CHAPTER 237: CHAPTER 237: THIRTY STRIKES WITH THE ROD!

Qiao Zizhan spoke instinctively from the perspective of the situation, but his words drew a look of approval from Empress Qiao and a cold, murderous look from the Emperor.

"Li Qingmu, do you have anything else to say about this matter?"

Qi Yun’s voice was cold, cold to the bone, his gaze sharp like a knife. As emperor, he was exalted, and all the people bowed to him. Yet now, was there someone deliberately plotting against him?

Moreover, it was a young man he greatly admired?

Being plotted against was not a big deal, but to be manipulated and deceived by someone he trusted was truly unbearable!

Qi Yun forced himself to remain calm, refraining from rage, but his gaze was already filled with murderous intent when he spoke!

Li Qingmu looked up at the emperor, who was on the verge of an emotional outburst, and said, "I did not!"

"Did not? How many times have spring and autumn hunts been held? They have always been uneventful, yet as soon as you arrive, such a big issue arises, and even I nearly fell victim. Who, here, is more suspicious than you?"

Qi Yun tightened his grip on the tea cup, sneering repeatedly.

"That is one point! The second point is that I was saved by Cai Aiqing, yet you angrily smashed your bow—is that because the plan failed and you’re frustrated? The third point is that the powder was found in your camp, and you couldn’t provide an explanation! Hmph, each point implicates you, and you still dare to tell me you’re not involved?"

"Whoosh!"

Qi Yun, extremely angry, involuntarily threw the tea cup!

"Husband!"

Long Yue exclaimed, wanting to rush forward to save him, but she was pinned down by several blades around her, unable to break free!

"Bang!"

A muffled sound as the tea cup struck Li Qingmu’s forehead and fell to the ground, along with bright red blood!

"A Mu! Let me go, let me go!"

Seeing the gash on Li Qingmu’s forehead with blood gushing out, Long Yue was so anxious her eyes turned red. She struggled fiercely and broke free from the guards restraining her.

But, "clang clang clang," the blades crossed Long Yue, forming a blade formation in front of her. If she dared to step forward, she would be chopped into mincemeat!

"Such audacity! To dare to resist at a time like this, truly lawless! Guards, break this woman’s legs first, lest she continue her rampage!"

At this moment, Empress Qiao wouldn’t miss the opportunity to humiliate Long Yue. As her command fell, two robust men lifted their sticks to strike.

"Stop! I did it!"

Li Qingmu couldn’t bear for his beloved wife to suffer any harm. He had no choice but to confess, to divert everyone’s attention.

Sure enough, everyone paused momentarily!

Empress Qiao suddenly flashed a cold smile of success in her scheme, bowing to Qi Yun, saying, "Emperor, this villain has confessed!"

"A Mu, you’re crazy, this matter has nothing to do with us!"

Long Yue was anxious. Had Li Qingmu been knocked dizzy? Why would he acknowledge such a groundless crime?

"What if it doesn’t?" Li Qingmu suddenly shouted, looking directly at the emperor above, his gaze somewhat hysterical, "I always thought you were a wise ruler, but now it seems, it’s only so much!

Just based on some powder and assumptions, you forcefully conclude this matter involves me? Fine, since you want to create a false accusation, then I confess, fulfill your title of a wise ruler!"

"A Mu, what are you saying?"

Long Yue’s eyes widened, almost unbelievingly looking at him.

What was wrong with him? Was his head really struck? He dared to say such things, wasn’t that implicitly calling the emperor an incompetent ruler?

Which emperor in the world likes being cursed as incompetent to their face? This was provoking the emperor’s wrath, did this fool want to die?

Indeed, Qi Yun was stunned, probably questioning life after being cursed by Li Qingmu. Everyone flattered him, calling him a wise ruler, yet there was someone dare to publicly insult him as incompetent?

Haha, interesting, so interesting!

Qi Yun laughed in anger, clenched his fists so hard they were trembling.

"Good, very good!" He pointed at Li Qingmu, sneering continuously, "Dare to insult me as incompetent, you’re tired of living! Guards, take him out, execute him, execute him, execute him!"

Qi Yun said "execute" thrice, showing he was extremely furious!

Seeing the two guards from the Imperial Army rush in, Long Yue was dumbfounded.

How did things turn out like this? A Mu couldn’t pick anything better to say, why did he have to provoke this emperor?

This emperor was never easy to deal with!

"A Mu!"

Long Yue called out to Li Qingmu, desperately signaling him to speak good words to the emperor, relying on his eloquence to turn the situation around. But the other party just stood there, expressionless.

Was he waiting to die?

No, that’s not right!

A Mu, no matter how angry or emotionally out of control, wouldn’t gamble with his life. There must be some mystery here!

However, the two guards had already arrived, ready to drag him outside.

"Wait! Emperor, the powder wasn’t to attract a pack of wolves, it’s mine, it’s my pregnancy medicine! As for A Mu just now, he was definitely struck in the head by the tea cup! Look, his face is blank, obviously his mind is broken!"

Everyone, "..."

We know you’re trying to exonerate your man, but did you have to say it like that? A tea cup could break someone’s mind, you’re fooling us!

Fortunately, Long Yue’s words had an effect, making the two guards pause, both looking up at the emperor.

Qi Yun’s face was cold, this interruption managed to quell some anger, but the murder intent was undiminished: "Have the imperial physicians examine it!"

A few imperial physicians hurriedly came up to examine it.

Long Yue glanced at Li Qingmu behind her, understanding why he acted this way.

This emperor might not be easy, but undeniably, he was wise!

His mind might have been clouded by anger at the time, but given some time, he would be able to quickly figure some things out.

Li Qingmu’s mention of the questionable powder was also a reminder to Qi Yun to have it examined by imperial physicians, as for his reason to provoke the emperor, only he would know.

Soon, the results came out.

"Emperor, this medicine is an ordinary tonic, mild in nature, specifically used to treat women’s... deficiencies."

"Women’s deficiencies?"

Qi Yun squinted, looking at Long Yue, Long Yue bowed and said, "Emperor, when I was young, I accidentally fell into icy water during the coldest days, at the same time menstruation came. After being rescued, I developed uterine cold, rendering me unable to conceive. This medicine was acquired from a physician, hoping to cure the root cause, continuing the family line."

A woman’s inability to conceive is shameful, but Long Yue, to save Li Qingmu, had no choice but to say it, also considered acting pitiful.

Indeed, sympathetic looks came from the surrounding women.

"Yue’er, don’t say anymore!"

Li Qingmu spoke at this time, appearing very sorrowful and melancholic, as if his greatest secret had been exposed.

People are always inclined to sympathize with the weak and unfortunate, especially emperors who enjoy the pleasure of granting favors.

Qi Yun’s anger gradually subsided, but his heart was still agitated.

"This matter, lacking evidence, should have seen him released. But, Li Qingmu shouted disrespectfully before the throne. Death is avoidable, but punishment is inescapable! Thirty lashes, go home to recuperate!"