Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife

Chapter 911: Chapter 911: I’m Only After What I Want!

Lixiu Palace.

A noble and elegantly dressed woman sat quietly in a respectful position, while above her sat Empress Dowager Li with a cold demeanor.

Beside the woman was a five-year-old boy, dressed in a light yellow silk brocade robe, signifying his identity as a Prince.

"Imperial Concubine, ever since I was in Jiangling, I’ve always regarded you as my own mother. Now, seeing you burdened with heavy thoughts, I cannot bear it. Fortunately, there’s an obedient and well-behaved Lin’er by my side, so I brought him to ease your troubles."

After saying that, she gently pushed the boy, who was already well-trained. He stood up and bowed, saying, "Grandson greets Imperial Grandmother, wishing you health akin to the eternal mountains!"

Older people usually enjoy hearing blessings for longevity and peace, causing Empress Dowager Li’s heart to lighten with joy.

She glanced at the boy and smiled, saying, "Time passes so quickly. Jing Lin has grown so much in the blink of an eye? I remember he was so small before, but I must have been neglecting him lately."

Empress Dowager Li still felt awkward when referring to herself as "I" (本宫).

She wanted to say "the widow" (哀家), but since the Supreme Emperor was still alive, how could she? Wouldn’t that be like cursing Qi Yun to die soon?

That would be exceedingly disrespectful.

So, her mood was often low, not just because of Qi Jingyu’s matters but also because of the looming threat that could descend upon her at any time.

Qi Yun!

This person was still alive, and she had been enduring so much. Otherwise, she would have intervened in many things long ago.

"What are you talking about, Imperial Grandmother? You are always busy, and it’s our blessing that we remain unnoticed due to your focus on Father!"

The little boy raised his head, speaking earnestly.

"Oh dear, look at this child, truly lovable!"

Empress Dowager Li smiled slightly, and seeing such an obedient Imperial Grandson, her gloom lifted somewhat.

At this time, Shi Qin entered.

"Imperial Concubine?"

Empress Dowager Li looked at her, "What is it?"

"Imperial Concubine, ever since the Crown Prince returned, he’s been somewhat agitated. Now he’s locked himself inside, and I wonder if we should call him over for a good talk?"

"Hmph!" Empress Dowager Li snorted coldly as soon as Shi Qin finished speaking, "As a dignified Crown Prince, the future Crown Prince, he ran off without a word, and when found, said he’d rather be with his woman than be the Crown Prince? It’s infuriating!"

"Bang!"

Empress Dowager Li slammed the table, her voice icy.

Shi Qin quickly bowed her head, "Imperial Concubine, the Crown Prince was confused."

"Confused? It’s more than confusion! He’s clearly been bewitched by that woman. Why haven’t you investigated which family she’s from?"

Shi Qin bowed her head, "Imperial Concubine, I was just focused on bringing the Crown Prince back then and didn’t think of investigating the woman, which was my oversight. Please punish me."

"Enough, enough, what punishment? Bringing the Crown Prince back is already a credit, you may leave!"

"Yes!"

Shi Qin slowly withdrew, but exchanged a glance with the woman as she passed by.

Shi Qin nodded subtly and then left.

She walked out of Lixiu Palace into a secluded garden where a palace maid appeared.

The palace maid was very polite, bowing and saying, "Thank you, Aunt Shi Qin, for your help. If my master ascends the throne in the future, you will surely be rewarded."

It turned out that this palace maid was sent by that mother-son duo.

Shi Qin turned to the palace maid, her face indifferent, and said, "I help you not for rewards, but because your actions benefit me. Otherwise, no amount of benefit could sway me!"

"Yes, yes, Aunt Shi Qin is right!"

The palace maid echoed respectfully.

Shi Qin gave her a cold look, snorted softly, and turned to leave.

She helped them not for rewards but because she didn’t want Qi Jingyu to become the Emperor. She wanted him to become a common man.

Because she didn’t know when it began, but she had fallen in love with him.

Even though she was eight years older, in ancient times, where women often outlived men, being a few years older wasn’t a disadvantage.

Since she was young, she had always been by Qi Jingyu’s side. Gradually, her care turned to affection, and from affection, it turned to romantic love!

She knew this was wrong, but women are selfish. Why shouldn’t she fight for her own happiness?

As Emperor, where would there be a place for her? Only by pulling him from the heavens to the level of a commoner, can she have a chance!

If Long Yue were here and learned of her thoughts, he would surely call this love a perversion!

But those in the situation are often the last to see clearly. She was already blinded by this so-called love; all she wanted was to have him!

As for the consequences? What might happen later? She neither cared nor needed to know!

She left calmly, her heart set on her course, busy elsewhere.

Meanwhile, back in Lixiu Palace, the woman, seeing Shi Qin leave, glanced at her son, then looked at Empress Dowager Li, "Imperial Concubine... there’s something I’m unsure if I should say?"

Empress Dowager Li said, "Speak!"

"I think, since the Crown Prince likes that woman, perhaps he could accept her as a concubine or a wife. Otherwise, making them part might leave him with resentment, and..."

She didn’t finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.

Indeed, hearing this, Empress Dowager Li’s eyes instantly turned cold.

Holding resentment in his heart, once he truly gained power, what might happen?

All those who now block him from being with that woman would become targets for his revenge!

And by then, her chance to control court affairs and hold supreme power would be gone for good!

They might even turn against each other!

The imperial family is heartless.

The imperial family inherently has no speaks of familial affection, but constant strife for power.

Stories of fathers and sons turning against each other, brothers plotting against each other abound, so why would their grandparent-grandchild relationship be any different?

She narrowed her eyes, looking at the woman and the child beside her.

The child was still very young.

Only five years old.

Her own son, his health is deteriorating, and recently, the Imperial Physician said, His Majesty’s health is quite poor, and he may not have many years left.

Of course, the Imperial Physician would not dare tell the ministers this, but secretly informed her.

Because that Imperial Physician was one of her people.

Over the years, she had gathered quite a few confidants in the harem.

If her son only has a few years left, then the transition to a new emperor must be stable. If Qi Jingyu ascends, he will surely have his own agenda and be hard to control. But if this little five-year-old becomes Emperor...

Empress Dowager Li squinted, her eyes flashing with a meaningful light.