’s been three months right? I want my master to check my health condition."

Seeing the doctor?

This reason he could accept, so looking out the window, he said, "Go, come back soon!"

"Alright!"

Long Yue ran off quickly, and Li Qingmu gazed at the little woman’s retreating figure, smiling gently.

"Swish! Swish!"

The sound of air being cut through appeared, and two figures in black appeared behind Li Qingmu.

"Mr. Li! The Prince wishes to ask your assistance!"

"Is it to ensure none of them can take first place?"

"Mr. Li is indeed smart!"

"Alright, I understand!"

"Thank you, Mr. Li!" The figure in black slightly cupped his hand, then asked, "Is there anything we can help you with, Mr. Li?"

"Spring hunts are unpredictable; no one knows for sure what will happen, so we must adapt as it unfolds. You should remain in hiding, just in case!"

"Yes!"

The figures in black left, leaving Li Qingmu in contemplation.

These two are named Zhi Chi and Tianya, both sent by Qi Junlian to me, rather than assistants, they are here to monitor me.

Indeed, he’s far away in Jiangling, a thousand miles from the Capital City, in case I harbor any disloyalty, he’s so distant he couldn’t reach me, so he must send people to watch over me.

This realization Li Qingmu had long known and accepted, hence was not uncomfortable with it.

He returned to his seat, took a sip of tea, ah, this tea is cold.

"With Consort Xue overseeing, what kind of traps might there be?"

Li Qingmu started pondering over the spring hunt matter; Consort Xue is not an easy character. Since she is overseeing, there’s definitely some cunning device within, which could help our people win and harm others.

But how will she proceed? This requires careful consideration.

...

"Master, I’ve followed your advice on medication and rest these past days. Can you check if my condition has improved?"

Long Yue’s body had previously suffered from cold, appearing healthy outward but weak inside, a fact she wasn’t aware of before; now that she knows, she’s anxious given that women like her age quickly, hence desires a speedy recovery.

Besides, she wishes to have a child too!

"Come, let me check!" Duanmu Nan came over and checked her pulse, then joyfully remarked, "Recovering well, your vitality is gradually enriching, and your vigor has improved greatly. Look, your complexion is much rosier."

Long Yue touched her own cheek, smooth and soft, and couldn’t help but laugh lightly, with a bit of shyness in her demeanor, "Then... can I have a child now?"

Seeing her lowered gaze and shy posture, Duanmu Nan’s pupils slightly contracted, his gaze deepened. For some reason, seeing her like this and hearing her speak of bearing a child, brought a touch of ache to his heart.

"You can." He responded dryly, his tone tinged with bitterness that even he didn’t notice, "However, more rest is advised, perhaps in a couple of years."

"Okay, as long as I can recover, waiting another three years is fine!"

Long Yue subconsciously touched her lower abdomen; she and A Mu are still young, she’s only seventeen, and he’s barely nineteen. It’s alright; they can wait, they can wait...

"Teacher’s Wife."

Yun Jin came out from the back room, holding a tray, placing it on the table, "Yue’er, this is donkey-hide gelatin cake, good for blood and complexion, would you like some?"

"Thank you, teacher’s wife!"

Long Yue took a piece of the cake, lightly biting it, her delicate face puffed adorably on both sides.

Duanmu Nan’s gaze deepened ever further...