CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 249: SHH, DON’T LET MY WIFE HEAR!

Long Yue had a black line across her forehead.

Cao Xiao was so clueless; no wonder Grandfather was worried he’d get into trouble and asked me to help keep an eye on him. Wow, you’re hugging the girl like that, a proper young lady, of course she’s going to hit you!

But no matter what, this person is her brother-in-law. Sticking to the principle of helping family over reasoning, Long Yue directly questioned Chang Lexi: "Why are you hitting him?"

Chang Lexi felt extremely wronged. Not only did someone take advantage of her, but even knocking away the lecher’s swinish hand was criticized?

Is there any sense left in this world?

"He harassed me. Isn’t it right for me to hit him?"

Chang Lexi shouted, her face flushing with embarrassment and anger, looking somewhat adorable.

Long Yue looked at her brother-in-law: "Really?"

"She’s talking nonsense; she was the one who hit first. I just dodged a bit, and then seeing she was about to fall, I kindly lent a hand. This woman is unreasonable!"

"Who... Who are you saying is unreasonable?"

Being a pampered girl, she couldn’t stand others speaking ill of her, especially to her face. It was simply unbearable, and Chang Lexi felt she was going to explode!

"Obviously you! I kindly saved you, and instead of being grateful, you hit me. My face hurts so much..."

Cao Xiao rubbed his face, sounding very aggravating, "My handsome face is all red from your slap, you fiery woman!"

"I... You lecher, you harass me and don’t allow me to hit you?"

Chang Lexi was almost driven mad. Were all the people in the General Mansion poisonous? Just one viper woman is enough, now there’s a venomous-tongued man too. If there’s a black-hearted little kid, then the whole family would be complete!

"Long Yue, who are these people?"

Wish for something, it comes true. A boy walked out from a round doorway, stretching as he came.

"Isn’t this General Mansion only supposed to have guards and maidservants? Where do all these random people come from? Long Yue, why didn’t you say when we moved in?"

Qi Jingyu, this little kid, was all wilted yesterday but today he was full of energy, stretching while proudly holding his little head up to ask questions.

"This is my brother-in-law, Grandfather Cao Yin’s youngest son, Cao Xiao!"

"And this woman? Looks so silly."

Chang Lexi: "..."

"Pff!"

Long Yue couldn’t hold it and burst into laughter.

The Young Prince’s mouth really had no boundaries.

Cao Xiao went up and patted the Young Prince: "Kid, great minds think alike. I also think this girl’s silly. I saved her and she hit me. Are there such idiots in the world?"

"You... all you bastards bullying people..."

Chang Lexi was overwhelmed and let out a cry before turning around and running out of the General Mansion.

As soon as she left, the carefree Cao Xiao turned and greeted Qi Jingyu: "Kid, I’m the young master of this General Mansion. Who are you? Why are you at my house?"

"I am Li Yu, the eldest nephew of Imperial Censor Li. I heard that he became an official in the Capital City and came to seek him out."

Next to them, Long Yue almost laughed uncontrollably, this kid was truly adorable!

"So we’re all family. Great, in the future Brother-in-Law will cover you. Don’t be afraid, if anyone bullies you, just tell Brother-in-Law!"

"Alright alright!"

Cao Xiao found that since a boy joined the mansion, he wasn’t lonely anymore, often looking for Qi Jingyu to play with. In just a few days, the two became good friends talking about everything.

Li Qingmu had been recuperating these days. Since he arrived in the Capital City he had no colleagues, and after being punished by the Emperor, even fewer people came to see him, leaving his door deserted.

Su Shi was an odd character, where others would go with the flow, he liked listening to his own heart. When Li Qingmu was ill, he visited twice, and once even brought Qiao Zizhan along.

This greatly surprised the couple Long Yue and her husband.

"Though we’ve had grudges between us, I am clear on rewards and punishments. Since you saved my life and now you’re gravely injured, naturally I should visit, lest I be criticized!"

Qiao Zizhan placed a heap of visiting items on the table, speaking expressionlessly.

Apparently, he was very bothered about how Li Qingmu had prevented him from achieving the Jinshi court rank but couldn’t be ungrateful, causing him great conflict.

Li Qingmu lowered his eyes and laughed softly: "Thank you, Brother Qiao!"

Qiao Zizhan’s face twitched slightly, then continued: "Also, don’t blame the Great Madam. She was just doing her job. As for how you offended the Emperor, that’s your own matter, don’t involve others!"

"I understand."

Li Qingmu’s smile was serene.

Qiao Zizhan had apparently come specifically to clear his Great Aunt’s name from intentionally making things difficult. After saying these things, he left.

"Empress Qiao likes riding the currents to ensure everything’s seamless, not realizing a rumor told enough becomes real! Thanks to Mrs. Li’s promptings, managed to trap her well, she must be angry now!"

Shi Qin walked out from behind the screen with a satisfied smile.

These days, Li Qingmu was resting at home with Long Yue accompanying him while she went around spreading unfavorable rumors about Empress Qiao.

Though being the Empress of the nation couldn’t see the younger generation surpassing her progeny and deliberately schemed, causing him to be punished and recuperate at home.

Empress Qiao believed herself innocent, ignoring these rumors, thinking rumors are stopped by the wise.

But the truth is most people tend to believe the gossip, gradually forming a negative impression of the Empress in the market.

To this, Shi Qin felt very satisfied.

"Those with nothing to lose aren’t afraid. We have a bad reputation, but the Empress always had a good reputation, so she’s afraid!"

"Long Yue, isn’t it always your reputation that’s bad?"

The Young Prince Qi Jingyu involuntarily said something that stabbed Long Yue in a critical moment.

Long Yue’s stunning face darkened slightly, mentally jotting down a little black mark to get back at the kid later.

"What does Mr. Li plan to do next?" Shi Qin frowned, "Staying away from the Upper Court all the time isn’t proper!"

"The Emperor’s word is law here; without his permission, I can’t go to the Imperial Censorate."

Li Qingmu’s injuries were largely healed, now he could stand, lie, and sit with no major issues. He paced in the room, pondering: "Being idle at home, I must find something to do."

"What will you do?"

"Let me think..."

"I’ll go make some tea and snacks!"

Long Yue cleverly left, feeling some words were better left unheard.

As soon as she left, Li Qingmu lowered his voice and said, "Young Prince, let’s go to the brothel in a few days!"

"What?" Shi Qin’s eyes widened in anger, "Li Qingmu, don’t lead the Young Prince astray!"

"Shush, keep your voice down, don’t let my wife hear!"

"I already heard!"

Long Yue’s cool voice suddenly sounded from the doorway, her apricot eyes angrily glaring at Li Qingmu, holding a tray of snacks with shaking hands looking set to throw them at him.

"..." Li Qingmu.